Redefining Love, Growth, and Leadership:

Hey there, bookworms! It’s been a minute since we last shared that intimate connection through the words I write to you. Let’s play a little personal catch-up and dive into what’s been unfolding. As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, I’ve been working on a few exciting projects that are still very much in the making. The illustrations for my children’s book have proven to be more complex than expected—exactly the kind of challenge a creative endeavor should be! And now, here we are, on the brink of a new year—the time when the clock strikes midnight, and we collectively marvel at how fast the year has flown by. We wonder, Did I do everything I set out to do? Did I fall in love, change careers, or embrace growth? The rush of reflection meets the anticipation of new goals, and for me, it’s no different.

This past year has been transformative. I’ve been deeply immersed in school, upgrading my nursing skills, and expanding my knowledge in mental health and harm reduction. Collaborating with two incredible organizations has allowed me to make a real difference while simultaneously working on my next book and my Neuro Project set to launch in 2025. Health has always been a central focus since my life-altering strokes at the age of 31. This year, I’ve embraced Pilates and yoga, seeking balance for both body and soul.

It’s been about leaving drama behind, seeking peace, and cultivating meaningful relationships—both in friendship and intimacy. The goal? To step into the best version of myself yet, saying yes to what lights me up and no to what no longer serves me. So, here’s to the new year—a fresh start, a shared journey, and the promise of growth. Let’s embrace it together!

Let’s continue riding this wave of life, embracing not only its highs but also its letdowns—yes, I said it, life’s letdowns. There’s something strangely beautiful about finding growth in the pain, in those tough moments that test our resilience. They reveal versions of ourselves we never knew existed. Recently, my mentor, who has been guiding me for six years and teaching me invaluable lessons for five, shared a profound truth. He said, “I never found what I was searching for in a book, a classroom, a bank, or even among friends and family.” At first, this statement puzzled me. It wasn’t the first time he’d posed this thought-provoking idea—he asks it every year—but this time was different. This time, he wanted my answer.

When he asked again, I felt both challenged and excited. We settled in for one of our long Zoom conversations, and I shared my reflections. I told him that everything I’ve learned from family and friends has been like scattered fragments of wisdom—small pieces I’ve carried with me. The financial freedom I’ve sought wasn’t neatly outlined in a book, nor were life’s ultimate answers written in its pages. And while classrooms have provided me with tools and education, they didn’t contain the full picture. The most valuable lessons came from living life, from the discomfort of experience, and from learning to carry those lessons with me. I shared with him what I’ve learned: that I am my own mind, walking my own path. True growth comes from embracing discomfort and refusing to let society box us in.

Our conversation stretched late into the night. I realized that the more authentic I’ve become, the more I’ve been able to lead others. The more I’ve valued learning, the more I’ve understood the power of leadership by example. Then, he gave me a challenge I wasn’t expecting. He told me it was time for me to mentor someone else, to pass on what I’ve learned. He explained that mentoring isn’t about reaching a pinnacle of knowledge or success. It’s about recognizing that you’ve climbed one peak and helping someone else climb theirs. “Be the loud one in the room,” he said. “Be the connection and the confusion for them. Frustrate them, push them, and make them move the way I made you move.”

At first, I felt a pang of sadness, thinking our mentorship journey was nearing its end. I told him I still had so much to learn and achieve. But he reminded me that mentorship is a cycle. It’s not about being finished; it’s about knowing when it’s time to give back. “You don’t stop learning,” he said. “You lead while you learn.” Those words filled me with pride, rivaled only by the day I declared, “I will walk again,” after the strokes I had experienced. The idea of mentoring someone felt like a new chapter—one where I could guide, inspire, and challenge someone else as I had been guided.

This next chapter is about paying it forward. It’s about embracing the role of the teacher, while still being a student of life. It’s a responsibility, yes, but also an honor. Life has a funny way of leading us to these pivotal moments, where growth and purpose intersect. For me, mentoring is the perfect way to honor all I’ve learned and to continue growing in new and unexpected ways. So here I am, ready to lead, to learn, and to keep climbing—because life’s peaks aren’t meant to be conquered alone.

The cynical argument of life—seeking validation, love, and partnership—has always felt like a paradox to me. This year, I’ve had to say goodbye to people I thought would always be in my life, while continuing to look into the eyes of someone I love deeply but can only call a friend. It’s a bittersweet ache, one that has taught me more about myself than I ever imagined. I’ve distanced myself from family because of misunderstandings, yet I miss the closeness of having someone to share my heart with. Falling in love quickly taught me that living fully in the present doesn’t always align with the future you dream of. But in those fleeting moments, I discovered the true value of friendship—how even through the hardest times, some people stay, unwavering.

As we grow older, love begins to change us. It reveals itself in new forms and redefines the feelings we once thought we understood. Love becomes quieter yet more profound; it is found in the pursuit of our goals, the joy of laughter, and the moments of intimacy that feel like secrets shared between souls. This year has taught me to cherish the fleeting moments of connection, to fight for the authenticity of raw emotions, and to embrace love in its many forms. True love isn’t just romantic—it’s in the fight for education, the beauty of touch, the laughter in shared memories, and the courage to stand in your truth.

This chapter of my life is about redefining words I once thought I knew: love, leadership, resilience, and self-worth. It’s about chasing the intangible things that light up your spirit and writing the real pages of your story, one raw and honest moment at a time. As I move forward, I am choosing to see beauty in everything—the challenges, the triumphs, and the quiet spaces in between. Be grateful for every passing moment, for even in the stillness, life gives back. This is my journey, and I hope it inspires you to fight for your own truth, love fiercely, and embrace all that makes this messy, beautiful life worth living.