Every year, 17 March emerges from the calendar like a shadow I cannot avoid. For many, it is another day of routine, but for me, it marks a collision with a painful chapter in my story. Thirty-five years ago, on this very date, the unthinkable happened. It was the day my beloved Aunt Chandra was taken from this world. My then-partner tragically extinguished her life. It was the day my Dad Colin was shot. And it was the day I, too, bore the scars of violence. My mum Devi and brothers Shane and Logerson who were 14 years and 13 years respectively were subjected to unimaginable trauma as they witnessed this unfold.
17 March is not merely a date, for me, it is a mirror reflecting moments of heartbreak and resilience, of despair and hope. It is a reminder of life’s fragility and the strength it takes to rebuild. This year, the weight of the anniversary compelled me to confront the emotional labyrinth anew, even while honouring commitments. Recording the Wealth Zen segment with my co-host Samm Marshall, a project so deeply tied to my growth served as both a challenge and a testament to perseverance. Though I could not go into the studio on the 18th, the work had to be done telephonically on the 17th of March.
The Wealth Zen itself has become a sanctuary, a place where pain transforms into purpose, and the lessons of our past enrich our present. It is a space where I channel grief into growth, a reflection of the strength that emerges from scars that will never truly fade.
The idea of “wealth” within this Zen is about more than material riches. It is also about the wealth of the human spirit, and its capacity to endure, adapt, and thrive. It is about honouring memories like my Aunt Chandra, and my furbaby Zen, who passed on January 18th 2025, and transforming suffering into a beacon of light that helps others navigate their own darkness.
17 March will always be my hardest day. Yet, it also represents the incredible resilience of those who survive. This anniversary, the thirty-fifth of many to come, reminds me of loss but also of love, courage, and the unyielding nature of HOPE.
Samm, my co-host, showed such kindness and gentleness throughout this telephonic recording. His support was instrumental in helping me get through it. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can help lighten the burden of life's challenges.
You can listen to our conversation here- https://youtu.be/A_PcbolbNtk
Be kind to yourself and the people on your path!
Thank you for stopping by
I wish you love, light, happiness and Freedom
Charmaine Soobramoney.
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