Life is full of surprises—sometimes good ones, and sometimes hard ones.

Chances are, you know someone in your extended circle who has a child or young adult who has transitioned or is transitioning in their gender identification or expression. It may be a neighbor, someone at work, a friend, or a family member.

"Every 'yes' changes something in me. Every 'yes' is a bit more transformative. Every 'yes' sparks some new phase of revolution."

— Shonda Rhimes

The approaching holiday season, coupled with the year's darkest days, can feel overwhelming—especially when you're navigating loss or complicated family dynamics. The cultural expectations of joyful participation and elaborate preparation can feel impossibly heavy when your heart is elsewhere.

Thinking about my roles in life - a daughter, sister, mother, partner, friend, and now a coach - has reminded me of the path that brought me to this meaningful chapter.

Living with a chronic illness such as diabetes, cardiac disease, or auto-immune disease often requires a long-term commitment to various treatment options, including medications. It took me time to accept this reality and find a balance between medications and other supportive approaches. However, I soon realized that striking this balance was essential for improving my quality of life and effectively managing the challenges that come with chronic illness.