Galina shares: From Darkness to Light

Welcome to “Galina shares”—a space where I share my journey of personal and professional transformation. Here, I’ll open up about the lessons I’ve learned, the experiences I’ve had, and the tools, practices, and people who’ve helped me shape the life I live now and love.

My aspirations for this newsletter are simple:

• To showcase a holistic life journey—one with all its ups and downs.
• To inspire you to create, shape, and enjoy your unique path.
• To introduce myself—as a person, entrepreneur, and potential companion on your journey in work and life.
• To build a foundation for authentic connection—creating space for you and me to meet as equals, honestly and openly.
• And, if my story resonates with you, to spark collaborations and co-creations with people who share my vision for authentic living and impactful work.

Let me begin with where I come from:

I was born and raised in Bulgaria during times of societal upheaval. Growing up under socialism and witnessing its collapse in Eastern Europe (1989–1991) shaped my early years. It was a challenging period, both for society and for my immediate environment. Like many around me, I didn’t see a clear path to a good life in Bulgaria.

Seeking something more, I left my home country. My journey first took me to Spain, and in the spring of 2004, I arrived in Germany—a place that has since become my second home.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve:

• Organized and enabled thousands of events.
• Built and supported dozens of communities.
• Worked in hospitality, academia, corporates, NGOs, and the startup ecosystem.
• Created my own business and designed a unique profession that perfectly aligns my strengths, passion, and purpose with market needs.

The biggest achievement of my life—the one I am most proud of—is the profound transformation in how I feel, how I think, and how I act. Today, all three are aligned with who I really am in an authentic, nurturing, and fulfilling way.

The Before: Darkness

There was a time in my life when I struggled deeply:

• I didn’t feel safe—anywhere, with anyone, at any moment.
• I couldn’t find my place in life or society and didn’t understand life’s "rules."
• I felt unworthy, undeserving, and trapped in a cycle of depression and emotional pain.
• My early-life trauma left me desperate for someone to save me—I felt like a small, helpless child, even well into adulthood.
• I wore masks, hiding my true self, overwhelmed by negative emotions and societal conditioning.
• I acted from a place of fear—fear of exclusion, abandonment, and failure.
• I was often in conflict, unable to communicate my wants, set boundaries, or find clarity and focus.
• I ignored my inner voice and lost myself in other people’s goals, projects, and expectations.
• I worked in ways and environments that might have suited others but left me feeling miserable, even sick.
• I pretended to be the “right version” of myself, constantly seeking validation from those who didn’t really care.
• Day-to-day life once felt grey, foggy, and numb.

The After: Light

Today, my life is profoundly different. Transformation has brought me:

• Day-to-day life is now bright, colorful, fulfilling, juicy, and vibrant.
• A deep understanding, embrace, and love for who I am, shadows included.
• My life is filled with joy, ease, and a passion for living.
• Alignment with my inner compass—I make my decisions and act from a place of love, inspiration, and purpose.
• Authentic connections—I meet others as my true self, seeing and valuing them for who they are.
• I fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose, which gives my day-to-day life a natural bouquet of enthusiasm, drive, persistence, and creativity
• The ability to amplify others’ potential, dreams, and businesses, creating ripples of positive change.
• A life surrounded by creators—people building impactful projects, supporting one another, and thriving together.
• A unique Work Signature that impacts thousands of people while financially supporting me.
• Health and radiance like I’ve never had before.

… For years now, I’ve been the one in charge of how I feel, think, and act—no one else. I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. I wouldn’t choose any other time, place, or version of myself—and that, to me, is happiness.

Why I’m Sharing My Story:

My journey shows that transformation is possible, no matter how lost or stuck you might feel. It starts with listening to your inner voice, embracing your authentic self, and aligning your actions with your purpose.

Through this newsletter, I aim to share not just my story but also the tools, insights, practices, and connections that have helped me along the way. Whether you’re seeking clarity, inspiration, or connection, I hope this space becomes a source of encouragement for you to create and live a life you truly love.

Welcome to "Galina shares". Let’s dream, grow, and build and together! :)

What does living life on your own terms mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s start a conversation in the comments.