“The strong wind was blowing through my hair, and waves were crashing into the cliffs. The green grass and wildflowers were following the wind. The sun was shining, and I felt an immense wave of gratitude overwhelming me. I felt whole again. And I hadn't felt this whole again in a very long time.

It was such a powerful feeling. Tears pricked in my eyes, and I had to breathe deeply in and out. I felt butterflies in my stomach, my heart pumping, and a connection with my body that seemed lost.

It was 2018, and I was in Ireland on a solo trip. I had quit the job I hated, a job that pushed me into a depression. Today, I'm grateful for that miserable job. It made me a stronger woman and led me to where I am today.

Whenever I feel like losing connection with myself, I think of that moment. I close my eyes and imagine myself standing atop a giant cliff along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland.

It's a memory that is not fading. This memory pops up when I think of 'happiness'. It tells me the power of nature, the power of healing, and the power of putting yourself first. It reminds me how far I've come and how strong I am.”

~~~

Marie Vandoorne shares a powerful story of how testing times help us to look inward and discover who we truly are.

p.s. In true Marie fashion, we had to recreate the story with AI.