On April 18th, 2024, I embarked on a weekend that would forever shift how I view myself and my business. This retreat continued an incredible journey that my friend and mentor, Deb Burger has been a vital part of for many years. She helped me manifest some of the most significant changes in my life—selling my home in Illinois, moving to a Christmas tree farm in Michigan, and successfully selling a business my husband and I had built and nurtured for 20 years.

With Deb’s guidance, I could close one chapter of my life and shape the next, paving the way for new possibilities. But this weekend was different—it was about pushing boundaries, diving deep into my purpose that I felt I no longer understood, and unlocking the next level of personal and professional growth. During our time together, Deb gently nudged me out of my comfort zone, asking the tough questions I didn’t even know I needed to answer. It wasn’t easy. Growth, whether in life or business, requires discipline. It takes courage to face yourself honestly and embrace the journey of becoming.

More importantly, you must be willing to challenge your core beliefs, because it is at the center of this that you will discover one of the greatest chapters in your book—the chapter of breakthroughs. I realized that adapting to change, both internally and externally, is a powerful skill.

The retreat wasn't just about building a business; it was about building the life I envision for myself—one filled with intention, purpose, and alignment with who I truly am.

The fall of 2023 changed my life forever when my husband, my partner, had a stroke. Suddenly, all of the things we had worked so hard for didn’t seem to matter. The dream we had built together felt shattered and I couldn't fathom a new chapter.

In the months following the stroke, I found myself in a different role—not just supporting my own dreams but realizing that I was now helping the person closest to me defy his own odds. My purpose became guiding him to rediscover his strength, helping him break through the barriers doctors said he wouldn’t overcome. But that weekend with Deb, I got a glimmer of my old self. I felt a renewed sense of determination to dig deeper for my purpose and share the story to impact anyone who would listen.

I am passionate about helping others find their light, even in the darkest moments, because I know how it feels to not believe in yourself, to make mistakes, and depend on others for your self-worth but I also know how powerful it can be to regain your sense of self when life feels overwhelming.

When the long weekend came to an end, Deb and I decided on a movie night. My heart was set on the movie Dreamer. It seemed fitting, as Deb used to raise horses, and I have always loved them. Dreamer, released in 2005 and inspired by a true story, stars Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell. I’ve seen it many, many times, but I love it for two reasons: #1 It has horses in it, and it showcases a little girl who triumphs against the odds through her unwavering belief. #2 That little girl is who I’ve always wanted to be—someone who believes in the impossible and perseveres despite what others tell her she can do or be.  That weekend, I felt her spirit reignite within me.

As we searched through all of the TV outlets we have these days, we couldn’t find Dreamer. Instead, another movie with the same title kept popping up. We decided that since it seemed to want our attention, we’d give it a chance. The film turned out to be a documentary produced by Giovanni Marsico, telling the stories of entrepreneurs who never gave up on their dreams despite obstacles and setbacks. As I watched story after story unfold, I sat in awe, thinking, “That is ME.” The child with her head in the clouds, the one with too many crazy ideas, the one who feels destined for more but doesn't know where to start or who to connect with.

When I returned home, I couldn’t get the films message out of my head. In my excitement, I discovered an event in Toronto created by Giovanni Marsico and his business name, Archangel Summit—with the theme "Change Your Life, Change Your Destiny." I made the decision that no matter what, my husband and I were going to attend in Toronto.

What he didn’t know was that this trip was my gift to him for our ten-year anniversary. I have been to events before that didn’t quite align with my vision, but something about this felt different. So, I decided to reach out to Giovanni via email, not expecting much in return. To my surprise, he answered me.

That moment was pivotal. By taking the time to respond personally, he affirmed what I had been feeling all along—that I was meant to be part of his vision and this incredible group of dreamers.

We’ve just returned from the event, and it couldn’t have been more powerful. It’s been one year since the stroke that shifted our lives, and one year of watching my husband defy the odds but it has also been one year of rewriting my own chapter. Experiencing this conference together, after all we’ve been through— was a celebration of resilience, determination, and the dreams we refuse to give up on.

The Archangel Summit introduced us to Giovanni Marsico’s newest film in production: "Change Your Story, Change Your Destiny." I can't wait until it is released because you bet I will be sharing it! This event was more than just a room full of positive speakers trying to sell their latest programs or books. It was a room full of dreamers—people sharing their triumphs of personal growth, stories of overcoming health challenges, stories of coming back from failures all with one thing in common, to inspire and ignite in the unlimited potential each of us possess.

Sometimes you look at someone else and think, “No way can I do that or be like them.” And you’re right—because you aren’t meant to be them. You are YOU. You have your own unique gift to share with the world.

One of the statements that impacted me the most from the speakers and not in the exact words is as follows, "Your story, just like mine, has a beginning and a middle, but it has no end." Read that again, YOUR STORY.

The biggest revelation I had during this weekend is that sometimes the obstacles we face aren’t meant to stop us—they are there to make us stronger, to push us beyond what we thought was possible. And the greatest obstacle, often, is us. I’ve realized that I was the one standing in the way of my own dreams, allowing doubt and fear to cloud my vision. But now, I know that my story is mine to write and rewrite anytime I want.

The Archangel Summit didn’t just inspire me—it ignited a fire within me to keep moving forward, to defy the odds alongside my husband, and to keep reaching for more. I now see every chapter, no matter how challenging, as an opportunity for growth, an opportunity to change the narrative, and an opportunity to help others realize their own potential.

So, if there’s anything I can leave you with, it’s this: Your story is still being written. The pages are yours to fill. You are the author of your own destiny, and no matter how many setbacks you face, you have the power to change your story. Keep faith, ask for help and keep pushing forward. There is so much more waiting for you in the chapters yet to come. Please watch Dreamer if you need a little inspiration. You will not be disappointed. Here is the Youtube link.

https://youtu.be/QYoOS69NrU0?si=-JEEb-iqcOlXoMAK

 BTW, Giovanni, if you happen to read this, the name on the other side of the tag is Elektra. Thank you for the incredible event where you shared your vision, showing us the possibilities that lie within, and for instilling in me your belief which was both felt and experienced.