# 4 May 12, 2025: A Beacon of Hope

I tried to navigate as a shy girl and woman, who without a cause had no self-esteem. Because of a head injury I had to come to terms with a loss of identity, after taking decades to build one; thus, I discovered the part identity and self-worth play in life's unexpected storms and hardships.

Through stories and the inspiring words of others I learned to eventually make it through. Read examples of resilience, support, and mindset, and how they can allow the sun to shine again!

A teacher for decades, I see everything as a lesson to learn and I encourage everyone to be their best.

Follow me as I build these blogs into a beacon of hope and help especially for the lonely, sad, and those who struggle or feel alone in life.

A high school teacher I have a soft spot for the young; they are a part of my heart always and forever even as I encourage them to reach the potential I see within. I plan to feature them on this webpage and to celebrate their triumphs, talents, and achievements.

A simple soul, I have learned a great deal in six decades, sometimes the hard way, but I am willing to share if I can help even one. Grow with me on this new venture of discovery.

#self esteem, #confidence, #let them, #teacher, #student, #resilience, #inspiration, #shy

The Catalyst: On a hot, July 21 beach day, 1974 below my house, I witnessed the drowning of my baby brother, and vowed at that moment, as an idealistic, sixteen-year-old to make my life about helping others, lessening pain, for I felt alone with no one to turn to and grief struck me to the core.

I turned to books for I could not tell anyone why or how I was in pain. The stories of others, helped me through tremendous heartache and difficulties I had no control over. It was a terrible time of challenges but I and my siblings made it through and thrived until life’s storms crowded in again.

That definitive moment of excruciating loss, and grief led to family dysfunction and unsettling hard times. To keep my head in a good place it became imperative I find a healthy avenue to triumph and not escape or try to cope through risky behaviours. Peer pressure alive even back then. I wanted to be a leader and not a follower but that is difficult when you are groomed to be silent.

My heart goes out to anyone who suffers because of addiction. I would tell my students often when text lent its messages: No one says I want to be an alcoholic when I grow up or I want to be a drug, or gambling, or sex addict. It happens and it ruins lives, especially when secrecy grabs and squeezes and temps. Addicts and alcoholics destroy families and leave massive, lifelong scars. Another topics for down the road.

I gained tremendous empathy for others through my tough experiences, and learned valuable lessons. Now I want to share them, so you might have a place where you can go to find comfort when you feel overwhelmed.

Life is about becoming the best person you can be, using your talents and gifts, and sharing them through chosen professions, hobbies, and interests. I admire everyone who seeks for the goodness in others and whose only intent is to bring it out.

Don’t be afraid of the dark. “Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.”