Stories That Shape Us
My Why
The past almost 6 years have been nothing short of a whirlwind, beginning with the shattering of what felt like my “almost perfect life.” I’ve lived in chaos, faced unimaginable grief, navigated the unknown, and slowly rebuilt my world. Writing about these experiences has become a form of therapy for me, a way to reflect on how much I’ve grown and evolved as a woman, mother, and wife. Now that life feels more settled, I see this blog as an important part of my healing and self-discovery.
But why not just keep a private journal? My oldest son actually asked me that exact question. And the truth is, as I went through my experiences losing my spouse unexpectedly, becoming a young widow with young children, dating another widower, blending families, and becoming a stepmom, I searched endlessly for others who had been through the same. I wanted answers, but more than anything, I wanted validation. I found some helpful stories, some that didn’t resonate at all, and ultimately realized that no two people experience loss, love, and rebuilding in the same way.
That’s why I write to share my perspective in hopes that it helps someone else feel seen, understood, or maybe just a little less alone. If even one person finds comfort in my words, then this blog will have been worth it.
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Travel, for me, is not just about ticking places off a map—it’s about diving into the soul of each destination, embracing the unfamiliar, and letting every journey change me in ways I never expected. I chase sunsets in foreign skies, share meals with strangers who become friends, and find pieces of myself scattered across the globe. Through my travels, I’ve learned that the world is both vast and intimate, and every step I take is a story waiting to be lived and told.