Bellevue, Washington, was one of the places that brought me the most joy. It was a safe haven for me growing up, offering refuge from the abuse, confusion, fighting, and stress of home in Los Altos.

It was where my mother’s sister, Aunt Dorothy, lived, and every summer, George and I would go together—our trip, our escape. In those moments, I could indulge in the fantasy of leaving behind my dad and stepmom for good, dreaming of a new life in Washington, free from the unpredictable chaos that always loomed in the background.

After our mother’s death, my Aunt offered to take George and me in, but my father refused. I later discovered that my mother had named our […]

It seems that we all long for happiness. I have always aspired to find it.

You’ve likely encountered numerous images and statues of the Buddha, often depicted with a serene expression.

I, too, have several Buddha statues placed throughout my home and on my front porch.

Many spiritual traditions emphasize the pursuit of happiness through practices like mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and gaining a deeper understanding.

My own spiritual journey began in childhood when I first recognized the suffering that everyone experiences. Then, the loss of my mother ignited a desire within me to escape my suffering and seek happiness.

However, finding peace and happiness was particularly challenging given the circumstances of the household I entered at the age of twelve.

Happiness is a topic that resonates […]

Every encounter with my father evoked a paralyzing fear unlike any I had ever known.

It felt like I had an invisible barrier up at all times, and every attempt he made to cross it put me on edge, like stepping into enemy territory. We never really hugged—our embraces were stiff as if we were going through the motions, pretending to have a normal father-daughter relationship, eager to get it over with.

At his funeral, I had no choice but to get close to him. It was mandatory to greet a line of relatives upon arrival—ten. I remember how difficult it was to face each one, especially as I approached the end of the line where Dotti, Rick, Ron, my stepmother, and […]

I had been struggling against my father … an abusive husband, my faith, my anxiety, and all the injustices in the world

But to what end? I was more distressed and emotionally wounded than ever before. Therapy had become a necessity, helping me navigate the trauma of the sexual abuse inflicted by my father. It was July, and my father was preparing to leave for his annual fishing trip with his friend, Dr. Martinelli. I knew it was time to confront him. So, I drove two hours from Pacific Grove, California, to his house in Los Altos.

As I exited the car, he emerged from the house onto the front porch. At that moment, I felt a sense of assertiveness, personal power, […]

The only way my dad knew how to show love …… was through money.

Money was his universal emotional language, the medium for his apologies, appeasements, grief, guilt, joy, love, pride, and attempts at reconciliation.

I always struggled to see the value in what he was offering. Despite everything that happened in my childhood, I craved a genuine connection.

For my step-brothers, though, money was enough.

It is about doing what is right.

It means refusing to conform to the crowd.

Even when they say they represent you, even when it might seem beneficial – I have refused to conform.

It means marching to the beat of your drum and standing unapologetically and unwaveringly for your ideals, morals, principles, rights, and values, even in the face of backlash, harassment, and scrutiny.

It is about holding to your values, even when they differ from your business and personal community.

It involves making sacrifices when necessary when someone or something does not align with your values. It means turning down paid opportunities that conflict with your principles. It is about initiating discussions on fundamental and pressing issues, having difficult and honest conversations, and […]

Before moving to Bend, Oregon, in 2005, my life was far from empty. I had been living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

In 2003, I left Pacific Grove, California, to move as far away from my former husband. I felt that if I didn’t leave, I would die, one way or another.

Leaving my daughter, who had just graduated high school, was agonizing. I couldn’t tell her what was happening; I didn’t dare. She was living blocks away from me with her dad.

In Idaho, I dedicated countless hours to launching my dream company, Horizon Family Solutions. The work was compelling, cutting-edge, and even fun.

I often spent ten to twelve hours daily in my office, including weekends.

This routine was incredible until it wasn’t. Industry […]