Where this all began

Long Read - maybe I should just start a blog

Over the time that I couldn't use Facebook, a lot changed within me.

Coming back with a new page feels like the perfect opportunity to share some new beginnings while still cherishing the beautiful life I've already built and love so deeply.

First and foremost, I am a mother and a wife. Those are the most important roles I will ever have, and without question, the greatest blessings of my life. But I think most women understand that beyond the titles we carry for others, we also need something that belongs to us alone - something that helps us stay connected to ourselves as the seasons of life change and pieces of who we once were evolve. One day, while I will always be a mother and forever be a wife, those roles will look different than they do today. My children will grow, life will shift, and I will be left with myself in new ways. Lately, I've been asking myself who that woman is and what truly fills her soul.

One of the deepest journeys I've begun is exploring my spirituality. I've never denied faith, nor have I judged those whose beliefs differ from my own. But I've realized that my soul doesn't feel completely fulfilled by learning about only one path. My heart has opened in ways I never expected through studying the teachings of Buddha, the philosophies of Hinduism, and the peace I've found in various forms of Western spirituality. I don't have all the answers, but I've learned that growth often begins with asking questions.

One of the biggest changes was realizing how much my absence affected my photography business. Being away from the platform left that part of my life strained, and while I have no intention of giving up on that venture...I will continue capturing the beauty, love, and meaningful moments of anyone who trusts me with them. I learned something important during that season. When life became uncertain, I realized that relying on photography alone didn't provide the sense of stability and peace of mind I needed. That realization wasn't easy, but it opened the door to some much-needed self-reflection and growth.

For those who know, know that I have changed direction more times than they could count... had new dreams each year and have struggle to find my way professionally through many different ventures. It has been a journey of self doubt - yet resilience... the urge to become something or someone greater than my current self. So I felt deep down - something had to change. I had to look beyond the easy route, the maybe route and the route that just makes sense to society and think with my heart instead of my mind.

I've spent a lot of time reflecting on my education and career path. It took me a decade to complete my bachelor's degree, and I am incredibly proud that I never gave up. But somewhere along the way, I lost sight of what I truly wanted from it. When I finally finished, I found myself feeling more lost than accomplished.

So I started searching inward.

What I discovered was a genuine passion for holistic wellness, skincare, and helping others feel confident in their own skin. This coming week, I'll be touring two beauty schools with hopes of finding the right fit to pursue becoming an esthetician. It feels exciting, terrifying, and completely outside of my comfort zone, but for the first time in a long time, I can see possibility on the horizon. This feels like a leap of faith in every sense of the phrase.

So here's to new beginnings. To asking questions. To growing. To finding pieces of yourself you didn't know were waiting to be discovered. And to honoring the life you've built while still having the courage to create something new. In the end, my biggest goal is to be fulfilled, to love my life in all chapters and to show my children, Mom never gave up on herself so I won't either.

I'm excited to see where this journey leads.