risewithvien

A Quiet Becoming: Courage to Walk into the Unknown

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:41:05 GMT

For women standing between who they were and who they are becoming.

A reflection on identity, loss, and the quiet courage it takes to face uncertainty, to trust yourself and trust life when the path ahead is still unfolding.

I sat on a rocky stretch of beach in Nice. The wind tugged at my coat. Waves crashed quietly at my feet. I felt the strange weight of not knowing who I was anymore.

The life I had built was suddenly behind me. The work I had poured myself into. The home and family I loved. The public recognition I carried.

And ahead? Only uncertainty.

Recognizing the End of an Old Identity

There are moments in a woman’s life when the identity that once defined her no longer fits. Not because it lost its purpose. But because it has completed its work.

For many years, I was known publicly as a woman working in anti-corruption. I stood in formal rooms with ambassadors and decision-makers, carrying responsibility, authority, and visibility. I gave media interviews, represented my organization at international events, and spoke on panels where important decisions were being shaped.

From the outside, the narrative was clear. The role made sense. The work mattered.

Facing the Unknown Within

The sudden move from Vietnam to France was deeply painful and disorienting. What made it so destabilizing was not the loss of status. It was the cascading losses of national impact, my homeland, the work I had devoted myself to, and the passing of my mother.

I found myself in uncharted inner terrain. I no longer recognized who I was becoming.

Even with the support of a therapist, I felt something deeply buried inside remained untouched. I could not describe my emotions. I only knew I felt stuck and unsure where life was leading me.

For years, I had defined myself through my home, my family, and my work as a leader in the anti-corruption field in Vietnam. Suddenly, I had none of that as reference.

Who was I now? What was I going to do? What was my purpose?

I remember sitting by the sea in Nice, my heart heavy. I sensed a quiet call I could not yet name. It was not a call the world could see. It was an invitation to embrace the full range of emotions I was experiencing. To trust myself. To trust life. To allow a new identity to quietly emerge, even during turbulence.

The Strength to Stay Present

This in-between space can feel confusing and lonely. It requires more than confidence.

It requires courage- the courage to be uncomfortable. To feel fear and uncertainty. To stay present without clarity. To trust your inner knowing when external validation falls silent.

It also requires patience and gentleness, as the old identity slowly dissolves and a new one begins to form.

This was not a reinvention for the world to applaud. It was an inner shift. A re-authoring of who I am, why I am here, and what is now possible for me.

What emerged over time was quieter. Deeper. More aligned with my inner truth.

Remembering Who I Am

Through that dissolution, I discovered a deeper truth: who you are never disappears- what you do can change.

The change-maker I was in Vietnam didn’t vanish. The woman who sat with ambassadors, contributing to national and international conversations, still exists. Her expression simply evolved — from anti-corruption reform to supporting women creating change in their own lives.

My essence remained: courage to face challenge, presence to hold transformation, commitment to what matters. The form shifted to meet the quiet call I first heard by Nice waves.

This remembering became my bridge- not rejection of my past, but its continuation. The woman I always was, now creating through intimate conversations rather than formal podiums.

That's when I understood what changed everything: Creating a new identity isn't becoming someone else. It's remembering who you are . Beneath roles, titles, geography, an essence remains steady. Transition doesn't erase it-it reveals it.

Finding Power in Lived Experience

Today, my work unfolds in intimate spaces. One-to-one conversations. Women’s circles. Mentoring relationships.

Here, presence matters more than recognition or approval.

The authority I carry now does not come from titles. It comes from lived transformation.

In guiding other women through their own transitions, I have learned that the courage to embrace the unknown is often the most powerful teacher.

In my experience, this courage means allowing yourself to be present. Letting the situation unfold. Remaining open and curious about what wants to emerge.

When the path ahead is unclear, trust that life will guide you. The woman you are becoming is already unfolding within you.

An Invitation to Your Becoming

If you find yourself standing at the edge of the unknown, between who you were and who you are becoming, know this space is not a failure of direction.

It is not a void. It is an initiation.

Creating a new identity isn’t becoming someone else. It is remembering who you are.

Stay. Listen. Trust.

The woman emerging already knows the way.

Remembering Your Essence

• What dream or desire from long ago still whispers within you, waiting for the right expression?
• What part of who you have always been wants to take the stage now, free from old forms?

If this resonates, I invite you to connect with me here in Nice. You don’t have to walk your becoming alone. I hold spaces for women navigating transitions like these. You are welcome.

Homecoming

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:47:14 GMT

One day, while scrolling social media, I unexpectedly returned to Taoism. It felt like chance.

Four years ago, arriving in France after suddenly fleeing Vietnam, Taoism quietly entered my life. My beloved aunt introduced it gently. Too shaken to grasp it fully, I only knew it helped me breathe, slow down, and stay afloat amid chaos.

This time, curiosity lingered. I paused. I clicked. Each step led from Taoist philosophy to Tai Chi, and finally to Wudang Mountain, China's most sacred Taoist site and Tai Chi's birthplace.

First Encounter with Taoism

Taoism arrived at my lowest point. That cold French winter, I'd left Vietnam with just a 23kg suitcase after a dear friend's arrest for environmental activism. Losses, grief, and uncertainty weighed heavy, unnamed.

What touched me wasn't philosophy, but Taoism's simple truth: light and darkness belong together. Joy and sadness. Yin and Yang. Nothing exists alone, nothing lasts forever. My sadness became something passing through, not to escape.

Inspired, I wrote in my diary:

There is a time for everything in life
Time to lead, time to be behind;
Time to work, time to rest;
Time to laugh, time to cry.

Somehow, that was enough.

Lesson: There is a season for everything.

From Curiosity to the Body

Now, I listened. One click led to Tai Chi. Slow, tentative movements awakened something deep, not excitement, but quiet joy rising from the body. Breath softened. Rhythm emerged. Less learning, more remembering.

Lesson: The body remembers what the mind cannot grasp .

The Mountain Appears

Wudang Mountain images surfaced, unfamiliar yet deeply familiar. Born in the far north mountains of Vietnam, my inner child knows this landscape: altitude, spaciousness, natural rhythm.

Mist on ancient paths, wind through pines, unhurried life . It called me. Not to travel, but to listen within.

Lesson: Some places call us to awaken what's already inside.

My Mother and Tai Chi

Mother (in the middle of the photo) practiced Tai Chi daily, her rhythm, her grounding. Her memory lingers, though I couldn't return for her farewell.

