My Journey

My name is Stacey Harper, and this is the story of my rebirth — the renewal
of my soul.

Loss entered my life in waves. After losing my father, my younger sister to breast cancer, and my younger brother to alcohol addiction, grief became a constant companion. At the same time, the father of my children and dear friend—was slowly dying from addiction as well.

I had no idea how to process grief that kept stacking on top of itself. It became too much to carry alone so I sought comfort in Pinot Grigio. What started as a glass of wine turned into a bottle every night. I had nowhere to place my emotions, so I poured them into wine. I isolated myself — from my husband, my children, and the world. I became a functioning alcoholic. Life became dull, heavy, and deeply depressing.

Fortunately, I realized I was heading down the same path as those I had lost.
I knew I had to choose a different future—for myself and for my children. Something deep in my spirit told me to make the call to rehab. That decision changed my life.

It turned out to be an amazing experience. The therapy was just as important
as the detox. Within the first week, I started recognizing myself again — the version of me that had been missing for so long. I reconnected with the sweet, innocent girl I once was before life hardened her. The girl who enjoyed experiencing life and creative projects.

During rehab, we occasionally had art-based classes. One day, I created a bracelet. It wasn't made with beads I would have chosen, only what was available. I found it enjoyable and relaxing. I saved that bracelet as a reminder of my journey.

In just 30 days, I felt transformed into a stronger, healthier version of myself. The new me. Even my children saw the change, saying through tears, "We've got Mom back."

After leaving rehab, I wanted to replace my old destructive habit with something positive — something that would keep this new version of me grounded. I began ordering beads with stones that resonated with me: earthy, organic tones. I didn't even realize at the time that many of the stones I was drawn to carried powerful energetic properties.

I began creating bracelets discovering my new passion. My life was going great with the new rediscovered version of me!

Then two weeks after leaving rehab, I died. Literally.... died.

My heart stopped twice due to a severe asthmatic attack. The last thing I remember is calling 911, unable to speak, laying my head on a chair on my front porch. I woke up two and a half days later in the ICU, surrounded by my children and husband, who told me I had been unconscious — and that I had died twice. It took a moment for that reality to sink in.

While recovering in the ICU, I listened to my favorite motivational speaker, Dr. Wayne Dyer. In one video, he spoke about dying to ones self in order to be reborn. That message hit me deeply. I felt I had already experienced a rebirth through rehab, and now — miraculously — I was still here after really dying. I have always tended to think literally but wow ... now I am literally reborn.

I believe this is all part of my soul's intended journey. It's just not my time yet. There is more for me to do.

As I recovered, I continued making bracelets. What started as a creative outlet quickly became something much deeper — a symbol of my spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Each bracelet carried intention, resilience, and renewal. A catalyst to share my story with others.

I felt compelled to honor this journey permanently, so I got my very first tattoo as reminder of how grateful I am to be alive, and that I still have a purpose on this earth. I want to help others who are suffering from addiction and searching for healing. I want to share my experience and reach those who feel lost the way I once did.

This is the inspiration that led me to Strands of Samsara.