Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Sometimes, it feels like the universe is testing our strength in ways we never imagined possible. I’ve been there.
The start of a new year is often a time of reflection. Many of us wrestle with big questions: What do I truly want? Who am I really?
It’s also a time when fears and doubts tend to creep in, making us question if we’re capable of taking the bold steps needed to follow our hearts rather than what others expect from us. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. And more importantly, you can move forward—even when it feels impossible.
There was a time in my life when everything fell apart. I was in an abusive marriage and finally made the decision to leave, thinking I was doing what was best for me and my three children. But what followed was one of the most challenging chapters of my life.
I found myself unemployed, living on food stamps, and dangerously close to living in my car. Fear consumed me as I questioned every decision I had made.
What have I done? Would I have been better off staying? Is my life over?
Then, in the midst of my despair, my best friend called to tell me she had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and had only six months to live. Her words shattered me. But they also woke me up. In that moment, I realized that while I had been focusing on everything I lacked, I still had so much to be grateful for: my health, my children, and the strength to move forward.
That phone call became a turning point in my life. It forced me to shift my perspective and ask myself some hard questions:
Who am I beyond the struggles and labels?
What do I truly want for my life and for my children?
How can I turn my pain into purpose?
I began to rebuild my life, piece by piece, by reconnecting with my values, rediscovering my strengths, and refusing to let fear dictate my future. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every moment of effort.
Today, that journey fuels my passion for teaching and helping others reclaim their power, rebuild their lives, and rediscover what makes them extraordinary. I’ve learned that the struggles we face are not meant to break us—they’re meant to strengthen us.
If you’re reading this and feel like you’re spinning on a hamster wheel, stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, I want you to know this: You are stronger than you think. Sometimes, it just takes a shift in perspective to see it.
Take a moment today to reflect on what’s right in your life. What strengths do you have that you’ve been overlooking? What values drive you? And most importantly, what do you want to create for your future?
If I can come out of the darkest time in my life stronger and more empowered, so can you. We’ve all faced struggles, and those challenges have shaped us in ways we may not fully appreciate yet. But I promise you, your story has the power to inspire others—just as my story, I hope, inspires you.
Remember: If I can do it, you can too.
Let’s start this journey together. What’s one strength or blessing you can focus on today? Share it in the comments—your story could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
With love and gratitude,
Michelle
Comments