The day my mother died, I felt utterly alone in the world. Soon afterward, I descended into mania that escalated into psychosis, making it increasingly difficult to operate the beauty empire I had worked so tirelessly to build. Losing my father and becoming an adult orphan left me in profound shock. The idea of relying solely on myself felt overwhelming, a struggle I candidly share in my memoir, Soul Dance. My journey became darker when the very spiritual mentors and friends I trusted most deeply betrayed me, charging me with criminal harassment simply for reaching out in my moment of greatest need.
Were they afraid of me, or was it the stigma surrounding mental health that drove them away? Mental illness carries an unfair reputation, one that continues to cause deep wounds. To this day, I struggle with trusting others fully because of this betrayal. It’s a wound that has not entirely healed, and I often ask myself how one can recover not only from mental illness but also from spiritual betrayal by those who were once cherished guides.
The answer is simple yet profound—one day, one breath at a time. Each morning I wake up, remind myself to breathe, and choose to live fully. I understand what it feels like to be broken and what it means when those you trust contribute to that brokenness. Yet, through everything, I found strength within myself. Although I was initially charged, I ultimately proved my innocence, I am not a criminal. The absurdity of even having to affirm this truth speaks volumes about the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding mental health.
When I was at my lowest, homeless, nearly penniless, and about to be discharged from the hospital to a shelter, no one caught me as I fell. My world had shattered, and with it, my ability to trust. But despite the pain and loss, I refused to give up. Moving into a modest rooming house, I slowly rebuilt my life, regaining strength and resilience. Through writing, studying life coaching, and engaging deeply with spiritual practices such as the Law of Attraction, counseling, and grief therapy. I began to heal.
Today, I channel my experiences into my work as a spiritual life coach. I do not charge exorbitant fees; my sessions are $111, intentionally affordable so that anyone in need can access help. My goal is to provide guidance and healing, not from a place of distant superiority but from genuine empathy borne out of my journey.
As I stand at the starting line of launching my coaching business and my new website, my life today is modest, even financially strained at times, I live on a modest income. Yet, in this humble beginning, I feel spiritually wealthy and emotionally prosperous. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of Sooke, British Columbia, with its enchanting rainforests and ocean vistas, I embrace the joy found in simplicity and remain deeply grateful for life’s small yet profound pleasures.
Just like the Rose family in the CBC show Schitt’s Creek, I lost everything and had to rebuild from the ground up. Watching that show provided me with laughter and solace during my darkest hours, helping me realize that rebuilding life from scratch is not just possible—it can be beautiful and transformative.
My experiences, no matter how challenging, do not define me negatively; instead, they’ve sculpted me into a resilient, determined, and deeply compassionate person. Every day, I commit to bettering myself, not only for my growth but also to inspire and support others. I’ve learned to forgive those who wronged me, embracing deep introspection and emotional healing, as I share in my book Soulful Minimalism. This forgiveness liberated me, teaching me to find happiness in living with less.
Yes, mental illness still carries stigma, and perhaps my transparency will scare some away. But that simply means they aren’t meant for my journey. Those who resonate with my story of honesty, strength, and unwavering determination will be drawn toward to my spirit-led mission.
I am rebuilding my empire, not of beauty products this time, but a spiritual empire founded on healing, authenticity, and connection. Like the Rose family, I am piecing my new life together, brick by brick, peace by peace. My intuition now guides me like a wise mentor, inspiring me to share my insights in a forthcoming book about intuition, due out in early 2026.
Today, I am here to tell my story confidently, knowing it matters. I will find my tribe, those who understand my journey and seek the strength and wisdom I’ve gathered along the way. Together, we will build something meaningful, soulful, and enduring.