Beginning
Brought up in well-to-do family with unseen wounds.
Cracks for Light to Enter
Family separated, wounds exposed. First bout of clinical depression. Started making executive decisions for self. Dropped out of middle school. Briefly institutionalized.
Cracks Widen
Continued family hardships, custody shifts, multiple moves, episodes of depression, substance misuse, self-injurious behavior, stopping out of schools, displacement by earthquake, abusive relationship…
Light Seeps In
Met and fell in love with higher education. Chaos began to calm. Lived alone (with Chu Chu, fourth photo, above).
Flitting
In search of purpose. Explored options, traveled, pursued another unhealthy relationship...
Fiat Lux
Landed on one graduate school, hopped up to a second and settled in. Unhealthy relationship ended. Took advantage of therapy at university. Began mindfulness practice. Adopted Peaches. Chose vegan diet.
Deeper Cracks, Warmer Light
Sought purpose post PhD. Lost dad to dementia. Lost house to wildfire. Questioned capacity for intimate relationship. Reinforced wellness practices (meditation, yoga...). Inched toward passions and creating change (Climate Reality Leadership Training, CA Climate Expedition).
Sheltering
Focused on being over doing, on distilling life and slowing down, on growing compassion. Seeking a long-term home. Exploring how to contribute value without being the A-word (ambitious). Striving for a low-waste, sustainable, carbon-neutral life.
