Turning Your Life Right Side Up: Navigating the Path from Setbacks to Success

Imagine this: You're 36, newly separated, and raising three young kids in a small town. The frightening reality sets in: what's next? I found myself considering things no one should ever have to think about. Depression doesn't run in my family.

I had no idea how to start over. Accepting the divorce was hard enough. On top of that, suddenly needing to find a career made life feel like a losing battle. I come from a very traditional family where you're expected to stay strong and keep going as if nothing happened.

But this curveball knocked me down. I was depressed and hiding it well, but inside, I was falling apart. It was a very dark time for me. As painful as it was, I forced myself to get out of bed each day. With time, it hurt a little less. My body adjusted to the new routine, and instead of just going through the motions, I made the intentional decision not just to get out of bed but to make it. That's how I began to design the life of my dreams.

I started by accomplishing one simple task a day. Every morning, I pushed myself to go to the gym. Working out was never an issue for me, but during that time in my life, it became a struggle. I began with small, easy workouts and gradually started feeling better. Each task I checked off felt like a win, and I realized that I was more capable than I had ever given myself credit for.

I began to think about things I had always dreamed of, like luxury cars and modeling—things that were never an option in my childhood or married life. I lacked the confidence to even consider something so extravagant. But at 36 years old, with my kids still young, I decided to pursue a modeling career. Where do you even start? I took my time, did extensive research, and learned how the industry works.

In my small town, a modeling career was unheard of, so I had to travel to Los Angeles, Miami, and New York to get my photos taken by renowned photographers. This also meant working around my kids’ schedules.

I wouldn’t have had it any other way. As a mom, you always want to ensure your children are taken care of. I made things easier for my ex-husband, which, in turn, made life easier for me.

To afford these trips and support my dream of becoming a working model, I knew I needed to save up. That meant getting a job—but not just any job. I identified the key characteristics I needed: flexibility, a steady income, and something that didn’t feel like clocking in and out.

So where did I go? A luxury car dealership! It checked all my boxes.

Over the next few years, I worked hard. I took many courses and built a book of business, which led to my success as a saleswoman selling BMWs.

It’s been a long, rocky path. I was told I was too old to model, that I didn’t have enough experience to book a job, and that I should expect a lot of rejections. But I didn’t let the naysayers dictate my destiny. Instead, I committed to daily rituals that empowered me and kept me pushing forward, even when I got tired.

For example, I created a morning routine: I would wake up at 5:30 a.m., pour myself a cup of coffee, and begin my day by investing in myself. I spent one hour networking to further my modeling pursuits, and the other hour practicing visualization. I envisioned what my dream career would look like, seeing myself in the pages of Maxim magazine and traveling to exotic destinations for photo shoots.

After that, I would get dressed for the day and transition into working mom mode—making school lunches for my kids, seeing them off to school, and heading to the car dealership.

Because I never stopped betting on myself, my modeling career eventually took off.

One social media post caught the attention of a modeling agent, who booked me for my first international photo shoot, and the rest is history. Remember how I visualized myself in Maxim Magazine? They recently flew me to Tulum for a three-day photo shoot!

I am living proof that anything is possible at any age, regardless of your circumstances, and that you can turn failure into fortune.

To help guide you toward your goals, I’ve developed a mindset map with the exact steps to design the life of your dreams:

1. Meditate at least twice a day for seven minutes each—early in the morning and in the evening. Focus on quieting your mind by breathing in, holding for 15 seconds, and then slowly exhaling. Do this three times until your body and mind are calm. During this meditation, listen to a subliminal track and visualize everything you desire in your life.

2. Journal every morning after your meditation and again before bed. Spend at least 10 minutes each time, or more if you wish. Always add the date and write in detail about the goals you want to achieve and what you truly desire. The more detail, the quicker it will manifest.

3. Start with “I am.” Write in the present tense as if you already have what you desire. This is the only way it will come to you—I promise.

4. Ending Prompts: After journaling, repeat these phrases three times each: "I believe this now," "I feel this now," and "I receive this now." Then say "Thank you" three times. This is a must each time you finish writing.

5. Believe what you are writing. This is crucial because it's the only way the Universe will begin showing you signs and opportunities that lead to what you are visualizing.

6. Speak kindly to yourself every day in the mirror. It may sound cliché, but it's the Law of Attraction. Start with "I am." Watch how, day by day, you feel better, and your life begins to transform in a magnificent way.