The first week (and a little more) of the new school year has come and gone, and I have to say, it’s been pretty smooth so far. Things at school aren’t perfect—where are they ever truly perfect?—but I’ve learned to flow with it. After 17 years of teaching in the same community where I grew up, I’ve come to accept that while I can control most of what happens within the four walls of my classroom, I can’t control everything. The world outside, the pressures these students face, and even how much they choose to engage—those things are beyond me. So, I stay "real" with them, guiding, encouraging, and holding them and their parents accountable. It's work, it's life, it's community service. And I’m still glad to be able to contribute in a meaningful way, even as everything changes around me.

What’s helped me find this level of peace in my work and personal life has been shifting my mindset around finances and stress. While my debts and bills are not completely out of the picture, I’ve put systems in place that have significantly reduced the mental load of constantly worrying about money. It's not that the challenges have disappeared, but I've built structures that allow me to focus on the things I enjoy—like creating content, teaching, and performing—without the added stress weighing me down. This shift has made the transition from summer break back into the work grind a lot smoother, without feeling like I'm carrying an extra burden on my shoulders.

As September rolls on, I’m feeling optimistic. I’ve already set up a comfortable rhythm, and I’m still finding new opportunities to grow and evolve. Whether it’s through teaching, creating content, or working on my music, I’m committed to building and sharing this journey with all of you. As we move forward, I’ll continue to provide updates, lessons, and insights, hoping they resonate with those of you who are also on your own path. Whether you're a business owner, a creative artist, or someone looking for that final push of inspiration to make a change, know that you’re not alone in this. We all build as we go. Peace and light to everyone out there striving for more!