Now, each mindful movement bridges us. Breath and motion honor her rhythm within mine, a subtle offering.

Lesson: Presence connects us to those we love, even in absence.

Becoming the Mountain

Tai Chi answered the mountain's call. Arms flowed like branches, legs rooted like trees, breath rose like mist. No need to travel thousands of kilometers. I carried its energy in motion and stillness.

The distant mountain became my internal presence.

Lesson: External energy cultivates internally.

Homecoming: The Inner Mountain

While meditating, a magnificent mountain arose, rooted, calm.

I welcomed it inside.

I became the mountain.

I am the mountain.

Homecoming isn't arriving somewhere. It's returning to inner steadiness: body, breath, being. Here, Mother and I coexist, not just memory, but movement.

Lesson: Home is the rhythm we carry inside.

An Invitation

Perhaps this is what Wudang Mountain offers. A gentle reminder that steadiness and joy can be cultivated even in turbulence. Honoring those we love and moments we've lost happens in the simple act of breathing, moving, and being present.

The mountain, Taoism, and Tai Chi are not distant treasures. They awaken what is already within.

This is the kind of homecoming I hold space for women, gently, in rhythm, at their own pace.

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**Note**: Wudang Mountain images sourced from the internet

Hành Trình Trở Về

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:38:26 GMT

Một ngày nọ, tôi tình cờ gặp lại Đạo giáo qua newsfeed Facebook.

Tôi đã sống ở Pháp tròn 4 năm. Bốn năm trước, khi đặt chân đến đây sau biến cố đột ngột phải rời Việt Nam, Đạo giáo lặng lẽ bước vào đời tôi. Chính người dì thân yêu của tôi đã nhẹ nhàng giới thiệu tôi với Đạo giáo. Lúc ấy, tôi còn quá bàng hoàng để hiểu thấu. Tôi chỉ biết nó giúp tôi hít thở, sống chậm lại, và dần dần học cách đứng dậy giữa giông bão của cuộc đời.

Lần này, newsfeed khơi dậy sự tò mò. Tôi dừng lại, nhấp chuột. Và từng bước nhẹ nhàng, từ Đạo giáo dẫn tôi đến Thái cực quyền, rồi tới ngọn núi Võ Đang Sơn — cái nôi thiêng liêng của Đạo giáo và Thái cực quyền ở Trung Quốc.

Lần gặp đầu với Đạo giáo

Đạo giáo đến lặng lẽ, đúng lúc tôi chạm đáy. Mùa đông Pháp năm í lạnh giá, tôi vừa rời quê hương chỉ với chiếc vali 23kg, bỏ lại phía sau mọi thứ… ngay sau vụ bắt giữ người bạn quý vì bảo vệ môi trường. Nỗi đau chưa được gọi tên, chỉ có sự sốc, rồi bàng hoàng và tê tái.

Một chân lý đơn giản của Đạo giáo đã chạm đến tôi: ánh sáng và bóng tối luôn song hành, như niềm vui và nỗi buồn, như âm và dương. Không gì tồn tại độc lập và không có gì là mãi mãi. Nỗi đau không còn là thứ tôi phải chạy trốn. Nó đến, để rồi tôi ôm ấp, chấp nhận cho nó ở lại, và chờ cho nó đi qua.

Lâu lắm rồi tôi mới thấy lòng mình nhẹ nhõm lạ lùng- như được giải thoát. Tôi nhớ mình đã viết trong nhật ký những dòng rất ngắn:

Mọi thứ trên đời đều có thời
Thời làm lãnh đạo, thời lùi lại theo sau;
Thời làm việc, thời nghỉ ngơi;
Thời cười, thời khóc.

Thế là đủ.

Bài học giờ tôi thấm sâu: Mọi thứ đều có mùa riêng, đến rồi đi, đều có thời của nó.

Từ tò mò đến chuyển động cơ thể

Cú click nhấn chuột dẫn đến Thái cực quyền. Lần này, tôi không tìm sự tĩnh lặng. Tôi chỉ lắng nghe. Rồi tôi làm theo… cơ thể bắt đầu chuyển động từ từ, chậm rãi, ban đầu còn hơi ngập ngừng.

Rồi niềm vui sâu lắng chầm chậm dâng lên từ cơ thể. Không phải hưng phấn, mà âm thầm, dịu dàng. Hơi thở mềm mại, động tác tự tìm nhịp riêng. Cơ thể như tự nhớ lại những gì đã từng biết. Một dòng chảy nhẹ nhàng hình thành bên trong.

Phải chăng cơ thể đôi khi đã nhớ những gì tâm trí chưa kịp nắm bắt?

Ngọn núi hiện ra

Theo mạch cảm xúc, hình ảnh Võ Đang Sơn hiện lên — xa lạ mà quen thuộc vô cùng. Bình yên, vững chãi, mang một sức mạnh linh thiêng và lặng thầm.

Tôi sinh ra ở miền núi phía Bắc xa xôi. Tuổi thơ được nuôi dưỡng giữa non nước hùng vĩ. Đó là “ngôi nhà” của đứa trẻ trong tôi.

Tôi bị hút về phía ngọn núi ấy, tưởng tượng sương quấn quanh những bậc đá cổ, gió lướt qua rừng thông, nhịp sống chậm rãi nhưng đầy sinh khí.

Mẹ tôi và Thái cực quyền

Một ký ức khác lại ùa về. Khi còn sống, mẹ tôi (ở giữa ảnh) thường tập dưỡng sinh Thái cực quyền mỗi sáng. Đó là nhịp điệu, là điểm tựa của bà kể từ khi cha tôi qua đời.

Mẹ mất chỉ vài tháng sau khi tôi sang Pháp. Tôi không thể quay về để gặp mẹ lần cuối. Nhưng hình ảnh mẹ tập Thái cực quyền vẫn hiện lên rất rõ. Những chuyển động chậm rãi hôm nay xoa dịu tôi. Thái cực quyền trở thành cây cầu - nối nhịp mẹ, tìm nhịp mình.

Mỗi hơi thở là một cử chỉ tinh tế, tiếp nối Mẹ trong tôi.

Thái cực quyền trở thành câu trả lời

Ngắm Võ Đang Sơn khiến tôi mê mẩn, chỉ muốn đến đó ngay. Nhưng Thái cực quyền trở thành câu trả lời. Trong những chuyển động chậm rãi và có ý thức, sự vững chãi của núi non dần thấm vào tôi. Tay mềm như cành gió, chân rễ chắc như cổ thụ, hơi thở như sương mai.

