Ever ignored that quiet inner voice telling you something was off?

What started as a hopeful sailing opportunity turned into a situation that tested every boundary. In this post, I share what happened, what I learned, and why listening to your gut is never a mistake.

👉 Read: When Your Gut Says Go: Learning to Walk Away

Many thanks to Unsplash Edgar Chaparro

@echaparro for the image up above.

Thanksgiving Day, 2015. I had emergency surgery—a hemicolectomy and full hysterectomy—after nearly bleeding to death from undiagnosed late-stage colorectal cancer. I was 42, with two teenagers, a five-year-old, and a three-year-old. Cancer was the last thing on my mind. In a single moment, our entire world shifted.

It took three years to recover physically. Another three to begin healing mentally. And the last three have been about putting the pieces back together and finding meaning in it all.

Now, nearly ten years later, I’m still here. Stronger than ever.

Physically, as a sailor and Yachtmaster. Mentally, as a soon-to-be MSc graduate in Integrative Therapy. And wholly, as a woman who takes up space and time to move through life on her own terms.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I know that. And I’m here to support others navigating deep change—whether it’s chosen or arrives uninvited.

With family and community, we can do hard things. Together, we grow stronger.

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?

This experience left me wondering about the broader impact of gaslighting on those who didn’t witness these events firsthand. What does this mean for the psychology and well-being of humanity? How many others have doubted their reality or the validity of their actions because of manipulative narratives?

In our journey of self-discovery and healing, it’s essential to recognize our impact and honor our achievements. We must give ourselves credit for the good we do and resist the forces that seek to undermine our sense of reality. Our actions, rooted in compassion and empathy, have the power to transform lives. We must hold onto that truth, even when doubt and manipulation try to cloud our vision.

As I move forward in my doctoral studies and beyond, I carry these lessons with me. I am committed to recognizing my worth, understanding the ripple effects of my actions, and standing firm against the forces that seek to distort my reality. Our humanity, our compassion, and our empathy are powerful tools for change. Let’s hold onto them tightly and continue to make a difference in the world.

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.

She gave me a gift—thirty years of her soul, poured out in poetry and stories. It was raw, brave, and vulnerable. But all I could see was the danger it brought: the cracks where our private lives might spill into the world, open for judgment and harm.

I wanted to protect her, to shield her from the world's cruelty. She wanted to be seen, to share her truth with a courage that took my breath away.

When I asked her to take it down, I thought I was keeping us safe. But in her eyes, I saw the fire extinguish. What I meant as love, she heard as silence.

Now, in this too-small town, I wrestle with the words she needs to hear: I see you. I love you. I want to protect you… but I won’t hide you.