For years, I carried the heavy burden of feeling broken. Every time I dared to dream, to step out of my comfort zone with boldness and courage, life seemed to pull me back, forcing me to start over. But it wasn't always this way. In my early years, I revelled in carefree adventures, fearlessly pursuing my passions. The opinions of others and the voices of naysayers held no power over me. By the age of 35, my life had taken remarkable turns. I had travelled the world, cherished a loving marriage, and welcomed two beautiful, healthy children. I felt incredibly fortunate—until the day my husband uttered those words that shattered my world: “I don’t think I can stay married to you any longer…” From that moment, I wrapped myself in an invisible suit of armor—a mask I wore to protect myself from the harshness of each passing blow. With every emotional and financial setback, I added another layer, shielding my heavy heart and burdened soul from the world’s prying eyes. Until, eventually, I could no longer feel love touch my heart. Yet, adversity became my catalyst. I clawed my way back from financial ruin and emotional devastation, forging two successful businesses, penning two international best-selling books, and launching an internet radio show. Driven by determination, I faced the depths of grief that gripped my heart like a vice after my brother's suicide. I made a vow to myself that if I ever hit rock bottom again, it would be for the last time. But life had more scars to mark my soul. The sudden illness and death of my father, followed by my mother’s cancer diagnosis, plunged me into another dark night of the soul. Too ashamed to admit I wasn’t the strong warrior I pretended to be, I hid the pain, the tears, and presented a brave face to the world. Inside, though, I felt like I was dying. All I truly wanted was to give up. I embrace these experiences without apology because they shaped me into the survivor I am today. Eventually, I learned my greatest lesson: there is no shame in saying, “I’m not okay.” Now, my purpose lies in being a guiding light, as I share these hard-earned lessons with others. I had to learn the hard way, so you don’t have to. Because, while you can’t erase the past, you can always decide to re-write your future.