New Chapter or a Whole New Book?

The year 2025 derailed me beyond words. It truly is difficult for me to write. As I was establishing myself in a community and finding a path in what I thought was a "new chapter" of my life, it was blocked completely, forcing me to pivot.  As I now try to find new grounding, the activities, people and missions I was thoroughly loving are now far from my grasp and feel far away.

Reflecting, I have always had involvement - from growing my own small business while working in the corporate world and remodeling homes, to having an incredible child which led me to volunteering like a madwoman, and eventually leading fitness classes while working... my life has always overflowed with outlets and involvement.

Let me pause to express how immensely grateful I am to have returned to my previous agency for employment. The team I work with is a tremendous blessing and the opportunities I have in learning are incredible. Maybe those who said I was overqualified for the Executive Director role with the North Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce were right. Maybe I would have "been bored." I doubt it, but none the less, I was overlooked and underappreciated. I am blown away by the feedback I am receiving after just seven months in my current position.

While looking to some of my close friends on "where do I share my energies," one amazing friend of mine told me to stop. She indicated that perhaps it's time I focus on myself and take a break. At the time, that left me a bit frustrated. What if I can't figure out how to do that. There are only so many face masks and pedicures and sitting in my sorrow trying to reassure myself that I still hold relevancy.

In my session today, my therapist suggested I re-frame my thinking that instead of feeling lost or that my purpose is spent, I am in a new search. I do have a lot to offer... I just haven't found where to put those energies yet. And, to be honest, that is comforting. I have been trying to grant myself grace. Taking a new management position with great demand of time-sensitive work and living in a new space is difficult. My brain, body and spirit have needed to re-set. It's okay that I haven't found that fit yet for a greater purpose. My coworkers appreciate my dedication and my commitment. My path does continue. New book or a new chapter, I will follow the way that my light shines bright.

And it Continues...

Identity. What does it mean to you?  I've moved. I've morphed. I've mourned.

In my hometown, I never gave much thought to my purpose besides community support and raising a terrific daughter.  Relocating to Austin, I leapt into a Texas lifestyle of being poolside and making new friends.

Moving to Lago Vista while my daughter has gone off to pursue her own dreams, I have struggled. While I have met many incredible people and continue to make new, wonderful connections, the Universe would have me make more adjustments.

Establishing a retail store to save our neighbors from a drive to pick up swimming pool and hot tub spa products, I was happy engraving myself into our small town. Making space in this shop for locals to sell their own merchandise and supporting community events, my heart was filled. Employing some team members who are also local has been such a joy... promoting one to our store manager has been a fantastic experience.  It also made room for me to return to seek my greater purpose and step back onto my own career path...

After many months and a few great disappointments in being rejected from positions that are local, I not only got back to my resume path, but also returned to The State Bar of Texas.

Surreal is a word to describe being back in this office building with a lot of familiar faces and many new ones to meet.  Beginning my life in Texas as an SBOT employee, I faced challenges. Returning with new perspectives and more experience, I am humbled. Different floor, different department, different lessons with a different mindset.

I will try to revive my blog here for any of you interested in the my new chapters... and hopefully my new triumphs.  I appreciate your moment to read this and hope you will join me.