For a long time, I thought my story was... well... pretty ordinary.
It felt like a collection of hard things, wrong turns, painful moments, and chapters I'd rather forget. Looking back, it seemed more like a list of things that had happened to me than a story worth telling.
Then one day I stopped looking at where I had been and started asking a different question.
"How did I get from there... to here?"
As I traced my own journey, I realized every season of my life had been shaped by the emotions I was living in. I could actually see how my thinking changed, how my decisions changed, how my relationships changed, and how each emotional season led me to the next.
For the first time, my story wasn't a doom and gloom story anymore. It was a success story.
Life hadn't been easy, quite the opposite. But it became my success story because I could finally see the growth. I could see the lessons. I could see God's hand leading me through every chapter, even the ones I never would have chosen.
That's where *The Emotion Gauge™* was born.
I didn't create it in a classroom or a boardroom. It came from looking back at my own life and recognizing the emotional path that brought me to where I am today.
Once I could see the pattern, I wondered if other people could too. That's why I wrote *Steps in Purpose™*.
The first book introduces The Emotion Gauge and helps readers discover where they are emotionally and how to take purposeful Steps forward. The books that follow explore each emotional level in greater depth because every level has its own challenges, beliefs, habits, and opportunities for growth.
Everything I write comes from real life. Some stories are mine. Some belong to people who have trusted me with their journeys. Every lesson has been learned through experience, conversations, faith, and a deep desire to understand people a little better.
Today, I have the privilege of encouraging others through writing, coaching, speaking, and my podcast. Nothing brings me more joy than watching someone have that moment where everything clicks and they realize they finally understand themselves in a way they never have before.
I believe every person has a purpose. Sometimes we simply need a better map to find it.
If my books leave you with one thing, I hope it's this...Your past has a purpose, Your story has value, and no matter where you are today, your next Step matters.
When I'm not writing, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband, Ben, enjoying the simple beauty of northern Maine, starting a new project, talking about fragrance, or making memories with my children and grandchildren.
Life has taught me that joy is often found in the little things. A quiet morning with coffee, a meaningful conversation, a side by side ride in nature, laughter around the dinner table, or watching the sunset. Each has a way of reminding me how faithful God has been.
Living with chronic illness has also changed the way I see life. It has taught me to slow down, appreciate each day, and celebrate progress one Step at a time. Those experiences have deepened my faith, strengthened my compassion, and shaped the way I encourage others.
No matter what I am doing on any particular day, my heart is always the same. I want people to feel seen, understood, and encouraged. I truly believe every person has a purpose, every story matters, and every Step forward counts.