Growing up on Food Stamps, I think it’s important to share my lived experience during a time when millions may lose their SNAP benefits because many simply don’t understand. My perspective: You don’t climb out of the well and then pull up the ladder. You give others the chance to climb out too.
Read MoreWhen we let our compassion fuel our actions, we can work together to create a more just, inclusive, and caring world.
Read MoreWe are conditioned to believe that strength means sucking it up, holding our tongue, biting the bullet, and just carrying through our work days as if we don’t have a life outside the office. But it’s not true. There is strength and power in bringing vulnerability to work…
Read MoreThis moment was a turning point in my life. It took me some time after this night to fully free myself from the shackles of someone so manipulative and controlling, someone who made me somehow believe that if I left, there would be no one in the world who could possibly love me…
Read MoreWhen's the last time you did something that felt courageous? Something that felt a bit scary, but you took a chance. Or something that made you feel vulnerable and you did it anyway…
Read MoreIn turbulent times such as these, I believe it’s important to remember that not everyone processes information in the same way, and speaking out takes more courage for some than others. As someone who often lives in her head, it takes a lot of time for me to process events. I like to observe and research; seek perspectives from all sides of a situation before formulating an opinion I feel confident in. I spend a lot of time in self-reflection simply trying to figure out why I even feel the way I do….
Read MoreIt’s that time of year – the end of year reflections, the obligatory end of year post, and the annual Top Nine. This was such a strange year, I don’t think my Top Nine would accurately depict the moments I consider most valuable. So instead of participating in the usual Top Nine most liked images, and allowing my social media likes determine the value of my year, I’m compiling a list of my Top 9 most significant moments, themes, highlights (and low-lights) for 2020 because they hold value to me.
Read MoreThis is a story I believe is important to share because it is not a unique story. It is the story of many. The story of all the people who have found themselves under the spell of a manipulative partner. And a story to shed light on the commonality of the mental abuse and trauma many of us have had to spend years overcoming. It can take years of healing to love and trust another again. Years of healing to love ourselves and trust ourselves again. This is my story about a relationship I never thought I’d end up in…
Read MoreWith the calendar year coming to an end, it’s a natural time to take stock and reflect on the previous year, which is exactly what I’ve been doing for the past month or so. It’s easy to look at your current situation, and if not much has changed, to think you’re right where you started. Or if you’ve happened to come full circle and end up in a similar situation as you were a year ago, to feel like you’re in the same place you were back then.
Read MoreThis is a story about the time I came face to face with a coyote in Mammoth, and why it’s exactly what I needed in that moment. A few winters ago, I went on a snowboarding trip with a group of half friends-half strangers, up to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California. It was my first time going to Mammoth and I was so excited to finally have the chance to snowboard there…
Read MoreIf there’s one thing I've learned from my trip to Havasupai, it’s to let go of all expectations and prepare for the seemingly impossible, because when you plan a girl’s trip to Havasupai in May, your first thought probably isn’t “I wonder if it’ll snow.” But from my experience, it just might…
Read More“So this is 30…what’s all the big fuss about? I’m actually excited to turn 30. A new, important chapter of my life. Kissing my 20’s good-bye. Feeling more confident and comfortable with myself than ever. This is going to be great!” Suddenly it hits me. It’s no longer just a concept, I am actually 30. I begin to tear up. “Are these tears of joy or sadness? Am I having a second quarter-life crisis? Here I am today, 30 fucking years old.”
Read MoreIf you ever find yourself feeling helpless and you’re looking for a way to give back, or simply need a place to go filled with kind people who are dedicated to helping others, you’ll find it all at The Burrito Project. Last week, I had the pleasure of volunteering with The Burrito Project for the first time…
Read MoreThis is my story about going through a lawsuit. There have been countless life lessons tied in to this chapter of my life and so I am here to share my story about trusting your gut, knowing your worth, and feeling empowered to stand up against bullying. I recently attended an old friend’s housewarming party and there I befriended an upbeat and humorous gal…
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