Success isn’t just about professional accomplishments; it’s about understanding who you are and what drives you. My journey—filled with highs and lows—taught me that true peak living begins with self-awareness.
The Early Years: Teen Motherhood and a Toxic Relationship
At 18, I became a single mother. Shortly after, I moved in with my boyfriend, a man trapped in addiction—alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and who knows what else. Our relationship was a whirlwind of chaos, drama, and dependency. It took me four years to break free. He wasn’t my daughter’s father, and once I walked away, I never looked back. My child deserved better, and I was determined to create a life we could both be proud of.
The Turning Point: Determination and Focus
When my daughter was around 4 or 5, I decided to go back to school. I was focused, determined to build a future. Some days, I brought her to class or work with me—whatever it took. I didn’t have much, sometimes just enough money for a dozen tortillas, but I was unstoppable. If you’ve ever been through a Chicago winter, you know how brutal it can be. I couldn’t afford proper boots, so I made do with plastic bags over my socks to keep warm.
Before I even graduated from film school, I landed my dream job in video production—a testament to hard work and resilience.
The Peak: A Dream Job and a New Life
The job was magical. The work was creative and fun, the environment relaxed. I had the freedom to care for my daughter without guilt. No one clocked me in or out, but I always gave my best, and I loved it. Sometimes, in the middle of a workday, I’d go for a jog to clear my head and pinch myself—this was my life, and I was thriving.
Yet, something was missing. I had a nice boyfriend, but I broke up with him because I felt...bored. It wasn’t until later that I realized I had become addicted to the drama I claimed to despise.
The Drama: A Narcissist and a Shattered Family Dream
Then came the man I thought was “the one.” I mistook his narcissism for shyness and dedication. We had a child together in 2004, 18 years after my first. I thought he was my best friend, but he was living a double life. He betrayed me repeatedly, and I was left shattered, realizing I had never truly known him.
I left my dream job for that relationship, becoming a stay-at-home mom and homeschooler. By the time it ended, I barely recognized myself. I was depressed, my hair was falling out, and I was utterly lost. My lack of self-awareness cost me years of my life.
The Turnaround: From Pain to Personal Growth
The turnaround came when I realized the problem wasn’t my career or the failed relationship—it was me. I hadn’t faced my own issues: my unconscious attraction to drama, my low self-esteem. Once I began focusing on myself—on my wellbeing and personal growth—everything shifted. The real transformation came when I accepted help and allowed others to guide me.
It took time, but I learned to love myself again. Now, I’m back on top, stronger and wiser than ever.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Self-Awareness
True success isn’t about your job or your relationships—it’s about uncovering the unconscious behaviors that drive your choices. You can’t be truly joyful without self-awareness. Like an athlete understanding their body, you must understand your mind.
My Advice to You
If any part of my story resonates with you, know this: you are not alone. It’s never too late to turn pain into personal growth. It’s never too late to seek help, gain self-awareness, and start loving yourself again.
You can learn from the past, embrace the present, and build a future where your experiences—good or bad—become stepping stones to a more succesful, passionate and fulfilling life.
With love and respect,
Magdalena
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