Everyone struggles at some point during their lives, but often women’s struggles or experience of struggle are unique. In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, we asked women to share their stories of both trials and triumphs. Women’s stories and experiences are valid and important. Women’s wisdom is profound and deep. Let’s honour, support, and hold each other up. Let’s celebrate women and demand gender equity.

I was miserable in my 20s and 30s. I was single, lonely, and found it hard to form long-term relationships. People used to tell me I needed to learn to love myself before I could love anyone else. It took me many years to figure out how to recognize and let go of what doesn’t serve me. I had to develop my own tool set and learn how to use those tools for myself. 

I love being 45, and I feel like I’ve earned the right to share three things I’ve learned to implement that keeps me happy.

1. Be grateful for what you have. 
2. Live for now.
3. Be self-centered. I don’t mean selfish. Be kind and generous with your time, resources, and talents. But if something doesn’t serve you, cut it from your life.

At this point, I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, still single and living life. 

I’m developing a one-woman show called 2 orgasms; 23 years apart. It’s an exploration of female sexuality and follows the story of how I overcame trauma and religious oppression to go from inorgasmic to orgasmic sexual goddess in a 23-year journey. I tell the story of my first orgasm at 17, and how I didn’t have another until I was 40. The play will be showing at the Garneau Theatre as part of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival this summer.