Carolyn Parker I began life in a precarious and shameful way. I was the unexpected daughter of an unmarried mother in the later 1950’s which led to me being forcibly adopted. I grew up as an only child, carrying the inner feeling that I wasn’t good enough and shouldn’t be here. Although I achieved academically, I spent much of my time and energy trying to please others to earn their love, friendship and acceptance. These shaky personal foundations plus my näivety resulted in me being an easy target for those seeking to use and abuse me later in life. To a casual observer my life was pretty normal. Working as a physiotherapist. Married with two children. Living in a detached...
Adi Bonder Today, I own a training studio and also provide cold exposure treatments using ice baths. If my old self were to meet me today, she would never believe that I'm still alive, let alone living in happiness and fulfillment. All my life I was involved in sports. I was a competitive gymnast in acrobatics for over a decade—an ambitious girl who never settled for less than perfect. I always felt the need to be in control of everything. During a complex emotional period as a teenager, I developed an eating disorder, anorexia, which accompanied me for eight years. My entire world revolved around weight and food; I wasn’t living, just surviving. I reached dangerous extremes that led to...
Nicole Prini My journey of healing myself from limiting beliefs caused from past traumas, such as sexual abuse and bullying, towards self-love hasn't been easy. However, I have learnt to embrace my past with gratitude and it has led me to who I am today. It has also led me to coaching other women to find their inner glow and accept themselves wholly and authentically. As a coach precisely guiding women to self-love with a more holistic approach, based on the integration of emotions, mind and energy, I feel that finding self-love and confidence is such a process of self-discovery. And it takes focusing on small consistent actions in showing up for yourself. It takes intentionally scheduling time to sit...
Sophie Mark At 14, I was consumed by insecurity. I hated my body, my face, and even my smile. Every glance felt like judgment, and I was convinced that people were talking badly about me behind my back. Their opinions became my reality, and it wasn’t long before I found myself sinking into a deep well of depression and sadness. To hide my perceived flaws, I would tie jackets around my waist, hoping to cover up what I saw as imperfections. The shame was unbearable, and I often spoke harshly to myself, reinforcing the negativity I felt inside. My depression only worsened as I struggled silently. I couldn’t bring myself to confide in my mom, who I felt was everything...
Valerie Gorlov It happened on the balcony. I looked down and said to myself, "Do it, end this story already if it’s so bad for you..." An endless struggle with low self-esteem, heartache, I hated my body, I hated my mind, I hated my voice, I just hated everything! And the pain wouldn’t stop, a black hole in the middle of my chest that refused to close. That balcony on the 21st floor was my turning point. "See, you don’t have the courage to do it, so stop feeling sorry for yourself, take back control of your life, and start loving what you see in the mirror." That’s where the real process began. I went to one retreat and then...
