Catie Brandstatter shares her 11-year experience with bullying and the challenges she faced at home. Despite the difficulties, she found strength and happiness in college, where she felt a sense of belonging and freedom. Catie credits her mom, faith, and perseverance for helping her through the tough times. In college, she discovered her true personality and gained confidence. She realized that there was nothing wrong with her and learned to internalize that belief. Catie shares her experiences of being bullied and the impact it had on her self-esteem and mental health. She discusses the challenges she faced in school and how it affected her academic performance. Catie also talks about her journey to self-acceptance and finding happiness in college. She shares her weight loss journey and the importance of choosing oneself. Catie emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding towards others, as everyone has their own struggles. She encourages listeners to persevere through difficult times and find strength in their own stories. If Catie’s story resonates with you, or if you have your own to share, connect with us. Reach out on social media @dreabuer or email drea@dreahespen.com. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in our journeys. Thank you for listening, and remember, perseverance through the hardest times can lead to profound personal growth. Keep pushing forward, and let's uplift each other along the way. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:39 Dealing with Bullying for 11 Years 38:51 Finding Freedom and Belonging in College 40:18 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Confidence 40:48 Overcoming the Impact of Bullying 54:55 Finding Self-Acceptance and Happiness 55:23 Journey to Weight Loss and Choosing Oneself 01:08:48 The Importance of Compassion and Understanding 01:17:29 Persevering Through Challenges and Finding Strength Takeaways * Bullying can have a significant impact on a person's life, but it is possible to find strength and happiness despite the challenges. * Having a support system, such as a caring parent or mentor, can make a big difference in overcoming difficult times. * Faith and perseverance can help individuals navigate through tough situations and find hope. * College can provide a fresh start and an opportunity to discover one's true self and gain confidence. * It is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with you and to internalize that belief. * Bullying can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and mental health. * Finding acceptance and happiness in oneself is crucial for personal growth. * Weight loss journeys are unique to each individual, and it's important to listen to your body and do what works best for you. * Showing compassion and understanding towards others can make a positive difference in their lives. * Perseverance is key in overcoming challenges and finding strength in one's own story.