The Journey Back to Oneself

February 4, 2026 In Uncategorized

The two-bedroom flat in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, lay shrouded in the darkness of a 3:00 AM winter’s night in 2024. Pale yellow streetlights filtered through thin curtains, casting long, scar-like streaks across the weathered timber floors. Rain pattered against the windowpanes, droplets pooling on the ledge before dripping onto the floor. The scent of damp walls mingled with the lingering aroma of a nearly spent lavender candle, yet it failed to dispel the hollow ache tightening in Emily Harper’s chest.

Emily, 47, sat huddled on a frayed sofa, clutching a lukewarm cup of herbal tea. Her breath was heavy, punctuated by soft sighs. Three years ago, her nineteen-year marriage had collapsed—not from a singular explosive row, but from the slow erosion of exhaustion: she was a freelance marketing consultant; her husband, a software engineer in Manhattan; they had two teenagers. When he told her, “I don’t recognise you anymore,” she simply nodded, as if she had already known it from the many nights spent alone in the kitchen, staring into the dark.

Following the divorce, she moved into this flat to rebuild. But her mother’s sudden death from a stroke just six months later left a void that nothing could fill. This compounded loss drove Emily into her shell. In modern American society, where middle-aged women are exhorted to be “strong, independent, and self-reliant,” she felt an invisible, suffocating pressure. On social media, others curated lives of perfect balance, while she grappled with skyrocketing rent, exorbitant private medical costs, and restrictive insurance. Many women around her—colleagues, neighbours—silently endured perimenopausal symptoms and anxiety, yet a culture of “not complaining” kept them silent.

Bad habits crept in. Emily would stay up until two or three in the morning scrolling through TikTok, eating cold cheese sandwiches late at night, skipping breakfast, and surviving on black coffee. She gained 18kg; her skin grew sallow with new patches of pigmentation; her hair fell out in clumps. Sleep deprivation made her irritable with her daughter, Anna (20, a final-year student at NYU), and her son, Jack (16, in secondary school). Anna would often retort, “Mum, you’re always tired! I need you to listen, not shout!” Jack remained silent, retreating to his room and his games.

Emily tried to save herself: the Headspace app, YouTube yoga, the BetterHelp chatbot. But she received only generic platitudes. She called her GP, only to wait three months for a virtual appointment; the doctor prescribed sleeping pills and noted, “Many women your age feel this way.” A specialist gynaecology appointment was nearly a year away, with out-of-pocket costs reaching thousands of dollars. News of the overstretched US healthcare system left her despondent.

One rainy October afternoon, Emily received a message from Sarah, an old university friend now living in California. Sarah sent a photo of a chamomile tea next to a journal: “I found somewhere that actually listens—not a mechanical app. Give it a go.” There was a link: Strongbody AI.

Emily registered as a “Buyer,” selecting her interests: women’s health, perimenopause, and anxiety. The system suggested Dr Sofia Ramirez, an endocrinologist from Mexico with twelve years of experience. Emily sent a message: “Hello Doctor, I am so exhausted. I can’t sleep, I have night sweats, I’m snapping at my children, and I feel like I’ve lost control.”

Dr Sofia replied quickly with an auto-translated voice message: “Hello Emily, thank you for sharing this with me. I understand exactly how that feels. Could you tell me more about your cycle, your sleep, and your diet? We will build a plan together, one small step at a time.”

For the first time, Emily felt truly heard. They began a tracking journal: two litres of water, 4-7-8 breathing exercises, and a protein-rich breakfast.

It wasn’t easy. In the second week, Emily suffered a severe relapse—a sleepless night of hot flushes followed by a morning flare-up at Anna for forgetting to tidy her room. Anna screamed, “Mum, you’re turning into a stranger! I can’t stand it!” Emily wept, messaging Dr Sofia at 2:00 AM: “I’ve failed again. I’m so tired, I want to give up.”

