Grit Got Me Through Losing My Family at 16

Living Boldly With Purpose

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How do you rebuild your life when you lose your family as a teenager? Monica Rivera's extraordinary journey from surviving on her own at 16 to becoming a sought-after communication strategist reveals the transformative power of determination, faith, and chosen connections.
Monica shares her raw, inspiring story with disarming honesty, explaining how she navigated paying bills, finishing high school, and putting herself through college while grieving the loss of her biological family. "Grit, determination, and relentlessness," she explains, were the bedrock qualities that carried her through years of uncertainty and struggle. Rather than being defined by what she lost, Monica intentionally crafted a life filled with meaningful relationships—what she powerfully describes as her "chosen family."
The conversation dives deep into the emotional complexity of creating family bonds beyond biological connection. When people would dismiss her most important relationships as "just friends," Monica reclaimed her narrative: "They're my chosen family. No one else gets to define that relationship for me." This perspective offers a profound reminder that we each have agency in determining our most significant connections.
After climbing the corporate ladder in marketing for over 15 years, Monica reached a pivotal realization—success without meaning left her wondering, "Is this it?" Her journey of reinvention led to founding "You Want to Do What," where she now helps entrepreneurs and professionals communicate their value and share their stories with confidence. Her approach balances practical strategy with essential internal work, recognizing that success requires becoming the person capable of doing the work, not just knowing what to do.
Throughout her story, Monica weaves insights on personal development, morning movement as a foundation for wellbeing, and the importance of self-understanding. Her recommendations for transformative reading (The Mountain Is You, Atomic Habits, and The Midnight Library) offer pathways for anyone seeking growth.
Ready to share your story with greater confidence and impact? Visit youwanttodowhat.com to access Monica's free Authority Accelerator guide with practical exercises to help articulate your unique value and experiences. Remember: "Your ordinary is someone else's extraordinary."
Gain insights on crafting your narrative, embracing personal growth, and communicating with confidence. This conversation offers practical tips to help you share your story boldly.
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