We all have challenges in our lives. Without them we would not grow and learn. Challenges are part of who we are. They make use look deep within ourselves. I’ve learned many things through the challenges I’ve faced in the last 5 years. My challenges centered around an unhealthy marriage/relationship that ended with divorce in 2004. I had to search deeply to find that place within myself that could admit that the relationship was unhealthy and that divorce was the most healthy outcome. That did not make it easier, but it did give me a path. I prayed lots, I thought lots, I talked through it, I read books, and I sought counseling. I found a path that lead me to a better place. I continuously told myself that there was a reason that all this was happening. I was where I was supposed to “be” at this point in life for whatever reason. I struggled and searched internally to find the lessons I had learned and would carry with me into my “new life”. It was the hardest time of my life, but I knew I could get through it with God and the support of family and friends. I was determined to make myself better out of all the emotional chaos and lessons I had learned. I did survive and thrive mentally, physically and spiritually. I was stronger. I regained myself. As a couple of friends once told me, I smiled the real “Sandy” smile once again. The weight was lighter. Life was brighter again.

I met my husband Mark not long after, and although I was taken by surprise when I met him, I knew God had heard everything I had said to him about any possible future relationship. I didn’t know if I would meet Mr. Right, but I knew what was important in another relationship. I had promised myself and God that I wouldn’t waiver relative to things I would and wouldn’t accept in a relationship in the future. Mark was all of those important “things” I needed. It was as if God pointed a big spotlight pushing me toward Mark shining it on him to show me what I had found. It was during this time that Jenny started Phat Camp. I do believe in challenges and I do believe they get us to a higher place. They do make us learn lessons that we would not learn in any other way. Through my challenges and experience I’ve been able to understand and relate to so many women I’ve met at Phat Camp in ways that I wouldn’t have related in the past. Phat Camp provides a safe, challenging place for women to grow. Through the mental, physical and spiritual growth and challenges we get to know one another in ways that you just don’t see everyday in other environments. We get to open up, be ourselves and learn that it’s OK to fall. We all do it. We all learn how to get back up, learn life’s lessons and keep going. You just never know what someone is going through. You never know what they’ve experienced in life. Through common experience we begin to relate and share. I’ve been touched by so many women, so many “stories” I’ll never forget.

 

 

 - Email Sandra