Hey guys, welcome to a very special blog, today I’m celebrating my birthday, and as I turn another year older, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey that’s brought me to where I am today. Life has been a whirlwind of experiences, challenges, and growth, and I’m excited to share some of those moments with you—moments that have shaped me, taught me, and led me to the work I do now, helping people take proactive steps toward their health and well-being.
Teen Years
As I look back at my teenage years—ah, the days when life felt full of endless possibilities, everything seemed so simple back then. It’s a time when we’re figuring out who we are, what we want, and how we fit into the world. If I could go back and talk to my teenage self, I’d tell her to relax a little, not worry so much about what others think, and to trust that things will work out the way they’re supposed to. Just have fun and do what makes you happy, not others. When you are happy everyone else is too and things just work out. But of course, hindsight is 20/20, right?
Twenties: Getting Married and Starting a Business
Moving into my twenties, life was full of big milestones—getting married, starting a business, and stepping into adulthood. It was an exciting time, filled with dreams and ambitions. But it was also a time when I was still learning about balance, about how to juggle the demands of work, marriage, and personal growth. I wish I had known then what I know now—that you really do choose your happiness. The more thankful and grateful you are, the easier life becomes, and things just seem to fall into place. I wish I had realized that earlier, but every experience is a lesson, right? One I was meant to have apparently.
Thirties: The Struggles and Joys of Motherhood
Then came my thirties—a decade that was as challenging as it was rewarding. After enduring eight miscarriages, I never gave up and always believed it would happen despite what all the Drs told me. The joy of finally welcoming my daughter, Faith, into the world was indescribable. But life threw more curveballs my way. We would adopt a baby when Faith was 13 months old only to have her Mom change her mind three months in. I thought for a long time I did something wrong to experience that kind of pain and loss. I now know it was not about me at all. We had several losses one right after another they all took a toll. Faith was seven when her father and I separated, and by the time she was 13, we were divorced. It was a tough time for both of us, navigating single parenthood and all the emotions that come with it. But through it all, Faith and I have always been there for each other, growing stronger together. She has taught me so much about life and myself.
Faith’s High School Years: Challenges and Loss
As Faith entered high school, life threw us more challenges. Both her father and I faced serious health issues, he had kidney failure and the summer before her senior year, he passed away. At the same time, I was battling breast cancer. It was an incredibly difficult period, but it also taught us both about resilience, about believing people when they show you who they are, that some people are meant to teach us lessons and move and about the importance of facing life’s challenges with a positive mindset. I truly believe that life is what you make it, and it’s all about how you respond to the curveballs. This is something I wish I’d known when I was in my twenties—that no matter what life throws at you, your mindset is key to overcoming it. I believe my anger and taking so long to let go was what created my tumor and cancer was a wake up call. I finally understood people do the best they can and being angry and hurt only hurt me. Forgiving and moving on is the best medicine along with listening to your body.
A Season of Change: Faith’s Graduation and New Beginnings
Now, as Faith graduates from college and begins her journey into adulthood, we find ourselves in a new season of change. She’s figuring out where she wants to live and what she wants to do, while I’m starting a new chapter of my own—launching a business dedicated to helping people be proactive about their health, rather than waiting for symptoms and wake-up calls.
This new venture is deeply personal for me. I’ve learned through my own experiences and being part of a collaborative book about Planning a Life You Love and living it out loud that it’s never too late to create the life you want. We’re always growing, always changing, and with the right mindset, those changes can lead to incredible transformations. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do—because I want to help others take control of their health, to be proactive and empowered, rather than reactive and fearful.
Lessons Learned: Gratitude, Mindset, and Choosing Happiness
As I reflect on another year of life, I finally understand what it means to choose happiness. The more thankful and grateful you are, the easier life becomes, and the more things just fall into place. Worrying never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only zaps today of its joy. That’s a saying I live by now, along with the belief that whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
These lessons have become the foundation of my work—helping people not only take control of their health but also shift their mindset towards gratitude, positivity, and proactive living. Because at the end of the day, life is what you make of it. It’s about responding to challenges with grace, embracing change with courage, and creating the life you truly want.
So, as I blow out the candles on another year, I’m filled with gratitude—for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the exciting new chapter ahead. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with all of you, sharing what I’ve learned and helping you take those important steps towards better health and a better life. Remember, it’s never too late to start living the life you want. Embrace change, cultivate a positive mindset, and always, always choose happiness.
Thanks for tuning in to this special birthday episode. I appreciate you for following and listening.
If you enjoyed this episode and found some inspiration in my story, I’d love for you to share it with someone who might need a little encouragement today. And if you’re ready to take charge of your health and life, don’t forget to check out my book, Plan a life you love It’s packed with actionable insights to help you create the life you want. Click the link below to get your copy now.
Until next time, take care of yourselves, be proactive about your health, and keep growing.
We’re all in this beautiful life together.
Keep choosing happiness and keep moving forward.
