Recovery means knowing that sometimes you may stumble, sometimes you may need to slow down, but also trusting that you will move forward again.
Who is Sharon?
Sharon describes herself as someone who always asked questions and wanted to understand why things were the way they were. From a young age, she was often seen as outspoken or too sharp, but for her that came from wanting clarity, fairness, and truth.
Over time, she became more aware that she had been carrying depressive feelings for many years. For a long time, that made her feel as if something was wrong with her. Later, through guidance and courses, she started to understand that life is a work in progress, and that what she experiences is part of her story rather than the definition of who she is.
Why did she become an experiential expert?
Sharon believes in openness. Rather than allowing others to shape the story about her, she chooses to speak in her own voice about what she has lived through, how she felt, and how she dealt with it.
That is why the training to become an ervaringsdeskundige fit her so well. It connected naturally with her personality and gave meaning to the experiences she had already been carrying for years.
When life became too heavy
During the lessons, Sharon began looking back at her life in a different way. She recognized moments that were true breaking points — moments when she felt she would not make it, and moments when continuing to live no longer seemed meaningful.
She describes that period as feeling like she was drowning, as if she could no longer catch her breath.
What helped her recovery?
One of the most important steps was asking for help after realizing how much pain she was carrying. Her child also gave her a powerful reason not to give up. In addition, her faith gave her a clear boundary and a form of guidance when everything felt dark.
Sharon learned that life happens. There is much that cannot be changed, but the way we look at what happens can shift. She also feels that, throughout her path, the right people appeared at the right moments — almost like angels — offering hope precisely when she needed it most.
What recovery means to Sharon
For Sharon, recovery is not pretending pain never existed. She compares it to an old injury that you sometimes still feel when the weather changes. The experience remains part of you, sometimes even as a vulnerable point, but it also reminds you that pain does not stay at the same intensity forever.
Recovery means allowing yourself to feel, accepting that sometimes you may not manage, and still trusting that eventually you will rise again.
How she supports others now
Sharon knows that the details of people's lives differ, but the feeling of being overwhelmed, trapped, or unable to keep going can be deeply similar. Because of that, she does not believe in pushing people.
For her, support means being present. Listening. Understanding. Giving hope. Trusting that strength will return in its own time, and that people will begin to see their own way forward again at their own pace.
A message to anyone going through a difficult period
Sharon's message is simple and powerful: nothing is forever — not the good, and not the difficult. What matters is finding balance and continuing to look for the moments of light, even when life feels heavy.
She describes difficult periods almost like hibernation: times when you slow down, but are still growing quietly on the inside. Growth can hurt, but both hard and hopeful experiences can help a person move forward.