There are moments in life when one believes all is lost.When the road once familiar vanishes, and the map becomes useless.I am Vanina Vergara - C.V. Vergara to the english-speaking world born in Asunción- Paraguay. I have three children whom I love deeply, and this is my life.When the world collapses around you, and the echo of your own footsteps is your only companion—where do you go?At that breaking point, I was not searching for answers, merely an escape.I sought refuge in the pavement, in the rhythm of my stride, fleeing from a solitude that suffocated me. Running was my only way to breathe, my sole means of not thinking. I sought nothing—and least of all, love. For who would dare, when the heart is so deeply wounded?And this is what this podcast is about: how sometimes, the darkest of hours are but the threshold to the brightest light. How, even when we believe ourselves alone, destiny is weaving a net of love and hope. For life is just that: a series of roads, often unexpected, that lead us home.Self-love as the KeyWe now reach the close of this first chapter of my story.In previous episodes, we spoke of the little girl who learnt to silence herself, of families fractured in silence, of the sorrows hidden behind a smile.We spoke of losses, of wounds, of mourning—of those very things we so often believe we shall not survive.And if you are listening to this, you too may have known that weight upon the chest, that sense that life itself grows too heavy.I will not romanticise pain: it hurts. It hurts profoundly.But let me tell you this: it is not the end of the story.Self-love is the key.And what does it mean to love oneself?It is not to look into the mirror and declare, “I am perfect,” for none of us are.It is to say: “With my scars, with my wrinkles, with my mistakes, with my stormy nights—I still deserve to be well.”It is rising when the body feels as heavy as stone.It is going to therapy even when one has no desire to speak.It is learning to ask for help, even when one has always been the one to hold everyone else.For here lies another truth: no one saves themselves alone.And though at times we think ourselves entirely solitary, there is always someone who can extend a hand.It might be a friend, a partner, a sibling, a therapist, a colleague.Sometimes it is someone wholly unexpected: a phrase, a hug, a message that reminds you that you still matter.In my case, that person was Pablo.He was the one who held me when I could no longer stand.And through that love, through that care, I learnt to care for myself.For when someone shows you that your life holds worth, you slowly begin to believe it too.And so, if you are listening, and you are passing through your own darkness, let me leave you with this message:You can come through.It is not swift, nor easy, nor linear.At times it is one step forward and two back.But every step counts.Every breath matters.Every day you choose to remain is a victory of its own.I read letters sent to mailto:[email protected]