It was the dead of night and I found myself awake, grappling with a mysterious illness that had taken a firm grip on my life. This year marked the beginning of my journey through physical and mental suffering— forcing me to question how I reached this juncture. My identity seemed lost, the path ahead uncertain. This began my encounter with chronic illness and a journey that would transform into a voyage of healing.

My life prior to this ailment was characterized by robust health. Hospital visits were unfamiliar territory—I embodied strength, and regularly frequented the pool, gym, and yoga mat. However, that reality had shifted, with debilitating symptoms chaining me to a life of struggle and fear. The pressing questions were: “How did I arrive here,” and “How do I get back?”…