I'm sitting at Fort Monroe Beach, having just captured a dolphin leaping from the Chesapeake Bay, when the most profound realization hit me. For the first time in almost two years, I'm alone—and I'm discovering that having Tony and Calista in my life is probably one of the biggest reasons I don't sink into depression anymore. It's not their emotional support, though that matters. It's simpler: I never stop doing things. There's always purpose driving my days forward. This revelation, witnessed by dolphins, led me to see how limitations become tools for freedom—in Jack's wheelchair, in my bipolar brain, and in the deep waters that aren't barriers but home.
Faith & Mental Health
Behind the Scenes: A Summer of Cutting, Crafting, and Chasing Dreams
The sun crested the York River this morning at 5:59 AM, and I was there to meet it, rosewood ukulele slung across my shoulder, journal tucked under my arm. Same 9 PM bedtime, same sunrise ritual—rain or shine, whether I'm alone with my thoughts or surrounded by the Fourth of July crowd that descended on … Continue reading Behind the Scenes: A Summer of Cutting, Crafting, and Chasing Dreams
Teaching Students to Be Mental Health Advocates: From Darkness to Dawn
When my sixth-grader called herself a mental health advocate, I knew we were onto something important. Here's how educators can inspire students to champion mental wellness.
Finding Beauty in Broken Things: Sea Glass Lessons from Fort Monroe Beach
Searching for sea glass on Fort Monroe Beach became a metaphor for how God uses broken pieces to create something beautiful. Sometimes our greatest storms produce our most treasured gifts.
Learning to Apologize Well: The Art of Meaningful Forgiveness
I thought I knew how to say sorry, but my apologies weren't landing. Discovering the five apology languages transformed my relationships and taught me what real forgiveness looks like.
When Perfectionism Becomes a Prison: Finding Freedom to Grow
I wore perfectionism like armor until I realized it was keeping me from real connection and growth. Here's how embracing imperfection opened doors I never knew existed.
Removing the Masks: Discovering Who God Made Me to Be
I've been changing costumes my whole life, but true transformation required dropping the act. Here's how I learned the difference between performing and being real.
From Dating Marathon to Instant Family: When Love Changes Everything
After a decade of dating disappointments, I found love that felt like home from day one. Here's how meeting Tony and his daughter transformed my writing, my heart, and my future.
The Summer I Found God at the Beach with My Ukulele
While everyone else went back to school, I kept chasing sunsets at Fort Monroe. Here's what happened when I stopped letting summer end on everyone else's schedule.
The Day I Stopped Begging God for Forever: Learning to Love What’s Temporary
I spent years demanding permanent love until my ukulele taught me something radical: not all good things are meant to last forever. Some are meant to be gifts for right now.
Writer's Growth 