Life is messy

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My life in a word has been messy. Amazing, adventurous and fulfilling, but nevertheless, messy. 

I've been a single mom for pretty much, ever. I'm divorced twice with two children from two different dads. I've lived at the poverty level and enjoyed financial freedom. I've had to learn hard lessons the hard way. 

Yet, I am also an apt teacher, a respected professional and an innovative entrepreneur.  Trust me, you have what it takes within you to do awesome things!

Messy doesn't have to mean incapable, daft or unenlightened.  The truth is we're all some degree of messy, that's what makes us relatable.  It's how we help others; sharing what we've faced and how we fought through it. 

Your mess isn't who you are, but rather what you've overcome. Your mess, if you allow it, can be your greatest masterpiece. Your legacy of living, not surviving. 

Using your mess to create a meaningful story does, however, require making a choice to be reachable and teachable, as in learning how to be resilient, persevering when every ounce of you says give up and discovering what unrelenting determination feels like.  Boldness, courage, vulnerability, and humility are required.  

I prayed for clarity and God gave me courage to face my fears. 

I prayed for hardship to pass quickly, and I learned patience to walk out my healing.

I prayed for restoration and endured heartache to teach me true forgiveness. 

I prayed for strength and was given endurance to run the race.

I prayed for what I wanted. The answers were what I needed.

In the past 6 months, my mom passed a day after affectionately telling her it was okay to let go, and a very special and significant relationship ended, leaving me broken-hearted.  I knew I had to “let go” out of love, in both circumstances. I didn't want to let go of either, yet I sensed both “needed” my release.  

Truthfully, this season has been gut-wrenching. 

Recently, while tearfully cleaning my room and praying wistfully, I found this poem from my mom. God's timing is always perfect.

TO LET GO TAKES LOVES

To let go does not mean to stop caring. It means I can’t do it for someone else.

To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to care for, but to care about.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be him or herself.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to determine their own destinies.

To let go is not to be less protective, it is to permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to dominate but to be willing to let things happen.

To let go is not to betray the past, but to have faith in the future.

To let go means to fear less and love more.   

-               Author unknown

This photo brings a smile to my face because it brings me joy. It represents a sudden and unexpected interruption, truthfully, slightly unsettling. This affectionate cat assertively made itself comfortable on my chest, playfully offering affectionate gestures with vigorous purring. While I could have easily pushed it away, I chose to embrace the moment. I chose gladness.

Choosing joy is deliberate – it requires nurturing. It's not our automatic response to surprises, challenges, setbacks, or changes in plans. It's akin to exercising a muscle. First, we must recognize and understand that we have the option to choose joy, then we must strengthen our capacity for it.

Joy differs from happiness. Happiness hinges on circumstances and achieving desired outcomes, while joy emanates from a spiritual place. It offers the ability to choose joy irrespective of circumstances – a place where gratitude is found in the present moment regardless of what is happening. It embodies a belief that life has its highs and lows, yet things will improve and there is hope.

Proverbs 17:22 states "a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones". A heart filled with joy holds the ability to heal, whereas a spirit that is broken can negatively impact our well-being. It is essential to nurture our joyfulness to build inner strength when facing life's numerous challenges. While it may not alter your situation right away, it will nourish your soul. 

So, next time when encountering obstacles, pause, and try joy as your response.

New beginnings require a deliberate choice to embrace a new phase, a new era, a new opportunity, and possibly a new attitude. Don't be troubled by leaving the past behind; instead, rejoice in the fact that you are exactly where you are supposed to be today, at this moment, reading this article and finding hope.

The key to starting something new isn't just about getting it started; it's about finishing well. Learn, grow, and stay determined through the ups and downs. It takes patience and perseverance to do something well, and therein lies the accomplishment. We grow in maturity and character when we see things through to the end.

Remember, don't decide how the end looks at the beginning. This can lead to disappointment, assumptions, and errors. Allow your situation to unfold naturally while keeping your eyes wide open for the lessons along the way. Pivot as needed without holding onto your preconceived plan. Stretch your abilities and run the full race, not stopping until it has been completed. Put your pride aside (your will, your discomfort, your inability to see the result) and stay the course.

Perseverance takes practice. When doubts and fears bombard your mind, take a stand to not give up and press on. You will be glad you did. 

I pray you will have the strength and perseverance to finish what you start, knowing that strong endings are worth new beginnings. May you find hope and determination to light your way. Amen.

Sorry, not sorry. This article is straight up.

Dealing with pain is uncomfortable. Actually, I hate it. It is upsetting, miserable and fricken hard. Some days are depressing and all-consuming. Ugggh.

However, to move through pain, we must look it straight in the eye and take away its power.  Get real and ask yourself what you are neglecting.  As we allow honest, raw emotions to emerge, we can move on to healing. Make no mistake, maturity, vulnerability, and accountability are required.

A good friend, family member, partner, colleague, or spiritual confidant can help you to work through the pain and move into a healthier place. Sometimes, a trained professional is required. I for one, am determined to come out the other end wiser, changed, and hopeful. 

