Rediscovering purpose and identity in midlife

Alex H.

My midlife moment didn’t arrive all at once. The first jolt came when I had a heart attack at 39 — a wake-up call that forced me to confront mortality earlier than I expected. But in some ways, the more jarring shift happened almost a decade later, when I began aging in a way I couldn’t ignore. I had looked 35 until nearly 50, and then—seemingly overnight—I started seeing someone different in the mirror. It wasn’t just about appearance; it was about identity. I felt like I was grieving the version of myself I had been for so long: the youthful guy whose age always surprised people. Suddenly, I wasn’t him anymore. At the same time, I was recommitting to my passion for acting after over a decade in a corporate career. But that brought its own challenges. I worried I was now past the age for the roles I once longed to play. The dream hadn’t died — but the terms had changed. I found myself reckoning with feelings of failure, burnout, and the question of whether I had anything meaningful to show for all the years I’d been chasing this path. The journey since then hasn’t been linear. But now in my 50's with time, reflection, and some truly fulfilling projects under my belt, I’ve begun to make peace with what midlife means for me. I still have goals, but I no longer define success by rigid milestones or external validation. I’ve discovered the beauty of aging into new kinds of roles — on stage, in life, and in community. I’ve also come to see purpose not as a destination, but as a way of being: evolving, internal, and intimately mine. That shift has made space for acceptance, clarity, and even joy in the person I’m becoming.

Reclaiming your power and intentionally building the life you want

Amanda M.

After leaving a high-demand religion, experiencing infidelity and divorce, relocation, isolation, anxiety, and depression, I decided to make some changes to the way I lived my life. I began to live with intention and a deep sense of personal power. I understood my part in codependent relationships through the lens of my childhood trauma, and I started doing things differently. If you have ever felt 'stuck' or felt like something was 'off', and you want to live differently, I understand, and I'm here to support you in the changes you want to make. Let's work together to make new patterns to help you build a life that you love, where you experience joy and live from your authentic self, every day.

Self advocacy

Amber H.

For a long time, I was told how to feel, how to dress, how any original idea I had was wrong. I got programmed into believing that I didn’t know what was best for me and that I sounded ignorant whenever I tried to voice my opinion. When I finally broke free of the toxicity of that relationship, I found it difficult to express myself to doctors and therapists, even friends and family, because I was so full of self doubt. I couldn’t even order food at a restaurant because it filled me with crippling anxiety. Finding my own voice has been challenging and not without setbacks. My first step in advocating for myself was learning that most people are forgiving and supportive when they are given the opportunity to be. This has helped me to gain the confidence I needed to be able to ask for help, let the person know what kind of help I do need and, most importantly, what I’d like to order from the menu:)

Pursuing a higher education "late" in life

Amber H.

I want to create a space where you feel truly heard and supported, especially when it comes to current stressors. My own path taught me resilience and self-preservation are vital. I've navigated chaos, always believing "I have more to offer." In 2023, 18 years after my peers, I earned my adult diploma, a crucial step toward becoming a Certified Peer Recovery and Support Specialist and Community Health Worker 2. I wanted to use my experiences to help others walking similar paths.. Now, I'm taking another leap pursuing a social work degree, focusing on trauma therapy, starting this fall. Overcoming self-doubt and feelings of doom has been my biggest hurdle, so I understand the power of talking things through. Let's connect and discuss how we can navigate any challenges ahead, whether it's the upcoming school year or anything else weighing on your mind.. I'm here to listen without judgment and help you not just survive, but thrive.

Moving from self-doubt to self-belief with confidence

Angela V.

I’ve had seasons where my confidence felt unshakable—and others where it felt like it disappeared overnight. I’ve questioned my worth in rooms I had every right to be in. I’ve second-guessed myself after rejection, after mistakes, after silence that left me wondering if I was enough. What I’ve learned is this: confidence isn’t about being perfect or fearless. It’s about trusting yourself anyway. It’s about showing up, even when your voice shakes. It’s built through small, brave choices—and yes, sometimes it's borrowed from someone who sees your light when you forget how to find it. I’ve had people reflect back to me a version of myself I couldn’t yet believe in. That changed everything. Now, I love holding up the mirror for others, helping them remember what makes them powerful, resilient, and worthy—especially when life, trauma, or doubt has clouded that truth. If you’re struggling to believe in yourself right now, let’s talk. Not with toxic positivity or surface-level hype—but with real, honest encouragement that’s rooted in who you already are.

