Felicity’s Story
I used to think I was destined to fail. Now I know I’m not.
Before coming to Destiny Haven, I felt completely trapped. On the outside, things looked okay. I had a full-time job, good friends, and what some people might have called a stable life. But underneath, I was in survival mode. I was battling an eating disorder and a self-harm addiction that left me feeling hopeless and exhausted.
I had short periods of stability, but they never lasted. Every time, I’d end up back in hospital after another suicide attempt. I was self-harming almost daily and purging up to six times a day. I desperately wanted to be free, but I couldn’t see a way out. Death felt like the only option left.
That’s when my sister, Amber, stepped in.
She started looking for places that might help. Through a friend at her church, she heard about Destiny Haven. She helped me through the whole application process and was my biggest encourager when I didn’t think I had anything left to give.
When I arrived at Destiny, I was at breaking point. I knew something had to change, but I had no idea how. What I found here wasn’t just help. It was a place where I finally began to discover who I really was.
For so much of my life, I felt like I had to shrink myself to fit in. I was constantly suppressing who I was, just trying to survive. But at Destiny, I started learning who I am in Christ and who I want to become. I used to believe I was worthless. That I had no future. But being surrounded by people who reminded me of God’s truth every day began to shift something in me.
The staff here have made all the difference. Every one of them is a volunteer. They don’t get paid to be here, which means they show up because they care. And even when they challenge us or hold us accountable, they do it with kindness. With grace. There’s no pressure to be perfect. They meet each of us where we’re at and walk with us, step by step.
I used to think I was destined to fail. I didn’t see myself as capable or driven. But now I know I am both.
One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is how to feel. For years, I ran from my emotions or drowned them out. At Destiny, I’ve been learning how to sit with what I feel, name it, and process it in a healthy way. It’s hard to accept that feelings aren’t always facts. I may feel worthless, but that doesn’t mean I am. Speaking truth over my life, especially when I don’t believe it, has been one of the most difficult but life-giving things I’ve ever done.
I graduated in December 2024 and chose to stay on as an intern. Most days, you’ll find me in the kitchen planning meals, rotating stock, keeping things running behind the scenes there or making jams and relishes. I also help with jewellery making and have started learning how to make chocolate for The Diamond Collection.
I’ve had opportunities here I never imagined.
I used to think I was destined to fail. I didn’t see myself as capable or driven. But now I know I am both. God is growing something in me that’s steady and strong, even if it’s still taking shape.
When things are hard, I hold onto Galatians 6:9. “Let us not grow weary in doing what is good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” That verse reminds me that the work I do today matters. It’s not wasted. And it’s building a future I never thought I’d have.
And now, I get to help others find what I’ve found—hope, healing, and the courage to keep going.
I’m not finished. But I’m not where I started.
I’m growing, and I’m grateful.