I'm a 50-year-old breast cancer survivor.  Getting cancer was something I NEVER expected.  It has changed my life immensely, both emotionally and physically. After searching for a job for more than 10 months and finding nothing - I have started my own virtual/personal assistant business.  I pray that God will bless me with lots of clients in the not to near future.  My website:  http://s2.webstarts.com/PersimiansPassions/index.html  details  all.  Please visit and if you can't use my services, I am sure you know someone who can.  Thanks for visiting.

How did you get to where you are now?

Surviving cancer and dealing with knuckleheads, being left homeless by an ill-conceived man, difficult people, office politics, etc.  All these things let me to realize that I can't change how people are with me - but I can change how I react and interact with them.  I am at a place in my life now that if I find a person is too toxic to be around - I drop them from my life and find new ones.  Recently I connected with an old friend from 15 years ago.  She has moved to another state, but was always someone I could relate to and talk with easily.  Even now it's like time stands still when we talk.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was trying to get someone who wasn't worth my time and effort to love me like I deserved to be loved.  I have sense realized that I HAVE TO LOVE ME!!!  Nobody else is going to do it for me - and that revelation has made life so much easier for me.  I now enjoy my own company and couldn't care less who it bothers.  I go places and do things EVERY DAY!!!  I no longer stress over things I have no control over because I know in the end things will work out - Thanks Be to GOD!!!  Right now I am unemployed, but I know that a job lurks just around the bend - I just have to find it.  If not there is a school with my name on it!!!  I really, really want to get my degree in another field.  You are never too old to learn and it's never too late to learn.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I will be living in a sunshine state with my dog - Pepe.  I HATE NY winters!!!  My home-based business will be successful and I will be my OWN boss!!!  People no longer affect me in a negative way - no matter how stupid they get.

Life takes you up and down and people are people no matter what they do.  You can't control them and the outcome of circumstances beyond your control.  You can only control yourself.  Be careful who you let in your life.  If they are up to no good for themselves - they DEFINITELY mean you no good and can/will bring you down with them if you let them.