January has been a month of reflection, transition, and finding light in the midst of winter’s darkness. After a joyful week in Málaga filled with sunshine, family, and creative inspiration, coming home to Germany’s cold, gloomy weather was a challenge. As someone with Seasonal Affective Disorder, I’m mindful of how winter affects my well-being, and early signs of a post-holiday slump reminded me to take action. A simple walk in the bitter cold and a spontaneous dinner outing with my boys helped shift my perspective, bringing a sense of lightness back to my days. This month, I’ve been reminded that small, intentional actions can make all the difference—and that staying connected to myself through writing and reflection is essential for maintaining balance.

In the quiet moments of healing, we often rediscover the joy we thought was lost. It’s not about erasing pain but finding peace amidst it. Through compassion, self-love, and intentional living, we can gently guide ourselves from the depths of grief towards the light of joy. By allowing ourselves to feel, to grieve, and to heal, we create the space for joy to return—reminding us that even after the darkest times, beauty and happiness can flourish once again.

In a country defined by diversity, struggle, and resilience, Americans have a unique ability to foster connection and unity. Despite challenges, their unwavering compassion and drive offer lessons for us all.

Sometimes, it feels easier to change everything than to make one small shift that could transform our lives. When faced with challenges, the temptation to overhaul every aspect of our world can be overwhelming—it seems like a quick fix. But the true power of transformation often lies in making subtle, intentional changes. A small shift—whether it’s a habit, mindset, or approach—can spark a ripple effect, leading to greater clarity, motivation, and progress. While big changes feel empowering in the moment, it’s those small adjustments that create lasting, sustainable growth. The key isn’t in changing everything—it’s in choosing the one thing that makes all the difference.

The U.S. Presidential Inauguration is more than a political event—it’s a testament to the resilience of democracy and the shared responsibility of its citizens. By embracing intentional and mindful living, we honor the freedoms we often take for granted.

Community is a powerful force, especially when you're navigating personal growth or transformation. It’s about more than just receiving and giving support—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who align with your values and who genuinely encourage you to pursue your dreams. For those of us living outside of our comfort zones, especially as expats or in a foreign culture, building these connections can be challenging, particularly when language barriers and unfamiliar environments add complexity. But even in these moments of discomfort, the right community becomes a lifeline. It reminds us that we’re never truly alone in our journey and that with trust, shared experiences, and mutual support, we can grow together. Whether it's a group of like-minded professionals, fellow expats, or a close-knit circle of friends, these relationships are the bedrock of transformation, offering the support and encouragement we need to evolve into our best selves.

I’ve always believed that stories have a way of finding their way to the page, whether you’re ready for them or not. The Life of Evelyn Grey has been brewing in my mind for years, and now it’s finally taking shape—layer by layer, twist by twist. It’s a story that asks hard questions about fate, morality, and the very nature of free will, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

But here’s the thing: writing is a journey, not a straight line. Some days it feels like I’m chasing the words, and other days, the characters chase me. And when they do, they demand to be heard.

As I work on this series, there’s a lot left to do, but I’m closer than ever to bringing Evelyn’s world to life. And I need your support more than ever—because until the books are in your hands, I’m just a storyteller, pouring my heart into something that only exists on paper (for now).

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the price of knowing the future, about where the line between good and evil really lies, or about what happens when destiny clashes with choice, I promise you—this series will take you there.

But before I get ahead of myself, I need to ask: Are you ready for the journey? Because I can’t wait to take you with me.

Read the full post to learn more about what’s coming—and how you can be a part of it.

Sometimes, the idea of changing everything can feel like the only way forward. You wake up and realize that the life you’re living no longer aligns with who you are or who you want to be. In those moments, the temptation to overhaul your entire existence is strong. But here’s the truth: while radical transformation can be necessary at times, more often than not, the real power lies in making small, intentional shifts. The beauty of change doesn’t always come from drastic measures; sometimes, it’s the subtle adjustments that spark the most profound growth. In this article, I share my journey of navigating the crossroads between small shifts and radical change, and how both can play vital roles in our paths toward living a more authentic life. Whether you’re ready for a small step or a bold leap, it’s about understanding which choice will bring you closer to the life you’re meant to lead.

What if we all carried our lives in a backpack,
The way weary travelers do,
Waiting in queues for hours
To reunite with loved ones,
Only to leave with a lingering sadness,
After a brief gathering that only partly fills the emptiness
Of a mother grown old,
Aged by her children becoming adults,
Meeting at gate 1F,
Where time is both a journey and a reminder.

Am I a writer who mothers, or a mother who writes? Am I a sailor who mothers, or a mother who sails? These questions often swirl in my mind, like a boat unsure of which direction to go. We all try to define ourselves by the roles we play, but maybe the real answer isn’t in choosing one role over another—it’s in accepting that we can be many things at once. Life, like a backpack we carry, holds both light and heavy moments. As we grow and our children grow, we realize that we are constantly evolving. There’s beauty in the journey of motherhood and self-discovery, in all its messiness and wonder. The most beautiful part? We’re never truly finished. There’s always more to uncover, more to learn, and more to embrace. And in that constant unfolding, we find our true strength—not in being one thing, but in being all of who we are.

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.