TAMPA, Fla. — Taking charge of your life and your happiness. It's something we can all do but may not know where to start.
Tanishila Floyd is a proud veteran and mom of three who has struggled with depression. Last year, she co-authored a book to share the story of her struggles with the hope of inspiring others.
"It's almost therapy to write your story, and I felt myself healing in the process as well."
Seeing Floyd walk around her home, talking about her family and friends, you'd never know how much she's been through. "Partner abuse, domestic violence, my first boyfriend put a gun to my head." She explains it all in a book she co-authored called 'Lineage of Grief'.
"You want to be able to trust and just feel healthy and that you're beautiful, and there are times I never felt like I was pretty, and I felt like I'm just broken."
Floyd was able to turn her life around and wants to show all of us that we can do it too.
"I would say when I got to my 40th birthday, I was like, I've been through everything and you're still standing. What was supposed to break you, didn't break you. You're still here."
Floyd says happiness is a choice and it's one you have to make each and every day.
"Wake up and tell yourself, you're beautiful, you're smart, you're gorgeous. Whatever you need to... and believe it."
And she says the best is yet to come.
"I feel like everybody has a purpose. There's a reason for you being here. So give yourself a chance. Love yourself. See what's out there for you. I'm excited."
Tanishila Floyd says that if her story helps just one person, then it's worth it! And she's got more to tell, so she's currently working on another book.