Miss No-Longer Afraid

"When Miss Independent walked away
 No time for love that came her way
 She looked in the mirror and thought today
 What happened to Miss No-longer-afraid?"
"It took some time for her to see
 How beautiful love could truly be
 No more talk of, "Why can’t that be me?"
 I’m so glad I finally see"
 -Kelly Clarkson

Cautious, distrustful, reluctant- all of these adjectives adequately described my views on love and happiness-that is, until recently.  Although there are likely a multitude of reasons that contributed to my recently changed views, I believe personal growth is the main contributing factor.  I have been working very hard at breaking down emotional barriers I created long ago (the same barriers I vowed never to break down all in the name of "self-protection").  Though it's cliche, I truly do believe "like attracts like" and that "you  are the company that you keep"....which isn't necessarily a bad thing...unless you happen to be at an emotionally unhealthy place in your life.  Unfortunately, I was caught in the midst of emotional toxicity for many years and it has only been through diligent and concentrated efforts, that I finally began to make significant progress. This is not to suggest that I have conquered all of my demons or that I do not have to continue working on myself (as I am well aware this will be a life long process).  What I did not expect is for all of the hard work to so quickly begin producing such amazing results.  Until now, I did not realize that once I arrived at a healthy, happy place that it would in turn attract others who are there as well.  In short, my "What a Girl Wants" blog has materialized (shocking I know- I mean have you read all of the *monumental* qualifications I penned?)   Nonetheless, it has happened...I've been swept off my feet...