Hello from snowy, magical Traverse City, Michigan! I hope this holiday season and the fresh start of a new year are treating you well. Can you believe it's been a whole year since my last blog post? Life has been full of twists and turns, and I’m finally sitting down to share it all with you. Let’s catch up!
The Podcast Pause (and What’s Next)
You might be wondering, what happened to the podcast? This summer swept me up in a whirlwind of activity—building a social life outside of school and enjoying life to the fullest. Plus, I felt like I’d taken the current format as far as it could go. If you haven’t tuned in yet, the episodes are still there for you! They’re full of reflections on old blog posts, diary entries, inspiring guests, and all things mental health. You can check out the old episodes here and here.
But here’s the exciting news: the podcast will relaunch soon with a fresh vibe! I’m toying with themes like life as a social work student or the unique journey of being a “late bloomer.” Articles like this one inspire me—highlighting how starting your career later in life often leads to greater job satisfaction and happiness. What do you think? Let me know what you’d love to hear!
A Major Milestone: Graduation!
As of December, I’m officially a college graduate! After returning to school in my late 30s, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and graduated at 40. This journey has been nothing short of incredible. If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to chase your dreams, let me tell you: it’s never too late. Start now. Start today. You’ll thank yourself later.
Summer 2024: A Season of Celebration
Summer 2024 was all about celebration. Turning 40, graduating—it called for a season-long party. My husband Eddie and I kicked it off with a witchy Midsummer Solstice party, complete with Norwegian-inspired food, intention burning, and a bonfire. Our backyard became the ultimate hangout spot with a new gazebo and our pink pool area hosting family gatherings and a 4th of July bash.
We packed the summer with pickleball matches, themed cocktails, and adventurous trips. A highlight? Exploring Philadelphia with my mom—early American history galore! I also braved my fear of tiny phone booth sized elevators (sort of) and still dream of a return visit. Concerts were another summer staple: Violent Femmes, 311, and Jewel at Interlochen, and the ultimate season finale—Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Even with the occasional panic attack, it was all worth it.
The Mental Health Check-In
Life’s highs don’t cancel out its challenges. My anxiety ramped up over the summer, and I found myself juggling a full schedule with my mental health struggles. Reflecting now, I realize I’d fallen into the trap of overloading myself. After years of depression that left me housebound, I’ve been so eager to live fully that I forgot to slow down.
Panic attacks hit hard, especially at night, and I’ll admit—I sometimes freeze and forget about asking for help. But I’ve learned to manage these moments better through practices like breathwork (4-7-8 breathing is my go-to), prayer, and dedicating time each morning to grounding activities like journaling, affirmations, and bible reading.
Lessons in Balance
By fall, I learned to embrace a slower pace. I savored my final semester at GVSU, romanticizing the small, quiet moments. I also discovered the joy of facing challenges head-on, like tackling HIIT workouts to train my body’s response to stress. Regular walks, weight training, and plenty of silent reflection helped me find balance. A new part-time job at the local library has also been a blessing—a serene, grounding environment perfect for fostering calm.
Looking Ahead
With graduation behind me, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the MSW program at Spring Arbor University! I’m also exploring other programs to weigh my options. My dream? To merge my love of books and social work—perhaps as a library social worker. Who knows where this journey will lead?
How About You?
Enough about me—how have you been? What’s new in your world? I’d love to hear from you, so drop me a line. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and celebration together.
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