Are you going to deal with your “stuff” (aka anger, bitterness, addiction, apathy, procrastination, shame, etc.) that's interfering with your ability to live your life fully, or to continue to believe that healing is for others who need to “go deep”, and not required by you.  

Funny thing is, often the work isn't as long and treacherous as thought.  A timely, pertinent, and wise word can unlock amazing revelations that catapult us into new beginnings. 

The longer you wait to do the work, the longer it takes to start living, not surviving.

I pray that you have the courage today, to confront and acknowledge your obstacles. May the healing process bring you unimagined enlightenment, freedom, and wholeness. Amen.

If you've been following my articles, you know over the past 8 months I have shared some very personal, and sometimes very painful perspectives, from lessons learned, love lost and a life lived. 

I make a conscious choice to embrace life each day with purpose. I desire to work through the tough stuff, be grateful for the goodness found all around me, (even when in the valley), and I am motivated to help others in need, which provides me essential perspective.  

However; after a season of growth, a time for rest is necessary. A quiet period, with no clear answers. A time to be patient, to trust and to live life with no agenda. A time not to force one's will and move forward in haste.  A time to allow lessons to ruminate and penetrate within, through reflection. This requires a willingness to be open to next steps without knowing where they lead; living by faith. Meaning, having "confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see". Hebrews 11:1. 

Once my soul has been restored, my agenda cleared of my preconceived ideas, and my timeline discarded, I leave room to live on the edge; not knowing my future, yet choosing to yield to the direction of a higher power. 

This kind of release is exhilarating, freeing, and bold. God has never failed me, and without exception brings good from bad, and opens doors never imagined. 

The more I forgive, the greater perspective, grace and peace of mind I have.  Forgiveness however, can be a painful process, one that requires us to feel to heal, yet, I believe it is worth the discomfort.

To forgive, is an active choice, despite our feelings. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that frees the person who was hurt. Too much focus is placed on the one who caused the pain.

Some people don't forgive claiming it’s empowering to hold a grudge which provides a sense of control. Nope. You are now trapped in the prison of resentment.  

Others don't forgive because "they" haven't acknowledged their wrongdoing. If you're waiting for remorse, it may be a while, or truthfully, never. Hello, bitterness. 

Some don't forgive because maybe "it" may happen again. True! But projecting, only brings more suffering. 

Choosing to forgive, means absorbing the pain, and then healing the hurt. It releases us from holding others hostage and in return, holding ourselves hostage. It's a proactive choice for our well-being. That said, it doesn't always mean reconciliation is possible or healthy. Boundaries and forgiveness co-exist harmoniously.

While the decision to forgive is ours, supernatural assistance is often necessary to fully let go of deep-seated pain and trauma.

I pray if you are struggling, you'll break free from the unforgiveness that is holding you back. God, please give us faith to forgive, and release your power to heal our hearts. Guide us through the healing process to improved health and wellness. Amen. 

The graffitied tracks hidden beneath the canopy of trees is an amazing feast for the eyes; a working railroad bridge that has welcomed many courageous and somewhat foolish young men, including my own son!  

Two arrived to put their testosterone to the test. No sooner had one expertly made it to the middle, 50ft above ground, did the other freeze with fear.  “I can't move!" he stammered. He was in panic mode.

Like a trooper, he crawled on all fours, while muttering something about physics and the more space covered by his hands and knees, the better.  

Did he fail? No! He was alive, he tried, he found a solution, he swallowed his pride, pivoted and carried on; this time wiser by using a steel thread to guide him, he hadn’t previously noticed. 

Failure is about perspective.  “Fear of failure” messes with women's minds and holds us back from greatness.  

Fear of failure is foolishness.  Failure is code for; pivot and try again, head held high! Accept failure as necessary, helpful and sometimes even protective.

The greater loss is never failing, never pivoting, never seeing how purposeful shifting is.  Failing, is required to stretch, grow, change, feel badass, and live a full and purposeful life! Failure is part of the “living not surviving” lifestyle. 

Today, I pray you step out, by faith, and try something really hard because you know you want to, you need to.  I pray you let go of the fear of failure and embrace pivoting.  I pray you find freedom from your fears and face your giants with renewed strength, fervor and determination.

Your fullest life is waiting for you to find it, beyond your failure!

When you read this, I'll be far away in Costa Rica at surf school. Shortly thereafter I'll be doing my open water scuba diving test in Playa del Coco. Madness you say!

I however, had anticipated changes. I knew I would heal from the challenges of the past couple of years because I put on my big girl pants and did the hard, fricken work. I knew I would hope again, and I knew unprecedented opportunities would follow, eventually.  

My life is entering a new chapter. The past year has allowed me to openly express my vulnerability, healing journey, and optimism for the future. Thank you for your encouragement. 

If you had told me about my upcoming solo adventure to Central America, scuba diving certification, a 6-week stay in Costa Rica, canyoning waterfalls, white-water rafting, and jungle treks, I would have been astonished. It's my faith in Jesus' divine plan for my life that has enabled me to choose joy over sorrow every day.