Không cần vượt ngàn cây số- năng lượng ấy đã ở trong tôi, giữa động và tĩnh. Xa mà gần.

Quay về bên trong: Núi Võ Đăng trong tôi

Gần đây trong lúc thiền, hình ảnh Võ Đang Sơn hiện lên rõ nét. Sừng sững, vững chãi. Quan sát nó, lòng tôi trở nên thanh thản, yên bình. Và rồi, tôi đưa núi vào trong thân thể mình.

Tự nhiên, tôi trở thành núi.

Ôi, tôi là núi.

Lúc đó, hành trình trở về không còn là đến một nơi chốn là Núi Võ Đăng, mà là quay về những gì vốn đang vững vàng bên trong: thân, hơi thở, nhịp sống lặng lẽ. Mẹ và tôi cùng hiện diện- trong chuyển động và tĩnh lặng.

Núi không còn xa xôi nữa; tôi mang núi trong mình. Núi là tôi, và tôi là núi.

Thay lời kết

Có lẽ đây là món quà mà núi Võ Đang Sơn trao tặng: sự vững chãi và niềm vui được nuôi dưỡng giữa bão giông; khả năng nhớ thương và chữa lành qua hơi thở, chuyển động và sự hiện diện một cách trọn vẹn.

Đạo giáo và Thái cực quyền không còn là điều gì xa vời. Chúng đánh thức những gì vốn đã có sẵn trong ta.

Các bạn ạ, đây là hành trình trở về của tôi- và tôi muốn chia sẻ nó với những người phụ nữ đang tìm lại nhịp sống của mình. Hãy trở về nhé, nhẹ nhàng thôi, theo nhịp của riêng mình.

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Ghi chú: Hình ảnh Võ Đang Sơn được sưu tầm từ các nguồn tư liệu công khai; ảnh mẹ tập Thái Cực Quyền là tư liệu gia đình.

Choosing Joy

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:32:28 GMT

Finding resilience, meaning, and connection in times of change

True joy does not depend on the weather outside. It has more to do with the climate within, and it is something we can all cultivate.

Joy as a daily practice

In some of the darkest moments of my life, during my transition from Vietnam to France, I discovered that consciously focusing on joy, even in the smallest ways, gave me the strength to keep going. Grief, fear, and uncertainty were present. Yet choosing joy became an act of defiance, hope, and self-restoration.

Today, I return to joy as both a practice and a source of power. I gently invite the women I work with, especially those navigating leadership, transition, or healing journeys, to do the same.

Joy, the climate within

I live in Nice on the French Riviera, a place bathed in sun, sea, mountains, and art. External pleasures are everywhere.

What I have come to learn, and what I quietly encourage in my work, is this: true joy does not depend on the weather outside. It is about the climate within.

This is a kind of joy rooted in meaning and growth, not just fleeting pleasure. Even when life brings challenges or difficult emotions, this deeper joy, sometimes called eudaimonic happiness, allows us to accept, learn, and continue to flourish.

Research on eudaimonic wellbeing links this form of joy with better mental health, greater resilience, and a stronger sense of direction in life.

Weaving joy into everyday life

Cultivating joy is not only about doing joyful things. It is also about creating space for joy to emerge in daily life.

Sometimes joy begins with small acts of kindness, toward myself or others. A warm word, a thoughtful message, a moment of genuine presence.

Even on grey days, I find joy in lighting a candle, playing a favourite song, or pausing to watch the sky change over the sea. At other times, joy finds me while walking slowly along a hillside path, breathing in the scent of rosemary, letting the Mediterranean breeze meet me where I am- wandering, noticing, and allowing myself to be present.

I’ve written before about walking, wandering, and listening to what life reveals when we slow down — a reflection that many women resonated with in The Happy Wanderer.

When life feels heavy, I often choose to walk up to the Colline du Château in Nice. There, overlooking the sea, I roll out my yoga mat and let my body move, stretch, and breathe.

Joy as leadership

In my recent retreat and coaching spaces, I invite women to explore what lights them up and how that radiance supports both their work and their wellbeing. When women feel safe enough to open, share, and be held, joy naturally becomes a collective experience.

When joy is shared

When joy is shared, this reflection gently found its way into a small circle of women I recently gathered in my home in Nice.

Practising yoga above the Mediterranean, with the wind, the horizon, and the changing light, reminds me that joy can be physical, grounded, and quietly powerful. It lives not only in reflection but also in the body. In those moments, joy

becomes a form of self-care, resilience, and a gentle return to myself.

Noticing, instead of rushing, is also joy.

What began as words on a page became a shared pause—filled with drawing, stories, laughter, and gentle presence. In that intimate space, joy was not something to achieve or perform. It emerged naturally through connection and creativity.

Sometimes joy does not need to be explained. It simply asks to be remembered and experienced together.

This is how “ Joy with Viễn in Nice – A Women’s Creative Pause” was born: as a living experiment in shared joy for women navigating change. Life can feel uncertain and full of ups and downs, but we don’t need to go through it alone.

What research is saying about joy

Joy is more than a fleeting emotion. Research increasingly shows that joy, especially when rooted in meaning, connection, and kindness, is a powerful inner resource.

Studies on eudaimonic wellbeing link this kind of joy with greater creativity, stronger relationships, improved long-term health, and increased resilience at work and in life.

The World Happiness Report 2025 adds an important insight: caring, sharing, and everyday acts of kindness are among the strongest contributors to wellbeing for both the giver and the receiver. Trusting relationships, social support, and simple shared moments matter more than income or status alone.

Joy, in other words, is not a personal indulgence. It is a practical and transformative force that supports resilience, leadership, and a sense of fulfilment.

Choosing joy strengthens mind, body, and spirit, helping us navigate change with more clarity and compassion.

A gentle invitation:

Take a moment to reflect:
- What brings you quiet joy these days?

- How might you cultivate inner joy, not only external pleasures in 2026 and beyond?

- How could you lead your life with joy, rather than waiting for it to arrive?

Joy is radical. It is not fluff. It is fuel. It is self-leadership — leadership from within.

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References (for those curious):

World Happiness Report 2025 (2025). World Happiness Report.
Can Little Steps Lead to Big Joy? (2023). Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley.
The Science of Joy. Mission: JOY .

Starting Over Retreat- with Creativity, Connection, and Joy

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:00:55 GMT

Together, we’re creating spaces where women remember their own joy and strength, and step confidently into what comes next!

“ What a magical day ,” one participant beautifully said.

