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Can you find me? I am sitting in front on the left, of my grandmother Leah, and grandpa Menno Bauman with my sister.
Where it all began?
As a child I was born in Kitchener, ON and lived in Elmira, ON a village that is very close to St. Jacobs, which more people know of for the market and community.
My life is a kaleidoscope of challenges, opportunities and hope. Believing in self, in more.
For me living as a conservative Mennonite girl living in a closed society with strict traditions and beliefs, the journey towards self-discovery and empowerment seemed was against the odds. Also born with epilepsy, it further isolated me from believing in myself.
Growing up as a little girl, I lived in a very conservative Mennonite community with strict rules and traditions, including wearing a covering after my baptism as a symbol of modesty and faith. While these traditions provided a sense of security and belonging, they also limited my ability to explore the world and discover my true self. Living with epilepsy as a child only added to the challenges, as the stigma surrounding the condition made me feel even more isolated and misunderstood.
Despite the obstacles in my path, I refused to let them define me. With faith and determination, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through introspection and courage, I began to chip away at the closed-mindedness that had held me captive for so long, embracing a more open-hearted and open-minded approach to life.
I delved deeper into my faith and challenged the norms of my community, I discovered the I realized that my struggles with epilepsy and the constraints of my upbringing were not defining me, but pieces of a larger mosaic in my kaleidoscope that made me who I am.
As a kintsugi woman now with a newfound courage and resilience with determination and drive, I have found my voice and carve out my own path in life. I learned to embrace my epilepsy as a part of my identity, rather than a limitation, and to advocate for myself in a society that often dismissed my experiences. Through writing and speaking out about my journey, I found a sense of empowerment and purpose that transcended the confines of my past.
As I continued to grow and evolve, I began believing and trusting in myself stepping out of the traditions and faith that restricted and enveloped me and stepped onto my journey of self. I shed the layers of closed-mindedness and judgement, that had once bound me and embraced a more inclusive and compassionate mindset. By sharing my story and embracing my unique journey, I have become an advocate for women everywhere, empowering others as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others on their journey.
My life, from a conservative Mennonite girl struggling with epilepsy to a bold and courageous woman guided by passion and spirit, and resilience was a kaleidoscope of the hope, of self-discovery and transformation. By embracing my flaws and imperfections, I discovered the true beauty of resilience and the strength that comes from embracing our vulnerabilities. I am no longer defined by the limitations of my past, but empowered by the boundless potential of my future.