Who do you see in the mirror?
When I pictured my life at age 55, I imagined I would still be teaching fitness classes and working full time as a school counselor, not showing up on my Alinker walking bike in a gown. Reflecting, what if the life we imagined doesn’t go as planned? What do we do when we face unexpected challenges? Is there still opportunity for purpose in life after facing a challenge, for me, a diagnosis?
I participated in a triathlon sprint in 2009 to honor the life of my father. At this time in my life, I thought I had it all; family-with my husband (college sweetheart) our son and daughter, a career, friends, I had the house with a pool, I was living an active life filled with drive. I thought my life was purpose-filled, one I had imagined or was I mistaken?
In 2010 I was about to suck on some lemons receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. The details are shared in my memoir,
Powered by the Pivot: Secrets Revealed in my Journey Manifesting Peace, Love, and Gratitude.
My journey continues …
In April and May of 2026 I was awarded International Impact Awards for my picture books (Book 2 &3).
Cleo the Caterpillar CAN Pivot: A Story of Decision-making and I AM Cleo: A Story of Courage. Maybe life is unfolding as it is meant to be. Afterall in the Fall of 2018, in Chapter seven of Powered by the Pivot, I got “The Call” as I randomly adopted this quote, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Ghandi
All I can say is life seems to be unfolding in perfect timing. I am delighted to accept these awards and thrilled to know I CAN still make a difference. I reflect. I ponder. Was my quote a message, a coincidence or a manifestation? Was I destined to impact a larger community of people and possibly the world?
I love what I learned about the mission of the International Impact Awards- “a global community dedicated to honoring excellence in storytelling and elevating the authors whose words create real impact.”
In the beginning of each of my picture books there is a letter from me, sharing why this story is my heart. My books are stories that are meaningful to me and touch my heart, I hope they impact you too. Many times, my family would shake their heads as I attempted to share these stories through my tears. These stories fill my heart with my joy! I CAN finally read them without breaking into an ugly cry (lol). They are rhythmically told inspiring growth in the young and the old. I hope you “get to” read my stories and share them with others who just may need a gentle nudge to turn their lemons into lemonade.
