Hating Me Won’t Make You Pretty—Michelle’s Truth
What Makes You a Beautiful Disaster?
I am a Beautiful Disaster because I am a fighter and have overcome things that would've killed most.
Why Do You Identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
The narrative is brilliant. The stories, the hair color, the tattoos, the self-care, the motivation, and the sheer will of this Tribe to forge ahead and be proud of what you have been through and who you have become.
Tell Us Your Beautiful Disaster Story:
Domestic violence from a very young age involving my parents. My father was an alcoholic with violent physical tendencies. My mother had no self-esteem.
Since high school, I have been married four times, job-hopped, and made endless bad decisions.
My brother was a raging alcoholic who was sexually attracted to me from early on. He committed suicide when he was 43 and left all of us to carry the grief.
My mother—my best friend—suffered from ovarian cancer for nine years.
I have been an alcoholic for roughly 15 years and I am now 51. I have four grown children. One daughter has overdosed several times, and my youngest son overdosed once.
In 2019, I was in a horrific ATV accident that crushed both of my legs. I went through a long recovery, learning to walk and drive again—with limited mobility to this day.
Fun fact: My fourth husband asked me for a divorce the same day I buried my mother.
What Happened for You to Turn It Around?
My two younger children suffering from addiction made me realize that I needed to get my shit together and be a better example for them. I can't change the past, but I can be a better person—for myself and for them.
Name 3 Things You’ve Done to Move Closer to Happiness:
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I am in a healthy relationship with someone who actually respects me and treats me well—raised the bar.
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I’m working on building stronger bonds with all four of my children and my grandchildren as well.
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Taking time to breathe—self-care is paramount.
What Is Your Favorite Beautiful Disaster Collection, Past or Present, and Why?
"Hating Me Won’t Make You Pretty" — It is badass!