Dr Sofia replied immediately: “There is no failure, Emily. This journey is not linear. Today, just drink a glass of warm water and breathe for five minutes. Tomorrow, we adjust according to your hormones. I am here with you.”

Emily noted that Strongbody AI had its limitations. The voice translation was occasionally distorted—once, “hormona” translated correctly, but the tone sounded odd. Connections lagged during US-Mexico peak hours, causing 30-second delays. The platform was no substitute for an in-person examination, and the 10% buyer’s fee sometimes made her hesitate to book extra consultations. Yet, she realised: “It is a wonderful bridge, but it still requires effort from me.”

Emily persisted with small changes. Waking at 6:00 AM, brewing herbal tea, journaling. She tried jogging around Prospect Park, but in the third week, she tripped and sprained her ankle out of fatigue. Her neighbour, Mrs Margaret (65, a widow), saw her, helped her up, and invited her for coffee: “Dear, I was the same after I lost my husband. Be patient with yourself.”

With Dr Sofia’s support, Emily adjusted: adding gentle yoga and increasing magnesium through her diet. She video-called Sarah: “Thank you for recommending Strongbody. It’s not a miracle, but combined with daily effort, it’s a catalyst.”

In the fourth month, a sudden turn: Emily felt violent dizziness and a racing heart during a Zoom meeting with her colleague, Mike. Panicked, she thought it was a heart attack. She opened Strongbody AI and sent an urgent request. Dr Sofia guided her through checking her pulse and breathing, advising her to call emergency services if it didn’t subside. The episode passed after twenty minutes—a panic attack triggered by hormones and stress. But Emily had stayed calm through her daily breathing practice—a blend of personal grit and timely support.

She shared this with Anna that evening: “I’m sorry for the times I was sharp with you. I’m trying to find myself again.” Anna hugged her: “I’m sorry too, Mum. I’m proud of you.”

After six months, the results were clear: better sleep, glowing skin, 11kg lost, and a stable mood. Her freelance work bounced back; she landed a major project from Mike—a marketing campaign for a women’s health brand. They met for coffee: “Emily, your story is inspiring. Let’s collaborate more.”

Emily started a local support group for women via Zoom. Mrs Margaret joined: “Because of you, I’ve started tracking my health too.”

One autumn afternoon, Emily sat by the window with a hot tea, watching the golden leaves fall. She opened her notebook: “Strongbody AI and Dr Sofia were the spark, but I was the one who walked the path every day. Life isn’t just about physical healing; it’s about reconnecting with my children, my friends, and my community.”

She messaged Dr Sofia: “Thank you. The journey continues, but I am no longer alone.”

Dr Sofia replied: “You are the hero, Emily. Keep spreading the light.”

Emily smiled, opening the window to let the autumn breeze in. She had made significant strides—her family was closer, her work more meaningful, her health steadier, and her bonds with friends and neighbours deeper. But she knew the journey wasn’t over: there would be new challenges, difficult days, and further hormonal shifts. With proactivity, genuine connection, and relentless effort, she was ready to face them—not just for herself, but for the women around her, quietly finding their own way back home.
User Manual: Buyer Registration & Platform Usage on StrongBody AI

1. Registering as a Buyer

By default, all new registrations on StrongBody AI are designated as Buyer accounts. The registration process is as follows:

Access: Visit the StrongBody AI website at https://strongbody.ai or any link within the StrongBody AI domain.
Sign Up: Click the “Sign Up” button in the top-right corner of the screen. The default form provided is for Buyers.
Credentials: Enter your email address and a password of your choice to register.
Personalisation: Immediately after registration and account activation, you will be prompted during your first login to select your Areas of Interest and follow specific Expert Groups based on their professional fields. StrongBody AI uses these preferences to find and match relevant services and products, ensuring a seamless experience for your future needs.
Commencement: Once these selections are made, you may begin browsing information and conducting transactions on the platform.

