"The greatest act of courage is to be and own all that you are—without apology, without excuses, and without any mask to cover the truth of who you truly are."
—Debbie Ford / @thegentlemanwolf
Introduction
2019 was a difficult year for me. I lost my father after six years of illness, and just a few months later, I developed severe pain in my foot. What I initially thought would subside in a few days persisted for years. It marked the beginning of frequent visits to an orthopedic specialist, regular therapy sessions, and constant discussions about exercises—something I had never envisioned.
Months into the pain, I had almost given up on ever returning to my former state; I couldn’t believe this was happening. When COVID-19 hit, lockdowns forced us indoors, and the shrinking job market deepened my struggles—both financially and emotionally. One of my greatest fears was that the pain and my constant search for medical help would define my new reality. The fact that I would need to accept an assistive device for walking was something I had never imagined. But why now, during the pandemic, when I already had other serious things to deal with? I couldn’t even bring myself to think about how I would afford the medication I needed or the assistive device—I simply didn’t want to face these possibilities. I assessed my social networks, both family and friends, wondering who could walk this journey with me. I looked at each person, questioning whether they would understand how hopeless I felt. I knew everyone was dealing with their struggles during COVID-19—almost every family had experienced loss, and many people had lost their jobs. Depending on others, emotionally or financially, wasn’t an option.
Grappling with all of this set me on an unexpected inward journey—a deep exploration of who I truly was, what I believed in, what was happening to me, and since when. What could I expect, and what did I want? This reflection led me to examine the life I had lived until then—the good and the bad. This journey unearthed fears I had buried, things I was afraid to confront yet had been limiting me in so many ways. It revealed areas that needed healing and compassion. I looked at how I had lived my life—my career choices, relationships, and major decisions—and I could see how often I had prioritized others over myself. I had made decisions that favored others more than they favored me. For many years, I had given away my power, letting others decide what was best for me and what I could or couldn’t do. I realized I had been choosing others—groups, associations, and societal expectations—over myself because I desperately wanted to fit in and gain approval.
Nikajihurumia sana ( I had a lot of compassion on myself). To be honest, I wasn’t living—I was merely surviving, conforming to societal norms, and carefully staying politically correct. I felt like a slave to the groups I belonged to and to society as a whole. I couldn’t understand why I had spent so much time striving to meet their standards instead of my own. What if I allowed myself to be my own person—lived for me, chose myself, led myself, and abided by my standards?
At the same time, I discovered a beautiful side of myself—courageous, authentic, joyful, loving, empowered, soft, resilient, and lovable—a part of me that had been buried under many layers, waiting to be revealed, celebrated, and nurtured to blossom. Yet, there were also scars, wounds, experiences, and parts of me (my body, personality) that I had not fully accepted. These parts refused to grant me peace as long as I ignored them. A crucial part of my journey became embracing all aspects of myself and choosing to love and accept myself unconditionally. I realized there was nothing wrong with any part of me. I needed to embrace all of me—the good and the bad—and simply be myself. Beyond loving myself, I had to reclaim my power, taking back the responsibility for my validation and self-acceptance. No longer could I outsource this to others. Reclaiming this power meant turning inward and investing deeply in self-discovery. This realization was both eye-opening and liberating—something I continue to enjoy to this day.
A Newfound Freedom
The dark season gave birth to a version of me that I am falling in love with. I am now someone who fully accepts herself—her scars, her uniqueness, and everything that makes her who she is. I live on my terms, doing what truly fulfills me. I seek to belong ONLY to the right people and communities, and I do not hesitate to leave spaces that no longer align with who I am and what I believe in. The right communities naturally find me, those where authenticity thrives and no one shrinks to fit in. And if they don’t? That’s okay too. I have come to adore my own company—connecting with myself, nature, and my source. That, in itself, is more than enough. I have never felt this empowered to fully embrace myself and live as the highest version of myself.
A Necessary Reset
Looking back, I realize that I needed that dark period to reset. I needed to fully love and accept myself and permit myself to pursue the things that truly brought me joy.
It was during this time that Living from Your Heart was born. This blog is a space for sharing stories of self-discovery—heartfelt experiences that inspire others to live authentically and with purpose. While Pointers Global and I are known for our work in project management and disability inclusion, life isn’t just about work. It’s about living fully in every sphere of life.
This platform gives me and others a voice—an opportunity to be heard and seen. Living from Your Heart is about embracing who we truly are, creating a life that reflects our deepest values, and sharing our journeys to inspire others along the way.
Through this blog, we’re building a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of living with heart-centered intention. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a moment of reflection, Living from Your Heart welcomes you with open arms.
If your journey can inspire someone—especially if you are living boldly and unapologetically—we want to hear it.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
Self-acceptance and inner freedom are not destinations but ongoing journeys—ones that require courage, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to living authentically. Through pain, loss, and uncertainty, I discovered the profound strength that comes from choosing myself, embracing every part of who I am, and reclaiming my power. As I continue down this path, I invite you to do the same—to listen to your heart, shed the weight of expectations, and step fully into your truth. Living authentically is the greatest gift we can give ourselves, and in doing so, we create space for others to do the same.
May we all have the courage to live unapologetically, to embrace every part of our story, and to walk forward with the freedom that comes from being fully ourselves.