The Adventure That Reminded Her Who She Was

With my husband passing in late January, I have needed to circle my world, so to speak, to find value in myself and my life outside of those I serve in the workplace daily. I am a photo taker, a memory supplier, a scrapbook designer.... Realizing it would be so easy just to throw all of those photos in a shoe box and risk the chance of never bringing them out again, I decided to spend my free time once again making scrapbooks for my children and grandchildren so they can find enjoyment and read stories about those they love and miss. It has been a roller coaster of emotions but something I am finding much pride in.

My trip to Charleston, South Carolina, was more than a journey to a beautiful historic city. It connected me to the stories, resilience, traditions, and cultural legacy of those who came before me, reminding me that my history is deeply woven into the fabric of this place. In reconnecting with that history, I also found my way back to myself, leaving Charleston with a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and appreciation for who I am and where I come from.

I was on vacation and I looked out my hotel window early one morning and I saw a group of elderly women doing Tai Chi exercises in unison. Watching them move in harmony against the quiet stillness of the morning was a gentle reminder that life's deepest truths often whisper rather than shout. A sense of peace enveloped me. As I watched the participants smiling and moving together, I was reminded we all need to slow down, take in the simplicity of life, and savor the quiet moments. "In the stillness of their movement, I remembered that life's truest grace is found in the moments we allow ourselves simply to be."

Walking away from a career environment that had made my life feel as small as the judgment of a few people reconnected me with an essential truth: no one else has the authority to define my worth, limit my potential, or author my future. I have one life, and I reclaimed my responsibility to shape it with courage, empathy, compassion, and collaboration on my own terms.

I think everyone should get one free pass to disconnect completely and go somewhere entirely unfamiliar. Mine was two months away from my law practice, walking the kora around Mount Kailash in Tibet and the higher I climbed, the further in I went, until I remembered what mattered to me most.

In July, I lost my mother. It was a life-changing loss that forced me to rethink what truly matters. One lesson stands out: the call that isn't urgent can wait. The extra few minutes with someone you love are never wasted. For those of us in leadership and demanding careers, it's easy to believe we must always be available. But sometimes the most important thing we can do is step away from work and be fully present for the people who matter most. Family, friendships, and connection are not distractions from life, they are the foundation of it. Don't wait for a reminder like mine to make time for them.

My volunteer trip to the Roma Italy community was transformative, broadening my perspective and strengthening my commitment to serving others. My volunteering had a positive impact, even through small actions. It was rewarding to see how my time and help could make a difference, while also creating meaningful connections with the local community.

If you went back and fixed all of the mistakes you ever made, you would erase your testimony.

Stepping outside of my normal routine and choosing to pursue something for myself reminded me of a part of who I am that had gotten a little quiet. As a wife and mom, it's easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone and everything around you. Challenging myself to try new things helped me reconnect with my ambition, confidence, and individuality. It reminded me that I can love the roles I have while still making space to grow, dream, and become more of who I am.