Finding My Way Back to Myself

Just over eleven years ago, I was at the peak of my career. I felt accomplished, confident, and secure in my direction. Then, seemingly all at once, I found myself falling into a prolonged period of struggle and uncertainty. Over the years that followed, I lost touch with the person I once was, allowing self-doubt and the weight of expectations to shape how I saw myself. This impacted every area of my life; my career, my relationships, my wellbeing, and my connection to my own sense of purpose.

I spent years trying to navigate this space, often feeling torn between rebellion against expectations and a misplaced effort to emulate others, believing it might bring me closer to success. Instead, it left me feeling even more disconnected and lost. The divide between who I was and who I thought I needed to be only grew, deepening the sense of loss and frustration.

But sometimes, when you least expect it, the right person steps into your life to help you see what you cannot see for yourself. Over the past six weeks, I have been working with someone who has done just that; my coach, mentor, and most importantly, my friend, JoAnna "JJ" Ferrari . JJ’s approach has been a remarkable blend of patience, honesty, and directness. She has not only listened but also challenged me to confront the truths I had avoided and the narratives I had built around myself.

Through our conversations, JJ has guided me to understand that the person I was searching for has been there all along. It is not about becoming someone new or chasing someone else’s definition of success, but about rediscovering the values, strengths, and purpose that were always within me. She has helped me to see that the journey forward is not about blame or regret, but about taking ownership of my choices and creating a path that feels authentic to me.

These last few weeks have been transformative; not in a sudden, dramatic way, but in the steady, honest work of peeling back the layers I had built over the years. With JJ’s support, I have begun to rebuild my confidence, reconnect with my purpose, and strengthen the relationships and trust that matter most.

I share this not just as a reflection, but as a message to anyone who might feel as I did: it is never too late to reclaim yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is the right guide to remind you of what you are capable of. For me, that guide has been JJ, and I am endlessly grateful for her insight, her patience, and her belief in me when I struggled to find it in myself.

The journey is ongoing, but for the first time in a long while, I feel aligned with who I truly am. To anyone else navigating their own challenges, know this: the way forward is not about perfection or meeting someone else’s standard; it is about finding your own truth and having the courage to live it. With the right support and commitment, you can rebuild, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters.