My Story
In 2012, just months after having my first son, my husband got sober. Simultaneously, I was diagnosed with level 4 melanoma and had to undergo back-to-back surgeries to basically remove my entire left cheek. When I first looked in the mirror, I nearly passed out.
Not only was I completely unprepared for what to expect, but I felt utterly alone.
My job was a nightmare and people acted like I was supposed to just keep trucking on. I actually tried to. Which was the worst part of all because not only was no one there for me, but I was completely abandoning myself.
For months I cried myself to sleep at night. I had no idea who I was anymore. I was physically and emotionally mutilated. I had no idea how to piece myself back together.
And I was a new mother. I could barely hold my son for over a month until the stitches were removed.
Looking back - I tell him now - that he saved me. He gave me something to love when I couldn't love myself. He gave me a reason to keep trying to be human. To keep wanting to be alive.
As I recently shared my story with another cancer survivor, she was surprised that she didn't know this part of me. I admitted that I never tell anyone, because it doesn't feel serious enough - like my story isn't as sad and painful as theirs.
I denied myself validation for a long time.
Watching my husband lean into his community through the 12 step work, I felt even more alone. I wished that I had the same clarity and support on my healing journey.
But this story of mine, it broke me open. It opened my eyes to the world I was living in - the choices I was making, the way I was giving my power away to everyone else.
So I began to collect the pieces, and slowly put myself back together. I got to leave out the pieces that I didn't want, and find new pieces to fit in their place.
I began to love myself whole again.
And we made it.
What's truly amazing, is that it healed all of us. My marriage got better, my professional life got better (I quit that job for one I loved), my confidence grew. Everything shifted.
That is why I truly believe in the philosophy that how we do one thing is how we do everything.
Learning how to do the work on my own and heal my own trauma is ultimately what led me to coaching.
You don't have to be undeniably broken in order to be worthy of healing, compassion and self love.
Your pain and struggles are just as valid as anyone else's.
No one is more deserving of loving their life than YOU.
It has taken me 10 years of dedicated practice to be able to share this story. Until now, it has felt too vulnerable, too raw.
But this realness - this honesty - this is what will heal others. And I'm 100% here for that.
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If you're tired of trying to fill the void instead of working to close the gap, I'm here for you. Consultations are always free.
It doesn't have to take you 10 years to heal.
It can, but it doesn't have to.
Your pain and struggles are just as valid as anyone else's.
No one is more deserving of loving their life than YOU.