Starting over in your faith

Bernice M.

I didn’t grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, but when I hit my lowest point, I knew I needed something deeper to hold on to. After years of chasing comfort in drugs and unhealthy relationships, I reached a point where I was just tired, tired of feeling empty and repeating the same painful cycles. That’s when I started exploring my faith. I found a spiritual accountability coach who didn’t judge me, but challenged me to believe I was worth more. Through faith, I started to rebuild not just my choices, but the way I saw myself. I’ve learned that starting over spiritually doesn’t mean having it all figured out - it means being honest, open, and willing to grow. I still ask hard questions, but now I do it with hope instead of fear. If you’re beginning or rebuilding your faith journey, I’d love to walk with you through it.

Finding yourself again after breakup from an abusive relationship dynamic

Cheyenne H.

I struggled with trusting myself again after being forced to end abusive relationships for my own self preservation. I know what it’s like to feel lost and weary in life after something so emotionally chaotic. After time I started to see the wreckage from my romantic life bleed into my everyday life and I was forced to make a change for the better! The healing path wasn’t easy but well worth it! I now have a beautiful and thriving relationship with my life again but it all started with connecting to myself and discovering my confidence intentionally. Living without fear is worth every step taken to reclaim your power! It would be my honor to support you through your journey!

Building healthy self-love after emotional damage

Daneeta S.

For years, I tied my value to how others saw me, especially in familial and romantic relationships. I experienced emotional abuse that slowly chipped away at my self-esteem. I became overly accommodating, confused love with approval, and didn’t know how to speak up for myself. I reached a point where I hardly recognized myself. My healing began when I stopped looking outside myself for validation and started listening inward. Through prayer, therapy, journaling, and lots of reflection, I learned how to love the woman I was becoming. I became certified in life and relationship coaching because I wanted to give others what I wish I had—someone to remind them of their worth when they can’t see it. I also created a support group for women where we talked honestly about self-image, boundaries, and joy. I realized that so many of us are silently struggling with how we see ourselves. Now, I live with clarity, peace, and a deep love for who I am, and I want to help others experience the same.

Navigating asexuality in a sexual world

Eli M.

For most of my life, I assumed I was bisexual because that’s what made sense based on how I was raised to think about attraction. But something never quite clicked. I didn’t feel desire the way others described it, and I often felt broken or left out in conversations about sex. Eventually, I realized I’m asexual—and suddenly, a lot of things made sense. I’ve experienced relationships where my lack of interest in sex was misunderstood, dismissed, or even used against me. It was isolating, especially as someone who is trans and neurodivergent, because I already felt like I had to explain myself constantly. But I’ve also had beautiful, affirming connections—queer-platonic relationships, deep friendships, and forms of intimacy that had nothing to do with sex. These experiences helped me embrace that intimacy can look different for everyone and that I deserve connection that honors who I am. Now, I support others who are discovering their asexual identity, figuring out what intimacy means to them, and navigating relationships in a world that often centers sex as the default.

Being the child of an alcoholic

Elizama S.

Growing up in a home with alcoholic parents left me confused, angry, and full of self-doubt. I didn’t understand why I struggled so much with low self-esteem and loneliness until I started therapy. That’s when everything began to make sense. I realized I had internalized a lot of the dysfunction and had to re-learn how to treat myself with compassion. Through years of therapy and working the recovery model, I learned how to re-parent myself and begin healing the trauma I carried from childhood. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to make better choices—not just for myself, but for my daughters too. I became the kind of parent I always needed, someone who could create a peaceful home and break the cycle of emotional and physical abuse. Now, as a certified peer supporter, I help others who were also raised in chaotic environments understand their patterns, set boundaries, and begin to heal. If you’ve ever felt alone or ashamed of where you come from, I’m here to walk through it with you.

Being a caregiver without losing yourself

Francisca B.

For the past seven years, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my aging and ill parents, which has deeply shaped my resilience. But it hasn’t been easy. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression, especially in my 40s, when I finally overcame the stigma surrounding mental illness and sought help for my thyroid disease. My journey has included working in toxic environments with critical managers, facing racism, nepotism, and microaggressions in my career, all while struggling to balance my mental health. I found solace and strength through a spiritual advisor and prayer, which helped me navigate many of those tough years. I’ve always been taught to keep pushing through, but eventually, I realized the importance of prioritizing self-care. It’s been a hilly battle, but today I’m stronger, and I know I have wisdom and insight to offer others who are facing similar challenges, whether it’s career-related, mental health struggles, or life transitions.

Overcoming infidelity and divorce while learning to trust yourself again

Hayley D.

I met my husband in college and, like many young couples, I believed we’d built a strong foundation. We were married for six and a half years, and though I often felt small nudges from my instincts that something wasn’t right, I let things slide — hoping love would be enough. When I became pregnant with our daughter, everything started to unravel. Lies and infidelity shattered the trust I’d worked so hard to maintain. I had to face the reality that the life I imagined for us was no longer safe or healthy, and that I needed to make decisions not just for me, but for my daughter’s future. It was overwhelming trying to untangle a shared life — from the house to the dog — while protecting my own peace and the softness of my baby’s heart. I learned to trust myself in the hard moments, even when it meant walking away from what was familiar.

Overcoming imposter syndrome and finally owning your place in the room

Holley B.

Even after years healing and doing the work, I found myself constantly questioning: Do I belong here? Who am I to help others? What if they find out I’m not really “together”? That inner critic — fueled by years of trauma, addiction, and being silenced — whispered that I wasn’t enough, no matter how far I’d come. I could be speaking on a stage, supporting others, or stepping into something beautiful, and still feel like I was faking it. But I learned that imposter syndrome often shows up when we’re stepping into something real and meaningful. When we’re breaking generational cycles. When we’re becoming someone our past never prepared us for. And that’s not a sign we’re failing — it’s a sign we’re growing. Today, I still get nervous. But I remind myself: I’ve earned my seat at the table. My lived experience is powerful. And I am allowed to be both healing and helping at the same time. If you’ve been struggling to believe you’re “qualified” — in life, recovery, parenting, leadership, or healing — let’s talk. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to shrink to be safe.

Adjusting to motherhood and early parenting struggles

Katerina K.

Becoming a mom completely changed my world—in ways that were both beautiful and incredibly overwhelming. I remember those early days of parenting feeling like a mix of deep love and constant uncertainty. Even with my background as a certified School Psychologist, I quickly realized that nothing fully prepares you for the emotional, physical, and mental shift that comes with becoming a parent. There were sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, and the quiet question: “Am I doing this right?” I leaned into the support of friends and parenting groups, and little by little, I began to find my rhythm. I learned to trust myself more, to ask for help when I needed it, and to give myself grace during the hard moments.

Growing up adopted without cultural connection

Katie G.

I’m a Korean adoptee who grew up in a white family in the U.S. Without anyone around me who looked like me or understood what it meant to be Asian, I spent much of my childhood and adolescence feeling disconnected from my identity. It wasn’t until adulthood that I began actively searching for my birth family—a journey that started in 2009 and has included DNA testing, being featured on Korean national television, and even sharing my story on social media to connect with others. That search has been both empowering and deeply emotional. Navigating the complexities of adoption as an adult meant coming to terms with what I missed growing up—language, cultural understanding, and a sense of belonging. It also gave me a new lens for understanding my emotions and the grief that can live quietly in the background of adoptee experiences. I’ve had heartfelt conversations with parents of adopted kids, helping them figure out how and when to talk to their children about adoption in a way that feels honest, safe, and ongoing. I know how powerful it is to finally feel seen. I want to offer that same kind of space to anyone who’s wrestling with identity, loss, or belonging in the adoptee journey.

Navigating identity and insecurity as an adoptive parent

Kayla M.

