To my parents, who gave me an idyllic childhood and have always continued to do the best they can with what they have. To my husband Jason, who met me at a time when I wasn’t my best self but was on my way. Your patience, love, and kindness are a gift to me. To my children, Colton and Sydney. Having you both truly lit my fire to be a better person.
To all the strong females whose presence and energy have shaped me: My great-aunt Noel, many of my aunts, my sister Judy, Annamaria Loven, Karina Fidler, Sandee Horan (and her tribe … you know who you are), my bestie, Amy Smith — whose wisdom goes years beyond my own and teaches me to be a better woman every day. To Courtney Webster, Carmen Hartmann, and Shelby Christman. To Chris Valdez — an amazing therapist who lovingly called me out on my own BS when I needed it.
And those who made this book possible. My agent, Michele Martin. Thank you for taking a chance on a new author. Adams Media for reaching out to me (!) and believing in my message, voice, and written word. To Jana Scheuberth, Helen House, and Debbie Reber (without you, I would be lost in my self-inflicted author drama).
All my ass-kicking women out there who have followed, inspired, and encouraged me. I write this book for you.
And to my ex-husband. You were the catalyst. Thank you for giving me freedom. And for that, I will be forever grateful.