Entering my 40s was a journey filled with unexpected detours and profound revelations. Instead of a lavish celebration, I found myself marking the milestone in a place I never imagined—a cell, sharing a humble Snickers candy bar with a fellow inmate. Yes, you read that correctly. My 40th birthday unfolded behind bars, a consequence of a past marred by embezzlement.

During the 20 months of my incarceration, the walls of the prison seemed to echo with the absence of my daughter's laughter and the bustling rhythm of society. It was undeniably the darkest chapter of my life. But amidst the solitude and regret, I came to a profound realization—I had been serving a sentence long before I ever stepped foot in that cell. I was confined by my own fears, doubts, and mistakes.

Yet, even in the depths of despair, there was a glimmer of hope. I emerged from that experience with a newfound clarity: my past does not define me. It is the person I choose to be today that truly matters. With this newfound perspective, I am determined to pay it forward, to extend a guiding hand to women who, like me, are seeking their second act in life.

My forthcoming book, 'How to Navigate Heartache, Healing, and Love After Divorce,' courageously explores the unvarnished truths of my personal odyssey, revealing the pitfalls and lessons learned during the grieving process. It doesn't just stop at introspection; it extends a guiding hand to readers, providing actionable insights and a pragmatic roadmap for navigating parallel challenges.

So here I stand, ready to embrace each day as an opportunity for growth, connection, and empowerment. My past may have shaped me, but it does not define me. Today, I am dedicated to helping women reclaim their strength, rewrite their stories, and step boldly into the next chapter of their lives.