Every single person has a few painful chapters from their past.
What are the odds that my hotel balcony faces my old apartment that contains one of my darkest chapters?
After spending the past 16 years on a healing journey, it was time to return.
Out front, I saw the stairs that I repeatedly struggled to climb due to my relationship with alcohol.
Looking at the windows, I remembered the loneliness, the seizures, and trying so desperately to hold everything together while I taught at a junior high school.
I relived the shame as I heard my roommate tell me that my cheque for rent had bounced. In an effort to make an honest buck, I humbly walked down the hill and took a job as a dishwasher.
But, through it all I never let go of hope. On my bedroom wall was the picture of a sunrise that read, “No matter how long the night, the dawn will break.”
Standing there, I understood that nothing in life is permanent.
I walked away with my head held high as I reflected on the life I am blessed to lead today.
And, where did I go for supper to celebrate?
Yup! Down the hill to the same restaurant where I used to wash the dishes.
This morning, I delivered the opening keynote at a conference in the hopes of empowering my audience to find their voice, embrace vulnerability, and create an attitude of resilience.
To top it all off, I am about to fly home to my beautiful family.
What a journey…
May you always choose to fight. May you always hang onto hope. And, may you find the courage to create the incredible life that you have always deserved.