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Self-Discovery. 

Amidst a sprawling 2.5-acre land, we have been entrusted with a precious inheritance, passed down through generations. This place holds a profound familial history that unfolds a little more each year, revealing the secrets of our home and the essence of the land itself.

Our lives revolve around this cherished dwelling, providing solace from the demands of daily life. Our feline companion, Max, and our spirited pup, Chewie, add joy to our days, while family, friends, and charity work occupy important positions in our lives.

Within the boundaries of our property, we find comfort in the wonders of nature and remain connected to our community. Fields of grass, majestic trees whispering tales of the past, and an old barn steeped in history surround us, blending the past and future into a tapestry of endless possibilities.

In the early years of our life here, our interactions with neighbors were sporadic, limited to waves and conversations with a friendly person named Veteran. We often bonded over our mutual love for our feline companions.

Our story is intertwined with the enigmatic presence of our beloved cat, Mad Max, and the feline companions who came before him. When my partner rescued a tiny, helpless kitten from the side of the road, I was still grieving the loss of our previous cat, Sirius. Despite my initial reservations, the little kitten showed contentment within the safety of our home and quickly won our hearts. Today, Max reigns as the beloved king of our domain, both inside our house and in the surrounding acres.

For six delightful years, Max brought joy with his playful antics. Then fate intervened, introducing us to a four-month-old puppy in need of a loving home. When the puppy bounded into my lap during our first meeting, I knew Chewie was destined to become a cherished member of our family. In 2021, we happily welcomed Chewie as the newest addition to our growing household.

This home, with its deep historical roots and strong family bonds, anchors us amidst the chaos of the world. While we tend to the matters of home and heart, we also nourish our souls. If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would say to let your roots grow deep, providing stability amid life’s changes.

In the past, I sought endless adventures, unknowingly searching for self-discovery. Alcohol slowly became a part of my life, serving as a crutch to quiet my doubts and restless thoughts. I believed it gave me freedom and confidence, but it only led to harmful situations and avoided the issues I needed to confront.

Throughout my life, I desired to be a friend to all, finding comfort in being a kind-hearted companion. But on my journey to sobriety, I realized the importance of protecting my well-being and retreating from overwhelming environments. One friend, in particular, consistently praised my leadership skills, but it made me question if I could simply be a friend and fellow traveler without lofty expectations.

My journey of introspection became deeply connected to my quest for sobriety. I grew tired of being the ever-cheerful woman who could never say “no” and could never be told “no.” I needed to acknowledge my anger and establish boundaries for the sake of others and myself.

What does it truly mean to be a friend? Amidst personal growth and transformation, I wondered if my friendships would withstand the changing tides. I remain the same person at my core, but that doesn’t mean I can’t evolve alongside those I hold dear. Can our friendship adapt to the people we become? Can we accommodate eachother’s growth?

To their credit, change is not always immediate. Just over four years ago, I discovered that alcohol had masked my true essence, allowing doubt, depression, and fear to dominate my life. As I journeyed towards self-discovery, I realized the need to slow down, to truly experience the world around me. It was a profound realization that I embraced with unwavering determination, day by day.

I allowed myself the freedom to process my emotions before reacting, shedding the crutches that hindered my growth, whether they were in the form of alcohol, excessive adrenaline, or deceit. And in doing so, I began to understand the delicate balance between merely being “fine” and reaching the precipice of self-discovery—a realm characterized by breathtaking vulnerability and the embrace of my authentic self.

Genuine friendships are built on meaningful connections. Some relationships naturally evolve alongside our own metamorphosis, while others remain anchored in the places where they originated. Both forms of kinship hold significance along our journey. Recently, I have come to understand that “just being” means accepting myself, flaws and all, and finding contentment within my own skin. I define my existence by the authenticity of the connections I foster, the empathy I extend to others, and the courage to unveil my vulnerable self.

My journey of self-discovery continues, rooted in the love for my home, my family, and the connections that shape my life. Each day brings new revelations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and evolve as I embrace the beauty and challenges that come my way.