Life often brings us to our knees before lifting us higher than we ever imagined. My journey is proof of resilience, transformation, and the belief that our deepest struggles can lead to growth we never thought possible.

The Fall: Chronic Illness and Leaving the Workforce

In 2013, my chronic illness reached its breaking point. At the same time, I walked away from a well paying career.

What was supposed to be a short break turned into six years of physical pain, surgeries, a relationship breakup, financial instability, and deep self-reflection.

During this time, I faced a constant battle with my health, losing my sense of purpose, and struggling with addiction. It was in this turmoil that I turned inward. My spiritual journey began with a trip to India, where I used energy healing, Ayurvedic practices, meditation, and sacred plants to rebuild myself. Along the way, I made the decision to gradually reduce my reliance on antidepressants and medications, choosing holistic approaches instead. This was a personal decision, but I respect that healing paths vary, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

This healing wasn’t just physical, it was about reclaiming my identity, strength, and faith in what was possible.

The Fear of Starting Over

After six years, returning to work felt impossible. I had lost my savings and was surviving on disability income far less than what I had once earned. Doubts filled my mind. Would anyone hire me? Had I lost my marketability? Was I capable of working again?

In 2019, I took a part time job earning minimum wage. It was a far cry from where I had been, but it was a start. I embraced humility, understanding that rebuilding wasn’t about where I started, but where I was headed. Then COVID hit. During a time of global uncertainty, I faced the painful loss of my father to the virus. Grieving, financially unstable, and still uncertain of my future, I felt as though life was testing me at every turn.

The Climb: Finding Alignment

By 2021, I had increased my hours to nearly full-time at a wellness clinic. But I knew I was capable of more. Mental health had always been my passion, and when I saw a job posting for an Intake Coordinator in the psychotherapy industry, something urged me to apply.

The pay was only slightly higher than what I was making, and the commute was an hour each way. Logically, it didn’t make sense, but instinctively, I knew this was my chance. I trusted that even small steps forward, no matter how uncertain, were part of a bigger plan.

Rising to Leadership

I got the job and within a year, I was promoted. Two years later, I’m now in a leadership position, my powerhouse. Looking back, I see how every challenge my illness, financial struggles, and time away from work prepared me for this. I had to start from rock bottom, but I had the strength to climb back up.

I went from living off disability to rebuilding my career, from questioning my worth to recognizing my value. Every setback was a lesson, every struggle a stepping stone.

The Lesson: Strength is Built in the Struggle

Growth isn’t linear. It’s messy, painful, and often feels impossible. But if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that setbacks aren’t meant to break us, they are meant to shape us. Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about facing them head on and emerging stronger.

This is just one chapter of my story. My weight loss journey with keto, healing through sacred plants, and the grief of losing my father all hold valuable lessons that I’ll share in future blogs. But today, I stand as proof that even when life knocks you down, you can always rise again.