Once upon a time, if you had asked me who I was, I would have answered you with a list of labels. Things like mother (of 3), yoga teacher, climber, erstwhile Philosophy professor, runner, writer. In March 2020, I contracted Covid and got sick in the way that makes identities slough off like old skin. Are you still a runner if you can’t run?

It took a few years of healing, but I can run now—a little, anyway. I suppose I could begin gathering up labels again, attaching them to myself like bumper stickers. But I wear everything a bit more loosely than I used to. This doesn’t mean I’m detached from life; even with a few lingering limitations from long Covid, I feel alive, at home in my own body, and excited to wake up each morning. Is there a label for that?

Here are a few of the things that light me up most right now: writing fiction and poetry, camping with my kids, walking our dog, talking with my sister on the phone, sinking my hands into garden soil, climbing with friends, playing piano or guitar, or doing anything that deepens my sense of connection with other people or the natural world. Both coaching and forest therapy fall into that category for me!

If you would like to get to know me better or join a community of absurdly generous and supportive poets, follow these links to my Substacks.

A bit about my credentials . . . In addition to two Masters degrees (Philosophy and Counseling Psychology), I have many years of experience as a teacher and group facilitator. I am a certified Wayfinder Life Coach and have been coaching clients since early 2023. I’m also a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and have been leading walks since 2021.