In the intricate tapestry of life, some moments define us, shape our path, and lead us to our most authentic selves. My journey from chaos to feeling safe enough to embody my most authentic self has been a transformative odyssey. This voyage took me through the depths of self-discovery, self-care, and emotional healing. It is a narrative of stepping into my power, learning to value myself, and finding solace through the labyrinth of my inner world.

It's hard to pinpoint where I started to feel like I couldn't be myself. Through all my inner child work, I've untangled the shame of feeling different from everyone else and putting everyone else's needs above mine. In high school, the first glimmer of my transformative journey of seeking the truth of myself emerged. The pages of "The Secret" held the promise of possibilities, and as I whispered my desires aloud, I witnessed the universe conspiring in my favour. The allure of self-discovery continued to beckon as I delved into the profound teachings of the "Celestine Prophecy," a book that resonated deeply within me, planting the seed of understanding that our journey is a cosmic symphony of interconnectedness.

University brought both academic pursuits and personal struggles. I wandered through a period of numbing myself through binge eating and drinking. When I embarked on a calling to discover my roots by visiting my ancestral homeland in Palestine, I felt a sense of understanding of my origin and the intergenerational trauma that came with it. The sands of my ancestral roots whispered secrets of resilience. As I accepted an opportunity to do a research project in South Africa, I saw the vibrant landscapes that mirrored the depth of my inner landscape. This journey laid the foundation for the quest to lead me to self-discovery.

Meditation provided the stillness I had been yearning for, allowing me to peel back the layers of noise and reconnect with my essence.

Post-university life brought me back to Kitchener, where I engaged in post-graduate studies and worked at a gym. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I explored self-care through physical wellness. Regular workouts became a testament to my commitment to nurturing my physical body, and I witnessed a connection between my physical strength and emotional resilience. However, the shadows of emotional turmoil still lingered, manifesting in the choice of emotionally unavailable partners and feeling unfulfilled.

A pivotal moment arrived with completing my post-graduate studies, propelling me to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Here, amid the city's hustle, I embarked on a new chapter of my journey – the study of meditation. Meditation provided the stillness I had been yearning for, allowing me to peel back the layers of noise and reconnect with my essence. Daily practice granted me a newfound appreciation for the present moment and deepened my connection to self.

From the bustling streets of Bangkok, I ventured to the dazzling metropolis of Dubai. Yet, the glitz and glamour concealed a harrowing experience that shook me to my core – a traumatic encounter that fractured my being. Having my autonomy violated and left feeling powerless, I withdrew into the shadows, concealing the pain, and a cascade of panic attacks ensued as I refused to tell anyone and promised myself I would never even allow myself to think about it. My silence became a heavy burden, consuming me from within. This was a pivotal moment that changed the way I walked through the world. 

As the panic attacks tightened their grip, I decided to reclaim my power. Dissatisfied with the emotional dilemma of a toxic romantic relationship, I made the courageous choice to leave it all behind. Returning to the sanctuary of my parents' home in Kitchener, I embarked on a new healing phase.

My journey from chaos to healing is a testament to the transformative power of self-care and self-discovery.

It was during this period that the transformative power of self-care truly unfolded. Guided by the wisdom of Human Design, a roadmap to authenticity, I embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery. Starting with a commitment to clean skincare, I learned the importance of caring for myself. Inspired by my Grandma, who made beauty products from the fields of her farm in Palestine, I began to formulate face masks; it was not a coincidence that I was peeling back the layers of the masks I wore daily to pretend to be okay. Each layer I peeled back revealed a deeper understanding of my true self, a blueprint intricately woven into the fabric of the universe.

Through self-care rituals, meditation, and the illumination of Human Design, I confronted my past traumas, faced my fears, and embraced my authenticity. The chaos gradually gave way to a symphony of healing as I bridged the gap between nurturing my physical body and tending to the needs of my inner world, finally creating a safe space within me to face the truth of my whole self. It was a dance of self-love, a harmonious rhythm that resonated with the core of my being.

My journey from chaos to healing is a testament to the transformative power of self-care and self-discovery. It reminds us that our authentic selves remain a guiding light even in the darkest times. Through introspection, seeking help through therapy and loved ones, and the unwavering commitment to self-care, I emerged from despair, standing firmly in my power, ready to embrace the limitless potential ahead. Now, I am on a mission to help others discover their truth and full potential that lies on the other side of fear: fear of being disliked, rejection, and not being good enough. Letting the fear dissipate allows us to enjoy the magic of this beautiful gift of life.

I'm still on the continuous journey of discovering my magic through finding new modes of self-expression, whether through fashion or alchemizing my pain through laughter by doing stand-up comedy. Even in writing this, I am unlocking the shackles of shame by speaking my truth. Brene Brown says that the antidote to shame is speaking it out loud. "Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." Pouring love into ourselves is how we claim our sovereignty. Taking care of ourselves is the action we can take to raise our self-worth and live the life we deserve. And like every journey, standing in our truth and leaning into the magic around us begins with self-awareness. Permit yourself to be your own guiding light.