As the Starting Over Retreat approached, we felt that quiet hum of anticipation, the sense that something meaningful was ready to unfold.

And it did. The day opened with laughter, reflection, and the shared joy of beginning again.

How the Retreat Began

Carine and I met earlier this year at a Professional Women’s Network of the French Riviera (PWN) event. We immediately connected through our shared passion for women’s leadership.

A week later, she attended a talk I gave about leaving my home country for safety and rebuilding my life in Nice. Inspired, we began envisioning something purposeful we could create together — and the idea of a retreat took shape.

The Meaning of “Starting Over”

Of all the themes we considered, Starting Over felt most essential. Each woman carries a part of her life that calls for renewal.

For me, this theme is deeply personal. After more than twenty years in leadership — including founding a non-profit in Vietnam — I experienced profound loss: my organization, my home country, and my mother.
Moving to France meant beginning again completely — rediscovering who I truly was and what mattered most. Through this journey, I discovered that even the hardest transitions and moments of vulnerability could open doors to clarity, strength, and renewal, if approached with courage and curiosity.

Creating a Gentle, Nourishing Experience

From idea to retreat, the process was deeply collaborative. We reflected on the women we hope to serve: those navigating change and seeking renewal and connection with themselves.

When we discovered Casa des Madeleines, we knew we had found the right place. Simple, elegant, and deeply rooted in nature. The story of Isabelle, who moved from Paris 23 years ago with her four children to shape this land herself, added another layer of inspiration.

When the day finally arrived, the anxieties of the days before gently melted away. The retreat unfolded just as we had envisioned — soulful, restorative, and filled with genuine connection.

A Day of Connection and Reflection

Our small circle of ten women each carried her own story: one about to start a new job in another country, another navigating changes in a long-term relationship, and others settling into life across the French Riviera. Each brought her unique experience, hope, and curiosity.

The day moved with quiet rhythm — moments of stillness, creativity, and reflection:

Meditation – We began by centering ourselves, allowing calm and clarity to take root.

Creative Reflection – A playful, heart-opening exercise helped each woman reconnect with lightness and joy, rediscovering her inner resources.

Visioning the Future – Guided exercise helped participants craft a sensory vision of their future self, grounded in inner truth and desire.

“ If I were to tell other women about the retreat, I would say it’s a great way to reconnect with yourself — your inner vision. ”- one participant shared!

Storytelling & Empowerment – Through the River of Life exercise, each woman traced her life’s flow — moments of calm, waves of change, and quiet strength beneath. In small groups, we witnessed and celebrated each other’s courage.

Movement & Nature Pause – Gentle stretches and time outdoors reconnected us to the land — the crisp autumn air, birdsong, and stillness.

Nourishing Meals – Farm-to-table dishes offered unhurried moments to savor, share, and laugh together on a sunlit terrace.

Throughout the day, conversation and quiet honesty wove a space of belonging — a reminder that being seen and supported is its own source of empowerment.

What Participants Shared

“ Before, I never thought this kind of space was for me. But after today, I realized that I am not alone!” a participant shared

“ I could not have imagined such a poetic place — zero urban nuisance, a green paradise of suspended time, yet so close to the excitement of the Riviera capital. It offered me a peaceful space, perfectly suited to the exercises guided by Vien, helping me connect with the future self I am seeking and that challenges me.

From the first exercise that brought back joy in me and set the tone for the day, to the final reflection on my life’s path, every moment was filled with lightness and introspection. Thank you for these warm, meaningful experiences . ” — Addie

“ Thank you for a magical day. Thank you for the positive energy you have given me in such a magical and unforgettable landscape . " — Annie

“ What really worked for me were the River of Life and T-shirt exercises. They invited me to open up and be vulnerable — and to feel that vulnerability held by someone else. Seeing others’ struggles, feeling supported and understood, was very moving ." — Emine

R eflections and Looking Ahead

This first retreat affirmed how powerful it can be to pause and reconnect with our inner self and with others in community. With confidence in what we’ve created and a spirit of curiosity, we’re already shaping the next gatherings — each one an invitation to renew, reflect, and celebrate new beginnings.

If you feel drawn to explore your next chapter — or simply to gather fresh energy and a renewed sense of self among supportive women — stay tuned for upcoming retreats or reach out to join our growing community: contact@risewithvien.com

Together, we’re creating spaces where women remember their own joy and strength and step confidently into what comes next!

Isabella’s Journey of Courage and New Beginnings

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:10:46 GMT

“ Believe in yourself. Never use the word ‘but.’ Approach each day with wonder, like a child. And with gratitude. ”

-Isabella Sallusti

In a world swirling with uncertainty and rapid change, stories of grounded creativity and courageous new beginnings shine like beacons of hope.

Imagine leaving behind the noise and rush of city life to create something deeply meaningful — a sanctuary not only rooted in the earth but blossoming in the hearts of people far beyond its hills.

This is the story of Isabella, a French woman whose leap of faith transformed a wild hillside into Casa des Madeleines — a thriving eco-retreat and learning farm that now welcomes and inspires visitors from near and far.

Hugging the rolling slopes of Saint-Jeannet near Nice, Casa des Madeleines invites guests to discover nature’s rhythms, taste fresh harvests, and join hands-on workshops — from seasonal cooking and gluten-free baking to fermentation and vegan pastries — each rooted in the joy of slowing down, reconnecting, and savoring the gifts of the earth.

A Warm Welcome

On a hot summer morning last week, my friend Carine and I were welcomed into Isabella’s home with the kind of warmth that makes you feel instantly at peace- a moment you can see in the photo, with Isabelle standing at the center.

The Call to Begin Anew

A mother of four and a former interior design journalist, Isabella once lived a fast-paced life in Paris, filled with deadlines, the demands of city living, and raising her children. But it was a small, tender moment that shifted everything — watching her young son carry eggs in his tiny hands, carefree and happy.

That image stayed with her. It sparked a realization: a different kind of life was possible.

Building from the Earth Up

Twenty-three years ago, at 42, Isabella boarded a night train to visit a piece of land her brother had told her was for sale in Saint-Jeannet. What she found wasn’t a farm — just a wild hillside. No water, no car park, no building. Only a small road leading to possibility.

She rented a nearby apartment so her children could attend school and began shaping the land with her own hands.

“ I just kept doing ,” she told us with a smile. “ No doubt, no regret. ”

From carrying water by hand, planting her first tomatoes, to earning an agricultural diploma without formal schooling — every challenge was met with quiet resolve.

