There was a time when invitations terrified me more than bad news. Whenever a wedding card arrived or a family gathering was announced, my heart sank.
I already knew the questions that would follow, the silent judgment, the pity hidden behind forced smiles.
I had no partner to introduce, no success story to share, and no money to even dress well for the occasion.
Most times, I chose to stay away and pretend I was busy, when in truth, I was just ashamed of my life.
Financially, I was drowning. I worked hard, but nothing ever seemed to work out. Jobs came and went, businesses failed before they even started, and debts followed me everywhere.
I lived in constant survival mode, borrowing to pay rent and struggling to afford basic meals. Watching others prosper while I remained stuck broke something inside me. I felt like life had forgotten me completely.…CONTINUE READING