Life Struggles: "Thug Life"

Some people may not understand why the words "Thug Life" is  on this page but I bet you do and that's probably why you clicked on it. So many people think THUG means a criminal, a bad person, someone who is violent. I did too for a long time until an incredibly intelligent young man with potential told me that I had it all wrong. That being a "THUG" wasn't always a bad thing. For him it meant growing up in "the hood, overcoming obstacles, and being a survivor". I worked in juvenile detention and shared a lot of my past struggles with my  kiddos....I do this so that the people I work with understand that I truly do understand, I have been there. The day he called me a "THUG" was a badge of honor, it was respect. Something I will never forget. 

So I ask you...are you a "THUG"?  Have you grown up in "the hood" wondering if you will eat, where to sleep, when your gonna get shot? Did you become a "plug" to help your family feed your brothers/sisters or to give your mom money because you were tired of seeing her struggle? Did you join a gang because you had to, because it meant protection, or at least a family you never had at home? Were there nights you used to hide in the closet away from the arguing, hitting, or to keep yourself self?  Has seeing people shot, use drugs, or smack each other been something you have seen since you were little? Have people hurt you? Have you gone days without food, electricity, a shower? 

If you have answered yes to ANY of these, you have experienced trauma in your life.

You may get mad or sad easy, feel jumpy at loud or sudden noises or movements, can't trust anyone or even yourself sometimes. You may have a lot of fears, have a hard time getting close to people, have sleep problems or nightmares, have a hard time in school, or a history of arrests or drug use? You may even feel safer "locked up" than "in the free"?

Do you feel like this is the way life has always been and think things can never change? 

Maybe you are finally out, safe and grown, but have flashbacks or feel like you can never get yourself straight?