When life feels out of focus and everything is shrouded in ambiguity, it’s easy to lose your way. I found myself overwhelmed by the heavy weight of depression, anxiety, and fear. In a desperate bid to cope, I shut down my emotions and shunned both help and the guiding light of the Lord. During that tumultuous period, it felt as if I were ensnared in a dark spell. This experience may be hard for some to fathom, but if I don’t expose the struggles I’ve encountered, you might never grasp the reality that EVIL truly exists in our world.

You see, I lost my beloved Nana, my husband, my father, my home, and my entire family in just 7 short years. For at least 5 of those years, I felt profoundly lost, adrift in a world that seemed to conspire against me. It wasn’t until I rekindled my faith and dedicated myself to personal growth that I began to truly turn the corner, finally exorcising the EVIL that had latched onto my spirit. It felt as if I were trapped in a treacherous game of life, devoid of control. I lived with a family member who practiced witchcraft, and they exploited my vulnerability for far too long. It wasn’t until my precious daughter arrived that she shattered the curse that had ensnared me, freeing me from those dark chains.

I fiercely confront the entire parenting landscape; no book can ever compare to the raw experience of living it! For far too long, I was dictated to—told how to act, what to do, and what to say. For the first time in YEARS, I can boldly declare that I am finally embracing my life, my way, free from the influence of anyone else. Yes, I’ve lost some family members along the way, but the beauty in that loss is profound. You have the power to forge your own family! Just because you were born into a certain family doesn’t mean you have to align with their values.

So, in this newfound freedom, I have discovered an incredible inner peace that truly feels amazing! I have fervently prayed to see the EVIL in my life, allowing me to make the necessary changes to fix it! That’s the secret, folks: it’s all about choosing to make the change! For instance, if you’ve endured abuse in a relationship or suffered as a child without receiving the help you desperately needed to understand that IT’S NOT OK TO BE ABUSED, you will struggle to change as an adult. Without the right guidance, you may sadly continue to find yourself in abusive situations because you weren’t taught differently.

My heart has been broken, absolutely shattered, but I know it will rise anew! I’ve come to realize that loving myself fiercely is paramount, far beyond any other love. I am the sole keeper of my joy! Yes, we cherish our children, our families, our friends, but ultimately, we are left with ourselves. It’s crucial for us as women, as mothers, as caregivers, to boldly place ourselves at the top of our priorities! Our hearts may be vast enough to embrace the entire universe, yet we must not forget that we too deserve a moment to pause and reflect! We need to recognize our own worth, equal to that of our loved ones, our friends, our careers, and beyond!