Laali Berthelsen: A Journey from Adversity to Empowerment
Settling into the black leather sofa of her Nuuk home, Laali Berthelsen gently nudges aside her son’s toys, revealing a space brimming with warmth and strength. Dressed in her familiar sportswear, she greets the world with a smile that exudes both resilience and hope.
Laali, a trailblazer in her community, has emerged from challenging beginnings. Raised in a tumultuous household, she turned away from the darkness of her childhood and embarked on a mission to inspire others. Today, she runs “Live Your Life,” a company dedicated to illustrating that change is achievable, even when faced with life’s most daunting circumstances.
Finding Light in the Dark
Laali’s early life was defined by hardship. Growing up in Nuuk with her mother and younger sister, she bore the heavy burden of her mother’s struggle with alcoholism. This reality thrust her into adulthood at an early age. Despite her father’s physical absence—he lived in Qeqertarsuatsiaat—his influence remained strong. Laali cherished their trips to Denmark, which offered brief respites from her demanding home life.
“I had to step up as the adult when my mother drank,” Laali reflects, her calm demeanor masking years of emotional weight. “There was no safety net, but I always had my dad to lean on.”
Outwardly, Laali appeared to navigate her teenage years with ease, excelling academically as she sought validation absent from her home. But beneath the surface was a persistent struggle for survival.
“I had a piggy bank stashed outside, so I could buy food for my sister when my mother was out,” she recalls, her voice lightening with laughter despite the painful memory. “It’s harsh, but it honed my skills at saving money.”
Her unwavering optimism reveals a rare resilience. Laali, through her journey, has learned to transform adversity into strength.
“All the bad experiences can be reframed into advantages,” she asserts. “They fortify you and alter your perspective on life.”
Even her mother, who caused her significant pain, is mentioned with a mixture of warmth and understanding. “On her good days, she was incredibly supportive. She cheered me on at sports competitions and hosted movie nights for my entire class.”
“But my childhood made it clear what I didn’t want to be,” she adds, laughing lightly as she acknowledges her dedication to health and fitness.
For Laali, sports became her sanctuary—a means of escape and self-discovery. Her talents propelled her to the junior national teams in both football and alpine skiing.
“In sports, I could be myself,” she shares. “It allowed me to lose myself in joy, free from the burdens of reality.”
Strength Born of Adversity
Laali’s story mirrors many, making it vital for her to pave the way for others who share similar struggles. “There is far too much abuse in Greenland, and many children from such families are stifled by guilt and shame. It’s never their fault. With the right mindset, they can unleash their potential.”
Using her own past as motivation, Laali learned to harness her childhood’s pain. “If I survived my upbringing, I can tackle anything life throws my way.”
Laali is committed to ensuring that her drive benefits others. She has developed programs for vulnerable youth, intertwining physical training with mental resilience and self-reflection. Her credentials as a fitness instructor, nutritionist, and mindfulness mentor complement her natural capacity for empathy and guidance.
“As the program progresses, participants start to trust me, especially when they see I come from a similar background,” she explains. “When they realize that if I can do it, so can they, a spark of hope ignites.”
Yet her reflections are cut short by a ping from her Apple Watch—a gentle reminder of her dedication to health.
The Last Conversation
At 28, Laali’s world shattered when her father took his own life. He had been her cornerstone, the first person she turned to for everything, even trivial matters.
“It was unbearable to think I would never hear his voice again,” Laali confesses, her eyes brimming with unforgotten grief.
Together with her sister, she laid him to rest in Nuuk, but it wasn’t until years later that Laali confronted her own sorrow. “My father’s death obliterated my world. I sought therapy, three years post-tragedy because I was so used to handling everything on my own.”
Though the grief left gnawing scars, Laali slowly rediscovered herself. She came to understand that asking for help is an act of bravery, one that can transform even the darkest tales into new beginnings.
For Liam—and All the Others
As her sister embraced motherhood, Laali chose a different path—traveling the globe and feeding her adventurous spirit. She found a particular affinity for South Africa, enchanted by the warmth of its people and their gratitude for life’s little joys.
“I used to insist that I’d never have kids,” she recalls with a sounding laugh, “since I had already played the role of a mother too early. I wanted to experience all the world had to offer.”
Life’s trajectory shifted when she returned to Nuuk. A chance meeting with Christian at the gym sparked a whirlwind romance, leading to an unexpected desire for motherhood.
“I just knew—I wanted a child,” she affirms decisively.
With Christian beside her, Laali began to cultivate peace in Nuuk. The legacy of her childhood became overshadowed by cherished memories of their family. Now, as a 37-year-old mother, she approached pregnancy with the same zeal that has defined her life.
“Christian sees me for who I am—completely. He’s my new rock. Together, we’ve created something beautiful: our son Liam,” she beams proudly.
Today, Laali embodies motherhood with vigor. A vibrant participant in Liam’s life, she volunteers at his kindergarten, infusing joy and movement into their days.
“Being Liam’s mom has healed a part of me,” Laali reflects. “I can give him the childhood I never had.”
Her broad smile radiates warmth, signifying a quiet strength and a generous spirit that lifts those around her.
“I love my life,” she concludes—all the strength and joy of her journey encapsulated in a simple, heartfelt statement. It serves as a powerful reminder that regardless of one’s beginnings, the potential for hope, courage, and love always exists. Laali Berthelsen is a testament to that unwavering belief.