After twenty six years of government work, I decided to leave my job to travel and pursue different interests. During that time, I visited twelve different countries (living at least a month in five of them). I learned how to cook khao soi, pastel de nata, and khachapuri. I received my Tibetan singing bowl sound healing certification. I went on an incredible twelve-day trek in the Nepali Himalayas, experiencing the most physically and mentally challenging adventure I have ever taken. Along the way, I met amazing people and recharged my mind, body, and soul. I am now in the best health of my life. I also was reminded that life is fragile and fleeting, and there is no time to waste in making the most of it.

I have always had a passion for wellness and helping people, and I am now able to more purposefully engage in those endeavors. This is an evolutionary process for me, and I am excited about the possibilities. I definitely don’t claim to have all the answers, nor will I pretend to be any sort of guru. My hope is to encourage others to invest in themselves and to share tools and resources I’ve found useful on my wellness journey while hopefully learning from others in the process. Everyone’s path is different, but together we move in a positive direction.

Although I am relatively agnostic, I believe there are aspects of religious and belief systems that can be hugely beneficial to our lives and overall wellness. Many Buddhists believe in six “paramitas” or pillars of living. These are:

• Kindness and generosity

• Ethical discipline

• Patience

• Exertion and diligence

• Meditative concentration

• Wisdom (pursuit of)

These have become my core beliefs and how I try to live daily as well.