Growth and change are two of the most defining aspects of life. Whether it's a crab shedding its exoskeleton to make room for new growth or a human transitioning from one relationship to another, we all experience these shifts in our lives. Female crab shells litter Fort Monroe Beach’s shores. Alongside them are skeletons no one sees but me, phantom beach companions and even a charming proposal.
Relationships
When Your Body Forces You to Slow Down: Lessons from Hand Surgery
Four hand surgeries in fifteen months taught me that sometimes our bodies know what our minds refuse to accept. Here's what I learned about rest, limits, and listening to what hurts.
When Death Comes on St. Patrick’s Day: Stories Interrupted
St. Patrick's Day will never be the same. This is the story of the day my world changed forever (twice!) and how love persists even when the person is gone.
The Last Spring: A Story of Love and Loss
Some seasons carry extra weight because you don't know they're the last. This is the story of Joshua's final spring and how it changed everything about how I see life and love.
Social Media and Depression: Managing Your Digital Footprint
How we show up online during depression can feel complicated. Here's what I've learned about authenticity, boundaries, and hope in the digital age.
Moving Forward Despite Depression: The Art of Doing Things Anyway
Depression whispers that nothing matters, but sometimes healing happens when we do the next right thing anyway. Here's how I learned to take action even when motivation was nowhere to be found.
When Fall Always Reminds You of the Love You Lost
Three years ago, I fell in love with fall because I fell in love with him. Now autumn's here again, and I'm learning how memories can warm and chill you at the same time.
When Your Love Story Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s
My fairy tale ended, my faith wavered, but love didn't disappear—it just showed up in places I never expected. Sometimes the best love lives are the ones that don't fit the mold.
The Hurricane That Never Came and the Storm I’m Still Fighting
We prepared for Florence, but she missed us. Meanwhile, I'm still battling the real storm—learning to live instead of just working to survive. Sometimes silver linings come with friends.
When Friendship Becomes Judgment: Learning to Love Without Fixing
I lost my best friend because I couldn't love her without trying to change her. Here's what the ocean taught me about friendship, boundaries, and letting people be themselves.