Bloom Where You're Planted
I was already an established bookkeeping and tax professional when life took an unexpected turn, leading me to embark on a personal reinvention journey. At the age of 48, I found myself navigating the challenges of life after the loss of my mother, and attempting to make ends meet on Social Security disability. I had embraced the opportunity to reinvent myself as an artist, returning to school at Henderson State University to work on my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art where I focused on photography, writing and painting. The dawn of the pandemic brought about unexpected changes and suddenly, as I ventured into this new chapter, I encountered profound setbacks and difficulties along the way - from enduring the strains of life on the road, to battling through illness and adversity. It was during this transformative period that a job opportunity at Intuit Inc. presented itself, serving as a profound return to my professional roots as a bookkeeping and tax professional. Through sheer determination and tenacity, I found solace and purpose in my work, ultimately returning to my vocation and rediscovering my commitment to helping others achieve financial clarity.
The challenges I faced were not merely professional, but deeply personal, rooted in a history of adversity and struggle. After enduring chronic injuries, surgeries, and the profound impact of an abusive relationship, I found myself navigating the complexities of PTSD, chronic health conditions, and the strain of estrangement from my children. After the sudden upheaval of the pandemic, life presented me with a series of profound challenges and tests of resilience. As I navigated life living full-time in an RV and coping with the loss of my mother, I found myself in the midst of the tumultuous events that defined the pandemic year. From contending with the daily struggles of living on the road and the constant battle of engine troubles from a mysterious electrical problem and then to surviving the great February 2021 ice storm; “Winter Storm Uri” without power or propane in an AutoZone parking lot – to surviving the challenging ordeal of sudden illness, these experiences underscored the significant setbacks I faced on the road to reinvention.
These trials cast a shadow, testing my resolve and determination. Amidst the pandemic, as I grappled with medical constraints that prevented me from wearing a mask, even the simple act of shopping for groceries became an emotionally turbulent and isolating experience. The crowds of masked shoppers, driven by an overwhelming fear of the unmasked, served as a stark reminder of the overarching climate of fear and misinformation perpetuated by the constant barrage of propaganda. It was a period characterized by deep-seated apprehension and a sense of detachment, as I found myself adrift in a world set adrift by fear and uncertainty. However, as I journeyed towards renewal and recovery, I was driven by a powerful resolve to reclaim my health and purpose. These trials became a profound testament to my tenacity and steadfast resilience, ultimately leading me back to my professional roots as a bookkeeping and tax professional. Each step of this transformative journey reinforced my unwavering commitment to financial clarity and personal growth. My return to the field became not only a professional triumph, but a personal solace, guiding me through a transformative journey of healing and rekindled purpose.
After beginning my graduate studies in social communications, even more unexpected health challenges and a cascade of personal trials continued to reshape the trajectory of my life. As I found myself grappling with the repercussions of a debilitating autoimmune condition and subsequent pneumonia, the dream of continuing my studies became increasingly unattainable, leading to heartbreaking decisions. The road ahead seemed uncertain and fraught with challenges; yet, in the midst of adversity, I found a lifeline in a seasonal tax job opportunity at Intuit. With my mentor's unwavering support and the nurturing environment of her office, I found solace and rejuvenation in the work, despite my fragile health. Walking to work each day served as a balm for my lungs and spirit, offering a semblance of hope and a renewed sense of purpose.
When the opportunity arose to leverage this seasonal position into a full-time role, it became a beacon of possibility, offering a pathway to financial stability and a newfound sense of security in the face of adversity. This pivotal moment was a testament to my resilience and determination, marking the beginning of a new chapter and the rekindling of professional ambitions and renewed purpose.
Despite the uncertainty that loomed, I was unwavering in my commitment to reclaim my health, professional stability, and a newfound sense of financial security. As my health gradually stabilized, the support and encouragement from my mentor and the energizing nature of the work served as catalysts for my resurgence. This turning point became a lifeline, guiding me through the tumultuous seas of adversity and uncertainty. It was during this transformative period that I discovered an unwavering strength and determination that inspired me to advocate for my professional aspirations. With resilience as my anchor and hope as my guide, I sought to carve a new path—an avenue through which I could ascend from a place of vulnerability to a realm of renewed purpose and stability.
This pivotal period, fraught with trials and tribulations, illuminated a newfound sense of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. It was the impetus for my momentous return to the financial industry, reigniting my professional pursuits and rekindling my passion for bookkeeping and tax practices. This period of renewal and professional reclamation was an inspiring testament to my resilience and determination, instilling in me a resolve to embrace a new chapter marked by stability and professional fulfillment.
During my pursuit of a career in art and teaching, my creative endeavors became a source of empowerment and advocacy. With every stroke of the brush and every word woven into poetry, I sought to shine a light on the experiences of abuse survivors and to amplify their resilience and strength through artistic expression. I aspired to use my art as a catalyst for healing and awareness, often intertwining my work with messages of survival and hope. My dream entailed working with young people, offering poetry as solace to abuse survivors, and embarking on a transformative journey to document and bring to light the stories of trauma and resilience across the country and Mexico.
Despite these deeply resonant aspirations, my eventual return to bookkeeping served as a newfound outlet to effect positive change and support others in a different, yet equally meaningful, capacity. Working with woman-owned businesses, startups, and specializing in clean-up bookkeeping has rekindled a profound sense of purpose within me. This renewed professional commitment has become a driving force to support and uplift others, as it instills within me a sense of usefulness, purpose, and the opportunity to effect change in a significant way.
I've found that my return to the realm of financial guidance marks a unique avenue for empowerment and impactful support, allowing me to foster a sense of stability and growth within budding enterprises and women-led ventures. As I traverse this new chapter, I'm inspired by the prospect of offering diligent, purpose-driven bookkeeping expertise, and becoming an advocate for the success and sustainability of woman-owned businesses and startups. My commitment to this new purpose is a testament to the resounding power of resilience and the unwavering determination to effect positive change within the professional realm.
While millions may not be my aim, I am driven by a vision to create a sustainable living that allows me to seamlessly blend my passion for art with meaningful advocacy for abuse survivors. My ultimate objective is to cultivate multiple income streams that afford me the flexibility to pursue my artistic dreams and my long-standing goal of supporting abuse survivors. I envision the creation of spaces that transcend mere function—a coffee shop and art gallery/co-op designed to serve as sanctuaries for creativity, healing, and empowerment. This ambitious endeavor will not only reflect my love for bookkeeping and the pursuit of order but also embody a powerful commitment to fostering environments that uplift and inspire others. Through these endeavors, I aim to spread hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that healing and growth are achievable for all who are in need. Ultimately, I see these ventures not as separate endeavors, but as a poignant reflection of my lifelong dedication to making a profound and positive impact on the lives of others.
As I reflect on this chapter, I'm reminded that the journey is ongoing and this is just the latest chapter in the story of my life. Despite the trials and obstacles, I've discovered the amazing power of resilience and the capacity to bloom wherever life plants me. I want to always remember to savor the lightness and humor in this unexpected journey, finding comfort in the idea that even amidst unforeseen circumstances, seeds of hope and potential can sprout. Here's to the unwavering spirit of resilience within each of us and to a future marked by promise and new beginnings. As I continue on my path, I'll embrace the potential for beauty and growth in every circumstance, savoring the humor in life's unexpected plot twists.
