Imagine this: You’re approaching your 50s, thinking your life is all figured out, and then suddenly… something happens that shakes your world to its core. Has something like that ever happened to you? Out of nowhere, life changes, and you find yourself starting over. That’s what happened to me a few years ago.

For a long time, I always put other people first, neglecting to care for myself. My own needs, feelings, and health were given little attention. Then, life forced me to take a closer look.

At my lowest, I remember sitting in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. Who is this person? I wondered. After experiencing dramatic weight loss, sleepless nights, and developing an irregular heartbeat, I realized I was too wrapped up in being an educator, a daughter, a friend, and maintaining relationships. I had forgotten my dreams and happiness, neglecting myself. I got caught up in all the labels the world put on me. Raise your hand if this sounds familiar.

But during moments of unwanted, alone time, something shifted. I felt a gentle nudge, a whisper from God, guiding me toward a truth I had long ignored. I realized I had been living in a box, trapped by people pleasing and limited by my own fears. Yet deep down, I knew that God’s plan was far greater than any box I found myself in.