My Story: Owning My Shit & Finding My Power

Hi, I’m Shawn Handlovitch—a suicide survivor, a woman navigating life with bipolar disorder, and someone who has turned life’s hardest lessons into a mission of empowerment. My journey isn’t wrapped in a neat little bow, and it sure didn’t come from a self-help book or a retreat on a mountaintop. It came from facing the mess head-on, owning my choices, and realizing that growth starts with radical self-awareness.

For most of my life, I saw myself as a victim—of circumstances, of pain, of my own mind. I blamed my past, my upbringing, and the people who hurt me. But then, in 2015, my oldest son hit me with a truth that knocked the wind out of me. I had just apologized for all the ways I had failed him and his brother, saying, "I wish I had been a better mom. I had so much I should have taught you." His response? "Are you kidding? You taught us so much... what NOT to do."

Oof. That one stung. But he was right. And in that moment, I realized something life-changing: I had learned what not to do, too. And because I knew better now, I could be better. Not perfect, not flawless—but intentional, accountable, and willing to grow.

That’s when I started truly owning my story. I stopped running from my past and started using it to fuel my future. I took responsibility for my decisions, my actions, and my healing. I embraced the power of choice—the fact that I wasn’t just along for the ride, but in control of where I was going next.

Today, I use my journey to help others step into their own power. Whether I’m speaking on stage, coaching one-on-one, or sharing my insights, my mission is clear: to help people see that they are capable of growth, resilience, and transformation. Because here’s the truth—life will always be messy, but the way we show up for ourselves in the mess is what defines us.

So, if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your path—welcome. You’re in the right place. And trust me, the best is yet to come.