Learn to laugh, even in the storms of life. Laughter is medicine for the soul and can be a great cure for those depression filled days. I have often said, “I had to laugh to keep from crying.” Some days that was true. But what I found in that was a shift in my mindset from focusing not on my circumstances, but on what good can come out of even the most difficult times. Sometimes all it takes is a shift in our mindset to be able to weather storms we are in.
There are moments in life that completely shift your perspective—moments where gratitude doesn’t just sit in your heart, it overflows from your soul. Publishing my book was one of those moments.
After months of reflection, writing, rewriting, and baring my most vulnerable truths, I finally released my words into the world. Hitting “publish” wasn’t just about seeing my name on a cover—it was about courage, healing, and allowing myself to be seen in a new light.
The journey to this point wasn’t easy. There were days filled with self-doubt, where I questioned whether my story mattered. There were nights I stared at the page, tears mixing with hope, wondering if my words would touch even one person. But I kept going. And now, to see readers connecting with my message, finding comfort, courage, and clarity through my story—it’s more rewarding than I ever imagined.
The gratitude I feel is beyond words. I’m thankful for every person who believed in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself. I’m grateful for the lessons that came from pain, for the growth that came through reflection, and for the opportunity to transform my journey into something that could help others find their own healing and truth.
To everyone who has read, shared, or supported my book—thank you from the deepest part of my heart. You are part of this journey. Every kind message, every conversation, every moment of resonance reminds me why I wrote this in the first place.
This experience has taught me that gratitude is not just about appreciating what we’ve achieved, but recognizing the beauty in the process—the challenges, the breakthroughs, the quiet moments of faith that carried us through.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your story, I encourage you to do it. Not for validation or recognition, but because your words might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Today, I stand in extreme gratitude—not just for the finished book, but for everything it took to get here.
In our lives we face moments where unexpected things happen, good and bad. It is impossible to prepare for every single life event. It’s easy to worry yourself sick trying to plan for every possible scenario, mountain to climb, bridge to cross or valley you will go through. Peace comes not from being able to predict or prepare for everything, but learning to eb and flow with all of life’s uncertainties. The next time you find yourself dwelling on the what ifs, refocus your thoughts to the present moment. And when the next storm comes, learn to simple dance in the rain.
Even when things get tough, stay the course, don’t give up. Hang in there and don’t throw in the towel. Set small goals for yourself, don’t try to get from A to Z all at once. Get an accountability partner that will not allow you to give up on yourself. Ride those rough waves and stay in the course!
Peel away the societal expectations and external influences to embrace your inner rockstar! You are in control of your destiny and allowing what everyone thinks to define you or place you into a box is not living up to your full potential. Whatever your full potential is, do not let it be stifled by other people’s inability to see the true you. You make things happen. You push your limits. You step out of your comfort zone. You encourage other women to do the same and that is what makes you that ‘Fire in Your Soul’ Rockstar!
Voila! Ta da! Those are just a few exclamatory words to say, “There it is” or “Look what I have made”. Something you are showing to others that you are pleased with. You don’t think of that word as it relates to what you are creating because that would seem braggadocious right? You can spend years with an idea bubbling up inside of you and never letting it out, or you can take steps towards creating that life that you have always dreamed of. Whether it be starting a new career or business, or writing a book or creating something crafty. You owe it to yourself to release those ideas bubbling up inside of you. Don’t waste your God given talent because you are worried what others will think of it. Release it into the world so that everyone can appreciate it! This is your moment to say “Voila”!!
Do you remember being a kid and slipping your tiny feet into your parents’ or grandparents’ oversized boots? Maybe you even climbed halfway into them, wobbling around the house as if you were suddenly older, stronger, or wiser. Back then, it felt fun to imitate the people we admired. We copied their steps, their gestures, even their confidence.
Fast forward to adulthood. You land a job once held by someone who seemed like a superstar, and suddenly you hear the phrase: “You have big shoes to fill.” But do we ever actually fill someone else’s shoes? Or do we simply try, fail, adjust, and quietly carve out a new path that feels more like our own?
I thought about this deeply as I stared at an oversized chair on my drive home the other day. A literal giant’s chair—impossible for any one person to fill. And it made me pause. How many of us are still trying to squeeze ourselves into a role, an expectation, or a legacy created by someone impossible to duplicate?
The truth is, some “shoes” just aren’t meant to be filled by a single person. Just like that giant chair, you’d need help, support, and teamwork even to get close. Life is a group effort. We grow because of the people who guide us, correct us, support us, and sometimes even challenge us.
So if you’ve been trying to live up to someone else’s greatness, remember this: you’re not here to be a copy. You’re here to contribute something new. Their journey was theirs. Yours is yours. Don’t be afraid to step off the path you’re trying to imitate and begin walking in your own direction—one that reflects your strengths, your story, and your style.
Because the world doesn’t need another version of them.
It needs the first, real, and brave version of you.