Changing for the Better
Reclaiming Myself Through Intentional Living
At this point in my life, "changing for the better" has become a personal commitment. I’ve been intentional in implementing changes that prioritize me—my health, my peace, and my joy.
I’ve started exercising more consistently. I’ve made meaningful shifts in my eating habits. And more importantly, I’ve committed to doing things that support my well-being on a deeper level. I now set aside one weekend a month for travel, schedule a massage every month, carve out small breaks in the day just to be alone, and make space to try new things or revisit things I once loved.
Change, I’ve learned, isn’t always a big moment—it’s a series of small, intentional steps.
It’s an experiment, really. Like trying something you’ve always thought about but never felt sure enough to pursue. It’s about making conscious decisions to better your situation—setting realistic goals, becoming more self-aware, embracing new experiences, and staying open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Every day, I remind myself: You will never again be the person you were yesterday. That’s a good thing. It means I’m growing.
A Life of Convenience, Not of Choice
In a recent conversation, I shared something I had only recently been able to name: all my previous jobs were "jobs of convenience." They were choices I made to accommodate my family—positions that allowed me to be present from sunup to sundown. I worked at the same school my kids attended. We left together, came home together. I could cook, clean, and show up without feeling totally burned out. It worked for the family.
But it wasn’t what I wanted for me.
In my dreams, I saw myself as an OB/GYN—delivering babies, helping women, being immersed in medicine and care. But life shifted early. I became a teenage parent at 17, a foster parent by 21, a mother of four by 25, a wife, a very responsible little sister who carried others' burdens, and a friend who was always there.
Somewhere in that mix, I lost parts of myself.
The Journey Back to Me
About five years ago, I began the process of exploring who I am outside of caregiving. What do I like? What moves me? What brings me peace?
What I’ve found is simple but life-giving:
I value peace of mind.
I crave movements and travel.
I care deeply about my wellness.
And I still love being of help to others—that part of me never left.
I enjoy helping, teaching, learning, and being mobile. These aren’t just things I do—they’re part of who I am.
This journey has shown me that change doesn’t mean starting over—it means uncovering what’s been buried beneath survival and sacrifice. I am constantly changing, and that’s okay. With each new realization, I uncover more of who I’ve always been.