If there’s one thing life has taught me, starting over is not a sign of failure—it’s an act of courage.
My name is Vanessa, though most call me Vee, and at 35 years old. I’m rewriting my story as a
single mom in a brand-new country. It hasn’t been an easy road to get here, but every twist, turn,
and stumble along the way brought me to where I am today.
I lost my parents at a young age, and my childhood trauma shaped much of my early life. My 20s
were a whirlwind of pain, confusion, and self-destruction. I was lost, hurting, and left a trail of
hurt behind me. Then, at 29, I discovered I was pregnant. Truthfully, I never wanted to be a mom.
The news hit me hard, and I wasn’t sure I had it in me to care for another human being when I felt
so broken myself.
When my son Noah was born, the world was in lockdown. COVID-19 turned my life upside down,
and my cleaning business financially collapsed. Out of necessity, I pivoted to trading to provide
for my son, but inside, I felt more lost than ever.
At 32, I reached a breaking point—and then a breakthrough. I decided to give my life to God, and
that choice set me on a path of healing and growth. I also started therapy, which helped me confront
and begin to heal the wounds I had carried for so long. For the first time, I allowed myself to dream
about a future I could feel excited about.
One of the biggest realizations I had during this time was that Canada no longer felt like home. I
wasn’t sure where I belonged, but I knew I needed to explore the world to find out. When Noah
turned three, I took a leap of faith. We packed our bags and started travelling, hoping to find a
place that felt right.
In February 2024, we officially left Canada behind. Over the past two years, my son and I have
visited 28 countries, each journey bringing new lessons, challenges, and joy. But it was in May
2024, during a trip to Kenya, that I finally felt the sense of belonging I had been searching for.
Something about the country spoke to me—it felt like home.
Since then, I’ve started over in Kenya, launching a business that helps others navigate the process
of relocating to new countries. This new vision aligns with my heart, and for the first time in my
life, I feel like I’ve found my purpose. Starting a new life as a single mom in a new country is not
easy, and the challenges are real. But so is the fulfillment that comes with living a life that feels
true to who I am.
To anyone out there thinking it’s too late to start over, let me tell you this: It’s never too late to
heal, to dream, and to begin again. Whether you’re 25, 35, or 55, you have the power to write a
new chapter.
So here’s to new beginnings, no matter when they come.
Vee -xxx