School’s in Session
Let’s imagine everyone comes here with their own curriculum, experiences life, and matures. Imagine planet Earth as a school and each day as a classroom. What if our experiences were our best teachers? Do you approach each day excitedly and wonder what today's lessons will be? Do you ever find yourself daydreaming or dreaming in your sleep, having wishes, or taking what you are given? Do you feel whole and as one? Or do you feel separate, like you're going through the motions, on autopilot, or like you are a machine?
My first learning experiences, without me realizing it, began in a family-run manufacturing plant, not in a classroom. Everyone’s experience is different and even subjective until we realize how similar and connected we are. To be clear, I’m not saying that any two experiences are the same. However, I grew up like most, believing that success was something to be found "out there"—in a job, winning a game, in a product, a company, or on a team, and always in the outcome. I chased that idea for years, thinking that winning or achieving a goal would define my worth. But over time, I discovered I was mistaken. True success came after I realized how multifaceted we humans are, in our ability to show up and live in the present moment, experience balance, and the quality of the relationships we cultivate with ourselves, the teams we are a part of, customers, and those around us. The overwhelming truth I discovered was how each moment impacted the next and that there was only this one moment. That shift in understanding touched everything in me and began when I could no longer ignore how disconnected I felt from my day-to-day experience. I had poured everything into a mission—whether selling a box of burgers or meeting my next target, whatever it might have been —losing sight of who I was. I became so distracted that I was seldom present, fully here, enjoying much, and available, much less able to do my best.
By living in two realities simultaneously, I created two versions of myself, which prevented me from fully showing up. When this became big enough to hinder my quality of existence, I looked within and embraced self-compassion, ultimately guiding me on a return trip home.
One night, as if this were not enough, I had a dream that changed everything. Someone was dangling keys before me, but I couldn’t grab them. Then I heard a voice say, “I have your keys.” When I woke up, the meaning hit me: I had given my power away, and someone or something else could turn me on and off! I was seeking approval and love everywhere except within myself. That realization was both humbling and liberating, and explained so much for me. I began to notice how often I avoided looking at my choices, taking risks, and my tendency to prioritize pleasing others. I had made everything revolve around me by trying to be good enough without realizing it, yet I was distancing myself further from my authentic being. The truth had become clear—those keys were mine all along.
That dream marked a turning point. I even returned to school, taking it very seriously this time. I began to understand that the discomfort and confusion I had been experiencing weren’t imposed on me—they were signals I had self-imposed. They were calling me back to myself. When I stopped looking outward and turned inward, something profound shifted. I began living with more intention, purpose, and joy. I reclaimed my keys and began to see everything as an opportunity for learning.
Today, I am passionate about what I do. I cultivate self-awareness, connection, and service by fostering trust and collaboration within myself and with others. I work with individuals and in small group settings, creating environments where people feel seen, teams feel empowered, and organizations thrive through meaningful relationships and aligned mindsets. Drawing on a lifetime of experiences, I have developed programs grounded in inner awareness, authentic connection, and purposeful service—essential for personal fulfillment and sustainable success.
I’d enjoy hearing about your school experience and what you have learned that is most meaningful.
