From Struggles to Strength: My Journey to Finding Purpose and Living a Life I Love
Jan 19, 2025
Have you ever felt lost, confused, or unsure of what comes next? Maybe you’ve experienced a crossroads in your life, or you’re in a place where the role you’ve been playing no longer fits. I’ve been there too, and I know just how it feels.
Let me share a little of my story with you, one I hope will inspire you and remind you that change is always possible, no matter where you’re starting from.
From the age of 16, I struggled with an eating disorder and a distorted body image. I spent years in a haze, numbing myself with unhealthy coping mechanisms. I was unaware of my own behaviors, and even more so, how to truly live my life. I didn’t know how to feel, and honestly, I didn’t want to. It felt far too dangerous.
When I began my Occupational Therapy degree, I had a wake-up moment. In a psychiatry class, I saw the symptoms of an eating disorder listed on a projector screen. I was shocked to realize that I checked off nearly every single one. At that moment, I physically felt myself disconnect from my body. It was the first time I consciously experienced the dissociation that had been my way of coping for years. As a child, being in my body wasn’t safe or comfortable, so I left.
It wasn’t until I was in my 30s, after a breakdown that led to a breakthrough, that I began to truly live. With the support of a dear friend and my now husband, I learned what it meant to feel, to experience life fully, and to work through the emotional blocks that had been holding me back for so long.
I won’t lie—the journey was hard. It involved confronting painful truths, letting go of old stories about who I thought I was, and learning how to embrace my emotions. There were moments when I thought I would never get to where I am today. But here’s the thing: I did, and you can too.
I want to share this with you as a message of hope. When I was 11 and 13, I believed I was the worst person alive, that I was a burden to those around me. There were moments when I even considered ending it all. If someone had told me back then that I would be here today, living a life filled with purpose, confidence, and joy, I wouldn’t have believed them.
Now, at nearly 63, life is still getting better. And I’m still learning, still growing, still discovering new ways to show up for myself and others. It’s not about “fixing” anything, it’s about living fully, embracing the ebb and flow of life, and treating yourself with love and respect.
That’s why I created THRIVE. Over 30 years, this method has developed through my personal journey and my work with others. It’s not a quick-fix solution, it’s about connecting with who you truly are and stepping into the life you’re meant to live. THRIVE helps you:
- Transform your mindset: Let go of feeling stuck and open yourself to new possibilities.
- Heal from within: Release emotional blocks and uncover your inner peace.
- Rediscover your passions: Reconnect with the things that truly light you up.
- Inspire body confidence: Build a loving relationship with your body and trust its wisdom.
- Visualize success: Picture your vibrant future and take empowered action toward it.
- Embrace the life you love: Step confidently into your next chapter, filled with joy, energy, and purpose.
If you’re feeling dissatisfied, lost, or confused, I want to congratulate you. Those feelings are not a problem, they’re messages from your body and Soul, telling you it’s time for change. They’re nudging you toward something better, something more aligned with who you truly are.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you decide to walk this path with me or someone else, give yourself the gift of investing in your future. You deserve a life that’s fulfilling, joyful, and full of purpose.
Thank you for reading this. I’m here, ready to walk alongside you as you begin your own journey of transformation.
Are you ready to feel alive again? Let’s get started.
