Echoes from Summit Valley

🦋 New beginnings often arrive quietly like a butterfly choosing the exact moment and place to land. I walked into a workshop recently and walked out with something I didn’t even realize I needed. a reminder that the biggest obstacle I’ve faced at times has been… me. My fear. My silence. My tendency to shrink so others could feel comfortable. For years, I carried myself like Bruno from Encanto, living “between the walls,” present but hidden, a little too quiet, and a little too afraid to take up space. People didn’t talk about Teresita, and somewhere along the way, I convinced myself I wasn’t supposed to shine. I was not part of the story.  But I was wrong. I shine anyway. I shine because life has taught me that hiding doesn’t protect you. it just dims the parts of you that were meant to guide you. When my father passed away, my world cracked open. His death was the kind of pain that changes the shape of your days. It broke me in ways I never anticipated. And yet, in that very brea...

 People sometimes ask me why I stay quiet. It’s not that I have nothing to say, in fact, I often have so much within me that could be spoken. But I’ve learned that not everyone around me has the emotional maturity to receive the truth or my perspective without taking it personally.  My silence isn’t emptiness; it’s respect for myself and for others. There was a time when I spoke without thinking. I used my words to defend myself, to prove a point, or sometimes, out of my own unresolved pain, to hurt others. Back then, I didn’t realize that my reactions came from wounds I hadn’t yet faced.  I can see now that version of me was surviving, not healing. I’ve done the work. I’ve sat with my emotions, learned to understand them, and found peace in quiet reflection. I no longer feel the need to speak just to be heard or to win. Now I choose silence when I know that speaking would do more harm than good. I choose calm over confrontation, empathy over ego. My silence doesn’t m...

 A veces me preguntan por qué callo. No es que no tenga nada que decir; siempre tengo pensamientos, verdades, y emociones que podría compartir. Pero con el tiempo he aprendido que no todas las personas a mi alrededor tienen la madurez emocional para recibir esas palabras sin sentirse atacadas.  Mi silencio no es falta de opinión, es respeto, hacia mí y hacia los demás. Antes solía hablar sin pensar. Decía las cosas con la intención de tener la razón o incluso, en mis momentos menos conscientes, para herir. En aquel entonces, no entendía que mis palabras reflejaban más mi propio dolor que la realidad del otro.  Hoy reconozco que esa versión de mí actuaba desde la herida, no desde la sanidad. He hecho un trabajo profundo en mí. He sanado partes que antes gritaban, y he aprendido a escuchar antes de responder. Ya no tengo la necesidad de ser esa versión que hablaba para defenderse. Ahora elijo el silencio cuando sé que hablar no construirá nada. Elijo la calma sobre la co...

El otro día, una amiga querida me compartió unas palabras que me llegaron tan profundo que sentí un escalofrío bonito recorrer todo mi cuerpo. Fue ese tipo de recordatorio que te hace querer llorar, no de tristeza, sino de gratitud y reconocimiento. Pensé en mis hijos. April, que ahora anda en su mundo de adolescente, y el pequeño Andy, que todavía está muy chiquito para entender todo. Tal vez hoy no vean ni comprendan lo mucho que los amo. Pero algún día espero que lo hagan, simplemente al observar la manera en que he elegido vivir mi vida frente a ellos. Recuerdo que una colega me decía que casi no veía a sus hijos porque estaba dedicada a sacar su doctorado. Y la admiré mucho, hay algo muy valioso en ser tan entregada a lo académico, en darles a los hijos ese ejemplo de disciplina, resiliencia y éxito. Hay poder en mostrarles cómo perseguir grandes sueños y alcanzar logros que abren puertas. Pero para mí, el camino es distinto. Prefiero tener menos y estar presente. Quiero disfru...

The other day, a dear friend shared words that touched me so deeply I felt chills run through my whole body. It was the kind of reminder that makes your eyes water, not out of sadness, but from a place of gratitude and recognition. I thought about my children. April, who right now is very much in her teenager world, and little Andy, still too young to grasp everything. Maybe they don’t see or understand yet the depth of my love for them. But one day, I hope they do, just by the way I’ve chosen to live my life in front of them. I once had a colleague who told me she hardly saw her children because she was so focused on her doctorate. And I admired her, there’s a certain beauty in being that academically driven, in giving your kids the example of resilience, discipline, and success. There’s power in showing them how to go after big dreams and earn the rewards that come with them. But for me, the path looks different. I’d rather have less and be present. I want to enjoy my children, li...

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health! If you’re looking for simple yet powerful ways to boost your well-being and live a more balanced life, you’re in the right place. Discover these essential strategies to enhance your mental health and start feeling better today: Regular Exercise Physical activity boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to enhance your well-being and energy levels. Healthy Diet Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports brain function and emotional stability. Proper nutrition can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adequate Sleep Quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your brain and body recover, improve cognitive function, and manage stress more effectively. Mindfulness and Meditation Practicing mindfulness and me...