the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

03/02/2012

'Finding You Is The Path To Finding Him', Author Reveals

Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year, can be the emptiest for many without that special someone.

Michelle Hannah understands feelings of aloneness, rejection and abuse since childhood from those who purported to love her. "I grew up feeling my life was worthless and overcompensated by giving to others, financially and emotionally," Michelle said. Yet it was at that breaking point, where she felt her life no longer mattered, that Michelle realized no matter the past or pain, nothing would stop her purpose. Her book, The Breaking Point: A Full Circle Journey (Living Life Beyond the Broken Pieces), available in March, offers a prescription for living that speaks to all women.

Michelle's story, though tragic, is not unique. A recent Washington Post article, "Survey Paints Portrait of Black Women in America," described the "history of exclusion" that many women within this racial group face, personally and professionally. There are historic perceptions that contribute to lingering doubts of worth. "You don't want to talk about it," said one 21-year-old college student. "I haven't had a boyfriend since high school; it makes you seem weak."

Feeling weak and at the breaking point is what Michelle speaks of in her seminars, those twists and turns of an emotional rollercoaster. In her early thirties, Michelle learned she had carcinoma in situ of the cervix. The divorced mother of a young daughter knew death was not an option, so she fought like never before. She also relocated from her home state, California, to the legislative seat of power, Washington, DC, and became a health advocate for females with cancer, educating on the Human Papillomavirus and other forms of cancer.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

Congressional representatives heard Michelle; pharmaceutical companies responded by funding her cause, the Celebrate Life Foundation. What began as Michelle's single voice grew into a nationwide volunteer network and board committed to her vision. Michelle took her message to historically black colleges; black females are among the highest number of women, nationwide, with HPV. She addressed underserved women, where they were, in their communities, stressing the importance of early detection, listening to their fears and uncertainties. She took her "Survivor Pageants" throughout the country, showcasing female cancer survivors and their beauty, inside out. "Many of those women lost the battle, yet were encouraged to not let cancer be their definer. They fought the good fight," Michelle offers.

Yet when Michelle faced another cancer diagnosis and other female diseases, her good fight disappeared. She was engaged to the man of her dreams and felt he would provide emotional support. "Coping with the disease was difficult enough. That neither my husband-to-be nor my mother was available, that they abandoned me, was heartbreaking," she adds.

"During my darkest hours, I contemplated suicide, feeling my life had no purpose and the physical and emotional pain too great. I had to face many pains that had hiding places in my subconscious: domestic violence, molestation, a variety of illnesses, depression, and losing my father. The only person who could reach me was my therapist who stated regularly that 'I was worth it and that today was worth living.' Those words became my rallying call to action."

That action resulted in Michelle writing her book and pursuing a life coaching and public speaking career. Whether in her book or seminars, Michelle speaks about coming full circle: releasing breakups and breakdowns and welcoming the breakthroughs and breakouts that are always within the self. Yet she also recognizes the emotional drama many women face, particularly as Valentine's Day draws near. "The 'fairytale syndrome of love' is just that, built on negative generational influencers. Finding you is the path to finding him," Michelle concludes.

"I sometimes reflect upon my life, from birth, the negative predictions, the illnesses, the disappointments. My purpose is stronger than what happened to me. If this is the journey God sent me here to fulfill, all I can say now is thank you."

(GK/DW)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
0 54.144.95.36 Ban:1, But:1 28/03/2024

"Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year, can be the emptiest for many without that special someone."