Life’s a Journey
April 20, 2025
I’ve always known I was a little different—some might even say quirky. I’ve never felt the need to follow trends or fit in with what was considered “cool.” If something resonated with me, I embraced it, regardless of how offbeat it may have seemed to others. Over the years, I’ve been teased for my taste in shoes or my choice of accessories, but I never let it bother me. When I found something that truly felt like me, I wore it with pride.
From a young age, I was aware that I didn’t quite fit the mold. Unfortunately, my childhood wasn’t filled with the kind of encouragement every child deserves. I often heard that being myself was somehow wrong. While I have a few fond memories, they’re overshadowed by the message that my uniqueness wasn’t acceptable, and that takes a toll.
As an adult, I’ve been on a path of healing and self-discovery. One of my deepest goals is to ensure that I never repeat that cycle with my children or grandchildren. Of course, I’ve made mistakes along the way—who hasn’t? We’ve all had those moments where something slips out and we think, “Did my mom just speak through me?” Life is a process of trial, error, reflection, and growth. Not every mistake can be undone, but genuine apologies and changed behavior can go a long way.
I’ve also come to understand that not every failed relationship—whether with a friend, partner, or even family—was my fault. Some people are meant to be in our lives for only a season. Sometimes they bring pain, sometimes lessons, and sometimes they simply teach us how to better navigate similar challenges in the future. And often, the most important growth comes from learning to love people from a distance, without reacting emotionally.
Along my journey, I’ve tried many healing modalities. Therapy was a turning point for me, especially when I found a therapist who was my mirror. She didn’t just sit in silence; she challenged me, told me hard truths, and pushed me to reframe the way I saw the world. That raw honesty was exactly what I needed to start evolving.
I also found deep healing through spirituality. Mine may not look like yours—and that’s the beauty of it. I believe that everyone needs something to believe in. The most lost and bitter people I’ve encountered often lack that anchor. For me, my spiritual practice is a blend—what some call syncretism. It’s rooted in nature, Earth, and the unseen forces of life. I’ve experienced things I can’t explain, and because of that, I would never question someone else’s spiritual path.
I’ve explored many therapeutic practices: massage, halotherapy, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, sound healing, tapping, and Reiki. Each one brought me closer to one profound truth—healing starts with acceptance. Not fixing, not conforming—but fully embracing who I am. I’ve learned that I’m not the sum of what others say I am. I’m not broken. I never was. I just needed to realize that being authentically myself is more than enough.
If even one person had told me that when I was younger, perhaps I could’ve believed it sooner. But now I know: I am kind, loving, strong, imperfect, beautiful, unique, and good enough. And so are you.
To the quiet souls with low self-esteem, to the children being bullied, to the adults still haunted by their pasts, even to my former bullies—I want you to know: you are enough. You matter. You belong here, just as you are.
Finding your place in the world isn’t always easy, and the road will have bumps, but never give up. Healing is possible. Wholeness is possible. And somewhere out there is a place, a person, or a purpose that will remind you of your worth. Keep going. You’re not alone.