There are moments in life that are pivotal—moments we never forget because they leave a significant impact. Every moment has the potential for growth when we approach it with a positive mindset. Some moments are wonderful, while others may be challenging. Yet, when we embrace them with positivity, all moments become opportunities for transformation.

Here’s my story—a series of defining moments that shaped me into who I am today:

Age 5:
 It’s a summer day in my childhood backyard, sitting by my favorite tree. “Mom, I’m going to have lots of kids, live in a pink house, and I LOVE art! I love to dance and sing, though I’m shy around others.” (Funny to think how far I’ve come from that shy little girl!)

Age 9:
 Visiting NYC for the first time in winter with my aunt. I was mesmerized. “I’m going to live here and be a ballerina!” Maybe I was a ballerina in a past life, but I knew dancing felt like home. Watching performers on the top floor of a building we passed, I felt magic in the air.

Age 11:
 Back in NYC, this time in spring on a Girl Scout field trip with friends who graciously invited me. Standing in the NBC studios’ green room, I declared, “Mom, I’m going to work at NBC and become a news anchor!” My love for art, dancing, and creativity only grew stronger.

Age 12:
 Sitting in my 7th-grade English class, I thought, “I’m going to write books, create a series, illustrate, and inspire kids!” I was captivated by the Arthur series and dreamed of blending storytelling with art.

Age 15:
 “I’m going to be a teacher, a news anchor, and have a family—I’ll do it all!” I was a teenager passionate about kids, school, cheerleading, and soccer. Art remained my strength, but my social life often took center stage. Balancing it all seemed daunting, even then, but I was motivated to make it happen.

Age 18:
 Off to UMass Amherst to study art, communication studies, and education while joining the cheerleading team. College was a time for exploration, growth, and learning through diverse experiences.

Age 20:
 An internship at NBCUniversal brought me full circle to the very place I had envisioned at 11. After my interview, I landed the position and later secured a full-time role. I remember standing next to Hoda Kotb on the plaza, thinking, “This is it—I’m living my dream!”

Post-Graduation:
 I moved to Manhattan, fulfilling my dream of living in NYC. While I loved my role at NBC, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something was missing. My passion for working with children called to me louder than ever.

Yoga became a daily practice, offering clarity. I realized that although I had a “dream job,” my true purpose lay in guiding and nurturing children. Leaving NBC wasn’t easy—friends and colleagues questioned my decision, but I trusted my intuition. A mentor, Anne Nichols, affirmed my choice, saying, “You’re going to be an amazing teacher and leader.” Her encouragement kept me focused.

The Transition:
 Leaving a high-paying job in January in the Northeast was challenging, but I knew I was on the right path. Within six months, I earned my teaching licenses, secured an assistant position, and within a year, I had my own first-grade classroom in Revere, MA. The joy I felt confirmed I had found my purpose.

Today:
 Following my passion has led me to create The Good Witch of Salem, a space where I blend creativity, storytelling, and joy to inspire children from a place of love. This journey is one that . I’m forever grateful I listened to my inner wisdom and pursued what truly lights me up.

Life Lesson:
 Your path may not be linear, and others may not always understand your choices. But when you follow your inner calling, you’ll discover your greatest joy and purpose. This journey has been deeply impactful, allowing me to support children’s social and emotional well-being in a world that needs it now more than ever.

#Growth #Passion #LifeJourney #TheGoodWitchOfSalem #Inspiration