Letter 69 – This woman conquered insurmountable obstacles on her way to becoming the Queen of ??

Hello Bregdan Woman!

Ginny here…

Bregdan Women come from many backgrounds. It’s not where you come from that matters – it’s where you are headed!

Eilleen was born in the tiny town of Timmons, Ontario in Canada. She grew up used to bitter cold and a gnawing stomach. There were days on end when bread and milk was the entire diet for her and her 3 younger siblings. She learned to hide her poverty and hunger from friends at school, but it didn't ease the suffering.

About the only thing that could do that was her music. When life was more than she could handle, she would retreat to her bedroom with her guitar; singing and writing until her fingers ached. The music fed her soul even while her stomach growled.

Her talent was recognized early, and this little tomboy was shuttled around the area to perform in clubs, bars, and anywhere else they could get her booked to make some extra money. Eilleen sang, but she never really thought music was her future.

When she could no longer stand the poverty and hunger, she managed to convince her mother to leave their father and head for Toronto. The shelter they stayed in for a long time provided the first regular meals she had ever experienced.

Eilleen got her first job when she was 14, working at a McDonalds. Later, she spent summers working as the foreman of a dozen-man reforestation crew in the Canadian bush, where she learned to wield an axe and handle a chain saw as well as any man. They respected her. She was tough because she had to be tough.

She was a long way from singing in bars.

Things got tougher. Both parents were killed in an auto wreck. Suddenly, she was the parent to her three siblings.

How was she going to support them? Her mind flashed back to her childhood. She could still sing!

She managed to survive by getting a job singing at a local resort. The audiences loved her.

More importantly, she discovered how much she loved singing.

She applied the same gritty determination she had used to thrive in the Canadian bush. The experience at the resort was invaluable – giving her exposure to every aspect of theatrical performance. It prepared her for what was to come.

In 1990, her siblings were grown, and 23-year-old Eillen was on her own. The first thing she did was change her first name to an Ojibway Indian name meaning "I'm on my way".

Shania Twain was indeed on her way. She turned the world of Country/Pop music upside down, winning many awards along the way. Unless you live on another planet, you have probably heard of her!

One of her songs really sums it up. She has this to say about the irresistible song: “I'm Gonna Getcha Good! " There is a typical Shania attitude in the lyric, a definite female confidence. It's all about a girl who knows what she wants. She not only knows how to get it, but she's going to get it good."

All of us make a choice everyday how we are going to live our lives. No one would have been surprised if little Eilleen had simply become another person sunk in poverty – trapped by the reality of a hard life.

Shania Twain, however, saw her future differently. She was not content to stay where she was. She was determined to pay whatever price necessary to achieve her dreams. Each hard thing did nothing but strengthen her resolve and determination, teaching her how to press through to success!

She learned to do the hard things. She learned how to spot opportunity in every situation. She learned how to ask for what she wanted – and keep asking until she got where she wanted to be. She learned how to fail, pick herself back up, and do it again.

When she was at the height of her success, known throughout the Country Music industry for her many awards, she encountered more adversity.

In 2004, a combination of Lymes Disease and dysphonia severely weakened her singing voice.

She didn’t perform for six years.

However, like all the other times, nothing could keep this Bregdan Woman down. She focused on her health and her family – gradually regaining her voice and her energy.

I appreciate the fact that Shania has an amazing voice and career, but what truly makes her a Bregdan Woman is that she refused to quit trying to come back.

In 2011, she recorded a new single. One year later, she was performing again.

Shania was back!

As of 2024, she is still performing – doing what she loves.

As she has entertained millions around the globe, she has inspired countless women to not stop in the pursuit of their dreams. To keep moving forward even when life creates obstacles.

This story has special meaning for me. I have been battling Epstein-Barr Virus and Long Covid for the last five years. I have managed to write 11 books during this time, but I have also spent far too much time in bed, unable to do anything.

Shania reminds me to not let anything stand in my way. I may not write as fast as I used to. I may not always release a book on time. Okay. I will NEVER stop writing.

It’s who I am.

Just like Shania is a singer!

My health challenges are one reason you are now reading I Am A Bregdan Woman. Sharing these stories is a passion, but committing to a letter a day is much more doable than committing to a 500-page book. 😊

I WILL release a new book this year, but I will also rejoice in each new letter I write.

Shania has shown you and me the way to success. No matter who you are, you can create your own success out of any hardship!

What is your passion?? What have you learned from Shania’s story??

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What will you do to be a Bregdan Woman?

What will you do today to impact history??

We’re on this journey with you… (and have 2 FREE Gifts for you below…)

Ginny & Suess

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