For a great part of this year, I was terrified of expanding. Although in my heart I knew I could be more, I let my fears get the better of me.

It's only in the last few weeks that the balance has started to shift, in great part due to a handful of very supportive friends and one mentor whom I'll call JC here.

When fear takes over you, the way you see all life is tainted by fear. With it, comes hopelessness, desperation, and a willingness to give up any responsibility for your life.

Yet, victimhood only gives you a permission slip to stay in your misery. It doesn't empower you, nor does it make you stronger in any way.

Most of all, it makes you feel separate from life, stuck in the grip of your conditioning.

Over the last 3 months, I spent 9 weeks in New York and 3 weeks in France, the latter due to unexpected losses in my family.

I'd characterize this whole period as a waking-up phase. Waking up from obscurity, slumber, and fear. All to recognize once again why I am alive on this journey.

I share this as I know we all go through periods where all we see is darkness and all we feel is resistance.

In such moments, we may want to pick ourselves up, yet, no matter how hard we try, it seems unachievable.

During my time in NYC, I was blessed to be living closely with JC. And let's say it purely, she did not let me sleep in my misery.

Every day was a wake-up call wrapped in harsh truths and tough love. It may not have been what I wanted, but it was definitely what I needed.

When I was flying home for my grandfather's funeral, a friend shared with me this quote: "Rough waters create skilled sailors."

We must not forget that tough times in our lives shape us into who we are meant to be.

Sometimes, it's life's way of putting us back on track with the path of our soul.

Whatever it is, the more we resist, the more we suffer.

In the end, what helped me the most was recognizing this truth —  through all my trials, life is helping me wake up and grow.

And secondly, to remember what I truly want in life. Do I wish for an easy life, free from all problems?

Or do I wish to be a guiding light for those going through dark times themselves?

Beyond the surface, life is always teaching us — beckoning us to realign with Truth and the voice of our hearts.

The only question is, will you listen? Or will you stay asleep?