My Life story began as a child with low self-esteem, tall, black, and skinny, without ever wanting to smile. At the age of seventeen, I started working instead of receiving my high school diploma. As I got older, it was necessary to work two jobs just to stay afloat. Soon, most of my job experience was in manufacturing companies that would always seem to shut down. I needed to accomplish one thing, and that was getting my high school diploma. No matter what throughout the years, I financially took care of myself and my two kids. During COVID-19, I was off from work due to an injury on the job. One day I found myself looking through my cell phone to find over one hundred text messages from men I’d met at night clubs and on dating sites. Having the time to read each text message gave me the idea to give them nicknames that would represent my last impression of them as I shared these stories. I couldn’t help but wonder at how much time and energy I had wasted throughout the years to never find my soul mate. After six decades of hardships and failed relationships, my self-respect eventually came from loving who I am as an independent, beautiful, and strong woman. I eventually retired after working twenty-one different jobs and never earning more than $51,479 a year, and I still managed to enjoy over twenty cruise ship vacations. Throughout the years of my life, I finally understand that the only thing I need is my peace of mind, my freedom to do as I please, and the joy of knowing I can love myself. Nothing else matters except my health, happiness, and having the confidence to share the secrets of my life. Truly, oh…what a life it’s been!