05/26/2026
Twelve years ago, I was in this Women in Business magazine trying to figure life out.
I knew a few things for certain:
I loved people.
I loved teaching.
I knew the world already felt heavy.
And I desperately wanted to understand what actually helps human beings feel better.
Back then, I explored things like laughter workshops, positive psychology, play-based learning, and happiness-focused work. Some of it fit. Some of it absolutely didn’t. Some of it felt too surface-level for me, even then. And honestly… sometimes I probably looked a little ridiculous trying to find my way. 😄
But I kept going.
What I see now is that I wasn’t failing.
I was becoming.
A lot has happened between 2014 and 2026.
Loss.
Illness.
Grief.
A marriage ending.
Kids growing up and moving into their own lives.
Career shifts.
Estrangement.
Stillness.
Silence.
Deep reflection.
Life expanded my understanding.
I no longer believe happiness is about performing positivity, forcing joy, or pretending everything is okay. I think real flourishing is deeper than that.
Now I’m far more interested in:
meaning,
connection,
presence,
belonging,
emotional honesty,
community,
and helping people feel less alone in being human.
Ironically, after all these years, I probably am happier now — but not because I chased happiness harder.
Because I know myself better.
And I think there’s something important in remembering:
we all start somewhere.
Sometimes growth looks polished.
Sometimes it looks awkward.
Sometimes it looks like trying things that don’t fully fit until eventually your life slowly brings you closer to yourself.
I’m grateful for every version of me that kept trying.
Even the cringey ones. 🙂
