I remember the days when I believed I deserved the bare minimum. As long as my husband stayed married to me, thought fondly of me, and approved of me, I felt worthy and valuable enough to keep around. I worked tirelessly to make and save money, never allowing myself to indulge in anything that felt like a splurge. My focus was entirely on what my husband thought was right for us.

He had big dreams—building a thriving business, owning a huge house, and having at least eight children. Oh, goodness, me! The only area where I firmly put my foot down was the number of children; two was my maximum vision. As the youngest of five children, I was always used to being alone, an introvert by nature. Solitude and extreme independence were my safety and comfort zones.

After years of striving, we achieved my husband’s dreams—we became millionaires, had our children, and lived in a massive house. But then, suddenly, I lost total sight in my left eye and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a major heart issue. Until that moment, I had never allowed myself time just for me. I didn’t believe I was worthy of happiness unless everyone else around me was happy.

It was then that I knew something had to change—drastically. I began meditating every night for twenty minutes, and miraculously, my sight returned. In that stillness, I experienced a deep sense of knowing—an inner wisdom guiding me on how to be, how to act, and how to feel. The answer was simple: I needed to take time for myself, with the right intention, to listen and learn about who I truly am.

More than twenty-five years have passed since that awakening. My parents have passed, and I miss them with every fiber of my being. My beloved puppy, Thor, lived seventeen beautiful years before crossing over. I have lost touch with my siblings and their children since our parents passed. I closed my yoga studio, a place that had been a huge part of my identity. I lost my yoga community. Again and again, I have had to take the time to rediscover who I am and who I am becoming.

Through it all, my twice-daily meditation and yoga practice have been my lifeline and saving grace. I take full responsibility for my well-being, and today, I am the healthiest I have ever been. Our two adult children are happy, healthy, educated, thriving in their professional careers, happily married, and homeowners. I am still happily married. My work has never been more profound or successful, thanks to my dedication to serving humanity and sharing from my soul all the lessons and secrets I have uncovered.

I remember the days when I believed I deserved the bare minimum. As long as my husband stayed married to me, thought fondly of me, and approved of me, I felt worthy and valuable enough to keep around. I worked tirelessly to make and save money, never allowing myself to indulge in anything that felt like a splurge. My focus was entirely on what my husband thought was right for us.

He had big dreams—building a thriving business, owning a huge house, and having at least eight children. Oh, goodness, me! The only area where I firmly put my foot down was the number of children; two was my maximum vision. As the youngest of five children, I was always used to being alone, an introvert by nature. Solitude and extreme independence were my safety and comfort zones.

After years of striving, we achieved my husband’s dreams—we became millionaires, had our children, and lived in a massive house. But then, suddenly, I lost total sight in my left eye and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a major heart issue. Until that moment, I had never allowed myself time just for me. I didn’t believe I was worthy of happiness unless everyone else around me was happy.

It was then that I knew something had to change—drastically. I began meditating every night for twenty minutes, and miraculously, my sight returned. In that stillness, I experienced a deep sense of knowing—an inner wisdom guiding me on how to be, how to act, and how to feel. The answer was simple: I needed to take time for myself, with the right intention, to listen and learn about who I truly am.

More than twenty-five years have passed since that awakening. My parents have passed, and I miss them with every fiber of my being. My beloved puppy, Thor, lived seventeen beautiful years before crossing over. I have lost touch with my siblings and their children since our parents passed. I closed my yoga studio, a place that had been a huge part of my identity. I lost my yoga community. Again and again, I have had to take the time to rediscover who I am and who I am becoming.

Through it all, my twice-daily meditation and yoga practice have been my lifeline and saving grace. I take full responsibility for my well-being, and today, I am the healthiest I have ever been. Our two adult children are happy, healthy, educated, thriving in their professional careers, happily married, and homeowners. I am still happily married. My work has never been more profound or successful, thanks to my dedication to serving humanity and sharing from my soul all the lessons and secrets I have uncovered.

I attended retreats and healing workshops and resumed energy and holistic healing. I became confident, so I invested in myself.

My heart has mended. My heart is full. I have created new yoga communities, teach and train yoga therapists, and surround myself with more like-minded souls than ever before. I love being me more than I ever have, and I feel the presence of my parents and Thor all the time.

I know deep inside that sadness and loss are part of our human experience, but feeling lonely is a creation of the mind. We are never truly alone. There are always more amazing people, experiences, prosperity, and abundance waiting around every corner.

I feel blessed and overjoyed. I am deeply grateful for every experience in my life.

So, my friend, I encourage you—never withhold love, care, time, or attention from yourself. Invest in yourself.  That is one of the greatest secrets to health and healthy, loving relationships. You must embody what you wish to become, affecting the energy field wherever you go and with whomever you meet. Indeed, you are an emissary of light and love.

My heart has mended. My heart is full. I have created new yoga communities, teach and train yoga therapists, and surround myself with more like-minded souls than ever before. I love being me more than I ever have, and I feel the presence of my parents and Thor all the time.

I know deep inside that sadness and loss are part of our human experience, but feeling lonely is a creation of the mind. We are never truly alone. There are always more amazing people, experiences, prosperity, and abundance waiting around every corner.

I feel blessed and overjoyed. I am deeply grateful for every experience in my life.

So, my friend, I encourage you—never withhold love, care, time, or attention from yourself. Invest in yourself.  That is one of the greatest secrets to health and healthy, loving relationships. You must embody what you wish to become, affecting the energy field wherever you go and with whomever you meet. Indeed, you are an emissary of light and love.