What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

In the heart of Las Vegas, just beyond the bustling streets of the famous Strip, there was a small office where lives were transformed, hope was rekindled, and souls were healed. In the year 2012, as a 29-year-old Army spouse, I found myself on the precipice of despair, battling a lifetime of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My lifeline during those dark days was a remarkable community therapist named Rosalee.

Rosalee’s office was a sanctuary nestled in the shadow of Nellis Air Force Base. It was a place of solace and healing for many, and for me, it became a beacon of light in the darkest of times. Each week, I would make my way to her office, just before embarking on my overnight shift as a Stewarding Supervisor for MGM International at The Signature, a prestigious but demanding job. My life had become a relentless cycle of two crying children, a mere two hours of sleep, and the heavy burden of supporting my ex-husband’s destructive drinking habits.

The battles we fought were not just to keep food on the table; they extended to the excruciating effort of dodging the constant verbal abuse hurled my way when my ex-husband didn’t get what he wanted. I was drowning in a sea of self-doubt, self-imposed pressure, and the grim borderlands of my own inner darkness, a struggle that had persisted for over a decade. It seemed impossible to survive the relentless monsters within my mind, not to mention the demons attacking from the outside.

But within the walls of Rosalee’s office, I found something extraordinary. Rosalee herself was a beautiful soul, a therapist with a gift for seeing the light within even the darkest of hearts. Her words, her wisdom, her empathy—they all came together to create an environment where healing was not just a possibility but an inevitable outcome.

During one of our sessions, Rosalee uttered words that would forever change my perspective on life. She said, “You know, life changes when you turn 30. It’s like the world stops judging you for who you are. They no longer care about the rat race of success. Then, when you’re 40, you’ll be the one judging the young ones. It’s the vicious cycle of society, my dear. Every situation is temporary until you decide otherwise.”

Those words hit me like a lightning bolt. In the midst of my chaotic life, Rosalee had offered me a glimpse of hope, a lifeline to a brighter future. Her words reminded me that society’s judgments and expectations were like fleeting shadows, and the key to my happiness lay in my hands.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I began to heal, not just from the scars of my past but also from the wounds inflicted by my own self-doubt. Rosalee guided me through the labyrinth of my emotions, helping me confront the trauma that had haunted me for years. She showed me the power of self-compassion, teaching me to be gentle with myself in a world that often felt unrelenting.

As I shared my vulnerabilities with Rosalee, I discovered the strength that lay within me. I realized that survival was not just about enduring, but about thriving. With Rosalee’s unwavering support, I started to rebuild my life, piece by piece. I found the courage to leave my toxic marriage, to pursue my dreams, and to prioritize my own well-being.

The journey was far from easy. It was a battle against the demons of the past and the challenges of the present. But armed with Rosalee’s guidance and the newfound wisdom that life was what I chose to make of it, I persevered. I embraced the turning point that is turning 30, and as I crossed into my fourth decade, I found myself not judging others, but instead, offering a helping hand to those who needed it, just as Rosalee had done for me.

In the end, Rosalee was more than just a therapist; she was a beacon of hope, a guardian angel who helped me navigate the stormy seas of my life. Her words, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in my ability to change my circumstances were the pillars upon which I rebuilt my life.

Today, I stand as a testament to the power of healing, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound impact that one beautiful soul can have on another. Rosalee’s legacy lives on in the way I approach life—with courage, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every situation is temporary until we decide otherwise.

So, if you ever find yourself lost in the darkness of your own struggles, remember Rosalee’s words: “Every situation is temporary until you decide otherwise.” Embrace the turning points in your life, and know that there is always a path from darkness to light, guided by the beautiful souls who cross your journey.