For me, this has evolved into being seen and heard. 

It means accepting myself as human, someone with a mixture of strengths, flaws, emotions, experiences, and personality traits, and allowing myself to simply BE me. Vulnerable, authentic, growing, and imperfect. It also means creating space for others to do the same.

This past weekend, Mother’s Day, gave me a special appreciation for what belonging truly means. Not only as a Mom to two fabulous young ladies, but also as someone who has had the privilege of walking beside them as they have grown from babies, to toddlers, to teenagers, and now into young women. Supporting them in becoming their authentic selves and ensuring they always know they are loved, supported, and safe to express who they are.

One of the gifts of time is the ability to reflect on the choices my husband David and I have made, and how our understanding of belonging changes throughout life, from childhood, to young adulthood, to motherhood and beyond. Along the way there have been lessons, cycles, successes, and moments that were far more difficult than expected.

What continues to stand out to me is the importance of connection. Building connection at home, with friends and family, within community, and professionally.

Professionally, my journey has often felt like a rollercoaster and has not always unfolded the way I once imagined. My priority has always been my family and making sure the little heads and big heads under our roof were cared for in the everyday moments of life. Sometimes I succeeded beautifully, and other times life felt much harder to navigate.

Looking back now, I can see purpose in those experiences. I could not simply put my head down, work harder, and force everything into place. Life had other lessons waiting for me. Over the last few years, I have come to realize that many of those challenges were guiding me toward a different direction and a deeper understanding of myself.

This week, I had the opportunity to say “yes” to another space of belonging by attending a lunch and building new connections within an evolving community called She Belongs.

Prior to this, in 2024 and continuing into 2025, Nicole Cameron introduced me to the Ishtara Method, a different approach to healing inner wounds and reconnecting my body, thoughts, and experiences. Through practicing the series over time, I was able to better connect my lived experiences with how they were being held within myself. That work helped me finally breathe again and begin moving forward in a healthier way.

I now look forward to seeing what the She Belongs community will continue to unfold and bring through both inner and external connection.

Fast forward to today, and I carry many learnings from the Ishtara practice, along with experiences from other communities and connections that have helped me better understand both myself and what it means to truly belong.

I am a woman, mother, wife to David, daughter, sister, cousin, goofy aunt and also a professional business leader wearing many hats: Transportation Specialist, Entrepreneur, Business Systems Analyst, Data Guru, Marketer, Project Manager… and likely many more to come.

For me, belonging starts with acceptance, surrender, and living for today. It means stepping forward in my own being, knowing that I am worthy, that I have value, and that my voice and experiences can help create connection and community for others too.