One of her most emotional moments? Watching the first water drops fall from an automatic irrigation system built with a friend’s help.

“ I cried ,” she said softly.

It was a symbol of persistence bearing fruit.

An Evolving Vision, A Feminine Space

What began as a pedagogical farm slowly transformed into an eco-retreat — a sanctuary for women, for healing, for connection. The land seemed to call for gatherings and gentle restoration.

The name Casa des Madeleines — chosen after many iterations — reflects her vision: a place infused with womanhood, wisdom, and rooted presence.

From permaculture gardens and farm-to-table workshops to yoga circles, herbal medicine sessions, school visits, and quiet afternoons of reflection, Casa has become a space where stories, souls, and seeds grow side by side.

Rooted in Nature, Guided by Wonder and Poetry

Every morning, Isabella gazes over the green landscape and simply says, “Thank you.” Living close to nature has transformed both her life and her family’s.

“ Permaculture is not just about farming ,” she reflects. “ It’s a philosophy of life .”

She speaks of weaving poetry into agriculture, working with the rhythms of the land, and honoring the original meaning of peasant —farmer.

In French, paysan (masculine) or paysanne (feminine) traditionally means a peasant or small-scale farmer, but it holds a deeper meaning: qu'un paysan dessine le paysage et habite la terre — someone who shapes the landscape and inhabits the land. This expresses a profound bond: not only working the soil but belonging to it, living in harmony with nature’s cycles, and helping create the environment itself.

These words carry more than labor- they carry legacy, beauty, and belonging.

A Growing Global Impact

Isabella’s work now reaches far beyond her hillside. She shares her passion for permaculture with school children in Cambodia and Brazil, planting seeds of environmental stewardship and creativity across continents.

Visitors describe Casa des Madeleines as a “hidden gem” and a “peaceful haven” where nature and nurturing hands meet to create magic.

An Invitation to Trust Life

As we sat together on her terrace, the breeze carrying the scent of earth and green, I asked what advice she would give to women on the edge of a big life change.

Her words were simple and powerful:

“ Believe in yourself. Never use the word ‘but.’ Approach each day with wonder, like a child. And with gratitude .”

Her journey is a gentle reminder that even on rugged hillsides, life can blossom. And that living creatively is not about perfection, nor about having every plan mapped out from the very beginning — but about presence, perseverance, and planting seeds that may one day grow into something greater.

A New Beginning for You

Inspired by stories like Isabella’s, my friend Carine and I are inviting women ready for courage and renewal to join us this October 17th for our retreat, Starting Over.

If you feel called to pause, reflect, and begin anew, we would love to share this experience with you.

Because sometimes, like Isabella, we must choose to live not just on the land, but with it — to rise with quiet courage, to plant seeds of hope and possibility, and to let a more rooted, poetic life take shape.

Reserve Your Place & See More: Scan the QR code below! We’d love to see you there!

Sushi, Strength, and Self-Leadership: Chizuko Kimura’s Story

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:51:39 GMT

In early 2025, Chizuko Kimura became the first woman in over 120 years of the Michelin Guide’s history to be recognized for her work as a sushi chef.

This groundbreaking achievement did not happen in Japan, where tradition still limits women’s presence in the sushi world, but in Paris, where she leads her late husband’s restaurant, Sushi Shunei , with precision, passion, and quiet strength.

What does it take for a woman to reshape tradition and claim her rightful space in today’s world?

For centuries in Japan, women were traditionally forbidden from becoming sushi chefs, as explained by Tokyo Weekender.

An old belief held that women’s hands were “too warm,” affecting the delicate taste of sushi, and that their presence in the kitchen was “too distracting” for the precise craft required. This long-standing mindset kept doors closed to women—until figures like Chizuko Kimura began proving that mastery knows no gender.

I reached out to Chizuko because her story resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Having undergone my own profound transformation —leaving behind everything familiar to rebuild a life aligned with purpose—I saw in her journey a quiet echo of my own. We both had to redefine ourselves, step into the unknown, and hold on to courage as we navigated loss and reinvention. We met at her restaurant in Montmartre, Paris for a heartfelt conversation, where she generously shared her story with clarity and humility.

Breaking Barriers with Craft and Courage

After the tragic passing of her husband in 2022, Chizuko made a bold decision: to carry on his legacy by stepping into the kitchen herself. She had never trained as a sushi chef. Her background was in tourism. But something deeper called her forward—a blend of personal will, love, and a determination to grow through adversity. She spoke of courage and a brave heart as the essential ingredients that shaped her journey.

“The courage I mentioned,” she told me, “is the courage to try to change myself.”

For Chizuko, this meant embracing a new reality—no matter how painful—and doing the work to meet it fully. Every Sunday, she dedicates herself to refining her sushi-making skills, carrying forward her husband’s legacy not by imitation, but through her own steady practice.

“I used to work in the tourism industry,” she shared. “But to continue my husband's wishes, I decided to become a sushi chef… It’s been very difficult. But it’s made me stronger.”

Chizuko works in an environment still largely dominated by men. But she does not lead with protest—she leads with presence, perseverance, and a brave heart. And she carries forward one of her husband’s most enduring lessons:

“It’s not about how long you live, but how you live your life that matters.”

Leadership, Recognition, and Culture

Chizuko also spoke of the complexities of recognition:

“If I were living in Japan, I wouldn’t be recognized the way I am in France.”

Her words remind us that leadership is shaped not only by inner resolve, but by the landscapes we move through—by what is visible, valued, and possible in different cultural contexts.

In early 2025, just two years after losing her husband, the unexpected honor served as a quiet tribute to Chizuko’s unwavering determination, talent, and strength.

By stepping into this role, she’s not just continuing a legacy—she’s quietly reshaping it. In the midst of grief, she found purpose. And in doing so, she is expanding what leadership and excellence look like in a field where women have long been unseen.

An Invitation to Reflect

As you take in Chizuko Kimura’s story, I invite you to reflect:

→ When life asks you to begin again, what truths about yourself do you carry forward—and which do you leave behind?

→ Where in your own life are you quietly mastering your craft or choosing courage, even when retreat might feel easier?

→ What does it mean to lead your life from a place of self-trust, especially when the path ahead is unfamiliar?

These questions are not just for pondering—they are invitations to embrace the possibility that loss and challenge, while shaking us, can also awaken the leader within.

The kind of leadership I’ve come to believe in isn’t defined by titles , but by how we rise through adversity with grace, courage, and conviction.

