Rebuilding Yourself from the Ashes - The Story of Snježana Stanić

This story is based on her own written reflections, memories, and experiences, which have been adapted and presented in the third person.

Some people find their element early in life. Some spend their entire lives searching for it. And some discover it only after losing almost everything.

After 41 years of marriage, a life that from the outside seemed stable and secure, she found herself facing a new beginning. She left with only a few boxes of personal belongings, no financial security, and no clear plan for what came next. It was a moment when she had to start over from nothing.

During that period, an opportunity arose to work as a caregiver for elderly people. She did not choose it because it had always been her dream to work with seniors. She accepted it because she needed a job and a chance for a fresh start. Yet this work would ultimately change her outlook on life.

Today, she affectionately calls her clients “The Magnificent Seven.”

Through her daily work with older adults, she learned to slow down, listen, and see the world through different eyes. She realized how little is needed to feel happiness, gratitude, and connection. Each person she cares for carries their own story, habits, sorrows, memories, and small joys.

A special place in her heart belongs to the memories of her own mother, who lived for years with severe health consequences caused by war and illness. She also remembers caring for her mother-in-law during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. Through her current work with the elderly, she feels she is, in a way, repaying a debt to her mother.

“I see it as a debt that I repay to my mother through them.”

The greatest lesson she has learned is that people often do not need grand solutions. Sometimes, it is enough simply to be present. To listen. To remain in the moment.

She believes that a single sentence can change someone's life.

“Just be there and listen.”

Beyond helping others, art has always been an important part of her life.

Although creativity has accompanied her since childhood, life's circumstances left little room for artistic expression for many years. Family, work, and everyday responsibilities came first. It was only after major life changes that painting found its way back to her.

Today, she says that painting is not merely art.

It is her psychotherapy.

It is the place where she meets herself.

Her inspiration does not come from carefully planned concepts, but from emotion. Sometimes a female figure appears, sometimes a gaze, an eye, or a silhouette. Through her paintings, she observes her own growth, questions herself, and discovers how far she has come.

Her first solo exhibition was titled In Search, while the second carried the name The Power of a Woman. Both titles perfectly describe her journey — a search for identity and a rediscovery of inner strength.

A particularly fascinating aspect of her creative work is the combination of painting and poetry.

She never planned it.

It simply happened.

As she paints, words often begin to form in her mind. Sometimes messages emerge naturally, and sometimes a painting inspires her to offer comfort, support, or encouragement to someone else.

For her, art is not merely the creation of beautiful objects. It is communication, emotion, and connection between people.

Writing entered her life in a similar way.

After the breakdown of her marriage and the difficult circumstances that followed, a friend gave her simple advice:

“Write.”

She began recording her feelings, thoughts, and experiences. From those pages emerged a manuscript that will soon be published under the title How I Freed Myself from a Narcissist.

Writing itself was never the difficult part. What was difficult was looking inward without self-pity and without placing all the blame on the other person. It required an honest examination of her own choices, fears, and mistakes.

Through that process, she reached an important realization.

If we do not love and respect ourselves, the consequences are not felt only by us. They are felt by the people around us as well.

That is why she hopes her book will encourage readers to pause and ask themselves whether they are truly living a life that fulfills them.

“If you get on the wrong train, get off immediately. The sooner you do, the sooner you will find your way back to yourself.”

Today, she also dedicates her energy to working with young people through projects that encourage creativity, social interaction, and active use of free time.

Together with her colleagues, she organizes workshops where children can learn through play, art, and sports. The goal is not only to develop skills, but also to help children return to what she calls their “factory settings” — genuine interaction, conversation, creating with their hands, and shared experiences.

She believes children should be given the opportunity to discover what they are capable of when they free themselves from the fear of making mistakes.

What brings her the greatest joy is seeing someone who initially said, “I can't do this” or “I'm not good at this,” proudly admire what they have created only a few hours later.

When she speaks about a fulfilling life, her answer has nothing to do with success, money, or recognition.

For her, a fulfilling life is one in which a person is at peace with themselves.

Living in your element means being true to who you are. It means not pretending, not adapting yourself to meet the expectations of others, and not sacrificing your identity simply to satisfy someone else.

And when asked what she would say to someone going through a difficult period, her answer comes without hesitation:

“Turn toward yourself first. Forgive yourself. FORGIVE YOURSELF. And then, slowly, move forward.”

Perhaps that sentence captures the essence of her story. A story about a woman who lost much, but through helping others, embracing art, and finding the courage to begin again, discovered what mattered most — herself.

If her story resonates with you and you would like to support her journey by purchasing her artwork, reading her forthcoming book, or joining her organization's activities with your children, you can follow her work through the social media links below.