For years, I juggled the rigors of a high-powered marketing executive with the responsibilities of a dutiful mother. However, the journey was far from easy. During this time, I was becoming increasingly stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Entrapped in the never-ending desire of achievement, I voluntarily engaged in life's never-ending rat race. Regardless of all I had accomplished, an unquenchable want for more gnawed at me. My goal was unrealistic excellence, and I would do anything to get it--or so I thought.

I did my best to keep up until my priorities shifted dramatically. The year 2020 was a significant turning point in my life, as life-altering events sent me spiraling into a deep depression. My father-in-law succumbed to his health battle, and then, six months later, my own father very unexpectedly gained his wings.

My father was my moral compass, my true north guiding me through the maze of humanity. His death broke me, forcing me to recreate a fractured reality with hazy clarity. My priorities continued to destabilize when COVID-19 struck, leaving me reliant on oxygen for weeks and with extreme after-effects.

I felt extremely betrayed by the world I had come to know, on so many levels. Yet, through this trial, my saving grace was the privilege of caring for my mother-- my namesake.  In my father's physical absence, she had become my beacon. Her wisdom, guidance, and prayers served as my navigation system through this raging tempest. Her love transformed everything. So did the unwavering support of my dear husband of 27 years, Darrel. Just like my mother, my high school sweetheart blessed me with the precious gift of unconditional love. My gratitude towards him knows no bounds, as well as for our adult sons, Kyle and Kory, and our daughter, Sonia Kennedy, a college freshman.

My family realigned me with my authentic purpose. They illuminated the fact that despite my external achievements, a profound sense of fulfillment eluded me.

Inward reflection was essential. In retrospect, it became evident that my personal limitations were the chains that held me captive. My fervent desire to break free from self-sabotage proved more intricate than words alone could convey. A transformative inner journey awaited me. Amidst this introspection, I was reminded that it is in the quiet crucible of our personal and private sufferings that our noblest dreams are born, and God’s greatest gifts are bestowed as recompense for the tribulations we’ve endured.

Today, I acknowledge that my passion could not have been ignited without enduring my personal crucible. Embracing this newfound insight, I proudly stand here self-aware and resolute in my divine purpose as a servant leader. Through my brand Discovering Eden I will use my personal experiences, revelations, and testimony to help others discover their personal Eden. A place where abundance, fulfillment, stability, and peace reside.