There was a time when all I wanted to do was ride my bike and wear my Pete Rose shirt. I was connected, happy and innocent. In my life I have struggled with abuse and left to feel disconnected, unloved and full of despair. When I was in that mindset, all I could do was cope in a world full of fear and greater levels of disconnection.

Some call it being saved, others find recovery, however you want to name it, it happened to me and it changed my life forever. Eventually, I could see how the patterns of abuse repeat themselves over and over again until I learned to surrender, letting the truth of my past wash over me. God began working with me, guiding me, and requiring me to do the work to reach those greater levels of awareness or suffer if I resisted. I began to own my own story and it empowered me and released me at the same time.

Now, I can find my answers to continually connect. I’m happy again, but much wiser than the little girl on the bike. I pray and meditate, which grounds me, while I wrestle with the final remnants of anxiety and depression. I understand the curse is a blessing, allowing me to serve. This process has deepened my spiritual relationship, enhanced my intuition and empathy and allowed me the privilege to be a part of healing others through the same Spirit that healed me.

I’m happily married to John, the love of my life. I am grateful for finding love and count on it finding me every day. I cherish living a spiritual life and sharing it with others as they empower themselves to find their own spirituality.