Debbie steps boldly into life’s journey

IT takes a monumental amount of courage to take the first step out of your comfort zone and bare your truth to the world.

Westville’s own Debbie Ivins has taken great strides in creating her own happiness while helping other women feel empowered through her journey.

The local athlete has been married for 14 years and has always dreamt of being a mom, caring for and loving her own little bundle of joy.

Unable to fall pregnant naturally, the couple opted to try in vitro fertilisation (IVF). She fell pregnant twice and suffered two miscarriages.

The loving pair has tried every fertility method, enduring agonising heartache after each failed attempt.

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Talking of their hope and loss fills Debbie’s eyes with an immeasurable sadness.

“For physical, emotional and financial reasons, we have decided to stop. I went through depression and went through all of it,” said Debbie.

Her feelings, she described, were akin to being trapped inside a deep, dark hole. Instead of allowing herself to become stagnant, she challenged herself to try something new each year and create her own happiness by living a life to the full. With each activity she pulled herself towards freedom.

Debbie absolutely loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in its pages. Paired with her love for writing, she self-published an autobiography Whole Pieces, covering a topic that was taboo at the time, miscarriage.

“Don’t feel that you have failed as a woman, it doesn’t make you any less of one,” are the words of encouragement from Debbie.

“Do not make it the focus of your life. There is so much that you can still do with your life. Don’t allow it to make you bitter. You need to grieve that process but then put up boundaries for yourself as if you dwell on it for too long it can take a toll on your life.

“It is healthy to find another focus. For me, healthy living and exercise is a way to help me feel empowered and strong.”

From taking on the role as an extra in a Bollywood film to sculpting and toning her body for IFBB, Debbie has continued to step outside of her comfort zone.

At the tender age of 31 she decided to slip on a pair of running shoes and tackle her first run in years.

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She set goals for herself, from simply joining a running club to competing in and completing her first half marathon. Her love for the sport only grew as she chose to tackle the behemoth that is the Comrades Marathon.

“Running was like a therapy for me and the people I met along the way, it is just such an awesome community,” said Debbie.

Her first run saw her complete the ultimate human race with just 13 minutes to spare. This year she will lace up to compete in her sixth Comrades Marathon. She uses running to help channel the pain that she has been through and as a means to inspire others along the way.

“When you consider how many people don’t get to the finish line, it feels like a miracle to finish. I love the ultra distance, the challenge, the endurance and pushing yourself to your limits. It is a personal journey as you have a lot of time to think. You have a full 12 hours with yourself, so you have to enjoy your own company,” laughed Debbie.

“Embrace life and step out of your comfort zone,” said an empowered Debbie.

l You can follow her on Instagram @debbie.ivins. You can read more of her story at debbieivins.wordpress.com.

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