As AI becomes more present in our work and lives, I keep thinking about what it will never be able to do. This is a reflection on birth, death, presence, and what still belongs only to us. I’d love to hear what you’re noticing too.

In the midst of preparing for my first exams in the Master of Science in Integrative Therapy program, I’ve been deeply immersed in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, alongside a wealth of academic and scientific research. The material I’m studying has been both academically enriching and personally affirming. Looking back on my journey, from finance and marketing to midwifery care, I see how each step, including my own experience as a survivor of trauma, has shaped my path.

Through the lens of trauma studies, I now understand how trauma isn’t just a psychological wound—it’s a physiological imprint that can be passed down through generations. As we deepen our understanding of embodied healing, the importance of early intervention becomes clear. The body holds the wisdom to heal, and by listening to it, we have the power to break the cycle of trauma for future generations.

Unsplash Image by Unseen Studio

@uns__nstudio

Life is a tapestry woven from countless moments—each thread representing a phase, a story, a lesson. It Takes As Long As It Takes is not just a tagline; it’s the recognition that every part of our journey, whether joyful or painful, is essential to the person we become.

In this photo gallery, I invite you to walk with me through the snapshots of my life: from the trauma of my early childhood to the resilience that emerged after facing cancer, from the tender moments of motherhood to the freedom of travel and exploration. Each image captures a moment, a role I’ve played, and a challenge I’ve overcome, but more than that, they show the beauty of growth and transformation.

As you reflect on your own life’s journey, I encourage you to think about your own chapters—the highs and lows, the times of loss and the moments of triumph. Together, let’s celebrate the richness of our stories, knowing that each phase, each experience, takes exactly as long as it’s meant to.

“Resting as if the world outside has ceased to call—
As if there’s nothing to do but breathe, to simply be.
Who are we, then, if not this?
Not the endless striving, nor the restless wave of tasks.
We have, perhaps, become something more—
A peaceful being, drifting free from the human race,
Letting go of the doings that once tethered us.”

Life's amusement park can be thrilling, but when the fun turns into overwhelm, it's crucial to pause and prioritize mental health. The constant noise, relentless rides, and pressing crowds can make even the most exhilarating moments feel like a struggle for survival. We often push ourselves to keep up, believing that happiness lies in the next big thrill. However, true peace comes from recognizing when we need to step away.

In a world programmed to avoid stillness, the courage to pause is a profound act of self-preservation. It's about finding quiet corners amidst the chaos, setting boundaries, and embracing moments of stillness. When life’s current pulls us in unintended directions, it's essential to resist the urge to rush back into the noise. Instead, allow yourself to breathe and heal, understanding that you deserve peace as much as excitement.

AI is no more my writer than stilts are my legs.

New tools often spark curiosity—and controversy. Some assume AI hands writers an effortless shortcut, just as others might believe stilts let me leap ahead without effort. But those who truly understand know the truth: tools don’t replace skill; they demand it.

For over 40 years, writing has been my craft—scribbled on napkins, whispered into voice notes, woven into the quiet moments of everyday life. AI hasn’t replaced that. If anything, it has challenged me to see my creativity from a new vantage point. But the spark? The raw, messy, deeply personal process of storytelling? That remains entirely mine.

The real question isn’t whether AI can write. It’s whether we, as creators, embrace innovation without losing the soul of our work.

So to those who wonder if the stilts did the work, I say: Watch me run. To those who assume AI has taken the place of my pen, I say: Watch me write.

We often think of mental health in terms of major life changes—therapy, self-help programs, or big commitments. But what if the real key to well-being lies in the small, daily habits we build? Just like brushing our teeth prevents cavities, small mental health practices help prevent stress, anxiety, and burnout.

From mindfulness exercises to consistent sleep routines, small actions can have a profound impact over time. You don’t need to overhaul your life—just a few minutes each day can make a difference. So, what’s one small step you can take today for your mental health?

Showing up for yourself can be one of the most challenging—and most powerful—acts of self-love. We often show up for others, offering our time, energy, and care without hesitation. Yet when it comes time to show up for ourselves, we can struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. But what if we redefined “showing up” not as an obligation but as a form of deep, nurturing self-care?

True self-care is about more than pampering; it’s about prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries, and honoring your needs. It’s about taking intentional moments to check in with yourself, practicing self-compassion, and creating space for rest. When you show up for yourself, you lay the foundation for everything else in your life—your relationships, your work, your growth.

Showing up for yourself doesn’t require perfection. It’s about being present and gentle with yourself, recognizing that you deserve the same love and care you so freely give to others. Every small act of self-compassion counts, and each step brings you closer to the truest form of self-care.

As the season of love approaches, with hearts and flowers beginning to fill the air, take a moment to reflect on the most profound love story of all—the one you have with yourself. True self-love is not found in grand gestures but in the quiet, daily dedication to your own well-being. It’s a discipline that invites you to nourish your soul with the same tenderness you might offer to a beloved.

In these early days of February, as thoughts turn toward connection and affection, let your love for yourself be your guiding light. Ask yourself: Is this choice a reflection of my self-respect? Does this relationship uplift and nourish me? In embracing these questions, you cultivate a love that is steadfast and enduring—a love that grows and flourishes, not just for a single day, but for all the days to come.

Marriage is often depicted as a never-ending fairytale, but the truth is that it’s much more complex. Love isn’t always consistent, and there are times when it feels like everything but love exists between you and your spouse. The key to navigating these moments is remembering that commitment isn’t about avoiding the hard parts—it's about moving through them together, side by side. There will be days when the bond feels stretched thin, when the connection seems lost, but as you look back over the years, you’ll see that it was these very challenges that strengthened you both.

I’ve been there. 30+ years of marriage, children, loss, and illness—it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Hang in there. The storm will pass, and on the other side, there’s peace. Always remember: you are human, and that’s enough.

Welcome to the first entry in my Valentine’s Collection—a series of daily writings that will unfold over the next two weeks. As we step into February, a month often dedicated to love and connection, I want to take a moment to explore love in all its forms. These reflections will dive into the beauty of self-discovery, the excitement of trying new things, and the importance of embracing every step of our personal journeys.

Each day, I’ll share a new piece that invites you to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the process of becoming. Whether you’re seeking inspiration in your relationships, your creative pursuits, or your own self-growth, I hope these writings offer something meaningful to you.

So, let’s begin this journey together—one word, one story, one reflection at a time.

I wanted this trip to be about new places, about adventure, about the lightness of movement and discovery. A travel journal, filled with café stops and charming streets, salty sea air and sunsets over unfamiliar horizons. But the truth is, we don’t always get to decide what takes up space in our hearts.

Because here I am, standing at an airport gate, unable to shake the image of a young woman leaning into the man beside her, fragile but determined, taking step after step toward something unknown. And here I am, once again, feeling the weight of a battle I fought nearly a decade ago, a battle I have spent years healing from, releasing, making peace with. Yet, no matter how much time passes, some moments pull me right back.

This journey has been a series of reminders—not of where I’m going, but of where I’ve been. And no matter how much I try to keep this journal lighthearted, the truth insists on being written. Because sometimes, travel isn’t just about places. Sometimes, it’s about what we carry with us, even when we think we’ve left it behind.