There isn’t a singular, definitive beginning—life is shaped by a cascade of events, many of which impact us long before we are born. So, what is one of my beginnings before beginning? 

I come from a family marked by the multigenerational trauma of war. My grandfather was Auschwitz concentration camp survivor, and my parents were born on the cusp of World War II. These factors —as I learned throughout my life—shaped my entire family system and, at first unconsciously, fueled my deep lifelong desire to help others. So, I began with myself, resiliently gathering different tools for self-development and healing. 

Even as a child, I was drawn to understand the mind and its capacity to growth. In primary school, I immersed myself in books about psychology, breathing techniques, and mind development strategies. In high school, I participated regularly in youth psychology workshops, learning techniques that enhanced self-awareness, well-being, and group dynamics. These early experiences nurtured a strong self-efficacy, and it wasn’t long before I found myself not only learning but also sharing what I’ve gathered with others. I became a first-generation college student, pursuing psychology while also exploring various training modalities like Gestalt, psychosomatic body work, and Zen meditation. 

At University, I thrived academically, maintaining a position in the top 10% of students and earning a scholarship for my achievements. I also was indorsed for PhD program. The motivation to obtain my PhD came also from another source. I was expecting my first child at the end of my third year of study, which quickened my maturation and motivated me to finish my MA in psychology a year early, driven by a desire to ensure financial stability for my son as a single mother. During and after my PhD, I stayed in academia teaching various psychology, education, and management courses. Along the way, I became a certified facilitator in Neuro-Linguistic Programing (NLP) and began consulting and training various organizations in human resources, business psychology, and soft skills. In a few short years, I found myself responsible for hundreds of people annually, a direct result of my ongoing personal development and expanding circle of influence. 

Alongside my professional life, just after my son was born, I discovered a deep admiration for the wise, peaceful, natural, and Earth-bound traditions of indigenous cultures. These cultures offered a profoundly practical view on human dignity and well-being, one that resonated deeply with me. I began studying with Dr. Harvey Silver Fox Mette, a Cherokee elder, therapist, and practitioner of body-mind integration. Over the next decade, I immersed myself in his teachings, assisted in his private practice, participated in community building, and co-created a healing center, which eventually became a non-profit organization. This journey took me to the United States for deeper cultural immersion, leading to my marriage to a partial-blood Native American and, ultimately, my relocation to the US.

Arriving in the US as a well-established individual, only to find myself suddenly feeling like nobody—poor, unemployed immigrant with a strong accent—was a humbling experience. My adjustment became even more difficult when my husband passed away from acute leukemia, leaving me with our 10-month-old daughter, three years later. It was an intense period of loss and transformation, but thanks to hard work, luck, and the kindness of those I encountered, I survived. 

Today, I continue my professional journey, teaching psychology and behavioral sciences at a college. Along the way, I also earned a degree in art, became certified in Dream Pattering Analysis (in the Jungian tradition), and acquired certification to facilitate the Feel Good Life (Stress Reset) Methodology. I am part of various circles dedicated to personal and spiritual growth and having service to others in the highest regard.  

This story is just one part of the complex tapestry that has woven together my life, both personally and professionally. It began with the lives and stories over a century before I came. This is a shared human experience—the traumas we inherit, the challenges we face, and the growth we cultivate are all interconnected. We never begin and end just within ourselves. So, I invite you to reflect on your own beginnings before the beginning. What has shaped your journey? What forces, seen and unseen, have influenced your path toward growth and healing? Share your thoughts, your experiences, and your insights in the comments below.

If you’re inspired to dive deeper, let's talk, so together we can uncover the unique path that leads to your own well-being and self-realization.