Finding your Voice

In my three decades of experience as an entrepreneur and wellness expert, I’ve encountered many professional challenges, but none quite as jarring as the recent ones I’ve faced. Two events in particular—losing a contract due to the manipulative actions of someone who sought to dominate, and having my license unexpectedly revoked by the National Trust—truly forced me to revaluate everything I thought I knew about resilience, mental wellness, and personal growth.

The Emotional Toll of Setbacks

When these events occurred, I found myself grappling with an emotional rollercoaster. The first blow—the loss of a contract—was particularly hard. It wasn’t due to my actions, but rather the agenda of an individual who thought they knew better. This experience was emotionally draining, and it made me question my professional worth for a moment. The second blow—the cancellation of my National Trust license—came without warning and without reason. There was no explanation, no closure, just an abrupt severing of a professional relationship.

These moments triggered something in me—a need to return to my roots. But it wasn’t just about business success. It was about rediscovering the tools that I, as a wellness professional, had honed over the years to manage emotional stress, reclaim my sense of self, and refocus my goals. I found myself returning to my own wellness practices, remembering that mental wellness is about more than just dealing with stress—it's about thriving, not just surviving.

Toxic Behaviour: The Silent Erosion of Our Confidence

Over the years, I’ve seen how toxic behaviour can creep into both personal and professional settings. The hardest part of dealing with toxic individuals isn’t the overt aggression—it’s the subtle manipulation and undermining behavior that often goes unnoticed, especially when it’s masked as “well-meaning” advice or “helpful” suggestions.

When faced with toxic people—whether they are coworkers, clients, or even loved ones—we often start to doubt ourselves. We lose our voice. We begin to second-guess our decisions and wonder if we are truly in control of our lives. For me, this type of behavior was insidious, and for a moment, it made me question my own worth. But I realized that these feelings were not a reflection of me—they were a reflection of the toxic behavior being directed at me.

The Process of Reclaiming Your Voice

Reclaiming your voice is one of the most empowering things you can do for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s about acknowledging that you have the right to stand firm, to set boundaries, and to walk away from situations that diminish your sense of self. It’s about remembering that your worth isn’t defined by others' behavior.

For me, finding my voice again didn’t happen overnight. It was a process. I had to remind myself that I was not at the mercy of toxic behaviours. I drew on the mindfulness practices, journaling, and emotional regulation techniques I’ve developed over the years to help guide me through the storm. I reflected on my values, my goals, and why I started my journey in the first place—to help others through their own struggles, to empower them to live authentically, and to create spaces where people could thrive.

True Wellness: More Than Fitness Trends

True wellness isn’t about jumping on the latest fitness trend. It’s about mental and emotional health, personal growth, and resilience. Wellness is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. In fact, what I’ve learned over the years is that it’s often the internal work—the self-reflection, the emotional healing, and the personal development—that leads to the greatest transformation. This is the kind of wellness I’ve dedicated my life to, and this is the message I want to share with others.

It’s easy to become caught up in the trends of the moment, especially in a world where the wellness industry is flooded with quick-fix solutions and certifications that promise immediate expertise. But true wellness requires more than a certification—it requires years of practice, reflection, and commitment to personal growth. This is what I want people to understand: wellness is personal, and it’s a journey that goes beyond superficial solutions.

A Call to Action: Reclaim Your Voice

If you find yourself in a toxic environment—whether at work or in your personal life—it’s time to stop tolerating behaviour that undermines your confidence and sense of self. Reclaim your voice. Set boundaries. Prioritize your mental wellness. It’s not about fighting back; it’s about recognizing that you don’t have to engage with people who diminish your worth.

Take the time to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s through mindfulness, journaling, or speaking to a professional, give yourself the space to heal and grow. Remember, you are in control of your own life. Your worth is not determined by anyone else.

No one should ever be allowed to take your voice or your peace. Reclaim it, stand in your power, and let that guide you toward true wellness.