Vivianne Knebel is an inspiration to many. The author of From Rubble to Champagne: Rising from the Ashes of War-torn Berlin to a Life of Grace, Beauty, and Gratitude has seen her share of hardship and despair – but that hasn’t stopped her from coming out on top. In this interview, Vivianne shares valuable lessons about resilience, hope, and the power of gratitude in finding joy in life. She encourages others to look for silver linings in difficult times and to focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t. Her story is one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it! Read on to learn more about Vivianne’s inspiring journey.
About Vivianne Knebel
Born an illegitimate child in the wake of WWII in Berlin, Nazi Germany to a single mother, Vivianne Knebel’s options were limited and her future looked bleak. She experienced poverty, cold, and hunger, and was even driven to the point of committing suicide. To seek out a better life, Vivianne immigrated to Canada as a teenager, but her misfortunes did not end there. However, in response to a miraculous intervention, she decided to preserve her life and keep moving forward.
After this incident, Vivianne met a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, who eventually became her husband. But even more than that, he became a catalyst for change in her life. His belief in her is what helped her see the true, immeasurable value of her life. She went on to play a key role in Wiland’s business venture and together they built a better future for each other.
Since then, Vivianne has run a marathon, learned to pilot a plane, and even beat cancer. She’s found a greater sense of spirituality and wants to share her story with the world, to remind people that there is always a reason to keep moving forward.
About From Rubble To Champagne she also has a documentary based on the book called, An Unimportant Girl.
Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Marija, fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of World War II, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger. As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life, but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child.
Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne’s journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.
Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well lived: a grateful heart.
Connect with the Author
https://vivianneknebel.com/
https://www.swanplaceproductions.com/anunimportantgirlfilm
