What I Know Now: You’re Not Late — You’re Aligned
“If you’re a woman navigating the same pressures to “have it all together” —feeling like you’re running out of time… I want you to know: you’re right on time.”
There’s an invisible script society often hands to women: career success by 30, marriage soon after, a home, kids, stability—and a polished life to match. However, what if your story doesn’t look like that? What if it never has?
For many single women, especially those in their 30s and beyond, this pressure can feel like a quiet ache or a loud shame. You scroll social media and, consequently, see engagement announcements, baby showers, and picture-perfect families, all while wondering if you’re somehow behind.
Where I’ve Been: The Winding Road That Brought Me Here
I’ve felt it too. I’m 39 years old, and in many ways, I’m just beginning again. Over the years, my life has taken me through mountain towns, international love stories, and more career pivots than I can count. I’ve worked in schools across Colorado—elementary, middle, and high school—and even taught English to kids in China. Moreover, I’ve fallen in love in ski towns, in other countries, and over long-distance video calls. I’ve followed my heart into uncertain jobs, tough schools, tents in the summer, and dorms in the winter.
After earning my master’s in counseling, I worked with trauma survivors, built programs from the ground up, and supported students in reservation schools, online platforms, and now an elementary school near my sister. In addition, I’ve created career fairs, peer mentorships, and taught social-emotional learning through PE. Along the way, I’ve seen broken systems and tried to bring hope and humanity back into them.
Now? I’ve started my own private practice—Wandering Counseling. There’s no guaranteed paycheck, yet all the freedom and alignment I’ve craved. It’s both scary and exciting. As a result, I’ve learned to build a life around what I value most: connection, nature, play, and purpose.
And yes, in between all of that, I’ve been on a lot of dates. Some fun, some heartbreaking, and some just downright strange. Still, I never stopped believing in love. Instead of trying to “have it all together,” I’ve shifted my focus to building a life that feels good to live. A life where the right partner adds to the adventure—not completes it.
Tools That Helped Me Living Single with Purpose
Self-Care & Wellness
- FitBit Tracker – helps you stay connected to your body and movement.
- Headspace Meditation App – perfect for a daily pause or reset.
- Essential Oils Set – I use these for grounding and calming my space.
Nature & Movement
- Merrell Hiking Shoes – my go-to for outdoor grounding walks.
- Favorite Hiking Gear – curated Amazon list with my must-haves.
- Garmin Watch – on my wishlist for heart-rate and GPS tracking.
Mindset & Growth
- “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle – a book that gave me permission to be fully myself.
- A Journal You’ll Actually Use – to reflect, release, and reset.
Dating with Intention
- Online Dating Profile Workbook – my tips and prompts for building a profile that reflects the real you.
- Favorite Podcast Episodes on Dating & Self-Worth – curated list.
You can explore all these in my website: wanderingcounseling.com or head to my Linktree for more free resources and current blog posts.
There’s beauty in building your life your way. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be worthy, lovable, or enough. You just need to keep showing up—with heart, with intention, and with hope.
