Aren’t firsts something? When they arrive in ways we hope for, they can feel magical. First kiss. First love. First romance. First job. First home. First births. Fresh beginnings. Moments that grow into friendships and chapters filled with hope and possibility.
And then some firsts arrive in ways we never expected, or wanted. First heartbreak. First scary health news. First deep loss. It’s the first time someone disappears from your life without explanation. I have experienced many of these moments, both joyful and difficult, and they are a significant reason why I often say life is both beautiful and messy. They have taught me to appreciate what is good, loving, and true even more deeply.
Before I share what’s happening now, I’d like to give you a brief sense of my journey.
The person you’ve come to know as who I am today once worked at a few tech companies in public relations and events, and at one of them, I led their internship program. I enjoyed working with the people I met, and I feel a strong personal responsibility to give my best wherever I am. During this time, I also founded Positive Focus, which I continue to run without compensation.
In 2010, the last company I worked for closed its doors. I had already lined up work and also wanted the flexibility to go home and help, as my mom’s health was declining; she ultimately passed in 2018. That’s when my self-employment journey began. During this period, I continued to coach and support small businesses in marketing, social media, and event planning. I even ran an online school as an offering for one of my clients. Many of my clients were in the personal development and spiritual world.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I began consulting for a Chicago-area nonprofit that supports underserved children and families with their communication needs. While it wasn’t part of Positive Focus, our missions were very aligned. They invited me to join the staff, and I did. I enjoyed the people I worked with and loved the kids we served. I continued coaching and overseeing Positive Focus while devoting a significant amount of my time to the Chicago nonprofit.
Recently, I have been noticing signs and feeling that it was time to make a change. It’s time to gain a clearer vision of who I am and what impact I want to have in this beautiful and messy world. As I really wasn’t sure what was next, but it felt like something was, I began to ask the Universe for signs, for direction, for magic and miracles. Now, it’s undoubtedly great when those opportunities show up first, and often that has been my experience, but not this time around, and although it was difficult, it is okay.
This past Friday, I was let go from the Chicago nonprofit due to budget constraints. Being let go, experiencing a breakup, or having an abrupt ending is rarely easy. And yet it is also part of this beautiful and messy world we move through.
Why am I sharing this with you? Because my coaching, writing, and speaking come from lived experience. Life’s celebrations and challenges shape who we are, and they have shaped me into someone who shows up with love, kindness, compassion, and hugs in all the spaces I can. I don’t know precisely what is next. I will keep coaching and hugging. Perhaps a billionaire will discover the Global Hug Club and feel inspired to fund it, allowing me to focus even more on spreading love and kindness worldwide. I will look for new opportunities and allow them to find me. Time will tell. What I do know is that I will continue to show up as myself and bring love, kindness, compassion, peace, and hugs into all that I do.
Moving forward, I invite you to face any hard news by:
Feeling what you feel with kindness.
Allow your emotions to move through without letting them take control of the moment. A gentle pause can reconnect you with your strength.
Choosing one loving thought, word, or action.
Even when things feel heavy, one kind word, one gentle gesture, a hug, or one mindful choice can bring love forward.
Asking yourself what you need right now.
Your needs matter. Permit yourself to honor them with care.
Noticing the moments of connection around you.
A message, a hug, a shared laugh, or quiet support can remind you that you are not walking alone.
As you notice the small moments of love and connection in your life, remember that you don’t have to navigate them alone. I am here to support you through coaching and guidance, as well as through the work I do with the Global Hug Club. And if you hear of opportunities where I can make a difference, I hope you’ll keep me in mind.
I look forward to helping you bring more kindness, compassion, and love into your own life each day.
Affirmation
Love continues to guide me.
Sounds for Your Soul