My name is Marzena, I'm 45 years old, and I'm at a point in my life where I want to cry out for help for the first time. For the first time for myself...

My life story is long, difficult, and powerful – like many people, many women in the world. I don't know if, among so many difficult and dramatic stories described here, any of you will be interested in mine. But I know I need help. And it's time to ask for it.

Many years ago, as a very young mother with a little daughter, I struggled to survive every day. Without the support of family or friends. I gave birth to my daughter early at 19 – longing to be loved and loved. I grew up in a home where violence was a daily occurrence. Even though everything looked flawless on the outside, I decided to be the best mom in the world :) And I tried every day. But there wasn't enough money to cover the bills, the rent, school, food, and then to support my child's passions. So I did what I could. I worked, but I also borrowed money from banks. I had accumulated a debt in my country of birth – Poland – that I couldn't repay. So I left it until "better times." Life went on, my daughter grew up, and I – having worked with animals professionally my whole life – started helping sick and lost animals. While my daughter was growing up, I studied equine physiotherapy, became a pet sitter, and cared for wild and exotic animals.

Animals literally appeared on my doorstep. And I couldn't refuse help. This made my financial situation even worse, and health problems began. I've had severe scoliosis since childhood – problems and pain began. I reached a point where my body weakened significantly, and my financial situation was dire. I managed to find wonderful homes for some of the animals. Some of them were supposed to stay with me if I could somehow manage my problems. But it was difficult...

And then came the day when, at the age of 40, I fell in love :) simply – mature love. I trusted and believed that now my life would change because I was no longer alone. My heart was beating like crazy ;)

Now, after these 5 years, I'm grateful for every lesson I learned, for everything I learned.

I trusted and moved to England – my pets were put up for adoption – my heart broke into a million pieces then – but I felt they would be better off in stronger and more stable families.

My partner and I were supposed to apply for a visa here so I could officially start my business, start earning money, and fix things from my past.

Unfortunately, the fairy tale I believed in so strongly shattered like a crystal ball. For many reasons.

Now I know that with unaddressed childhood traumas, we often encounter mirrors from the past so that we can stand in our own power now – as adults, with responsibility for ourselves. I've put in the hard work over the past five years, wanting to become a better person and partner – I finally realized I was doing it for myself.

I started creating handmade crafts with soul :), which in some way helps women, especially those experiencing similar experiences, to get back on their feet and find their power.

Now I'm left alone, without funds, without a visa – which I can't afford to apply for myself. With a body that requires regular rehabilitation – because without it, I can't move or breathe normally. With my dog, Brian, who also requires rehabilitation due to paralysis of his hind legs, and two adopted guinea pigs – Sheldon and Teddy.

After several therapies to understand myself and what I've experienced in recent years, I'm left without money to rent an apartment here or in another country, and with the possibility of starting a business in Poland blocked – due to past bank debts. Currently, I continue to help animals whenever I can, create crafts that I share with others—which allows me to survive to some extent. But I don't have the means to regularly pay for my rehabilitation, nor hire a lawyer to sort out my old affairs—so I can officially start a business and start earning a regular income. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and continue supporting animals in difficult situations. This is my goal in life, and I don't know how to achieve it yet, but I'm trying my hardest to believe in myself and the people around me. I dream that one day I'll be sitting in front of a house surrounded by nature, in some beautiful country, surrounded by happy and cared-for creatures whom I can take care of—just as I finally took care of myself. That I'll also be able to travel, which I've always dreamed of. :)

I think the hardest thing in life is admitting that we need help, forgiving ourselves for mistakes, and believing in ourselves again.

But if you are interested in my story - I will tell it even more boldly someday when the time comes :) - but if you want to support me so that I can stand strong, fix what has collapsed and regain my health - I will be very grateful to you from the bottom of my heart!