Ten years ago aged 39 I was a busy single mother working full-time – and I felt like I was dying.

Despite getting 8 hours of sleep, I woke up exhausted every morning. My heart raced unpredictably, my legs felt restless, and I was constantly dizzy and fatigued. Normally easy-going, I found myself quick to anger and emotionally drained by even the shortest conversations. The simple act of getting through the day felt overwhelming. I stopped seeing friends and family—it took every ounce of energy I had just to survive. Life wasn’t joyful anymore; it had become a chore.

For a whole year, I lived this way. Looking back now, the signs that something was seriously wrong were glaring, but like so many busy mothers, I wrote it off as just a part of getting older and dealing with the daily grind.

Then, one day, everything came to a head. After nearly fainting on a flight of stairs, I finally went to the doctor. They ran a long list of blood tests, and the very next morning, I received a shocking call: “You need to get to the hospital immediately—call an ambulance.”

My hemoglobin was 4, and my ferritin was 0. Life-threateningly low. What followed were years of blood transfusions, iron infusions, and endless investigations to find the root cause of my health struggles.

But I refused to give up. I began researching everything I could about diet and nutrition, rebuilding my body from the inside out. I focused on eating foods rich in iron and other essential nutrients, crafting a diet that worked for my specific needs. I started strength training—not just as a way to build muscle, but as a way to restore my energy, resilience, and sense of empowerment. Consistency became my mantra. Day by day, I rebuilt my strength and vitality.

My body finally felt powerful and alive again. But as I looked in the mirror, I realized the journey hadn’t been without its costs. My skin looked tired and dull, my sparkle had faded, and I no longer recognized the vibrant, glowing woman I used to be. I wanted more than just physical strength—I wanted to feel radiant, confident, and beautiful again.