My Journey: The Struggles That Shaped Me and Why I’m Here Today

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had big dreams, a drive for success, and an undeniable desire to make an impact on the world. But life’s challenges don’t always align with our plans, and I’ve had my fair share of struggles that have shaped who I am today – and, ultimately, why I’ve embarked on this self-help journey.

I want to share a deeper look into my story because it’s important to me that you know I’m not just here sharing motivational quotes and shiny success stories. I’m someone who has faced pain, loss, and setbacks. And yet, despite all of that, I’m still determined to live a full, meaningful life. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re searching for that same sense of meaning, too.

The Pain of Loss

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is loss. By the age of 41, I’ve attended around 30 funerals of close friends and family. This year alone, I’ve lost three people who were important to me: my step-grandmother, my uncle, and a close friend – all under tragic circumstances. Loss is never easy, but when it comes in waves, it has a way of shaking the foundation of everything you believe in.

Grief changes you. It forces you to confront your own mortality and question the purpose of it all. But it also taught me the importance of living in the moment, cherishing the people around me, and creating a life that has meaning – not just for me but for those I love. These experiences have deeply influenced my decision to build a brand around mental wellbeing and personal growth. I want to help others navigate the complex emotions that come with loss and find a way to move forward.

The Health Struggles That Changed My Perspective

My journey has also been marked by significant health challenges. Over the past seven years, I’ve undergone two major surgeries, with a third one on the horizon. These health issues included a hysterectomy after a 38cm tumor was discovered, weighing a shocking 8kg. That surgery marked the end of my ability to have children – something I never anticipated and had to come to terms with.

I’ve also had gastric sleeve surgery, dealt with gallbladder issues, and been diagnosed with Von Willebrand disorder, a blood-clotting disorder that adds complexity to every medical procedure. On top of that, I struggle with anxiety, which ebbs and flows depending on what life decides to throw at me.

These health challenges have taught me resilience in ways I never expected. I’ve had to learn patience – with my body, my mind, and the process of healing. I’ve had to find inner strength, even when my physical strength wasn’t at its best. And most importantly, I’ve learned to be kind to myself – something I’m still working on, if I’m being honest. This is why mental wellbeing is such a core focus of what I share with others; I know what it feels like to be at your lowest, both physically and mentally.

Navigating Our Unique Relationship

One of the things I’m most proud of in my life is my relationship with my partner. We’ve been together for over 22 years, and while it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I wouldn’t change a thing. In our early years, we even went through a brief break-up, but we found our way back to each other. Since then, we’ve built a life that we’re both incredibly happy with, and we’ve learned to navigate challenges in ways that work for us.

Our relationship isn’t the conventional "married with kids" kind that some might expect. Watching friends and family get married and have children has occasionally stirred up mixed emotions, especially when it comes to navigating our own mental health and understanding what we truly want. But despite the outside pressures, we’ve chosen a path that feels right for us, and we’re deeply content with what we’ve built together.

What I love most is that we’ve learned to support each other while maintaining our independence. We’ve found a balance that works. We have separate finances, do our own things on the weekends, and yet, there’s an unshakable connection between us. Our life might not look like everyone else’s, but it’s ours, and we’re both excited about where we’re heading together.

In the end, our relationship has shown me the power of understanding and compromise. We’ve been through our share of ups and downs, but those experiences have only made us stronger. We’re committed to each other, happy with the life we’ve created, and excited about what the future holds. For me, that’s what matters most.

Why I Started This Journey

All of these experiences – the loss, the health struggles, the complexities in my relationship – have led me to where I am today. I’ve learned that life isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or waiting until everything is just right. Life is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright unfair. But it’s also beautiful, filled with opportunities for growth, and brimming with the potential for joy, even in the midst of hardship.

That’s why I started Bright Mind, Bold Life. I wanted to create a space where I could not only share what I’ve learned but also continue learning and growing alongside others who are on their own journeys. My goal is to turn self-help ideas into practical, real-world strategies that we can all use to live our best lives – no matter what challenges come our way.

What You Can Expect from Me

I’m not here to tell you that I have all the answers. I’m here to explore, to experiment, and to share the insights I gain along the way. Whether it’s testing out the latest self-help strategies, tackling habit-building techniques, or finding ways to stay mentally strong, I’ll be your guide. You can expect honesty, vulnerability, and a bit of humour – because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

Through blog posts, downloadable resources, and actionable advice, I hope to inspire you to take charge of your life, just as I’m trying to do with mine. Whether you’re dealing with loss, health issues, relationship struggles, or just feeling stuck, I want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help you find your path to a brighter, bolder life.