Rebuilding Me

Looking back at my life over the past decade, I see two very different versions of myself. The photos tell the story: the last two taken recently, the first one from nine years ago. The contrast is striking. The earlier image capture a woman weighed down by more than just the visible challenges of daily life. They show someone carrying a heavy burden, one that was both emotional and practical.

Carrying a Heavy Load

Between 2018 and just months before the fire in 2021, I was navigating the end of a 20-year marriage while raising my daughters on my own. The weight of court dates, therapy sessions, and countless meetings with human services was exhausting. I was constantly protecting myself and my children, managing school and after-school activities, and juggling work responsibilities. And then, over Spring Break in 2021, the tragic loss of my oldest daughter's childhood best friend. She was only 17 years old. I thought my heart couldn’t break any more.

August 2017

When Everything Changed

Then the fire happened. Suddenly, everything I was holding onto was gone. The good, the bad, the material, the need for control. Everything; all within minutes. It was a moment of profound loss and shock, but also a turning point.

Losing everything forced me to rethink what mattered most. I realized that clinging to things outside my control only added to my stress. Instead, I chose to focus on what I could influence—my mindset, my actions, and my healing process.

Finding Peace in Letting Go

After making that one decision- to focus on what I could actually influence- I felt a wave of peace wash over me. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted. This peace has stayed with me, even as I continue to rebuild my life. Sharing my story has been difficult at times, but it has also been a vital part of my healing. Hearing others share their experiences reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles.

My clients and children have noticed the change too. A client recently told me how much lighter I seemed compared to before. My kids have even said I look younger now than I did ten years ago. Maybe that’s true. Maybe peace and acceptance have a way of showing on the outside as well as the inside.

July 2025

What Helped Me Rebuild

Rebuilding myself after such loss wasn’t easy, but these steps made a difference:

• Accepting what I cannot change

I stopped wasting energy on things beyond my control. This freed me to focus on what I could do.

• Prioritizing self-care

Simple acts like walking, journaling, spending time with my daughters, family, and friends helped me regain strength.

• Seeking support

Therapy and conversations with friends reminded me I wasn’t alone.

• Setting small goals

Instead of overwhelming myself with big plans, I focused on small, achievable steps.

• Embracing vulnerability

Sharing my story, even when it was scary, helped me connect with others and heal.

December 2024

“End of the Month Celebration" Dinner

Your Story Matters

If you’ve faced tough times, what choice helped you move forward? Maybe it was letting go of control, asking for help, or finding a new routine. Sharing your experience can inspire others who feel stuck or overwhelmed.