This is one of my favorite sayings and the inspiration for the vine tattoo I have on my back. I like to think of this saying from two different perspectives: overcoming personal struggle and circumstance that almost knocked me down for good ;and waking up, every day, in spite of  the institutional barriers in place that tame and shrink and murder women like me. I am aware of what is up against me, I have seen it work in real time. I felt pains of its collateral damage. But I’m here though. Growing and strong (but only when I want to be). Chipped but never broken. I will live on.