It is one thing to say that you are willing to die in the ring. That is a necessary must.
But are you willing to train for it?
Are you willing to eat for it and breathe for it?
Are you willing to LIVE for it?
If you can answer yes to these questions, then you my friend are a champion, win, lose or draw!
I wrote the above a few years ago.
At the time I was in a dark place, and was trying to motivate myself, but I didn’t believe I would ever again have the opportunity to box.
I am happy to say this is no longer the case and I will be boxing competitively in October, all being well.
I still have some weight to lose and I am concerned about the effect my nightmares have on me physically and mentally, but I am determined to try and give my all to my training over the next few months.
I have decided to share my worries here as a way of motivating myself.
I am doing this for myself and for all of us survivors out there who are fighting daily battles that no one sees or knows about. A victory for one of us is a victory for all of us.
I will have been victorious if I can make it to that first bell and say without doubt, that I have given my all to be there. No excuses.
To be honest, I don’t know if I will be capable of achieving my boxing dream and it scares me.
I don’t know if I have enough left in the tank.
But I am now ready and willing to find out, win, lose or draw!
Wish me luck!
Zoe Patterson: Fighting back 
Go for it Zoe!
I’m grateful to have read your story and I just want to say it’s a pleasure for me to cheer you on and send my support and energy to you.
You are a fighter!
With respect and so much warmth,
Nicky
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Thank you Nicky. I will think of you when I’m in need of motivation!
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Just finished reading your story and honestly think your doing amazing. Keep going and keep strong xx
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Hi Kirsty, thank you for leaving a message. That’s just what I needed to hear xx
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Dear Zoe,
I picked up your book on a family road trip, it called out to me in scanning the shelves for a book to read. As the miles went by, my husband seen me shed a few tears and asked me what was wrong, and I told him I am crying out of anger for all those who let you failed throughout childhood, and tears of sadness that these stories continue to happen in this day & age of awareness and learnings from the past. As I finished the book and closed it, I shed more tears, and this time I told him I was crying in happiness and hope, happiness that you continue to look for the good in the world, and hope that in you sharing your story may help someone else and bring awareness to the plight of so many children.
I am a FAN of you Zoe, just not your book. Do know, all your fans are beside you each day, willing you to have all the happiness and love you deserve. Your courage is inspiring!
Keep those gloves on and keep up the good fight!
Leanne from Canada.
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Dear Leanne from Canada,
I appreciate you taking the time to contact me. I am sorry that my book upset you but I am so glad that by the end of it, the tears you were crying were ones of happiness and hope. That is a message I wanted to convey.
Thank you for your encouragement regarding my boxing. It really means a lot to me!
Much love to you,
Zoe
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Hey Zoe, i just finished reading your book and its unbelievable how far you have come, although i don’t know you personally i’m rooting for you every day. Keep going and you’ll reach your dreams xx
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Hi Fiona, thank you so much for your message. I will definitely keep going xx
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Hey Zoe! Just finished reading your story. I have so much respect for you. You’ve been through so much and you are an incredibly strong person! Never give up. I’m rooting for you ❤ xx
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Thank you Lisa. Your support is appreciated more than I can say. Zoe xx
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Just finished your book….. A true inspiration Zoe…… keep doing what your doing, you deserve every happiness. Xxx
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Thank you Katie, I will keep on moving forward : ) Zoe
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Hi Zoe
Reading your story made me feel not so alone. So many ways I could say how; but I think you get it. You give me hope. Thank you
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Hi Alyssa, thank you for reading my story, and for taking the time to write. I am glad that I have been able to inspire hope. Hope is so very important. Reading your comment this morning reminds me that I am not alone. So thank you! Zoe
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Hi Zoe, I just finished reading your story, I had a hard time reading this story as I went through a rough life as well however by far your story is far worse! I must say you are one tough girl, I admire you and your strength even when you were at your darkest I somehow knew I would read that you would pick yourself up and continue the fight! Keep going girl..you got this and you have so much to be proud of.
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Hi Lori, thank you for taking the time to write. It sounds like you too are one tough girl who also hasn’t given up the fight! Let’s both of us keep going and be proud! Sending you love and light. Zoe
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Hi Zoe
Your story has touched the hearts of many and I think perhaps even more so for those of us that had undesirable upbringings.
Your story of absolute courage has been an incredible inspiration to me and I can identify that changing the “belief” systems that are determined to stay ingrained in us are very hard to shift, however with help from professionals and true friendships ( even just one) it certainly helps.
I will remember you. Thankyou
Much love to you
Natski
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Hi Natski, thanks so much for getting in touch. It means a lot to know that my story has inspired you. I wish you only the very best for the future. We got this! Love, Zoe
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