OP -- thank you for having the courage to put your story out here. You've sparked an important conversation, and it's clearly resonated with so many people. The

OP -- thank you for having the courage to put your story out here. You've sparked an important conversation, and it's clearly resonated with so many people. There's a lot of advice here. Some conflicting. I trust you'll continue to build your mental filter and sort through the good and the bad. Two favorite piece I like to re-read when I have these moments. + The Secret to Success (this one is my all time favorite): http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/5/30/secret-to-success/?page=single http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/5/30/secret-to-succes... + Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms-ebook/dp/B007P7HRS4 http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Tran...) I can already see that you have so many of the skills described in Brene Brown's book. Keep fighting the good fight.