My Journey

From as early as I can remember, I’ve moved through life with a deep sensitivity and awareness of the world around me. I felt emotions others never spoke aloud, noticed the energy in a room before a word was said, and carried a natural intuition that often felt bigger than I was. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it—I just knew I experienced life differently.

Growing up, I often felt like a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit. Although my sensitivity and intuition allowed me to deeply connect with others, they also left me feeling isolated and afraid of rejection. To belong, I learned to mold myself into whatever I thought would earn approval. I became a people pleaser, hiding my true self, especially when I was told to toughen up or stop being "too sensitive."

Looking back now, I can see that what once made me feel different eventually became the foundation of my greatest strengths. My sensitivity taught me to listen deeply, to care wholeheartedly, and to connect with people in a way that feels genuine, meaningful, and real.

Deep down, I knew I had gifts, but embracing them felt confusing and, at times, even selfish. For years, I followed paths that others expected of me, hoping they would bring validation. Instead, I felt empty and weighed down by a sense of shame.

Everything began to shift when my mom—my biggest supporter—became ill and eventually passed. Her loss was profound, and before I had the space to fully process or grieve, I found myself stepping into the role of caregiver once again—this time for my in-laws, who I later lost as well, while navigating additional losses of family and friends along the way.

It was an incredibly heavy, emotional, and uncertain time—one where I wasn't always making the best choices for myself emotionally. Being surrounded by so much loss while putting my own grief aside led me into what I now understand as a dark night of the soul.

Yet, within that darkness, something began to change. Being faced with so much all at once forced me to confront my own emotional well-being and begin choosing myself in ways I never had before. Through individual therapy, group therapy, yoga, and Reiki, I slowly found my way back to myself. These practices helped me get back on track and taught me that self-care isn't selfish—it is essential.

Losing my mom left a painful void, but it also became a turning point—one that gently, and sometimes painfully, guided me onto a path of deeper self-discovery.

During this time, a friend invited me to a 200-hour yoga teacher training. Through movement, breath, and reconnecting with my body, something inside of me began to awaken. That inner whisper led me to Reiki.

I soon realized that I had been practicing Reiki on myself for years without even knowing it—instinctively placing my hands on my body in moments of stress or need. Offering sessions to others felt natural, as if this ability had always been within me, simply waiting to be recognized.

As my healing deepened, I began to understand the importance of advocating for myself, setting boundaries, trusting my intuition, and honoring what truly resonates. It's still a work in progress, but I continue to grow each day.

A saying once resonated deeply with me:

“The best thing I can do for my relationships is to work on myself.”

That truth continues to guide me daily. How I show up—not just for others, but for myself—truly matters.

Today, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the journey that has shaped me. Every challenge—even the most difficult ones—has expanded my compassion and strengthened my connection to who I truly am.

Being a Reiki practitioner feels like the most authentic expression of myself, and I'm grateful to be able to support others on their own healing journeys.

I don't know exactly where this journey will lead, but I've learned to trust the path that's unfolding before me. With an open heart, I'm excited for the unknown and the beautiful road ahead.