In 2023 my son was diagnosed with autism, my mom died, and I quit my job.

I had been a high school science teacher for about a decade and I loved my job. I was good at it. I have a masters in education, was thoughouly “professionally developed” and was going places in the district. I was department chair, Avid Site Coordinator, on numerous committees and respected as a leader in my field. But I was so stressed out I gained over 30 pounds in 2 months. I developed plantar faciitis and pre-diabetes. My immune sytem was so overworked I got shingles on my spine (It was one of the most painful experiences I can remember — and I’ve given birth so that is saying something)!

The last time I got this sick I was in my 20s working as an assistant manager at a Barnes & Noble while going to night school to become a teacher. The job had been sucking so I took a week off to rethink my life and my first shift when I came back I developed a fever of over 102. I had to fight to make them let me go home and they told me I needed a doctor’s note if I took another sick day. Jokes on them because it turns out I had pnumonia and was ordered to stay on bed rest for two weeks! I took it as a sign from the universe that this job was going to kill me and put in my notice.

Here I was at 41 and my body was screaming at me again that something had to change. I had to find a better way but first I had to get out of “survival-mode” and heal. I started reading books, listening to podcasts, downloading apps, and reached out to medical professionals. I joined the Slow AF running club, tried online dance classes, meditation, yoga, community service. I tried launching a TPT store and took a course on becoming an Instructional Designer. I taught myself how to be an instructional aide, at-home ABA therapist, and legal advocate for my son. I figured out a way to consolidate and restructure my debt but I’m still figuring out how to bridge the gap between my income and expenses without relying solely on the power of positive thinking and manifestation (Hey it’s worked so far but I don’t think it is a viable long-term strategy).

What has resulted is a TPT income of $2.96 so far (I haven’t put a lot of products up yet), a credit score over 800, and a better relationship with myself, my son, and my husband. I’ve only lost 5 pounds so far but my I can walk now without pain. I also have this wealth of knowledge that I am still trying to make sense of and implement in my life. I know a lot of “stuff” but not how it all fits together or how that translates into me living the life of my dreams.

So that’s what this page is about. I want to share what I’ve learned that works and what is total bull-shit advise. I want to help those that are struggling to create a life of intention by sharing my journey. I want an outlet to process all the things so I can start to make connections and draw conclusions. I want some level of accountability so that I don’t give up on my dreams. I want to build health, wealth, and wisdom for myself.

I hope you’ll come along for the ride.