This year has been a wild ride in the real estate world, making me wonder if I’m about to hit rock bottom. It got me thinking, what does “hitting bottom” really mean? And have I ever been there? Well, the answer is a mix of yes and no.

Sure, I’ve faced some seriously rough patches in my life. But you know what? I never saw them as rock bottom; I saw them as miraculous, opportunities or life lesson. I mean, who knew that surviving not one, but two violent horseback riding accidents could give me the strength and faith that there’s someone out there in the universe looking out for me?

And let’s talk about my university days. I worked my tail off, slaving away for 12 hours a day just to make ends meet. But guess what? I still managed to flunk my third year. During that year I also lost a very dear friend who also happened to be my roommate. But it taught me something valuable: I can survive and take care of myself even when I’m broke as a joke.

Oh, and speaking of miracles, let me tell you about my friend who battled cancer. Instead of wallowing in fear and helplessness, she took control. She named her cancer, made friends with it, and saw it as a blessing in disguise—a chance for personal growth. Today, she’s fully recovered and an inspiration to countless others.

It all comes down to our mindset and how we perceive the challenges we face. That’s where NLP comes in, with its 20 foundation statements. One of them being: “Energy will flow in the direction it is facing.” Wise words, indeed.

So, where is my energy flowing now? Well, it’s all going into my new adventure, my new calling: helping and supporting people in living healthier and more fulfilled lives. I guess you could say I’m like a forest—blooming after the fire. Life’s full of surprises, and I’m ready to embrace them with a dash of humor and a whole lot of determination.