Discover how a young woman overcame serious life challenges through connecting with her inner spirit.

My story begins 38 years ago in Queens, NY. For as long as I can remember I thought my life's destiny was one of suffering. At age five I sat with my mother as she was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. She spent a year and half in bed on very high doses of medications and I became somewhat of a caretaker to her and my younger brother. She eventually recovered but it was at this point in my life that I became severely dyslexic, extremely clumsy and had numerous health problems. In spite of all these challenges I always had a very strong, determined spirit.

The challenges continued throughout my life then in high school and college took a turn for the worst. Within a 5 year period I had 6 very close friends die from drug and alcohol related accidents. Once again I felt as if my destiny was to suffer.

I graduated college and became an Occupational Therapist working on a Spinal Cord Injury Unit. During this time I met a wonderful man who later became my husband and grounding force in my life. A year into our marriage we started a seven year process that proved to be pivotal in transforming the very essence of who I was to become. Within this time period my son was born 2 months premature, our youngest child was hospitalized two times with complications from a genetic disorder, six immediate family members died, and I was experiencing numerous stress related symptoms that manifested into physical pain. These physical symptoms led to misdiagnoses of Lupus, MS, and eventually a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Yet in spite of these challenges I grew stronger and more grateful everyday.

During this time I began reading and listening to the great teachers in personal growth, motivation and especially spirituality. I discovered, in the midst of the challenges, my indomitable inner spirit. Through daily prayer, journaling, Reiki energy work and meditation I was able to connect deeply to my source of strength. This connection allowed me to release my attachments to the pain, the distress and the drama I was living. I came to realize that everything I was experiencing could help me learn and grow. Through this growth I was able to find the blessings in the obstacles and bring light to the darkness.

Through daily exercise, stretching, increasing the nutritional quality of my diet, taking vitamin supplements and learning to balance my life my health quickly improved. My life began to shift from one of suffering to one of hope, health, gratitude and reverence.

Although this was a beautiful place to be my journey continued. My purpose began to unfold in another way, to inspire others. Through my company I began teaching both adults and children how to overcome physical, emotional and spiritual obstacles. Although I am grateful for the opportunity to help others along their path my most rewarding work is within my family. I am truly blessed to have a marriage that over the past 12 years has grown stronger and stronger. And my beautiful children are now healthy, thriving, and bringing so much joy to the world.

Although I am truly grateful for being able to transform my life I know without those challenging experiences I would not be at the point in my life that I am today. A place of reverence, gratitude, and confidence that with all I have learned I can overcome anything that life has in store for me. Each of you also have the same potential within you.

About the Author

Debbie Milam is a licensed occupational therapist, health and wellness consultant, Reiki master, author and motivational speaker with expertise in helping people overcome physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. Through her company Unlimited Inspiration and its Web site, (www.unlimitedinspiration.com), she offers a variety of products to help people discover their unlimited potential. These products include The Miracle Is You meditation CD and Lunchboxes of Love both to help your children discover their extraordinary potential. Her inspiring products for adults include How to Bring Light to the Darkness, Blissful Sleep, Maximum Energy, Journey into Healing and Moments of Joy can help you transform your life. Visit her website at www.unlimitedinspiration.com.