When I was a kid, making art and connecting with people sparked my joy.
But I was often told I was too quiet, too sensitive, not outgoing enough.
So, I became shy and ashamed of who I was. 

I pushed away my gifts of observation, my sensitivity, and my innate calm spirit.
I doubted my creativity. 

As an adult I had a busy full life, but on the inside, I was anxious and exhausted.
I would often apologize for existing, ignore my own needs.
Say Yes, when I wanted to say No.
At night, I would lay awake and wonder why confidence felt so elusive. 

In 2012, I gave birth to my only child and found myself overwhelmed
by my daughter’s highly sensitive processing of the world.
One day I heard myself say:
“I want to unzip this body and walk right out of it.”
My longing to be more of myself was undeniable. 

My daughter needed me to support her by embodying my gifts and trusting my creativity.
I felt terrified to let go of the rules of the world, but also I knew I was feeling confined by them.
I was so stuck.

So, I asked for help - from therapists, books and eventually a life coach.  

And here is what happened:
I started making art and sharing it in public.
I found my way to conscious parenting skills.
I shifted from cynical and afraid, to joyful and brave.
I learned that who I am is enough , and that my life works best when I lean into my own joy.
I saw how perfectionism was consuming my energy.
I found that deeply rooted confidence that had felt so impossible.