HOW TO TURN DISAPPOINTMENT INTO A DREAM AND ACTION 
This is a story about how a person finds the strength to change their life when it seems that nothing will work out. Iryna Kryvoshey, a graduate of the “Steel Self-Esteem” course, went from deep disappointment to complete confidence in herself and her abilities, new dreams, and even her own business.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM: WHEN IT SEEMED THAT EVERYTHING WAS ALREADY OVER 
Iryna came to study at the Online Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders in a very difficult state. “I came to the course feeling very upset and skeptical that I could change anything,” she recalls. At 33, she felt that her life was over: “Looking at the fact that I was 33, I decided that my life was over, that nothing would work out, that there would be nothing left.” Iryna lost interest in herself, didn't want to look in the mirror, and waited a long time for someone to offer her a job, but then she stopped waiting. 
TURNING POINT: “IT ALL DEPENDS ON ME”
When Irina found out about the “Steel Self-Esteem” course, her inner voice told her that this was her chance. She already had positive experience working with Liliana (the course trainer) and remembered how she had helped her before. The main insight came quickly: “I took from this, from steel self-esteem, that 100% is given by the mentor, 100% is done by me.” This realization that the responsibility for her life lies with her became the starting point.A COURSE THAT OPENED NEW DOORS AND INTERNAL RESOURCES 
While studying the “Steel Self-Esteem” course, Irina mastered key skills and took incredible steps:
Active job search
She completely changed her approach to job hunting. "I go to all the interviews I can. Even if I know from the first bell that I won't take the job, I still go there with a different purpose. I want to recommend myself, I want to be confident, I want to be seen, I want to be heard," Irina shares. She publicly announced her job search on social media and, thanks to her proactivity and acquaintances, found exactly what she likes!
New job
Iryna now works in a store selling educational games for children, where her organizational skills and love of order have found their application.
Caring for body and soul
While studying, Iryna started going to the gym. Despite a leg injury, she works hard on herself. “You leave there feeling so proud, thinking, wow, I'm doing great,” Irina says with a smile. 
Working with a psychologist
Irina was not afraid to seek professional help from a psychologist, which was a new and very useful experience for her.New voice: Telegram blog and “circles”
Iryna started her Telegram blog, “The main key to a successful future: it's me,” where she shares her insights. The biggest breakthrough was recording short video messages (“circles”) for herself. “When you hear yourself, when you listen to yourself, what you say to yourself, for me it's simple, I can't even explain how cool it was for me to talk to myself,” Irina shares emotionally.
RESULTS: A LIFE FILLED WITH AWARENESS AND CONFIDENCE
Iryna overcame deep despair and depression.
She found a job she loves thanks to her proactive approach.
She significantly improved her physical and mental health by exercising and working with a psychologist.
She gained strong inner confidence and awareness of her own value.
She discovered a new way of self-expression and self-support through her personal blog.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: DREAMING OF HER OWN BUSINESS AND INSPIRING OTHERS
Iryna dreams of starting her own business — creating an inspiring online space dedicated to healthy eating, based on her personal experience.
IRYNA'S RECOMMENDATIONS: HOW TO KEEP WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED?
“Everything starts with yourself,” Iryna emphasizes. In order not to lose the skills you have acquired and to always have the resources to move forward, she advises:
Record your successes and practices. “I just want to write down what helped me, that is, what practices I did... I just want to write them down as a cheat sheet. What practices helped me? For example, a letter to my body.”Reread your notes during difficult moments.
Experiment and search for new things to understand and feel what works for you.
Always take action. After all, inaction will quickly destroy all your achievements.
Iryna Kryvoshey's story is a powerful example of how conscious work on oneself, inner “steel self-esteem,” and the desire to act can completely change one's life, opening up new opportunities and the path to one's dreams!
The “Steel Self-Esteem” course is part of the “Online Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders” project, implemented by the NGO Age of Opportunities with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funding from the Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). WPHF is a flexible and fast funding tool that supports high-quality activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of local women to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the United Nations Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), but this does not imply that the views and content expressed herein are officially endorsed or recognized by the United Nations.
#women'seconomicsecurity
#WPHF
#UNWomen
#women'sbusiness
#AgeofOpportunities
#AgeofOpportunitiesSuccessStories