There was a time, not too long ago, when I barely recognized myself. I was weighed down both literally and figuratively. Depression had become a constant companion, anxiety a cruel whisper in the background, and I was grappling with a profound sense of angst and emptiness. At my lowest point, I felt like I was drowning in the noise of my own mind, disconnected from my body, my marriage, my purpose, and, honestly, my faith. But this isn’t just a story of struggle; it’s a story of reclamation.
Losing 20 pounds wasn’t just about the weight itself. It was about shedding the layers of doubt and fear I had been carrying for far too long. Every drop of sweat, every step forward, was an act of rebellion against the lies depression had told me. It reminded me that I was capable of more; that my body could be a source of strength, not just a vessel of pain.
In the process, I began to see my marriage in a new light. It wasn’t easy rekindling, love never is when life has pulled you in opposite directions. But as I started to reconnect with myself, I realized how much I had disconnected from my partner. Through countless conversations, prayers, and acts of vulnerability, we found our way back to each other. It wasn’t a dramatic epiphany or a single moment of clarity. It was in the little things; the stolen laughter, the late-night talks, the silent understanding that we were both fighting for the same thing.
And then, there was the community I had almost forgotten. Depression isolates you, it convinces you that no one cares, that no one understands. But I was reminded, through grace and a lot of introspection, that I had people and resources around me that I had been too blinded by despair to lean on. They were there all along, waiting for me to tap into the support, wisdom, and love they had to offer. This rediscovery of community gave me the courage to look at my financial life. I had been stuck in a cycle of scarcity both in mindset and reality. I knew I needed stability, not just for myself but for my dreams. So, I started making practical changes, creating systems, and welcoming opportunities, even ones that seemed small at first. Little by little, I began building the kind of financial security that allowed me to breathe deeply again, to trust that I could take care of myself and the people I love.
Next came the moment of reckoning: rebranding my business and, in many ways, myself. I realized that my old ways of showing up no longer fit who I was becoming. It wasn’t just about changing a logo or updating a website; it was about redefining my mission, my voice, and my impact. I was no longer the person who operated from a place of survival. I was stepping into abundance, purpose, and alignment.
All of this happened because I finally surrendered. I surrendered to God, to grace, and to the understanding that faith alone wasn’t enough. I needed to combine it with willpower and works, to take inspired action and trust that I was being guided even when the path felt unclear. Today, I stand here in awe of what’s possible. Not because my life is perfect, it’s far from it, but because I’ve learned how to find peace in imperfection, joy in the journey, and abundance in the smallest moments. Depression, angst, and anxiety no longer define me. I walk in peace, joy, and fulfillment, knowing that my faith is my foundation and my work is my offering.
If you’re reading this and feeling stuck in your own struggle, I want you to know this: It is possible to rise. It is possible to reclaim yourself, your relationships, and your purpose. But here’s what I’ve learned; it starts with having the courage to change your patterns and your perspective. The life we live is often a reflection of the habits and thoughts we’ve clung to, even when they no longer serve us. Breaking those patterns can feel like breaking apart pieces of yourself, but it’s in that breaking where the light gets in. When you choose to surrender to peace, to joy, to God’s unwavering presence you tap into a strength greater than your circumstances.
Peace and joy are not contingent on the chaos of the world around you; they are God-given, eternal, and unshaken. But to embrace them, you have to stop chasing calm outside of you and start creating it within. When you do, something miraculous happens: the chaos within quiets, and suddenly the world outside begins to reflect that stillness. It doesn’t mean life becomes perfect, but it does mean you begin to face it with grace, strength, and clarity. This journey has shown me that transformation starts on the inside. It starts with a decision to release what no longer serves, to trust the process, and to believe that God’s peace is always within reach. When you align your patterns, your thoughts, and your spirit with that truth, your life can, and will change in ways you never thought possible.
So today, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and trust. Choose peace. Choose joy. Choose to let go of what’s holding you back and embrace the life that’s waiting for you. Because no matter where you’ve been, you have the power to write a new story one filled with abundance, purpose, and the unshakable grace of God.
Be good to yourself and gentle with others.
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