From the moment I turned 13, life handed me a series of tough challenges, but those experiences became the building blocks of my resilience.

Looking back on my journals and poetry from those years, I can see how deeply those struggles shaped me long before I sought support at 40. Today, I stand stronger, more empathetic, and deeply rooted in growth because of what I lived through.

Moving countless times as a child taught me how to adapt to the unfamiliar. Watching my mother fight Lupus gave me a front-row seat to what perseverance looks like. Losing my father suddenly at 45 made me cherish every fleeting moment. And navigating life’s complexities—a 17-year marriage, then a messy divorce—taught me to find grace within chaos.

Through it all, my family has been my anchor. They’re the heart of everything I do. Add in my spoiled princess pup Chloe and some truly incredible friends, and I’ve learned that even in hardship, there’s room for immeasurable joy.

Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped not just who I am but how I approach life—with strength, empathy, and unwavering gratitude.