The 5 Unexpected Moments That Sparked My Wellness Career and Passion for Mental Health

Wellness is rarely found in the obvious places. For me, it wasn’t about therapy sessions, wellness retreats, or even books (which I love). The most profound lessons came in moments I never expected - when life subtly but powerfully shifted my perspective. 

It’s funny to think how everyday experiences can teach us things we never knew we needed to learn. These five moments not only shaped my passion for wellness but also became the foundation of how I approach mental health in my career and life today. They taught me about fear, reflection, acceptance, and the immense power of choice. 

Here’s what they taught me - and how they might resonate with you. 

Moving 3,000 miles from my hometown in Ohio to attend Pepperdine was the first time I felt the true weight of fear. Fear isn’t just a whisper in your head - it can wrap itself around your entire life. I feared failing, I feared being alone, and I feared what I couldn’t control. But there’s one undeniable truth about fear: it never changes what’s on the other side. Fear only keeps you stuck, watching life from behind a wall. When I took that leap, I learned something profound: fear is a distraction. It pulls you away from the goals and dreams you were meant to chase. 

Leaving home wasn’t about geography - it was about stepping out of the mental cage I’d built for myself. The experience showed me that growth only happens when we’re willing to be uncomfortable. It’s in those moments, when everything feels uncertain, that we uncover the courage we didn’t know we had. Wellness starts with bravery - the bravery to let go of what’s familiar and take a step toward the unknown. 

Golf taught me lessons that I couldn't have learned anywhere else. It’s not a sport that rewards rushing or force. It requires you to slow down, to breathe, and to find calm even when things aren’t going your way. At first, I hated it. My natural instinct was to “go go go,” to make things happen on my timeline. But golf doesn’t work like that - just like life. The more you push, the harder it becomes. 

Over time, I realized that the game wasn’t just teaching me patience; it was teaching me peace. It’s not just about waiting - it’s about trusting. Trusting the process, trusting your swing, and trusting that the moments of stillness are just as important as the moments of action. 

In life, we’re so conditioned to move fast, to achieve, and to push. But wellness requires us to slow down. It asks us to pause, to breathe, and to let things unfold in their own time. True wellness comes from mastering both patience and peace - knowing when to act and when to surrender. 

When I created my first journal, it wasn’t meant to be anything more than a creative outlet to share with others. But as I wrote, I began to see myself in ways I never had before. My words revealed patterns, fears, and weaknesses I hadn’t fully discovered. 

Journaling has always been a hobby for me, but I realized as I grew up that it also served as therapy (even though I didn’t always know it as that). It wasn’t just about documenting my thoughts - it was about understanding them. I saw areas where I needed to grow, places where I was holding myself back, and emotions I hadn’t fully processed. What started as a fun project became one of the most transformational tools in my life. It taught me that self-awareness is the foundation of healing. You can’t grow if you don’t understand what’s holding you back. Wellness begins with self-awareness. When we turn inward and face ourselves honestly, we create space for growth and healing. 

When I began competing in pageants, I had no idea how much it would influence my approach to life and well-being. From the outside, pageants might look like they’re only about appearances, but what they really demand is mental strength.

Through pageants, I learned how crucial it is to take care of yourself - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Staying positive, setting clear intentions, and believing in myself became non-negotiable. It was during this time that I became obsessed with mindset and motivation. What you think, you become. I realized that mindset isn’t just about having a good attitude; it’s about creating your reality. The energy you put into the world has a way of reflecting back to you. By focusing on positivity, confidence, and visualization, I saw how much I could change not just my outcomes, but also how I felt about myself. 

Pageants taught me that true well-being starts from within. It’s about how you speak to yourself, what you believe is possible, and how you care for your mind. That experience solidified my belief in the power of perspective and intentional living. By mastering your mindset, you can manifest the life you want and create a foundation of true wellness. 

For a long time, I underestimated the power of how you start your day. I used to wake up and rush straight into the chaos of life - checking emails, scrolling through my phone, and letting my mood depend on whatever external forces came my way. It wasn’t sustainable. I felt reactive, drained, and like I was always playing catch-up.

That all changed when I started developing a true morning routine. I decided that the first hour of my day would belong to me - no interruptions, no noise, no distractions. I began with simple steps: waking up earlier, journaling my thoughts, making my bed, moving my body, and practicing gratitude. Over time, these small habits became sacred rituals. My morning routine became a time to center myself, set my intentions, and pour into my own cup before giving anything to the world. 

The impact was life-challenging. By showing up for myself each morning, I realized how much control I have over my mood, my energy, and my mindset. It’s not just about routines - it’s about prioritizing yourself. A morning routine is a way of telling yourself that your well-being comes first, and that creates a foundation for happiness, balance, and clarity every day. 

These five moments were never part of any grand plan. They were simple, everyday experiences that quietly shaped who I am and how I approach life. Healing isn’t about finding the perfect circumstances - it’s about recognizing the lessons that are already around you. It’s about facing your fears, embracing patience, reflecting deeply, letting go of control, and shifting your perspective. 

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. I hope these moments inspire you to look at your own life differently - to find the lessons in the unexpected and embrace the beauty of growth. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper, The Breakthrough Journal was created for moments like these - to help you reflect, grow, and uncover your own personal breakthroughs.