Chizuko Kimura’s story is not just about personal triumph. It is a quiet revolution—one that invites us all to consider how we live, how we lead, and how we can keep moving forward… even when the path ahead feels entirely unfamiliar.

If her story moves you as it moved me, share it. Because each time we witness and honor a quiet act of transformation, we help create a more expansive future for women—everywhere.

The True Beauty: Life After the Storm

vien.levon@gmail.com (Vien Levon) — Thu, 29 May 2025 08:17:31 GMT

Isn’t it beautiful how some mornings arrive quietly yet stir something deep within the soul? Today was one of those mornings for me.

After two nourishing weeks resting my soul in the arms of wild beauty—the rugged coastlines, fragrant maquis bushes, and gentle lull of waves on the French island of Corsica—I returned to Nice yesterday with a heart full of wonder.

This morning, after a visit to the eye doctor, I walked home along the Promenade des Anglais—the place where the city of Nice meets the sea.

And then, there it was.

The Baie des Anges, sparkling in shades of emerald and azure, dancing with the light of early summer. I paused to take a photo, but no camera—not even my old phone ��—could capture what I felt in that moment.

I realized I had moved from one kind of beauty to another.

Gratitude rose within me like the tide.

As I continued walking, breathing in the cool, bright air, I came upon a vibrant carpet of flowers swaying in the breeze, as if celebrating life itself.

A storm had passed through Nice just yesterday. The flowers—nasturtiums—were in full bloom: round leaves and bright blossoms of orange, yellow, and red. Today I learned the nasturtium stands for victory after struggle.

And I smiled—orange is one of the key colors of Rise With Vien, symbolizing joy, hope, creativity, and warm emotional energy.

It felt like life was holding up a mirror, gently reminding me: the path I’ve chosen is deeply aligned with who I am.

Back at home, I opened my laptop and a quote from one of my teachers appeared:
“The storm can be fierce, yet brings new life.”

How perfect.

Because I know storms. I have walked through them. And I have learned:

If we stay open, if we trust the process, even the fiercest storms can clear the skies for new growth and blooming.

That is why I do the work I do—walking alongside women as they rise from their own storms into strength, confidence, and light.

It felt like a message not just for today, but for this whole season of life.

With those words echoing inside me, I opened a new diary—a thoughtfully chosen gift from a dear friend who just traveled back from Japan. On the first page, a delicate Japanese inscription caught my eye. Curious, I looked it up:

暮しと結びついた美しさが、ほんとうの美しさだ。

“The beauty that is connected to daily life—it’s the truest beauty.”

Wow.

So much in just a few characters—a quiet reminder that the extraordinary often lives in the everyday.

I paused. Then I began to write.

The ink flowed easily—like the sea I had just walked beside. Like joy. Like hope.

Some days remind us:

Beauty isn’t far away.

It’s right here, waiting for us to slow down and let it in.

Let the storm bring new life.

Let the flowers dance.

Let gratitude rise like the morning sun.

And let us keep walking—open-hearted, wonder-eyed—ready to meet the magic waiting in the everyday.

What about you, dear friend?

• Have you ever walked through storms and come out stronger, softer, wiser?

• Have you seen beauty bloom just when you needed it most?

And if you’re still walking in the rain—through winds and hurricanes—please know:

You are not alone.

#Joy #Gratitude #Hope #LetTheStormBringNewLife #NatureHeals #RiseWithVien

Dancing Between Dreams: Two Women’s Stories at ChangeNOW 2025, Paris

vien.levon@gmail.com (Vien Levon) — Sun, 18 May 2025 06:46:41 GMT

“Women leaders today are not replicating the past. We are redefining leadership on our own terms. With emotional intelligence, a spirit of collaboration, and strength forged in adversity, we are charting a new course. We lead with vulnerability, not as a weakness, but as a source of power that deepens our connection to others and fuels authentic transformation.”

A young Afghan breakdancer and an anti-corruption advocate from Vietnam shared more than tears — we shared courage, vulnerability, and a strong commitment to change.

The Encounter That Stayed With Me

Three weeks have passed since the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris — yet some moments still live vividly in my heart, as if they happened just yesterday.
The event brought together an inspiring array of changemakers, each carrying their own powerful story. But it was Manizha’s story that stayed with me the most. Her courage, vulnerability, and resilience left an indelible mark on my spirit — reminding me of the power of hope, and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.

Her Story, Her Strength

Manizha Talash is a breakdancer originally from Kabul. She fled Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power. She had been selected as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Games. At ChangeNOW, she spoke on the panel “Beyond Borders: Advancing Rights and Opportunities for Migrants and Refugees.”
She shared her journey — the joy of discovering breaking, the struggle to pursue her dream in a country where dancing is forbidden for women, the bravery it took to be the only girl in a male-dominated crew in Afghanistan, and the heartbreak of being disqualified from the Olympics.
I found myself completely undone.
She recalled the moment she had the world’s attention:
“ I had one minute. But I had two choices — to promote my dream, or my country’s ?”
She chose the latter.
Wrapped in a cape made from a burqa, emblazoned with the slogan “Free Afghan Women” she took the global stage. The burqa — often seen as the ultimate symbol of Afghan women’s oppression — became her banner of resistance.
It was a deeply symbolic act of solidarity.
But the Olympic Committee saw it differently. The cape was deemed a political statement. She was disqualified.
Still, she sat before us. Her voice was trembling, but unwavering — filled with heartbreak and fierce dignity.
I cried — not just for her, but with her.

When Stories Collide in Truth

After her talk, I approached her. She said she had seen me crying.
We hugged. We wept. And in a few brief sentences, I shared my story too — a story of standing up for what I believed in, and facing the cost of it.

As the founder of Towards Transparency , Vietnam’s first anti-corruption advocacy organization, I had devoted more than a decade to building a team, leading initiatives, and empowering others to speak truth to power.
But when the political winds shifted, I had to make an impossible decision.
I shut everything down — my team, my dream, my voice.
It was a silent heartbreak I carried for a long time.
In that embrace with Manizha, it all came rushing back — but not as pain.
As recognition.
Two women, worlds apart in age and origin, united in shared goodness and grief.
We had both made sacrifices for a cause larger than ourselves.
And we had both kept going.

Leadership, Redefined

Manizha’s story reminded me of something I wrote in my recent reflection ahead of ChangeNOW:
�� Leadership Redefined: Women Rising Together

Her experience wasn’t merely personal testimony — it was leadership itself, redefined:
• Rooted in values, not visibility.
• In truth, not titles.

