What the science of happiness taught me about resilience, relationships, and building a life that feels good
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it?
Looking back, I can see how every unexpected turn—every season of change—gently nudged me toward who I am today: a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), a business owner, and someone who’s built a life grounded in clarity, connection, and personal alignment.
But more than any title, I’m someone who values living a good life—not a perfect one. One that feels rich in meaning, rooted in supportive relationships, and guided by what matters most.
That perspective comes not only from personal experience, but also from research.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running scientific study on well-being, revealed one powerful insight after 85+ years:
The strongest predictor of long-term happiness isn’t money, status, or even avoiding hardship. It’s the quality of our relationships.
That finding continues to shape the way I live—and how I support others as a coach.
Because when life takes an unexpected turn, having a strong support system can make all the difference. And for many, building a professional coaching relationship is a key part of that support.
Finding My Path During a Time of Transition
A few years ago, I found myself in the middle of one of those life pivots.
I was navigating a divorce. Facing personal health challenges. Trying to find my footing in the middle of major change.
It was overwhelming, yes—but also clarifying.
That season gave me the opportunity to pause and ask different questions:
- What does a good life look like now, in this new chapter?
- How do I want to feel as I move forward?
- What would it mean to create something purposeful—not just for me, but for others too?
Those questions led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Wellness. It wasn’t a quick fix or a single answer—but it gave me a renewed sense of direction and helped me reconnect to the values that matter most to me: curiosity, growth, and authentic connection.
Stepping Into the Role of Health & Wellness Coach
As I explored the field more deeply, I was drawn to the coaching profession—not as a way to “solve” problems, but as a collaborative approach to helping people move toward their own vision of well-being.
Health and wellness coaching is grounded in partnership. It’s about holding space for someone to explore what matters most to them, identify their inner strengths, and make changes that are meaningful and self-directed.
It’s not about giving advice, telling someone what to do, or working on mental health diagnoses.
Instead, coaching is about:
- Asking reflective, open-ended questions
- Listening deeply and non-judgmentally
- Helping someone clarify their values and goals
- Supporting behavior change in a way that feels doable and personalized
When I earned my NBC-HWC credential, it felt like more than a milestone. It was a promise to show up with integrity and compassion—and to walk beside others as they define what well-being looks like in their own lives.
Building a Business That Centers Connection and Self-Compassion
Starting my coaching practice was a leap—and like all leaps, it came with its share of uncertainty.
But I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to create a coaching space that felt safe, supportive, and centered on each client’s lived experience.
A space where people didn’t have to perform or pretend—where they could explore what they really want for their health and life, at their own pace.
I built my business around these guiding principles:
- Focus on your strengths
- Take one small step at a time
- Let go of comparison
- Celebrate quiet progress
I don’t provide therapy or medical advice. I’m here as a partner in the process—offering structure, encouragement, and a space to think things through. For many people, that kind of support can be a steady anchor during times of transition.
Relationships and the Science of Living Well
As both research and experience have shown me, relationships are essential to our well-being.
And one relationship many people find especially meaningful—particularly during life’s “left turns”—is a professional coaching relationship.
Why? Because coaching is a unique space. It’s a nonjudgmental, client-centered partnership where you get to:
- Reflect on what matters most to you
- Clarify what’s working and what feels heavy
- Identify next steps that align with your values and strengths
During my own times of transition, I was deeply grateful for the people who listened, encouraged, and reminded me of what was possible.
That’s what coaching offers too.
It’s not about fixing or diagnosing—it’s about tuning into your own wisdom, with someone walking alongside you.
What Life Looks Like Now
These days, my life isn’t “perfect,” but it feels deeply aligned. I’ve created rhythms that support my well-being and help me show up fully—for myself and for others.
Here’s what balance looks like for me today:
- Mindfulness: A daily meditation practice that helps me stay grounded
- Gratitude: Pausing to name what I appreciate, even on hard days
- Connection: Investing time and energy into relationships that feel mutual and nourishing
- Health: Making choices around food, movement, and rest that feel good—not punishing
- Purpose: Supporting others in building lives that feel aligned and sustainable
These aren’t checkboxes to complete. They’re intentional choices that I return to—imperfectly, but consistently.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m sharing this because I know how disorienting it can feel when life takes an unexpected turn.
Maybe you’re there now. Maybe something has shifted, and you’re not quite sure what comes next.
If so, here’s what I want you to know:
- You don’t have to figure it all out on your own
- You don’t have to move at anyone else’s pace
- And you don’t have to wait for things to get “bad enough” to seek support
Health and wellness coaching can be a powerful resource during these times.
It offers structure without pressure. Space without judgment. Support without fixing.
If you’re curious about what’s next—and you want a partner to help you explore it—coaching might be the right fit.
Let’s Explore What’s Next—for You
Resilience isn’t about snapping back. It’s about moving forward intentionally.
If you’re ready to take a thoughtful next step toward the kind of life you want to build, I’d be honored to support you in that process.
📝 [Fill out the Work With Me Application] today.
Let’s have a conversation about what’s working, what’s feeling heavy, and what kind of rhythm you want to create.
No pressure. No rush. Just a space to reflect, explore, and begin.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You just have to be open to what’s possible.