A few years ago, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to pack up whatever would fit in my car, load up my two cats, and drive across the country to Colorado. I didn't know exactly what was waiting for me, but I was ready for something different.

Since then, life has brought plenty of ups and downs, unexpected changes, and a whole lot of personal growth. Earlier this year, after so many life changes, I found myself completely on my own, without the connections or support system I'd always been used to having. Working as a DoorDash driver also meant my everyday human interaction was pretty limited. For some people, that might be perfectly fine. Come to find out, I like people more than I thought I did!

Having that much time to myself gave me an opportunity to reflect on my experiences and how much I'd grown and changed along the way. But it also reminded me of something that's always been a part of who I am. I've always enjoyed bringing people together, finding different ways to look at situations, and helping people recognize possibilities they might not have considered.

I believe in living with good intentions, being kind, and allowing people to be themselves. Sometimes that means sharing a different perspective, sometimes it's a little laughter, and sometimes it's simply being there and letting somebody know they're not alone. Experiencing that lack of connection myself sparked a desire to create a space where people could come together, find support, and have opportunities to learn and grow.

When I discovered Happiness Matters Foundation, I recognized so much of what I'd been envisioning myself. Its mission reflected the same desire to create opportunities, bring people together, and help others recognize the possibilities in their own lives.

To me, Happiness Matters is about creating that spark. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness, a genuine connection, or an opportunity someone didn't know existed can make a difference. It's about helping that spark of hope grow into action, opening doors to new possibilities, and giving people the freedom to shape their own lives.

I'm grateful to serve as Secretary of Happiness Matters Foundation and excited to be part of seeing just how far that spark can go.