This piece is the second in a series of reflections on adaptation. The first explored sanctuary and the seasons of healing that shape us. This one moves closer to the ground of ordinary life. It looks at how adaptation shows up in small decisions, quiet shifts, and the moment when rest becomes something we carry forward instead of something we hide inside.

What does she see in me? What does she bring to my awareness that I am unready or unwilling to confront? Perhaps it’s the energy she radiates, which mirrors a part of myself I’ve long suppressed. Perhaps it’s her confidence in her gifts, a confidence I’ve struggled to find in my own. Or perhaps it’s simply the fact that she sees me at all—truly sees me—in a way that feels both exhilarating and terrifying.

As a child, I learned to suppress my abilities to survive. Growing up in a deeply religious family, my sensitivity to energy and emotion was seen as dangerous, even evil. I became the black sheep, the outsider, the one who didn’t fit. The trauma of those years taught me to hide, to blend in, to avoid drawing attention to my otherworldly gifts. And while I’ve spent much of my adult life reclaiming those parts of myself, the scars of that suppression remain.

This woman, this lightworker, challenges all of that. Her presence feels like an invitation—and an insistence—to step fully into who I am. But stepping into that space requires courage. It requires confronting the fears and insecurities I’ve carried for so long. And so, I avoid.

Fear connects us all, a silent companion in our darkest moments. It whispers doubts into the quiet of the night and grips our hearts when we face the unknown. But within this shared struggle lies our shared humanity. By embracing our fears, we uncover the courage to grow, to heal, and to find beauty even in vulnerability.

The clack of the keys became a comforting rhythm, a way to channel the restless energy of my young mind. Soon, the typewriter became my escape—a tool to make sense of the chaos swirling around me.

Step into a world of adventure, resilience, and intentional living. Through stories of love, loss, and triumph, you’ll journey alongside a life richly lived, from supporting thousands of births to navigating the seas as a sailor. This isn’t just a collection of tales; it’s an invitation to grow, to find meaning, and to uncover the wisdom woven into life’s most challenging and beautiful moments.

I share because my story has purpose. From the silence of a teenager coping with trauma to the freedom of finding my voice, my journey is one of healing, connection, and resilience. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to see that they are not alone, and to offer comfort and understanding through the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Writing has been my lifeline, a way to heal, explore, and connect, from a teenager navigating trauma to a mother chronicling fleeting family moments. It is my anchor in grief, my celebration of joy, and my bridge to future generations. Writing is not just what I do; it is who I am.