If your year has been challenging as well, I hope my experiences show you that purpose emerges from pain. Although I have no idea where my life will go in the next couple of months, I know if I continue to love despite loss, allow growth, face my fears, and stay in my own lane, all is well.  

My prayer for you is to have vulnerable conversations, forgive quickly and have the courage to live a fulfilling life. Amen.

Travel has been one of the greatest joys in my life, starting from childhood adventures with my family across various locations from Hawaii to Florida to Mexico to Cape Cod.  At 18, I studied abroad in Switzerland, developing a love for its landscapes, culture and the French language. I’ve returned to my second home many times including working en Suisse in between completing my Bachelor's in French Language and Literature.

My travel destinations include Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, the United States, Northern Africa and beyond. 

Recently, I embraced a six-week solo trip to Costa Rica, engaging in extreme adventure activities and enhancing my Spanish skills. I believe transformative moments arise from stepping out of our comfort zones. From luxury travel to backpacking to solo trips and everything in between, I am adaptable and open-minded which I find always leads to fun.

As a single mom, I’ve traveled near and far with my two grown children from six-months old, fostering strong bonds through shared experiences. It was our quality time together bonding over everyday activities like how to ride the tram, getting lost in the mountains, to packing ham and cheese sandwiches on EVERY trip, that created innumerable, cherished traditions. 

If you love to travel too or are just considering it, let's connect.  Travel is such a joy that has expanded my horizons immensely.  I'd be happy to share my knowledge with you or have you join one of my trips so you too can experience the unimaginable.. Check out my Travel With Me section for more information on new adventures! 

Co-working trips are all about community, shared interests and new perspectives!

While returning from a beautiful adventure in the Swiss Alps with my remote co-working tripmate, we reflected on how fortunate we felt to experience such a magical day amidst the majesty of the mountains. Our conversation turned to life, gratitude, and the passing of time. I admitted I’m not always thrilled about getting older and she offered the following; “The opposite of old is not young, it’s new” - Cynthia Pepper.

In that moment, I had a revelation: the reason I can continually reinvent myself, regardless of my age, is because I actively seek out new experiences, places and people. This, I realized, is one of the most powerful factors for living out our passions- intentionally choosing a lifestyle that invigorates us and is constantly bringing new adventures, new perspectives and new friendships!

#Reinvention #Gratitude #SeekNewExperiences #AgeIsJustANumber#LiveFully #Learning #remoteworksynergy #coworkingtrips#community #alwayslearning #remotelifestyle

I love adventure and thrive on turning unconventional ideas into reality.

This passion, however, emerged from a very difficult time.  My life took a major turn when I was fired from a senior position in healthcare (they called it “restructuring”) while on mat leave, no less—right after tearing my disc, and facing the end of my marriage.  I hit rock bottom, but I knew I had to get creative to bounce back.

So, I took a leap of faith and started my own jewelry design business—no experience, just determination. This was my first step toward reinventing myself for my kids and my well-being. I realized I could shape my work life around my family if I was willing to take calculated risks.

Now, after more than 20 years, I continue to enjoy a flexible schedule that allows me to develop my career and lead co-working trips for remote workers, meeting new people along the way and blending my passions for encouraging others to live their fullest lives and discovering new places.

If you're craving change but don’t know where to start, let’s connect!  Maybe my story will inspire you and I’d love to hear yours. 

Tomorrow, I embark on a new chapter of my reinvention journey — and it's a first for me! 

I’ve adopted the self-proclaimed title of “Queen of the Art of Reinvention” over the past two decades, and it’s been earned through real, raw challenges. As a newly single mom with a 3-month-old, I was let go from my senior position at a hospital while on maternity leave (they called it "restructuring"). I was physically broken from a torn disc, emotionally depleted from my recent separation, and financially crushed without work.
But in that moment of distress, I chose to get resourceful and move forward — no matter what.

What began as soul-crushing hardship became the foundation of a life I could never have imagined. Over the last 20+ years, I’ve reinvented myself time and again, embracing challenges, both personally and professionally to turn them into creative solutions, to live a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

Fast forward to tomorrow — I’m taking another leap as a Remote Coworking Trip Leader, hosting a retreat in Switzerland! We’ll explore Zurich over the weekend and then spend a week in a cozy chalet nestled in the Swiss Alps, overlooking the stunning turquoise lake in Brienz.

This is my first time leading such a trip, so while I’m excited, I’m also embracing the learning process — because growth happens outside the comfort zone.
My goal is to ensure my trip mates have the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you in real-time! I want you to experience firsthand the highs and lows of the reinvention journey and begin to seriously think about reinventing your own life to live with purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re ready to expand your horizons, step into your dreams, and start living, really living, stay tuned!  I’ll show you how you, too, can overcome obstacles, dream big, and live life on your own terms.
#artofreinvention #yesyoucan #livingnotsurviving #yourenext #heretohelp #realtimereinvention #couragechallenge #heresto2025 #psalm121:1 #newbeginnings #growthjourney