Deep breaths. I decided to share more of my story on my Diary of a Dreamer podcast through The Diary Unlocked series. Even within the deeply personal stories I have shared, I realized during editing there are still stories untold. Perhaps those will be saved for another day. Maybe some stories are meant to stay within ourselves.

I share my story with you when it makes sense. When I can make sense of it. When I can share something of value that may connect with your heart and help make your life a little easier, that’s when I speak up. Life can be so hard. I feel it from people when I’m out and about. The heaviness. The weight people carry.

When we share our stories in a meaningful way, it helps us feel less alone. Sometimes, we hear just what we need to keep going. Other times, when we are really fortunate, we have an epiphany that transforms our experience.

That’s what I hope I can provide for you. Connection. Insights. Maybe even an epiphany. Whenever I have gone through difficult times, like you will hear in The Diary Unlocked series, I have always had a deep sense that I would learn from it and help others because of it.

I’ve had countless people help me throughout my life, from the strangers who uplift me in a moment (they have probably forgotten but I carry in my heart to this to day) to the dear friends and family members who have intentionally helped me. I hope you have people like that, too.

When I have reflected on my life, I know deep in my soul:

Our past does define us, but it’s based on the definition we choose.

Your future is bright because of your past!

On this podcast series, there are some difficult stories I share including mindset shifts which have helped me believe our struggles (once wisdom has been gained) can give us confidence to handle our present circumstances and our future unknowns. This is not to say you’re always going to love the challenges to come, that it’s going to be easy, or that it’s all going to work out the way you want. However, whatever you have experienced in your past, you’re still here. You made it through. You can get through the next hard thing, too.

Obstacles in life are not optional, but suffering is. I hope you choose to reflect on your own life and realize how incredible you are. How much you have overcome.

What story in your past could become the key to your future?