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www.i-am-magazine.comconstant recognition were my fuel for my entireacademic career, with the success of aBachelor's Degree in Marketing from IndianaUniversity. Yet, that accomplishment seemed tohave no merit when I was feeling like a failureevery day as a stay-at-home mom. Thephilosophy of self-sacrifice was incorrect andled to my own rock bottom experience with 3hospitalizations. I now remind myself that: I DONOT HAVE TO SET MYSELF ON FIRE TO KEEPOTHER PEOPLE WARM.ForgivenessI am forgiven, and I am not destined to liveforever with depression. I learned to let go ofthe guilt, shame, bitterness, and resentmentthat were attached to my journey withdepression. After my 3rd hospitalization withmental health, I realized that I was repeating apattern that would continue if I did not dosomething different. I could no longer blame mykids, husband, and circumstances for myjourney if I wanted anything to change. Theonly way to get my power back was to takeaccountability for my actions and change mymindset and behavior. I had no clue what mymindset was because for years I was peoplepleasing and not living for myself. I needed toget back to knowing who I was. That journeybegan with cutting off my hair, getting off socialmedia, refraining from watching the news, andtaking time to read, research, and write aboutwhatever I found interesting. I learned that themore I opened up to others, they did the samefor me. I created my signature 7-monthcoaching program in 2016, F.R.E.S.H Start,based on the lessons that I learned with myown healing journey. Those principles continueto help me maintain a life depression free.VulnerabilityI am transparent with my journey, and it hasopened up so many opportunities for me togrow personally and professionally.I am grateful to my first business coach, whohelped me create the brand, America%u2019sSupermom. I am still growing in this brandbecause it continues to expand beyond what Icould ever imagine. I have learned the hard waythat doing things ALONE leads to burnout,overwhelm, and stress. Therefore, I ampassionate about collaboration with all forms ofmedia: books, speaking, podcasts, andtelevision.The global pandemic catapulted me as a Voicefor Wellness. I used my story to teach othermoms and business owners how to navigate lifewhile maintaining their health. I conductedmasterclasses, joined Facebook groups, onlinenetwork communities, participated in summits,and started my own podcast.My focus remains on creating an impact in theworld, with the importance of teaching othershow to utilize and monetize their unique skillsto accomplish a fulfilled life. My network keptgrowing with my consistency, and I collaborated10