I got married not long after completing my master’s program. Finding a job in the city we lived in was incredibly difficult. As someone who has always been independent and self-sufficient, this period was one of the hardest of my life. When I found out I was pregnant, I thought, “There goes my career—no one will consider me for years.”
Despite the temptation to give up, I refused to surrender. Thoughts of simply embracing life as a homemaker and finding joy in that alone frequently crossed my mind. But deep down, I held on to a solid belief that I had more to offer the world. I made it my mission to be grateful for what I had. Many times, I found myself on my kitchen floor, tears streaming down my face, as I cried out to heaven. Yet, through the struggles I gave thanks for my blessings.
For almost ten years, I survived without a corporate job. But during this time, I started my own business and learned new skills that would eventually prove essential when I finally re-entered the corporate workforce. It was a heart of gratitude, perseverance, and a strong sense of identity that kept me going. I vowed not to stop trying until I could look in the mirror and truly recognize the person I was meant to be.
Through it all, I learned that setbacks are not the end of the journey but a redirection to something greater. My experiences taught me the value of resilience, faith, and staying true to who you are, no matter how long the road may seem.
– The thankful one
Uplifting Renewal 