People can change.

So many times I've heard it : people can't change. People are the way they are, and they will never change, so don't hold your breath or you'll wind up passed out on the floor wondering why you even tried to believe in someone in the first place.

I'm here to tell you it's all wrong. People CAN change. And I have proof.

Not long ago I was a young adult, barely 20, thought I had the whole world figured out. And of course, if revolved around me. I loved to have fun, and that was my only hobby. I didn't care about much other than myself. I tried drugs, drank constantly, lied, made enemies - I was a pretty bad person. I thought my parents' divorce was the world's way of saying "Go ahead! Screw everything up!" So I did.

I kept telling myself, and others, that I would change. But I kept going back to that selfishness I knew so well. As time went on, not many people close to me thought I would ever be any different. And they had every right to believe that.

But eventually my behavior started catching up to me and I was desperate to be different, to go back to the old Ali. I couldn't stand that I was hurting the people closest to me.

And one miraculous day, in a church office, with my Pastor's help, I gave my life to God. And everything changed.

It didn't happen overnight. But little by little, I started living my life with a purpose. A purpose to be a better person.

It took a lot of time, patience, learning and love. I fell at least a hundred times, but I kept getting back up. And I changed. I went from destructive to productive. I finally found some peace within my soul. I mended every bridge that I could. And I still know I have a lot to learn.

And if you question my purpose in writing this, know that it is only because I want you too to believe anyone can change. Never, ever, give up on someone.