2. Automatic Matching and Information Personalisation

Smart Matching: A standout feature of StrongBody AI is its Automatic Matching capability. Once a Buyer provides their interests and preferred Expert Groups, the system automatically filters and pushes relevant service information to them.
Email Notifications: Every time a service matching your interests is uploaded, the system sends an automated email notification so you can review the details and place an order.
Optimised Experience: Displayed information on the website and linked applications is tailored to the user’s interests to provide the highest informational value and an optimal service experience.

3. The Modern Buyer Account Menu

StrongBody AI provides a dedicated Menu for Buyers designed for ease of access and efficient management. After logging in, the following menus are available in the top-right corner:

My Account: The central hub for managing your profile. Here, you can manage transactions, track current and past orders, view offers from various sellers, update card details and personal information, change login credentials, manage uploaded images, and access messages and platform notifications.
Purchased Service: Quick access to the catalogue of services you have ordered.
Purchased Products: Quick access to the catalogue of products you have purchased.
My Request: Quick access to the list of requests you have sent out.
Received Offers: Manage offers received from experts (Sellers).

4. Ordering and Sending Requests

Process for Ordering a Service:

Buyers can browse products, services, experts, and resources via the Top Navigation Menu, Bottom Menu, and various site sections:

Browsing Services: Services posted by Experts (Sellers/Providers) are displayed on the Service Page. You can view categories and specific service details or use the filters on the left-hand menu to find services by category or specific need.
Service Details: Each service page includes a detailed description, illustrations, pricing, and Seller information. StrongBody AI ensures transparency by including implementation methods, applied technologies, roadmaps, and Seller quality commitments. Click the Seller’s Name to view their full professional profile.
Purchasing: Click “Buy Now” on the service detail page to proceed to payment. Funds are held securely in the StrongBody AI intermediary vault. Both the Buyer and Seller will receive email confirmations that a transaction is underway.

Sending a Direct Service Request:

A highlight of the platform is that Buyers are not restricted to pre-posted services. You can send a bespoke request based on your actual needs:

Send Request: Use the “Send Request” form on a specific service page. The Seller will receive a notification of a tailored request linked to their existing service and can manage it within their Seller dashboard.

Sending a Public Request:

If a Buyer cannot find a suitable existing service, they can issue a Public Request:

Process: Select a category and describe the required service or product.
AI Matching: StrongBody AI’s intelligent system automatically identifies potential Sellers matching the expertise required and sends the request to them.
Multiple Offers: The Buyer may receive various offers from different Sellers and can choose the one that best fits their requirements. This feature fosters competition and ensures the Buyer finds the best possible provider.

5. Product Enquiries (Consult Request)

Sellers showcase products in their personal shopfronts to introduce benefits and information.

B-Messenger: At the product information page, Buyers can send a consultation request. This opens the B-Messenger window, allowing real-time dialogue between the Buyer and Seller.
Direct Interaction: While the product enquiry is direct, StrongBody AI serves as the facilitator, ensuring transaction confirmation and secure payments via integrated Stripe, PayPal, or Payoneer gateways.

6. Receiving and Processing Offers

Dispute Resolution: If a Buyer has a grievance, StrongBody AI provides support to both parties to resolve the issue. In the event of a dispute, the platform acts as a mediator based on offer details, chat logs, and provided evidence. If a refund or cancellation is agreed upon, the corresponding amount is returned to the Buyer.

Managing Offers: When a Seller responds to a request or sends an offer, it appears in the Account Management -> Offers menu.

B-Messenger Integration: Uniquely, offers appear directly within the chat window. B-Messenger is not just a communication tool; it is a powerful integrated business transaction tool.

Reviewing Offers: Buyers can view full details: the offer name, service/product type, specific tasks, timelines, delivery methods, agreed terms, and the total cost.

Payment & Security: Upon accepting an offer, the Buyer pays via PayPal or Stripe using their saved credit card. Payments are handled with total security and held in escrow by StrongBody AI.

