The Wave That Hits Me: A Truth I No Longer Hide

There are moments – quiet ones, unexpected ones – when a wave crashes over me.

I remember everything I’ve been through. Everything I endured. And everything I achieved on my own.

It takes control of my mind, and just like that – poof – the memories come flooding in.

The severity of it all…
The things I downplayed for years, convinced that I had to just keep going.
But truthfully, there is nothing normal about what I survived.

I see it reflected in the gasps from others when they hear my story.
The long pauses. The shock.
The tears they shed when they learn my truth.

And sometimes, my own story shocks me.
Because I rarely stop to truly listen to myself.
I’ve spent so long clambering to the surface, gasping for breath, just trying to survive.

That was my reality.
That was my past.
And even though my life is more peaceful now – this is still my truth.

But here’s the part I want you to hear:

I survived. And I rebuilt.

I’ve been successful in many ways – and for a long time, that success was my way of surviving.
I used that strength to stay afloat. And now, I use it to move forward – toward opportunities I once only dreamed of.

Now, I want to teach others how to do the same.

Because you are not defined by your past.
You are a product of greatness.
You just need to tap into it.

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Want to work with me, speak to your community, or bring this message to your space?
I offer talks, coaching, and mentoring built on lived experience, resilience, and truth.

📩 Visit www.iljaabbattista.co.uk to connect.