“In my country, it’s forbidden to dance,” she had said. “I had to explain to everyone that breaking is a sport.”
“My actions at the Olympics were not political — they were about basic human rights.”
Hearing those words, I recognized the very essence of leadership: The courage we need more of in this world — from refugee dancers and nonprofit founders to each of us rising through our own storms.

A Final Reflection

Manizha may have been disqualified from one stage, but she has stepped into a far greater one — the kind that inspires others to rise, to resist, to reclaim their voices.
And in her story, I saw my own. In our tears, there was healing. In our shared silence, there was truth.
And in that moment, we danced — not with our feet, but with our hearts.
We both continue to carry hope — not only for ourselves, but for all those still finding their voice.

What About You?

Whose story has awakened something in you lately?
What silent dreams or quiet courage are ready to rise in you?
May we keep dancing between dreams — and never stop rising.

✨��️

“I believe in the magical power of women who dance in the rain and rise above life’s storms.”

✨��️

Leadership Redefined: Women Rising Together

vien.levon@gmail.com (Vien Levon) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:32:12 GMT

“Leadership is not about titles- it is about rising through storms with grace”

Vien Levon

In today’s world marked by crisis, uncertainty, and the unraveling of outdated power structures—authentic leadership has never been more vital. As thought leaders like Bill George remind us, the shift from authority to authenticity is not optional; it is essential. Women are rising - not by mimicking outdated paradigms, but by redefining them. The future of leadership is not about dominance. With resilience, emotional intelligence, and a spirit of collaboration, they are leading in ways that tranform rather than control.

My journey, from confronting corruption to empowering women, reflects not only a personal evolution, but a universal lesson in leadership.

I am honored to be part of the ChangeNOW Summit Paris , taking place April 24–26, 2025. As global leaders and changemakers gather to shape a sustainable future, I find myself pausing to reflect on my own leadership path as a woman, one that has unfolded in ways I never imagined.

Honoring Courage: Women change makers on the Frontlines

While writing this, I carry in my heart the stories of many courageous women , including friends back home in Vietnam who risked their lives to protect the environment, women who spoke out against injustice, only to be silenced, imprisoned, or forced into exile. Their resilience, despite immense personal cost, is a testament to the kind of leadership our world needs.

Sadly, these stories are not isolated. According to Global Witness, over 9,000 women human rights defenders were attacked across Central America and Mexico between 2012 and 2023. Many of these women stood courageously to protect their communities, the environment, and fundamental rights, often at great personal cost. Alarmingly, a significant number of these attacks were linked to efforts to shield powerful interests, including those of extractive industries and organized crime. Their stories remind us how urgently we must support those who speak truth to power and defend justice, even in the most challenging contexts.

This is why, supporting women changemakers is not just an option—it is a necessity.

When women rise, they uplift communities, strengthen economies, and shape future generations. Their courage reminds us that transformation is not a solitary act, but a collective movement. For this movement to endure, we must uplift the next generation of women leaders—those stepping up, navigating uncertainty, and boldly redefining what leadership truly means.

Beyond Training: Leadership Forged in Adversity

Leadership is a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. Over the past two decades, I have studied, trained, and practiced leadership at various levels-from formal programs with InWEnt, Oxford Leadership, and the International Civil Society Centre. I have drawn teachings and wisdom from mentors and thought leaders like Daniel Goleman and Simon Sinek. Yet the deepest lessons did not come from any classroom and book. They came from leading through life’s most challenging moments —moments when everything I’d built was tested or lost.

Leadership, I have come to learn, is not merely about skills or strategy. It is about resilience, integrity, and ability to transform - qualities that are forged not in moments of comfort, but in times of adversity.

The Shift: From Anti-Corruption to Women’s Empowerment

In 2008, I founded Vietnam’s first anti-corruption NGO, Towards Transparency . It was a bold step in a fragile political climate, marked by risk and constant pressure. My leadership was tested through threats, relentless strain, and eventually in ways I could never have anticipated- forced displacement.

Despite all the theories and strategies I had learned, it was during these crises when everything I had built crumbled that I truly understood what leadership means. True leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about having the courage to face uncertainty, embrace your own vulnerability, and navigate through the most challenging of circumstances.

Leaving Vietnam and starting over in France pushed me to reexamine everything. I came to realize that my deeper calling was not only to contribute to a corruption-free society, but to help women rise in a world that too often sidelines their voices, especially in leadership.

Women Rising: Building Resilience, Reclaiming Power

This realization led me to develop a Coaching & Mentoring Program for Women Changemakers - a dynamic space for women who have faced deep personal and professional setbacks. It is for those striving to reclaim their power, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their inner strength, the resourceful part of themselves, to (re) emerge as leaders.

The challenges women face in leadership, whether in the nonprofit sector or beyond, extend far beyond skills or ambition. They are rooted in systemic barriers, a lack of support, and, in some cases, the harsh reality of being forced to shut down organizations or risk their lives in the face of rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space.

Through this program, I aim to connect with women and organizations ready to take the next step in their leadership journeys. I want to engage with changemakers determined to build resilience and rise, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The ultimate goal is to foster a community of women committed to transformation, empowerment, and lasting change.

Leading from the Heart: Rising Through Adversity

One of the most profound truths I have learned is that real leadership is not about titles or perfection, it is about rising through hardship with grace, keeping your heart open, and inspiring others along the way.

I have fallen and I have risen many times. These moments of vulnerability became turning points. In each fall, there was a deeper rising. Leadership is about reframing the storm, growing through it, and showing others that they, too, can rise.

Why ChangeNOW 2025 Matters to Me
As I reflect my path from confronting corruption to empowering women, ChangeNOW 2025 offers the perfect space to continue my journey. Its Women for Change initiative resonates well with my mission to amplify women’s voices, especially those overcoming systemic barriers. I look forward to connecting with changemakers, sharing our stories, and contributing to conversations that will shape the future of leadership.

The Future of Leadership: Women Rising

Women leaders today are not replicating the past. We are redefining leadership on our own terms. With emotional intelligence, a spirit of collaboration , and strength forged in adversity, we are charting a new course . We lead with vulnerability, not as a weakness, but as a source of power that deepens our connection to others and fuels authentic transformation.

As someone who has led through crises, I know: this is what the world needs now . Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. It is diverse, evolving, and deeply human. It’s about embracing challenges with an open heart, turning setbacks into growth, and leading from a place of authenticity and resilience .

Together, we rise!

To the brave women who have risked everything to protect our planet, to those leading quietly through everyday challenges, and to all who are choosing integrity, courage, and compassion to make this world a better place: You are seen. You are heard. You are not alone !

