At the beginning of 2026, after having set into motion a shift in direction towards the end of 2025, I decided to lean into the word “alignment”. I’m not sure if this is a “middle-aged-phase” or part of turning 41 or some other meme worthy thing, but alas, I am here.

sūtrātman

I stumbled on the word sūtrātman, a Sanskrit word weaving together the principles of life (prana), thought (manas), and intelligence (vijnana). In January 2025 I embarked on another Master’s program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling while working full time. In December 2025 I put in my notice for my full time job and knew that March 2026 would be the turning point for really focusing on this shift into a brand new career, one so far away from my corporate experience that I decided I needed to make a more concerted effort to network and transition. This year has been a year of re-balancing and re-aligning. I spent the first couple of months wrapping up as many of my tasks as I could before leaving my (hopefully) last data-focused job. I immediately jumped back into reorganizing the space at home, creating and making, and writing.

I’m still learning what “alignment” means for me. So far it has required a lot of thinking and reflection, reading for more diverse ideas and knowledge, and restarting my exercise routine. Something I have noticed, however, and have found to require constant reminders on my part, is that “hard” does not mean “right”. What I have been noticing is when I’m in a flow or in a groove, things might feel “easier” (I put that in quotes because “easy” doesn’t mean effortless in this specific sense), which sometimes makes it feel like I’m missing something, I’m maybe not working hard enough, or I’m not optimizing my output. I’m trying to remind myself instead to think and feel like I’m “aligned”. I am still putting in an effort, but my effort feels different in a way. Less draining, less painful. Instead of feeling like this means I’m doing something wrong, which is how society, hustle culture, and the world of social media seems to make it out to be, I’m working toward letting myself feel like I am finally doing something right. Whatever “right” means in this context, but in particular, aligned with my values, morals, and long-term path.

It doesn’t have to be hard to be right.

Over the rest of 2026 you’ll find me doing more of exactly that. Stay tuned for more earrings. I have thoroughly enjoyed testing and creating mixed media earrings using the variety of skills and tools I’ve gathered over the last 4-5 years. As those are made, I’ll keep posting them. I have other product ideas that may eventually come to fruition as well. In the meantime, I’ve decided to hone in on my graphic designing work, so do follow my Zazzle store as more designs become available. I will also be continuing forward with my Master’s program.

You won’t see me much on Instagram, but following me there is a great place to start. I will be starting an email list for better, more consistent updates to your inbox. I’d also fully expect to see additional fundraisers for organizations working to help our disenfranchised groups and the local Rochester, NY community.

Updated: May 6, 2026

Previous Abouts

Stories evolve. Perspectives shift. I like to keep things fresh, but I also find growth shows up in the written history. Here I’ll be keeping my previous “Abouts”.

If you are contacting me regarding a specific order, please do NOT use this form. Instead see the Shop Policies. There is a special form there.