My lack of foundation caused me to lose everything that mattered. The financial devastation was nothing compared to the emotional devastation. The guilt and shame were crushing. However, I had two children who needed me and knew I had to pull it together. Brick by brick. It was a slow, lonely, and painful process, but it was well worth it. Looking back, I see that I lacked any foundation. A void in direction shaped every choice I made. I wasn’t just stuck, I was walking straight into a life that was bound to collapse. I falsely believed the rest of my life was doomed, but I was wrong. The only way forward was to tear it all down and rebuild from the ground up with intention. It wasn’t a straight path, but I stayed committed. First for my children, then for all of us, and eventually for me. The version of me back then couldn’t have imagined the woman I’ve become. But now, I look back with deep admiration and respect. That version of me—the one who kept going despite it all—did the heavy lifting. Her strength and determination are why I’m here doing the work I love. I owe her everything.