The start of a new year is always filled with talk of resolutions, new starts, and bold intentions. As I launch MindThrive Coaching, I’ve been reflecting on my journey to get here—and on a quote I came across recently:
“Challenging your own inner narratives about your bonds allows grace to flow into the cracks and corners—and deepens your attachments.”
This line stopped me in my tracks. Over the past year, I’ve been unraveling the narratives I’ve carried in every corner of my life: as a parent, a spouse, a friend, and a professional. These stories often told me that I wasn’t enough, or that I had to conform to others’ expectations to succeed. But as I embrace my identity as neurodivergent—diagnosed just last year—I’ve realized that rewriting these narratives is the most powerful way to create a life and career that feels truly authentic.
2024: A Year of Transformation
Last year, I stepped away from a corporate HR career that spanned over 25 years—a career I thought defined me. I had climbed to the top, holding VP roles, leading global teams, and tackling complex organizational challenges. But behind the polished exterior, I was masking my neurodivergent traits, overextending myself, and battling burnout.
Leaving the structure of corporate life to start my own business was a leap of faith. I had to trust myself in ways I never had before—tuning into my intuition, shedding old habits, and letting go of the critical inner voice that said I had to follow the same path as everyone else. My late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD (AuDHD) was a revelation. It explained so much: my intense focus, my ability to see connections others missed, and also the struggles I faced with perfectionism and sensory overwhelm. It was a year of shedding old identities, facing the cracks in my narratives, and beginning to rebuild.
Challenging Inner Narratives
That quote about grace flowing into cracks has stayed with me because it reminds me that the stories we tell ourselves shape how we show up—in our relationships, in our work, and in how we view ourselves. Here’s how I’m taking this insight into 2025:
1. Relationships: Letting Go of “Not Enough”
In my marriage and friendships, I’ve often told myself I’m too much—or not enough. I feared being a burden, so I hesitated to share my needs or ask for support. These narratives created invisible barriers that kept me from fully leaning into the relationships that mattered most.
What I’ve Learned:
- The people who matter value me for who I am, embracing all of my uniqueness.
- Honest communication about my needs strengthens relationships, even when it feels vulnerable.
- Letting go of these narratives has allowed me to build deeper, more meaningful connections based on trust and mutual support.
Takeaway for You:
Think about the unspoken stories you carry about your relationships. Are they rooted in fear or past experiences? What would change if you gave yourself permission to share your needs openly and trust the people who value you?
2. Career: Redefining Success
Leaving my corporate career was terrifying, but it also gave me the freedom to redefine success. For years, I told myself I had to prove my worth through productivity and problem-solving.
Starting a business has meant stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s building a website, expanding my network, or sharing my story publicly, I’ve learned that every small act of courage builds momentum. This year has already taught me the value of embracing change and leaning into the unexpected. Disrupting old systems—whether in my own life or in the workplace—isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to create something better. My focus is on steadying myself through those shake-ups and using my voice to advocate for inclusion and authenticity.
What I’ve Learned:
- My neurodivergence is a strength, not a liability. It allows me to see creative solutions, connect deeply with others, and thrive in my own way.
- Success is about alignment, not just achievement. MindThrive Coaching is my way of creating work that feels authentic and meaningful, while giving back by guiding others through their own journeys—leveraging both my career expertise and lived experience to help them thrive.
Takeaway for You:
Think about the stories you tell yourself about your career. Are they aligned with your strengths and values, or are they rooted in external expectations?
3. Parenting: Allowing Grace to Flow
As a parent, I’ve carried the weight of narratives like, “I have to be perfect to support my kids,” or “If I show my struggles, I’ll let them down.” These thoughts added unnecessary pressure, but I’ve realized that showing up authentically further strengthens the strong bonds I have with my kids.
What I’ve Learned:
- Vulnerability builds connection. When I explain my challenges (like sensory overwhelm) to my kids, I model resilience and self-awareness.
- Releasing perfectionism helps me stay fully present with my kids. They thrive not on perfection, but on authenticity and the unconditional love we already share.
Takeaway for You:
Reflect on the expectations you place on yourself as a parent. How can you give yourself grace and show up more authentically for your kids?
Aligning with 2025 Themes
This year, I’ve set clear intentions inspired by my reflections and growth from last year:
- Trust My Intuition: I’m focusing on trusting my instincts and letting go of habits that no longer serve me.
- Nurture What Matters: For me, this means cultivating meaningful connections—with my family, my clients, and my community. For me, generosity isn’t just about giving to others—it’s about creating spaces where we can all thrive.
- Take Bold Action: Starting a business has meant stepping into uncharted territory, and I’m committed to continuing that momentum.
- Embrace Disruption: Change and growth often go hand in hand. As part of a growing movement to raise awareness about neurodivergence, I’m using my voice to advocate for inclusion and authenticity. Studies show that up to 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed by age 18, highlighting significant gaps in understanding and recognition. With an estimated 15-20% of the global population being neurodivergent, I’m proud to be part of the effort to challenge stigma, increase awareness, and create spaces where every mind is valued and supported.
What’s Ahead in 2025
This year, my focus is on allowing grace and authenticity to guide me in all areas of life. For my business, that means creating a space where neurodivergent individuals—and the leaders who support them—can thrive. For my personal life, it means continuing to challenge the stories that hold me back and embracing the connections that bring joy and growth.
I invite you to reflect on your own inner narratives as you step into this new year. What stories are serving you, and which ones are ready to be rewritten?
Let’s make 2025 the year we allow grace to flow into the cracks, deepen our connections, and build lives that feel true to who we are.
If you’re ready to challenge your own narratives and discover what it means to thrive—whether in your personal or professional life—I’d love to support you. Let’s connect and start your journey.
