From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding: My Journey to Healing and Helping Others

There was a time when I thought I’d never feel whole again. The life I had carefully built crumbled around me, leaving me to pick up the pieces alone. I was heartbroken, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future.

When my marriage ended, it wasn’t just the loss of a relationship - it was the loss of the life I had envisioned. I suddenly found myself a single mother, juggling the weight of heartbreak, financial uncertainty, and the deep fear of what would come next. Some days, survival felt like the only goal. But in that darkness, I found something unexpected - a strength I never knew I had.

At first, I didn’t know where to begin. I was exhausted - physically, mentally, and emotionally. But slowly, step by step, I started to find my way forward. I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Seeking support - whether through counselling, journaling, or simply allowing myself to grieve - became my first act of strength. I had to relearn how to trust myself, to listen to my own needs, and to believe that I was worthy of a better life. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I felt like I was barely holding it together. But with time, I started to see glimpses of hope.

As a mother, my biggest priority was ensuring my child felt safe and secure, even when everything else was uncertain. I built new routines and small anchors that gave us both a sense of normalcy. I found ways to create joy in the little moments - reading together at bedtime, having movie and pizza night on the sofa on a Friday, and reminding him (and myself) that love and laughter could still exist in our home.

Regaining my independence was another mountain to climb. I had to find a way to stand on my own two feet, to make decisions for my future without fear. I returned to work, managing the demands of single parenthood while learning how to navigate my finances independently. Each paycheck, each bill paid, and each small financial goal achieved was a victory - proof that I was capable of building a life on my own terms.

As I worked through my own healing, I felt a deep pull toward something greater. I realised that everything I had been through -every hardship, every heartbreak - had given me a profound understanding of resilience, healing, and the human spirit. That realisation led me to pursue a Counselling career, a step that felt both terrifying and exhilarating. There were moments of self-doubt, but I reminded myself that if I could survive everything I had been through, I could do this too.

For the first time in a long time, I started prioritising myself - not just as a mother or a professional, but as a woman who deserved care and compassion. I set boundaries, learned to say no without guilt, and discovered small self-care rituals that helped me manage stress. Dealing with an autoimmune condition meant I had to listen to my body, to rest when needed, and to give myself grace on the hard days.

Somewhere along the way, my healing transformed into something bigger. I no longer just wanted to rebuild my life - I wanted to help others rebuild theirs. That’s how Lotus Life Counselling was born. The lotus flower, rising from the mud, symbolised everything I had experienced and everything I wanted to offer to others: hope, resilience, and the belief that even after the darkest storms, life can bloom again.

Today, as I sit with clients who are navigating their own heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty, I see pieces of my past in their stories. And I remind them of what I now know to be true - healing is possible. No matter how broken you feel right now, you can rebuild. Step by step, moment by moment, you will find your way forward.

If you’re in the middle of your own storm, I want you to know this: you are not alone. I know how it feels to be at rock bottom, to question whether life will ever feel stable or joyful again. But I also know that healing is possible. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with time, support, and small steps forward, you can create a life that feels safe, hopeful, and even joyful again.

If my story resonates with you, and you’re ready to take the first steps toward healing, I’m here to walk alongside you. 💜

Jess - Lotus Life Counselling - Contact me