Behind the Blog…

Hey, I’m Nikki.

I’d like to share my journey with you - one that has been filled with struggle, but that has ultimately shaped who I am today, which has lead to transformation.

I grew up with parents who were in pain. As an only child, I felt the full extent of all their struggles, and as a result, I became very isolated within myself, as I was always very attuned to their emotions and needs. I learned to prioritize their happiness over my own, often hiding my feelings to maintain a sense of peace in our home.

This focus on others created a deep sense of loneliness. I longed for connection but found it difficult to reach out to others, and was labelled as a ‘shy’ and ‘quiet’ child - traits which would consume my identity.

Moving schools every year did not help this, as I wasn’t able to build meaningful connections or establish a sense of belonging. Each transition left me feeling like I had to start from scratch, trying to fit in with new classmates who already had their established friendships. I often felt like an outsider looking in, which only deepened my feelings of isolation.

By the time I was 14, I could no longer stand to live in the home that left me feeling invisible - I didn’t feel love, acceptance or belonging and my parents decided to move to another city - one that I had no connection to. So I decided to stay in the one place that had felt familiar and it was at this age, that I had left school, I was living out of home, working a full time job and paying my own bills.

I then added another person to the mix of my life. I became a young mother. As I embraced motherhood, I felt a deep love for my child, but I also grappled with feelings of inadequacy. I wanted to be the best parent I could be, but my own unresolved issues and struggles with self-worth often made me question my abilities. I found myself torn between the joy of motherhood and the lingering shadows of my past, unsure of how to navigate this new chapter.

Throughout my young adult life, I struggled with a multitude of problems - depression, anxiety, social anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, low self-worth, eating disorders, alcoholism - I feel like you name it - I went through it.

But I found myself in such a dark place, that I knew something had to change. Somewhere deep down inside of me, I felt that I was meant for more. That I was meant for - that I needed to re-write my story… And so I did!

I did everything in my power to change my story. I got my degree in Psychology. My Honours in Psychology and became a certified Life Coach, and then I continued to learn, to research, to implement and to heal.

I had a mission in my heart, and that was to help others who felt lost and alone, just as I once did. I wanted to create a space where people could find hope, healing, and the tools they needed to transform their lives. My vision was to inspire others to embrace their true selves, to cultivate self-love, and to empower them to break free from the limiting beliefs that held them back.

That’s why I wanted to create Growth and Guidance—a space where you can come to heal, grow, and learn to love yourself. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to face life’s challenges, and I wanted to offer a resource filled with support and encouragement for those who are ready to change their story.

So, welcome and thank you for being here. 😊

xxxx