In "The Courage to Begin Again and Again: A Story of Transformation and Finding Strength Within," a chapter I contributed to the book I Quit: How to Lose Your Job and find Your Dream Career, I share my journey of starting over many times and discovering that sometimes, we reinvent ourselves more than once in a lifetime.
"It takes strength to make your way through grief, to grab hold of life and let it pull you forward." --Patti Davis
This quote opens my chapter because it perfectly encapsulates the journey I've walked. My story begins with a passion for skincare. Working at a prestigious spa allowed me to refine my skills, but my lifelong dream of owning a spa always lingered in the background, seemingly out of reach. I never thought it was possible. When my employer learned about my aspirations to own a spa she let me go. I was devastated. With three young children depending on me, I was forced to choose: find another job or take a leap of faith and open my own spa. The thought of opening a spa was frightening.
A late-night Tony Robbins infomercial became the inspiration I needed. His words, "Your limitations aren't holding you back--your fear of breaking through them is," struck a cord. They reminded me of a moment from my teenage years when my father and I built a rock wall together. As worked, he said, "Vickie, I think you could do anything you set your mind to." That memory and tony Robbins message gave me the courage to move forward.
Within six months, I had opened my spa, thanks to resourcefulness, community support, and sheer determination. It wasn't perfect, but my clients but my clients believed in me and became a part of my journey. The spa wasn't just a business--it was a sanctuary, a space filled with authenticity and connection.
Years later, life threw another challenge my way when my youngest son experienced a total regression. Dedicating myself to his healing became my new mission, and with love and persistence, I saw him thrive beyond my wildest dreams. Just as I thought I had overcome that hurdle, I faced the unimaginable loss of three children and my dad in a seven-year period, including two children only 12 days apart.
Through these profound losses, I discovered that the years I had spent cultivating wellness tools were preparing me to navigate the most profound losses in my life. These tools became lifelines, and they shaped my new mission: helping others find their way through grief, transitions, and uncertainty.
Today, I guide women to embrace self-care, turn everyday tasks into moments of healing, and gain the tools to process any emotion that arises, My journey has taught me that setbacks are often disguised opportunities. What feels like an ending is often a doorway to something beyond your wildest dreams.
When you feel that tug at your heart, when the weight feels too heavy, don't hesitate to do the work that brings you back to your center--where your true power lies.
#wellness #transformation #inspiration #EmbraceChange #ReinventYourself
