When I was young, I would have described myself as shy. I loved participating in all kinds of activities but I didn't like to be the center of attention. I looked up to people who seemed confident and sure of themselves. I wanted to be like that but I didn't understand that I was the creator of my own confidence.

I was married and became a mother at the age of 22. Over the next ten years, my husband and I welcomed 5 amazing humans into our home. Being a stay-at-home mother for 28 years was the hardest and best thing that I have ever done. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Yet, I thought "keeping the peace" meant I was being loving. I smoothed over disagreements, swallowed my words, and convinced myself that harmony was more important than honesty. I spent years believing that good relationships meant no conflict. I would do one of two things. I would either tiptoe around other people's moods, avoid tough conversations with others, and smiled through frustrations. I thought I was being mature, but really I was shrinking myself smaller and smaller, hoping that if I just stayed quiet enough, everyone would be happy. Or, I would hold it in so long that I would explode out of frustration in an effort to be seen and heard.

However, I have come to realize that all my peacekeeping or explosions hadn't created deeper love—it had created distance. I was exhausted from managing everyone else's emotions while neglecting myself. That's when I discovered that conflict isn't the enemy of connection—it's actually the bridge to it. I have learned that every disagreement is an adventure waiting to happen. Every tense moment is a doorway to understanding. Every difficult conversation is practice in showing up as my true self.

I became a certified faith-based life + relationship coach specializing in helping women of faith in the midseason of life create a life they love and that includes embracing the adventure of conflict. I share tools and tips that help you manage your mind as you create more joyful connections with yourself, others, and God. Creating a life full of intention and purpose, no matter your season or circumstance and one adventure a time!