When I adopted five siblings from foster care, I went from being a teacher to being a mom of kids who had already lived entire lifetimes before they came home. I knew love would be central, but I quickly realized that love alone didn’t erase trauma—or my own insecurities. I often questioned my role. I wasn’t their first mom, and I wasn’t sure if I ever could be. Walking through Walmart and having strangers ask, “Where are their real parents?” only deepened that ache. I’m a white woman raising Black children, and the way the world sees us doesn’t always match the way we feel like a family. In those early days, I didn’t have a roadmap. I struggled with depression and anxiety, and with the weight of parenting kids from hard places while carrying questions I didn’t know how to answer. But I sought support, learned the power of trauma-informed care, and became a TBRI Practitioner. Today, I work in advocacy and get to speak, train, and walk with others navigating this space.

Finding your emotional voice and end misunderstandings

Mike C.

Ever had conversations that should have been simple—expressing feelings, setting boundaries, navigating friendships—but felt like puzzles with missing pieces? Yeah, always been that way with me. Sometimes I felt like too much, sometimes too little, and almost always like I was being misunderstood. I’ve spent years untangling that sense of disconnection—communicating in a way that feels true to me while still bridging the gap with others. Through my work in peer support, I’ve helped people recognize their own emotional language, whether it’s through words, actions, or quiet understanding. You don’t have to force yourself into someone else’s mold to be heard. If you’ve ever struggled to express your feelings or felt like you just don’t "fit" emotionally, I get it. Let’s explore how you naturally communicate and find ways to connect with the people who truly understand you.

Quieting self-doubt and imposter syndrome, personally and professionally

Mike C.

I know what it’s like to second-guess everything and feel like an imposter in rooms where everyone else seems more confident, more capable, more 'put together.' I’ve battled those thoughts in friendships, work, creative projects, and more. No matter how much I accomplished, that little voice telling me I wasn’t enough kept creeping in. Over time, I’ve learned that imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that you aren’t capable—it’s often a reflection of deep self-awareness, high standards, and past experiences that made you doubt your worth. Working through it isn’t about silencing those thoughts completely; it’s about recognizing them, questioning them, and learning how to move forward anyway. Through peer support, I’ve helped others navigate these feelings—validating their fears while uncovering strategies to build confidence in who they are. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone. You just have to see it for yourself.

Rediscovering your true self and finding your career path

Sami C.

When I graduated from college, I had big dreams but didn’t have a clear idea of how to turn them into a career. I spent years in various jobs, unsure of where I truly belonged, but I kept going because I thought “this was what I was supposed to do.” It wasn’t until I embraced my passions, trusted my instincts, and leaned into my faith that I realized my career wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. I spent time in the TV industry, as a writer, and even as a tennis pro, but I never felt fully fulfilled until I began teaching, coaching, and sharing my story. I know what it feels like to wonder if the dreams you have are even possible, or if you’re just wasting time in the wrong role. But I also know that when you get clear on your purpose and take intentional steps, doors open in ways you didn’t expect. Whether you're about to graduate and need direction, considering a career change, or simply wanting a fresh start in a new season of life, I’d love to help you get clear on your path and discover a future that feels exciting and aligned with your true self.

Job reskilling as a neurodivergent individual

Solangel J.

There came a point where I realized the work I was doing no longer fit. It wasn’t just a bad week or a rough boss—it was a deeper knowing that I needed something different. Something more sustainable. Something more aligned with how I think, work, and feel. But starting over? That’s a whole emotional rollercoaster. Especially when you’ve already built a career, or when you're carrying burnout, self-doubt, or fear of looking ‘behind.’ As a neurodivergent person, reskilling came with even more layers—navigating executive function challenges, finding learning environments that actually worked for my brain, and giving myself permission to learn at my pace. At first, I kept waiting to feel 100% ready before jumping in. Spoiler: that moment never came. What helped me move forward was getting really clear on what I wanted to feel in my next role—not just what I thought I should do. I found ways to work with my focus patterns, break down the learning process, and celebrate the small wins. And I learned how to advocate for myself along the way, even when imposter syndrome tried to creep in. Reskilling isn’t just about picking a new path—it’s about reconnecting with possibility. And you don’t have to do it alone.