Wounded healer's journey

Marisa Swans

Life may seem complex, yet clarity dawns eventually.

Embrace this understanding - a turning point where you steer with wisdom and poise. Experience emotions as transient guests, not permanent residents. Master your emotions, do not let them master you.

Embrace the beauty of life's intricate dance,

finding peace in mastering your emotions.

-Marisa-

My story is a powerful testament

"The Swans" symbolizes my dark journey from alienation to embodying grace and elegance, showcasing the transformative power of embracing my authentic self and finding the silver lining in all experiences.

It serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for beauty and light.

Marisa's Path to transformation

My journey thus far has been valuable, despite all struggles, so is yours.

I share it to motivate you to embrace your unique path. Our ability to survive is intertwined with our capacity to 'live' through challenges gracefully. Adversities serve as opportunities for us to thrive and exhibit our elegance.

1. Early life

Raised in a struggling farming family in Thailand, Marisa faced a tumultuous home environment where she was often blamed and referred to as the "black sheep." Constant criticism left her feeling undeserving. At school, she was bullied and called the "ugly duckling," which motivated her to excel in her studies, hoping it would cease the bullying. Both home and school were fraught with insecurity, cementing a deep-rooted feeling of inadequacy.

Her natural curiosity led her to question everything around her, including her family dynamics, often resulting in punishment because her questions went unanswered. Despite enduring verbal and physical abuse, her inquisitive nature endured. Deep inside, she knew something was wrong, yet her feelings of inadequacy intensified over time.

2. Finding Refuge Amidst Struggles

In the midst of these hardships, her late grandmother became a source of comfort, encouraging Marisa to delve into creativity and mindfulness through crochet and meditation. Journaling, introduced by her grandmother, nurtured her self-awareness and inner reflection.

Driven by an eagerness to serve and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Marisa pursued education as a way to escape poverty and support her family. She saw education as wealth and her academic pursuits as a form of strength and protection against bullying. Her efforts secured her a scholarship to study in the Netherlands in 2004, marking the start of significant self-discovery.

3. Journey of Discovery in a New Land

In the Netherlands, Marisa found a chance to improve herself and break free from the cycle of poverty. However, she faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the loss of her grandmother. These experiences were tumultuous, but her grandmother’s passing was a catalyst for finding deeper meaning in life. She peeled back the layers of her life, discovering her inner strength and resilience.

After completing her studies, she encountered job rejections due to her Thai heritage and perceived language limitations. Despite earning a Dutch state qualification in "Dutch as the Second Language NT2," she was advised to pursue finance roles to bypass language challenges. Even after securing a finance job, she faced additional hurdles, including personal heartbreaks, abusive relationships, burnout, and severe depression, leading her to a breaking point.

4. A Turning Point and Self-Realization

Reaching rock bottom ignited Marisa's transformation. Traditional therapies fell short, prompting her to explore psychology, neuroscience, and self-reflection. She found that genuine healing starts from within.

Marisa sees trauma as a covering that conceals hidden gifts. Her profound insight was: “It’s you—you are the gift—your true essence is the gift.” Through deep introspection, she unearthed her natural talents, such as finding silver linings, recognizing patterns, and solving problems effectively. These are the gifts life bestowed upon her, and she is committed to sharing them widely.

She views her past as an abundant "treasure cave," a wellspring of wisdom she can draw from without getting stuck, illustrating that true empowerment and healing are within reach.

The Dawn of SWANS: Reflecting the Swan Symbolism

The Swans echoes her Thai family name

"Sawangsee" meaning "blessings in discovery." This connection beautifully aligns with her realization that traumas can indeed be blessings in disguise. Through her journey, she has discovered that even the most challenging experiences could lead to profound resillience and self-empowerment.

The Swans" Reflects her childhood trauma.

Back when she was a child, growing up in a dysfunctional family where she carried the burdens of being a scapegoat and a black sheep. Outside her home, she faced bullying, being labeled as an “ugly duckling,” which reinforced her sense of alienation and all this became a root cause of her life's adversity.

Marisa’s journey mirrors the swan’s transformation: from modest beginnings, she evolved into a figure of grace and resilience. Like a swan unfolding into splendor, Marisa’s life showcases a significant metamorphosis from adversity to empowerment.

Her story serves as a beacon for those on their paths of self-discovery and healing, reminding us all of the inner potential to rise and shine brilliantly, just like the magnificent swan.

Together, let's make your

life more enjoyable and purposeful

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