I DID IT!!! 🥰

I thought that posting an update on the eve of my 43rd birthday would be apropos. Since my last post, I have reached yet another goal--perhaps the biggest of my life thus far. Are you ready for it.....drumroll please...a little louder for those in the back:

I GOT MY MASTERS DEGREE!!! I graduated on December 4th with a masters in social work. I am reposting my FB status update below and also sharing a picture of myself taken on the big day.

Okay folks, this is going to be a long one so don't say you weren't warned!!!

As many of you know, I graduated on Saturday with my masters of social work from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. I am not one to toot my own horn but not only did I graduate but I graduated with a 4.0. To say that this has been a long and arduous journey would be an understatement. The perseverance and sheer effort this required exceeded what I thought I was capable of. 

You see, I have never believed in myself. 

After being bullied extensively throughout grade school, I didn't believe in myself. 

After dropping out of college at age 18 two weeks into my first semester, I didn't believe in myself. 

Getting married at age 22 to someone I had only known for 6 weeks, I didn't believe in myself. 

Moving back in with my parents at age 29 after my first divorce, I didn't believe in myself. 

Being in a toxic relationship with a narcissist, I didn't believe in myself. Laying on the ground bleeding and looking up at a police officer who I couldn't see because my glasses were broken after my 'fiancé' pushed me off a scaffolding, I didn't believe in myself. 

Becoming pregnant only to discover that my baby had no heartbeat, I didn't believe in myself. 

Ending a toxic relationship and immediately starting another one, I didn't believe in myself. 

Getting married for a second time at age 32 to someone I had only known for 5 months, I didn't believe in myself. 

Becoming pregnant a second time only to be told after 29 weeks that once again my baby had no heartbeat, I didn't believe in myself. 

Having to go through labor and deliver my baby boy who was already in Heaven, I didn't believe in myself. 

Attending the funeral of my baby boy, I didn't believe in myself. 

Facing the weeks and months ahead after his death by engaging in every self-destructive behavior I could, I didn't believe in myself. 

Becoming pregnant a third time and delivering my baby boy 9 weeks early, I didn't believe in myself. 

Weighing almost 300 pounds with limited education, no job, and a controlling husband, I didn't believe in myself. 

Getting divorced a second time while attempting 'dating' and 'co-parenting', I didn't believe in myself. 

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and landing my first job in the field as a blended case manager, I didn't believe in myself. 

Leaving said job after almost 2 years due to an abusive and sadistic boss, I didn't believe in myself. 

Landing another job as a drug and alcohol therapist with my very own office, I didn't believe in myself.

Guess what? I believe in myself now. Not only did I earn more letters after my name, I learned who I truly was and all that I was capable of. I learned that in spite of always thinking I was broken because of all that I had been through, I was in fact stronger and more resilient than I ever knew. Never give up and believe in yourself even if others around you do not. Chase your dreams because I promise you, if you work hard and do your best, you will achieve your goals. 

Signed,

Lisa Marie Cook, BS, CADC, MSW