In this fast-moving world, many people go through rough paths to make their dreams come true, and my journey is no different.

I’m Amanda Cottrell, a teacher, author-illustrator, yoga and mindfulness advocate. I firmly believe that we are all infinitely creative beings but I did not reach this level overnight. My journey wasn’t easy. I went through a lot even though there were moments where I felt completely lost. And yet, every single step, every high and every low was part of becoming who I am today.

I do this work because I believe in one powerful truth

Everything you need is already inside you

How I started my journey

At 31, I found myself in the middle of a high-conflict divorce. I was working full-time with the responsibility of raising a toddler and finishing my Master’s in Educational Technology.

There were days I barely held it together. I used to cry in the shower so my daughter wouldn’t see. I studied late into the night while exhaustion threatened to swallow me whole. My circumstances made me question everything: my choices, my strength, my worth.

But in the middle of that storm, I began to truly wake up. I did not lose strength and realized I
didn’t have to wait for someone to save me. I didn’t need permission to create and didn’t have to be perfect to begin.

What I needed was already inside me. It was the clarity of my mind, courage, creativity, and a quiet knowing that I could rise. And so I did and started creating my own story with all the passion inside me. 

Creating my own story

My passion isn’t just about teaching, writing books, or posting mindfulness content. It’s about helping people remember who they are. I do this work to remind others that everything they seek is already within them. All they need is to discover their confidence, purpose, and enthusiasm. It’s not something you earn but it’s something you uncover.

When you strip away the noise, it could be the pressure of society, fear of being judged, or just imposter syndrome, then you’re left with something real: your raw, wild, beautiful self. And when do you start living in that space? You become unapologetically powerful and find your real self! 

The real life behind the passion

People often ask how I balance it all. The truth is, I don’t always. Some days are messy. Some days I lose hope but what keeps me grounded is routine. I make sure to take time out for what nourishes my body, mind, and soul.

Here’s what I do in a day:

  • My day starts with meditation. It helps keep me centered before the world gets noisy.
  • I stretch, do sit-ups or push-ups, and never forget to take my Vitauthority supplements to awaken energy.
  • I wake my daughter, feed our kitten, and get ready for a day to teach my lovely students.
  • After school, I make dinner for myself and my daughter, then head to the gym or yoga.
  • I finish the day with creative work mostly with writing, illustrating, or making videos.
  • Before bed, I always read. It keeps me connected to ideas and imagination.

What people get wrong

I have a major RBF (resting b-face). It’s just how my face rests!

Because of that, people often assume I’m unapproachable or cold. But those who take the time to know me learn that I’m deeply compassionate, passionate, and full of heart. It taught me not to judge others based on first impressions because the truth is, we’re all carrying unseen stories.

To anyone just starting out

If you’re standing at the edge of something new, wondering if you’re ready, let me speak directly to you: You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to be the best. You just have to start. It starts to get messy. Started being scared. Start unsure. Just start. 

Because starting is the only way we get clarity. It’s how we gain confidence and figure out what works and what doesn’t. Every journey begins with that first brave step. And the path? It reveals itself as you walk it.

We rise together

I am in my 40s now. I have lived through heartbreak and healing.  I have rewritten my story and have seen how powerful we become when we stop playing small.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience: when you step into your creative power, you don’t just transform your life, you ignite others to do the same. You become a light. A mirror. A permission slip for others to rise.

So whether you’re a teacher, an artist, a parent, a dreamer, or someone just starting to believe in themselves again, I see you and believe in you.

And I want you to know this: You were never meant to stay silent or small. You were made to create, to rise, and to shine. Let’s keep going. Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep becoming.

DISCLAIMER – “Views Expressed Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of any other author, agency, organization, employer or company, including NEO CYMED PUBLISHING LIMITED, which is the publishing company performing under the name Cyprus-Mail…more