Finding a Safe Place to Land: The Impact Series featuring Gabriela
Moving across the world after burning out in a fast-paced career is a major leap, but facing sudden, unexpected changes right after arriving can shake anyone’s foundation. When Gabriela Boeira moved from Brazil to Canada with her husband in August 2025, she was navigating the heavy transition of finishing her doctoral thesis while managing the lingering effects of workplace exhaustion. Seeking connection and a way to practice her English in a new environment, she came across a simple message on WhatsApp inviting women to volunteer for a local community initiative.
"I already did volunteer work in Brazil and saw that post as an opportunity to get closer and connect with people while contributing to the community."
More Than a Helping Hand
Gabriela expected her first volunteer shift in September 2025—at a workshop titled “Women Who Speak: Finding Confidence Through Communication”—to consist mostly of logistics, setting up chairs, and greeting guests. Instead, the leadership team invited the volunteers to take a seat at the table and participate fully as guests. As the speakers addressed mental health, physical tension, and the importance of setting boundaries, the emotional weight of her recent transition surfaced.
Trying at first to hide her tears, Gabriela quickly realized she was in an environment where she did not have to put up a front or pretend everything was fine.
"I soon realized that I was in a safe place and that I could cry if I wanted to. I was embraced by the speaker, the team of volunteers, and the guests. I knew that I would be okay."
Receiving Support as an Act of Courage
That pivotal afternoon sparked a deeper commitment. Looking for a consistent way to contribute and refine her language skills for an upcoming exam, Gabriela joined the editorial team to help draft and organize the foundation’s monthly newsletters. What started as a practical exercise in writing quickly turned into a profound personal awakening. Through reviewing and shaping the stories of other women, Gabriela found a mirror for her own journey—recognizing that the line between giving help and needing help is often much thinner than we think.
"I can put myself in the category of those who joined to contribute and didn't know how much they needed support, too. I feel that I was graced not only with the opportunity to practice my writing skills, but—most importantly—to get to know the stories of incredible women."
The Strength in Opening the Door
Reflecting on her time with the community, Gabriela emphasizes that true connection requires dropping our defenses and allowing ourselves to be seen. For anyone navigating their own quiet struggles, relocating to a new country, or feeling isolated, her experience serves as a gentle reminder that we were never meant to navigate life in isolation.
"There is a lot of satisfaction in being able to help others. But I believe it requires much more courage to let yourself be helped by others. Sometimes we just need to let help in—eventually you realize how important that support is for your journey."
When asked if she could describe the impact Be Embraced has had on her own life in one word, Gabriela says:
Belonging.
What Is Your Story?
Gabriela’s journey reminds us that while we may feel the need to "shrink" or hide our vulnerabilities, we don't have to navigate our challenges in the shadows. Has Be Embraced helped you feel seen? Whether it was a moment of recognition at an event, the warmth of a "soul family" when you felt alone, or a new sense of self-worth that gave you strength, we want to hear from you.
Sharing your story helps other women realize they aren't walking alone either. Don't worry about "perfect" writing—just speak from the heart. We are here to help you shape your story to inspire others. Click here to share your experience with us, or share your story by email: hello@beembraced.org.
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