The Happy Wanderer: Finding Home in Life’s Smallest Moments

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:23:24 GMT

I’m a happy wanderer. It’s a name I recently discovered, one that fits perfectly.

Living in Nice, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the mountains, I find myself drawn to the peacefulness of nature. And yet, home for me isn't just a place—it’s a feeling.

Vietnam, where I grew up, will always be a part of my heart. It’s where my roots are, where my family and many of my friends still live, and where I spent much of my life. I was born in Cao Bằng, a beautiful mountainous town in northern Vietnam. The peaceful river and the limestone mountains shaped my love for both water and land. Maybe that’s why I feel so at home in Nice, France, where the mountains meet the sea.

Yesterday, after finishing my French class, I walked through the Coulée Verte and felt a moment of deep contemplation. Someone at my talk “Starting All Over” last week in Nice asked, "What does 'home' mean to you?" I paused. The question lingered in the air, and I shared simply, "I’m still contemplating that."

But after some quiet reflection, I found my answers. For me, home has many meanings:

· Sometimes, home is the freedom of wandering through nature, breathing in fresh air, and just being present. I feel at home when I allow myself to simply be—no agenda, no rush—just soaking in the beauty around me.

· Other times, home is the quiet, sacred space where I connect with myself, my breath, and feel grounded and safe.

· And in some moments, home is my anchor—my dear husband and daughter, who share this journey with me in France.

As I was walking, I looked up and saw a small cluster of purple flowers climbing around a tall pine tree. I paused, enchanted. The delicate beauty of those flowers reminded me of the postcard lavender fields of Provence, here in southern France.

I took a photo and sat down on a nearby bench to learn more about the plant on my plant app.

To my surprise, it was called the Happy Wanderer .

How perfect, I thought.

It’s moments like these that add a touch of magic—how something so small, like a flower, can mirror our inner journey in such a profound way. The Happy Wanderer flower is a reminder to me of life’s beautiful, unexpected moments. It’s a gentle nudge to wander with joy, to stay connected with nature, and to be present with myself.

And right now, as I reflect on this, I feel like a Happy Wanderer . As long as I have nature around me and am deeply connected to myself, I feel like I’ve found home—at least in this moment.

As I close, I invite you to reflect on a few questions that might speak to your own journey…

· Do you also find joy in the feel-good experiences of blue skies and sunshine, or the quiet beauty of fall and spring?

· What happens to your inner world when you stop and notice the little things—the scent of the air, the sound of leaves rustling, the color of a single flower?

· And if you live in a place different from where you were born or raised—what does home mean to you now?

Let’s connect. I’d love to hear what “home” means to you.

The Power of Starting Over

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:04:00 GMT

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

Abraham Lincoln

Have you ever faced a moment when life forced you to start over? Maybe it was a setback, a personal crisis, or simply realizing the path you were on no longer aligns with who you're becoming. Or maybe it was career changes, a relocation, or something unexpected that turned your world upside down? I’ve been there. A few years ago, I had to rebuild my life from scratch, reframe my identity, and rediscover my purpose. It's something I never planned for, but life often has different plans. In those uncertain moments, I learned something important: the ability to transform is in our hands.

In this post, I want to share how starting over can be the catalyst for real transformation. I’ll share the lessons I learned—lessons of acceptance, choice, and creation—that helped me move beyond the struggles and step into a life I never imagined was possible.

Lessons from Adversity: Accept, Choose, and Create

In my journey of starting over, I learned three critical lessons that continue to guide me every day: Accept, Choose, and Create.

Accept – Transformation begins with acceptance. It starts with facing reality, even when it’s uncomfortable. Asking "Why did this happen?" keeps us stuck. But acceptance? It frees us. It’s where growth begins. When we stop resisting, we open the door to change.
Choose – After acceptance comes choice. You can stay stuck, or you can rise. You can adapt, move forward, and reclaim your power. While acceptance feels passive, choosing is an act of empowerment. It’s your declaration: "I am in control of how I respond." In that choice, you find freedom.
Create – Finally, create. When you accept and choose, you unlock the ability to make something new. A new perspective. A new path. A new you. This is where transformation takes root. We are no longer victims of our circumstances—we are creators of our future.

Reclaiming My Power: From Loss to Liberation

Some of you may already know parts of my story. I’ve faced deep loss—one after another. And I know firsthand how hard it is when life forces you to begin again. I hit rock bottom. I faced a crossroads. I could have let shock, sadness, and self-doubt take over. I struggled, of course, but in the end, I made a decision.

My transformation was never just for me. It was also for the women I’m called to support. Starting over wasn’t about retreating from life—it was about reclaiming my power, embracing the lessons I had learned, and sharing my story with others.

We all have moments that shake our foundation—a loss, a failure, or an unexpected shift. But these moments can also be the beginning of something greater. Every time I’ve fallen, I’ve emerged stronger, clearer, and more determined. And so can you.

This brings me to the next lesson.

The Power of Transformation

Transformation is never linear. It’s messy, uncertain, and often uncomfortable. But within that discomfort lies the greatest growth.

For me, starting over was not just about healing—it was about stepping into a deeper sense of purpose. It led me to become the women’s transformational coach I am today, guiding other women on their own journeys of empowerment.

As I rebuild and rise from my own life’s storms, I’m more determined than ever to empower others to do the same. My journey is not just mine—it’s a reflection of the change I hope to inspire in the world around me.

You Are the Creator

Right now, you have a choice. You can stay stuck in the past, held back by what could have been. Or you can choose to step into your power, take ownership of your story, and create the first step forward.

Just like I had to choose to step into my own power, I invite you to do the same.

Starting over is not about erasing the past—it’s about embracing its lessons and using them as a launchpad for transformation. Every obstacle is an opportunity. Every challenge, a lesson.

I know this journey isn’t easy. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to keep going even when things feel uncertain. But trust me—within you lies the ability to turn setbacks into comebacks, to rise above adversity, and to claim your place as the leader of your own life.

The Call to Action: Your Time is Now

I know you feel it. You are here to step into your greatness. You are already on the path to something bigger, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

There is no one-size-fits-all transformation. Everyone’s journey will look different.

If you are ready to start over and create a new chapter, I am here to guide you on that journey.

As I come to a close, let me leave you with this: “What’s one area in your life you are ready to start over in?”

Take a moment. Reflect. Share in the comments below or reach out—I’d love to hear from you and support you in this transformative journey.