At 33, things I admit I once thought were failures… Now I see them as the richest parts of my life
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At 33, I’ve realized something profound: the moments I once labeled as failures — heartbreaks, career setbacks, doubts, and missteps — are actually the richest parts of my life. Every challenge, every disappointment, every painful lesson shaped me into who I am today.
When Relationships Mirror Our Inner Wounds
I was shocked when I realized I had been cheated on and betrayed — not just because of the other person, but because of my own beliefs about love and marriage.
Deep down, I had carried a subconscious expectation that I wouldn’t be truly valued, that love would always come with pain. My past experiences, my upbringing, even my parents’ marriage had shaped this belief.
“My subconscious mind had actually guided me to choose someone who would confirm my fears.”
Relationships are mirrors. They show us where our wounds lie. Healing begins by seeing these patterns. I explored how childhood experiences, interactions with caregivers, and attachment patterns shaped the way I approached love. Slowly, I rebuilt my self-worth and learned to approach relationships with awareness, not fear.
Coaching others reinforced this truth: people often repeat the hurt they’ve experienced. Subtle self-sabotaging thoughts, insecurities, and fears almost always trace back to past wounds. In my book, I share real examples — like my friend Yolanda and her ex-boyfriend Noah — to illustrate how our past shapes our present love lives.
Lessons from Workplace Pain
I became the youngest director in a company with a 0.3 billion dollar revenue — a milestone I should have been proud of. And yet, I felt exhausted.
The truth? I was constantly trying to prove my worth. Every late night, every extra effort, every striving for recognition was tied to a belief that I wasn’t good enough.
“Self-proving isn’t inherently bad — it made me grow faster than many peers and sharpen my skills. But when fueled by unhealed wounds, it becomes exhausting rather than empowering.”
My negative relationship experiences had reinforced this pattern. The inner voice whispering “You’re not enough” echoed in every professional interaction.
Understanding this connection between self-belief, relationships, and work transformed me. I began seeing professional achievements not just as milestones, but as mirrors reflecting my inner growth.
In Healing from Within, I share insights into how unhealed emotional wounds show up in work life — and how to break these cycles.
Building a Business and Learning Real Growth
Starting my own brand consulting business was one of the most challenging decisions of my life. The exhaustion, client demands, and comparison to my corporate salary made me feel unworthy. At one point, I even saw pausing the business as a failure.
“Every challenge — difficult clients, failed pitches, long days — became a classroom. Each struggle and small victory helped me grow as an entrepreneur and as a person.”
This journey taught me lessons no corporate job could. Strategy, personal branding, independence, resilience — everything I learned became invaluable. And now, I share these insights in my book, offering guidance and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Doubt as a Catalyst for Purpose
There were years when I questioned everything: my choices, my career, my relationships, even the purpose of life.
“Those doubts didn’t paralyze me — they became the spark that led me to explore bigger questions about life and faith.”
Embracing Islam transformed the way I saw myself, my relationships, and my direction in life. My doubts guided me toward clarity, healing, and connection, revealing a path to self-worth and authenticity.
Reflection
The things we dislike, regret, or feel ashamed of may actually be the experiences shaping us into someone wiser. Pain isn’t punishment — it’s a teacher. Regret isn’t failure — it’s a lesson.
I poured my experiences and insights from relationships, work, entrepreneurship, and faith into my book, Healing from Within.
✨ If you’re ready to explore your growth, heal old wounds, and reclaim your worth, click here to start your journey.