April 2025
A Memory Unfolds
The other day, a small manila envelope, bearing my Mom’s familiar handwriting and the simple label “Meditation,” brought a rush of memories. Inside were the well-worn handouts from her assisted living facility’s mindfulness group – a poignant reminder of our shared journey through the challenging landscape of her dementia.
Navigating the Darkness of Dementia
Mom’s dementia was a brutal journey. It amplified her lifelong anxiety and brought the added torment of hallucinations and delusions. Yet, amidst this darkness, a small light appeared when she surprisingly agreed to attend a weekly meditation group with me. Almost every week, we sat together, absorbing invaluable tools for presence and peace.
The gentleman who led the group was a beacon of calm. His gentle kindness and grounded presence transformed the energy of the entire room. He guided us through mindfulness and meditation, as well as Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping) and HeartMath. It was in that serene space that my deep connection with HeartMath began, eventually leading me to become a certified practitioner.
The Unexpected Revolution of Caregiving
Looking back, the entire caregiving experience with Mom became a profound revolution for both of us. Her unexpected willingness to explore new avenues brought moments of hope and light to her challenging final years. My commitment to simply being present with her, often in quiet stillness, not only offered her comfort but also illuminated the frantic pace I had been living before dementia unexpectedly rerouted us both.
Prior to caregiving, I was a whirlwind of three jobs and relentless eight-mile runs, fueled by too little and driven by a desperate attempt to outrun a persistent emptiness within. Productivity masked a lack of true purpose, and that relentless lifestyle was slowly draining my spirit.
The Gift of Stillness and Healing
Mom’s profound need drew me into her world, and in that space, a remarkable transformation began. Firstly, I softened, discovering the profound power of stillness and simply being. Secondly, I began to heal – releasing the decades-long grip of an eating disorder, the ingrained need for external validation, and the constant urge to fill that inner void with fleeting things. Gradually, that emptiness began to recede.
The Birth of a Dream
Returning to the memory of the meditation group, beyond the invaluable techniques I learned, a powerful realization took root: I wanted to offer that same gentle, grounded guidance to others. I envisioned a life where I could weave together my diverse education, skills, and deeply personal experiences to help others navigate their own challenges. The seed of a dream was planted – to offer support with ease and presence, while also honoring my own and my family’s need for time, healing, connection, and joy.
Gathering the Tools: A Journey of Learning
Since Mom’s dementia journey began in 2017, I have steadily gathered the tools for this dream: becoming a health coach, a grief coach, a caregiving navigator, a positive psychology practitioner, a HeartMath practitioner, and an Aroma Freedom Technique practitioner. Now, I am thrilled to be adding what feels like the final piece of this deeply personal puzzle: certification as a mindfulness and meditation teacher. Each of these skills has emerged directly from my journey with Mom – a testament to the healing, serving, and thriving that unfolded along the way. This collection feels incredibly special, and I am eager to share it with the world in a more integrated way.
Embracing the Mustard Seed
As I step into this new chapter, one that promises more space for healing and simply being, the time feels right to fully embrace this long-held dream. The truth is, I’ve never been a desk person. My heart lies in being present with others in their most challenging moments, much like my cherished time as a nursing assistant. The gentle spirit of Mom’s meditation teacher planted a mustard seed in my soul back in 2019, and I’ve been nurturing it ever since.
And so, we begin. We step into this beautiful space of healing, serving, and thriving. Here I go, taking all that I have learned and experienced, and offering it to you and anyone you know who could benefit. My toolbox is packed, and I am ready to be that wandering, yet grounded, spirit who walks into any room with a desire to serve, to be present, to thrive, to heal, and to grow alongside you. Let’s embark on this journey together.
If you’re a caregiver or anyone seeking support on your journey, I’m here to walk with you. Let’s connect.
