I Know Who I Am
My name is Sandra and my dream is to become a New York Times bestselling author, who delivers TED Talks, and who is featured in Oprah’s Book Club. Beyond that, I hope to build a large platform to guide and encourage others to boldly claim themselves, and help them to follow their passions and dreams. I want to achieve all of these things, because I feel that I have to.
Who I am is tied intimately into my history, which has paved the way for me to have these ambitions. I suffered from panic disorder and depression for most of my life, and became agoraphobic in the wake of untying myself from an abusive relationship while living in Vancouver, B.C. I had moved out there to be with a guy I had met online. Unfortunately, when I arrived I learned that this person didn’t exist, and had been carefully fabricated over many years. My time there was spent trying to reconcile the sociopathic woman who catfished me, with the guy I thought I was moving to join. The rabbit hole went very deep, and I very nearly didn’t make it out.
The experiences I had living in British Columbia were sometimes very dark, but there was something in me that propelled me forward, and led me to build the foundation of character on which I currently stand. I had to reconstruct my self-worth, my mental health, and my life as a whole, after most of who I’d known myself to be had eroded away over time.
I’ve now reached a place where I know who I am, what I’m about, and where I’m going. I have stories to tell, wisdom to share, and a creative spark which burns eternally. I walked through some rough terrain to reach the path of least resistance, and I am embracing the things I need to share with the world. I believe each of us has the ability to teach others through sharing authentically. I love writing, creating unique and vibrant art pieces, and carving out space for the people in my life to live their potential.
I am glad to be part of this community of women. The more stars there are, the brighter the night sky, and I’m more than happy to shine on with all of you.
Written by: Sandra Barnhart
