My name is Tina. I have lived through a difficult childhood and a hard, rough life.
 

Growing up poor, I didn’t understand why this world was so hard to live in. I had to teach myself to grow up at a young age and not continue repeating history, such as inter-generational trauma, alcohol abuse, as well as living with domestic violence.
 

This book is about growing, as I have had setbacks in life. It’s about the bigger picture and what to focus on in my life … when we have big impacts in life, we must adjust.
 

We have to appreciate the now, and not worry about the future, taking one day at a time.
 

I am an Aboriginal woman, but I don’t let that define me. Rather, it is about me as a strong, powerful woman and being a human being. I now have a successful career in the Australian Defence Force. I am always picking up new tools to live a happier life while I still walk this earth as my ancestors once walked before me, and to turn the negative emotions into positive emotions. I do this not only for myself but for my beautiful kids.

Don’t let your past define you. You too can make something out of your life.