Stage 7: The Return

Coming Home Changed

You've completed the journey.

You answered The Call. You pushed through Resistance. You trained. You fought The Battle. You died to your old self. You rose as someone new.

And now... you return.

But you don't return as the person who left. You return transformed. Stronger. Wiser. More whole.

This is The Return.

For me, The Return looks like this website. This space. These words you're reading right now.

It's me taking everything I learned—all the pain, all the growth, all the transformation—and bringing it back to share with you.

Because the hero's journey isn't complete until you use what you've gained to help others begin theirs.

What Is The Return?

The Return is bringing your transformation back to your world and living it out loud.

It's when:

• You integrate who you've become into your everyday life

• You share your story to inspire others

• You use your gifts to serve

• You become the guide for someone else's journey

• You live intentionally, purposefully, courageously

• You show others that transformation is possible because you are living proof

The Return isn't about going back to how things were. It's about bringing who you've become forward into everything you do.

You don't return to your old life. You create a new one.

Living Your Transformed Life

After Unstoppable April Nicole was born, I had a choice: keep this transformation to myself, or share it.

I chose to share it.

Not because I have it all figured out. Not because I'm perfect. Not because my journey is over.

But because my story might be the permission someone else needs to start theirs.

The Return for me looks like:

• Building this website and creating this space

• Sharing my journal—the messy, real, unfiltered journey

• Creating The Hero's Toolkit with practical resources

• Making YouTube videos to connect and inspire

• Showing up as Unstoppable April Nicole every single day

• Being the mom my daughter needs—strong, present, intentional

• Living the life I fought so hard to claim

This is what The Return requires: You have to actually live the transformation.

Not just talk about it. Not just think about it. Live it.

Signs You're in The Return Stage

You might be in The Return if:

• You're sharing your story - Not for validation, but to help others

• You're living intentionally - Every choice reflects who you've become

• You're inspiring others - People see your transformation and want it for themselves

• You're using your gifts - The skills and strength you built are now serving a purpose

• You're mentoring or guiding - Helping others navigate their own journeys

• You feel purpose-driven - You know why you went through what you went through

• You're building something meaningful - A legacy, a mission, a movement

• You're no longer stuck - You're moving forward, growing, evolving

The Return is where your transformation becomes your legacy.

The Responsibility of The Return

Here's what no one tells you: The Return comes with responsibility.

Once you've transformed, you can't pretend you haven't. You can't go back to old patterns and justify them. You can't hide who you've become.

You have to show up. Every day.

For me, that means:

• Taking care of myself—physically, mentally, spiritually—because my daughter needs me

• Setting boundaries and keeping them, even when it's uncomfortable

• Speaking my truth, even when my voice shakes

• Making choices that honor the person I fought to become

• Being consistent, not perfect

• Showing my daughter what it looks like to be the hero of your own story

The Return asks: Will you live what you've learned?

Staying Consistent in The Return

The biggest challenge of The Return? Not reverting to old patterns.

You've changed. But the world around you might not have. Old triggers still exist. Old temptations return. Old voices still whisper.

Here's how to stay grounded:

1. Keep growing The Return isn't the end—it's a new beginning. Keep learning. Keep evolving. Keep becoming.

2. Protect your transformation Guard what you've built. Set boundaries. Say no to what pulls you backward.

3. Share your story When you speak your journey out loud, it becomes real. It becomes undeniable. It becomes inspiration.

4. Mentor others Help someone else navigate their journey. Become the guide you wish you'd had.

5. Remember where you came from Never forget the silent, small version of you. She's the reason you fight so hard now.

6. Live with purpose Every choice, every action, every day—let it reflect who you've become.

The Gift You Bring Back

Every hero returns with a gift.

Something they gained on the journey that can help others.

My gift? Permission.

Permission to:

• Speak up

• Take up space

• Save yourself instead of waiting

• Become the hero of your own story

• Start even when you're scared

• Rise even after you fall

This website—these words—this space—is my gift.

What's yours?

What did you learn on your journey that someone else needs to hear? What strength did you gain that could inspire someone else? What transformation did you experience that proves change is possible?

The Return asks you to bring that gift back and share it.

Your Journey Is Just Beginning

Here's the beautiful truth: The Return isn't the end. It's the start of a new chapter.

You've completed one hero's journey. But life will call you to another. And another. And another.

Each time, you'll be stronger. Wiser. More prepared.

Because you've done it before. You know the stages. You know the cost. And you know it's worth it.

My journey didn't end when Unstoppable April Nicole was born. It's ongoing. Every day, I'm choosing to rise. Every day, I'm choosing to live fully. Every day, I'm choosing to be unstoppable.

And you can too.

The Invitation

This is where your journey meets mine.

You've read my story. You've walked through the seven stages with me. You've seen what's possible when you stop waiting to be saved and start saving yourself.

Now it's your turn.

Answer The Call. Push through Resistance. Train. Fight. Die to your old self. Rise as someone new. And return transformed.

The world needs your story. Your daughter (or son, or loved ones) needs to see you rise. You need to become who you were always meant to be.

Every hero is born in the moment they stop waiting to be saved.

This is your moment.

Welcome to The Return.

Journal Entries from This Stage

Want to see what The Return looks like in real time? Follow along in my journal:

• The Journal - My Future is currently being written

Toolkit Resources to Support This Stage

• Legacy Toolkit - Building a life that inspires others

• Strength Toolkit - Sustaining your transformation long-term

• Courage Toolkit - Living boldly every single day

• Hope Toolkit - Staying anchored to purpose

• Faith Toolkit - Trusting the journey ahead

What Comes Next: Your Hero's Journey

You've seen mine. Now it's time for yours.

Explore the stages. Read the journal entries. Use the toolkit. Join the community.

Your transformation is waiting.

Ready to Rise?

Join the Unstoppables and get new journal entries, hero lessons, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered straight to your inbox. This is where the journey becomes real.