Implementation: The Seller is notified of the payment and commences work as outlined.

Completion & Funds Release: Once the work is finished and the Buyer confirms the result, the offer is marked as “Completed.” Funds are released to the Seller after a 15-day holding period (minus platform fees).
Dispute Resolution: If a Buyer has a grievance, StrongBody AI provides support to both parties to resolve the issue. In the event of a dispute, the platform acts as a mediator based on offer details, chat logs, and provided evidence. If a refund or cancellation is agreed upon, the corresponding amount is returned to the Buyer.
Overview of StrongBody AI

StrongBody AI is a platform connecting services and products in the fields of health, proactive health care, and mental health, operating at the official and sole address: https://strongbody.ai. The platform connects real doctors, real pharmacists, and real proactive health care experts (sellers) with users (buyers) worldwide, allowing sellers to provide remote/on-site consultations, online training, sell related products, post blogs to build credibility, and proactively contact potential customers via Active Message. Buyers can send requests, place orders, receive offers, and build personal care teams. The platform automatically matches based on expertise, supports payments via Stripe/Paypal (over 200 countries). With tens of millions of users from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and others, the platform generates thousands of daily requests, helping sellers reach high-income customers and buyers easily find suitable real experts.

Operating Model and Capabilities

Not a scheduling platform

StrongBody AI is where sellers receive requests from buyers, proactively send offers, conduct direct transactions via chat, offer acceptance, and payment. This pioneering feature provides initiative and maximum convenience for both sides, suitable for real-world health care transactions – something no other platform offers.

Not a medical tool / AI

StrongBody AI is a human connection platform, enabling users to connect with real, verified healthcare professionals who hold valid qualifications and proven professional experience from countries around the world.

All consultations and information exchanges take place directly between users and real human experts, via B-Messenger chat or third-party communication tools such as Telegram, Zoom, or phone calls.

StrongBody AI only facilitates connections, payment processing, and comparison tools; it does not interfere in consultation content, professional judgment, medical decisions, or service delivery. All healthcare-related discussions and decisions are made exclusively between users and real licensed professionals.

User Base

StrongBody AI serves tens of millions of members from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and many other countries (including extended networks such as Ghana and Kenya). Tens of thousands of new users register daily in buyer and seller roles, forming a global network of real service providers and real users.

Secure Payments

The platform integrates Stripe and PayPal, supporting more than 50 currencies. StrongBody AI does not store card information; all payment data is securely handled by Stripe or PayPal with OTP verification. Sellers can withdraw funds (except currency conversion fees) within 30 minutes to their real bank accounts. Platform fees are 20% for sellers and 10% for buyers (clearly displayed in service pricing).

Limitations of Liability

StrongBody AI acts solely as an intermediary connection platform and does not participate in or take responsibility for consultation content, service or product quality, medical decisions, or agreements made between buyers and sellers.

All consultations, guidance, and healthcare-related decisions are carried out exclusively between buyers and real human professionals. StrongBody AI is not a medical provider and does not guarantee treatment outcomes.

Benefits

For sellers:
Access high-income global customers (US, EU, etc.), increase income without marketing or technical expertise, build a personal brand, monetize spare time, and contribute professional value to global community health as real experts serving real users.

For buyers:
Access a wide selection of reputable real professionals at reasonable costs, avoid long waiting times, easily find suitable experts, benefit from secure payments, and overcome language barriers.

AI Disclaimer

The term “AI” in StrongBody AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies for platform optimization purposes only, including user matching, service recommendations, content support, language translation, and workflow automation.

StrongBody AI does not use artificial intelligence to provide medical diagnosis, medical advice, treatment decisions, or clinical judgment.

Artificial intelligence on the platform does not replace licensed healthcare professionals and does not participate in medical decision-making.
All healthcare-related consultations and decisions are made solely by real human professionals and users.