THE JOURNEY BACK HOME

Sitting outside a café in the East Village on an Easter Sunday morning, with the warmth of the sun balanced by a gentle breeze, I sipped a half-decaf honey oat latte and allowed myself to simply be. Across from me, Thompson Square Park buzzed with life, and for the first time in a long time, I felt aligned with it.

I still marvel at how life brought me here, to New York City, at the cusp of turning 33. It’s a reflection I couldn’t have fathomed six months ago, let alone six years ago. Back in October 2022, my life felt like a desolate landscape—isolated, hopeless, and directionless. I had just completed the sale of my dental clinic, officially closing the door on a life that no longer felt like mine.

It wasn’t an easy transition. I cried nearly every day, held together by the comforting arms of my partner and the faint hope that things could change. And slowly, they did.

A New Chapter in the City That Never Sleeps

The past three months in New York City have been nothing short of transformative. Moving here was an act of reclamation, a chance to rebuild not just my career but also my sense of self. I stepped into design school, unsure if I’d ever truly find my voice, only to discover that the journey was about uncovering it, not creating it.

In this city, I’ve begun to thrive. I’ve made friends who reflect back to me the power of decisiveness and authenticity. I’ve learned to embrace my quirks and own my thoughts. I’ve secured an internship that excites me, deepened my relationships, and felt the stirrings of creative freedom that were dormant for so long.

For the first time, I feel not just hopeful but alive. Each step feels like a leap closer to the person I’m meant to become.

The Power of Choosing Myself

This journey to becoming is rooted in one profound realization: I must choose myself every day. For too long, I lived in patterns designed to please others, hiding parts of myself in the pursuit of external validation. But life began to change when I started asking, What do I want? What nourishes my soul today?

It’s a mindset shift that brought clarity and abundance. I no longer measure my life against others; instead, I create experiences that resonate with who I truly am. The magic lies in the unfolding—in trusting that life has a way of guiding us when we step into our own power.

Trusting the Unfolding

I don’t have all the answers, and I no longer need them. Each day, I’m reminded that the clues to our purpose are scattered in the experiences we choose to embrace. I’ve traded rigid plans for curiosity and faith, and in doing so, I’ve found something far more fulfilling: the joy of becoming.

So here I am, claiming my right to exist fully and authentically. I don’t know exactly where life will take me, but I trust that it’s working out in my favor. Today, I choose to honor myself, to love who I am, and to embrace the beauty of the journey ahead.

This is just the beginning. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.

This blog post reflects where I’ve been and where I’m going—a celebration of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. It’s a story I carry with me as I design spaces, curate retreats, and continue unfolding into the life I’ve always dreame