The half-century mark is just a few years away, and it is time for me to press pause, take stock of the past, and chart a new path for my future.

Every experience I have had in life has brought me to this moment, and I wouldn’t erase any of them – the heartache, grief, missteps, failures, triumphs, love, and laughter – for they have sculpted me into the woman I am today and given me the courage to make life-defining decisions.

The next six months will be months of stillness and quiet reflection. It is my prayer that a butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis.