Tanya Guccione
I’m the girl who everyone said would achieve nothing!
I was the 16 year old girl, who never got invited to birthday parties,
I was the girl that boys said I was the ugliest girl in school.
I was struggling to fit in at school but then I had to go home to my home life that was a complete dysfunctional disaster!
I spent most of my time with my mum because my dad was never home and when he was it was far from fun times!
I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me. I hated school and home; the one place that was supposed to be safe was filled with chaos...
I felt trapped and the only way I knew how to deal with it was to keep myself busy with the things I loved, like painting and dancing it would help me forget even if it was for a short while the reality of my life.
It use to get so bad at home that many a times I didn’t want to wake up and face another day.
As I got older I not much changed only that I worked in a hairdressing salon as a receptionist. Then one day my boss suggested I do makeup so he could book weddings in his salon because I was creative that was perfect. Little did I know at the time this was going to soon become my passion.
My workplace I began to enjoy, but my home life was still turmoil.
One night so desperate I started to pray I said "God if you’re real, you need to show me and help change my situation because I cannot do this on my own"
Well the very next day my mum said to me "On Sunday we are going to try this funky church in Essendon. Apparently a lot of young people go there"
She knew I was struggling and it was her way of trying to help.
Obviously as an 18 year old my first reaction was to say NO but then I remembered the prayer I said the night before and I thought
"Gee! He must have listened and he certainly has a sense of humor”
As I went off to the "Funky Church" I would never have thought that 8 years later would still be going every Sunday! But now I go with my husband and 1 year old daughter.
In those 8 years my parents have separated and my dad ended up in jail and as many other trying times came my way, unlike before I knew what to do and I prayed "God I cannot do this on my own" so he pulled me out of that dark place, I think- he too knew I couldn’t do it on my own.
I felt like he didn’t magically appear or make my life all hunky dory but he gave me peace and greater understanding in that nothing material in this world would make me truly happy. Now I don’t look to things or people to make me happy or give me peace, I look to my manufacturer he knows me better than I know myself...
I love my job but I don’t look to it to bring me fulfillment, I love my husband with all my heart we've been married for 7 amazing years but he's only human, I absolutely love every part and cherish every second with my daughter and feel I can guide and protect her but she belongs to God.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is be careful what you put your faith in, I love my life because I’m truly free ....
Its not about the destination it’s about the journey... when I look back at my life I want to know I left behind a legacy.... you can do anything you put your mind to. Let me share something!
Myself and 3 other girls just raised $28,000 to build an orphanage in Kumi Uganda for 8 children and 2 widows I sold all my art work to raise funds, I am part of a team called Y-GAP which build safe homes for child trafficking and sex slaves in India. For me the more I focus out and realize its about more than just me in my little cotton ball world the more God builds me up on the inside and again helps me stay focused on what’s really important!
If your definition of achievement is-
• A high paid job,
• Fancy car,
• Having a wealthy husband
• A beautiful home and
• Lots of property
Then I am not successful! But one thing I know is the creator of the universe was looking after me when he plucked me out of the most insane circumstances and has blessed me with far more than I could ever imagine...
This is just a small fraction of my story what’s made me and what’s worked for me.
I know this may not be for everyone but one thing I know for certain is that God did reveal himself to me those 8 years ago and I’ve never been the same since!
And I know the best is yet to come.
10 comments:
A truly inspirational story Tanya. We can all learn/take away something from those perfectly versed words.
Thank you
I totally agree, I don't think I've read words relating to faith written so beautifully and thoughtfully before. I'm so glad that you found your faith Tanya and the impact it's obviously had on your life.
Lovely, lovely words guys! Tanya will LOVE that! Thank you so much for sharing xx
Beautiful, moving and thought provoking post.
Wow Tanya....that was so moving and inspiring. Growing up my life wasn't so bad, but in the present, I am wanting to find that extra something to do and try and give back, but just don't know where to start. I want to do more than just my "cotton ball world" of me, husband, kids, house. You have inspired me to go out and find it, because I know that from reading your story, I will find so much fulfilment and sense of achievement.
Most profound comment for me... Ur child "belongs to god"... The thought of that (when it comes time too let go) gives me comfort...... :) U have great inner strength Tanya.. U must carry urself with such pride knowing what u are capable of!!
Ladybird- I know what you mean charity work is always on my "to do list" but I am yet to get around to it. I will when my girls are a bit older I think we can do it as a family.
Flutterbye- Tanya is ever so warm and humble, so easy going and down to earth.
Tanya you work through YGAP is truly inspirational. I checked out your website and will keep looking to catch it when its updated and ready to be fully explored. SO much to do in this world to make it a better place...well done on making your difference!
hey ladies thank you soooooo much for all your wonderful words, like i said its just a small part of my story, im glad you all got a little something out of it... reading back i hope it all made sense?!
the main charity i am working very closely with right now is called COHAD (children of hope and dignity) when i have my next art show i'll let you all know... your all so loverly thank you,
the power is in our hands.... as a body of women we are capable of more than we think! thanx to the man up stairs... (pointing up!) xoTanya
Tanya, i have known you for the best part of 9 amazing years and you are VIP part of Secret Girls Business Team... and I know where you have come from, your story is real.. and yes i went to thank funky church too.. its true the world perceives happiness in terms of assets and things that we own and possess and wear them as trophies to show that they are successful and important. We measure ourselves by those standards and say " nah we are just not good enough because we dont have the house, the car, the property, the money" and we choose to subject ourselves to living in a defeated state of mind. Success in life to me means "who's walking in my shadow" who's life have I impacted, improved and innovated, who is daring to dream again, because I have made them realise that they can achieve so much if they dare to let go the old and grab ahold of a new tomorrow. Tanya your story is one of daring to dream a dream to help those that need giants to step into their world and change their enviroment for the better.. i remember sitting on your couch 4 years ago and you telling me the dream you had about starting an orphanage... you are a true champion.. you made it happen because you dared.. i am proud of you and more than anything else God is proud of you.. Go Girl..fly to the moon and back, just because you can. Jxxxxx
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