Content Warning: This post discusses sensitive topics, including childhood trauma and sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised. |
My Journey to Healing and Wholeness
I’ve always believed in the power of connection and the comfort of knowing you are not alone. Life is full of ups and downs, and too often, we only hear about the highs—the moments when everything falls into place. But what about the times when it doesn’t? What about the days when the weight of it all feels too heavy, and hope seems just out of reach?
In my darkest moments, I survived by seeking out those who had walked a similar path before me. Their stories, shared in blog posts and forum discussions, became my lifeline. I clung to their words, finding in them a beacon of hope that reminded me I was never truly alone. It’s that same sense of connection and reassurance that I hope to offer you through this blog.
"Living Whole" is my space to share hope—hope that sometimes comes from within and other times needs to be found externally, in a friend’s smile, a book, or even a blog like this one. This space isn’t just about survival—though I will delve deeply into how I survived. It’s also about striving to be the best version of myself. I’ve wrestled with the hardest parts of me, and now, I’m learning to navigate self-love, forgiveness, and growth. I want to share that journey with you—openly, honestly, and without holding back.
What "Living Whole" Means to Me
For me, "Living Whole" is about being fully present, embracing every emotion that life throws our way, and moving through life’s ups and downs without getting stuck. I want to experience joy more deeply. I want to embrace each moment as if it’s the only one I’ll get—because it might just be. This blog is a testament to my commitment to making this "once" the best it can possibly be.
My Journey
My path has been far from easy. I grew up in an environment marked by sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse, experiencing sexual violence for the first time at just four years old and what I now recognize as my first panic attack, at five. By eleven, I was in foster care. At fourteen, I found myself on a path I didn’t choose and wasn’t prepared for when I became a mother. By fifteen, I had my own apartment, raising my daughter on my own. That challenging start shaped the strength and resilience I carry with me today, and it has been a driving force in my journey toward healing and wholeness. I graduated high school on time and went straight to university when my daughter was four. Tragedy struck when my stepfather, who had raised me since I was a baby, died in a work accident when I was twenty-one. Four years later, I lost my grandmother—my heart and soul—to lung cancer, just two months before my second daughter was born.
At thirty, after years of unexplained pain, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, following tests for conditions like MS and Lou Gehrig’s disease. My life has been punctuated by challenges, from being diagnosed with depression during my first year of university to experiencing chronic panic attacks beginning just months after my father died. And though this is just the tip of the iceberg, through it all, I’ve emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply committed to healing.
Who I Am Today
Despite the hardships I’ve faced, I’ve grown into someone who is deeply empathetic and resilient. I’m a proud mother, pouring my love and energy into raising my two daughters, who mean the world to me. I waited 39 years to get married, and our love story is one I cherish deeply. Together, my husband and I are building a life that honors our shared love while respecting the personal histories we bring with us. We have an epic love story that I can’t wait to share with you.
Travel is another passion of mine; I see it as a way to embrace life fully, to learn and grow from every new experience. I’ve been fortunate to explore many places, each journey adding a new layer to my understanding of the world and myself.
Beyond my personal journey, I’m deeply committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion. I work tirelessly to make the world a better place, believing that it’s my responsibility to leave it a little better than I found it. I give wholeheartedly to my community, family, and friends, driven by a desire to create a more loving and equitable world, starting with myself.
I’m still on this path of healing, discovering what it means to live whole, and I invite you to join me as we navigate this together, with hope and compassion guiding the way.
What You Can Expect from "Living Whole"
On this blog, I’ll be sharing personal reflections, practical advice on managing chronic illness, thoughts on self-love, and insights into social justice. You’ll find posts about navigating life’s challenges, embracing joy, and striving for wholeness even when it feels elusive. I’ll also be discussing marriage, parenting, fitness, what it means to be a Black and Indigenous woman, and whatever else life brings my way. My hope is that you’ll find inspiration, love, and a sense of community here—a place where you can come to feel less alone, more empowered, and ready to face whatever life throws your way.
A Message of Hope
More than anything, I want you to feel supported when you read this blog. I want you to know that you’re part of a community, that you’re not alone in your struggles, and that hope is always within reach. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life with compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief that we can all become the best versions of ourselves.
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