The Inner Lens

Looking back at the choices I've made, I can’t help but laugh at how life keeps throwing me into the deep end, expecting me to magically swim. Spoiler alert—I’ve been doing more than swimming. I've been practically doing synchronized moves while dodging flying rubber duckies along the way. Every choice I’ve made has been an experiment in survival, resilience, and sometimes, wildly misplaced confidence. And though life has taught me many lessons (some painfully awkward), one core truth shines through— I show up, do the work, pray hard, I don't quit and keep going...period. I f I had to sum up my life in an elevator pitch, it would be this: "Hi, I'm Julie - stubbornly independent, fueled by sheer determination and powered by a borderline obsessive relationship with leap of faith and prayers. Every major decision in my life has been a mix of "What’s the worst that could happen?" and "Dear God, please help me not mess this up." Indeed, m y life has...

Hey Lovies, Welcome!  This is  " A Journey Within" — an introspective activity journal that contains some tough questions, at times simple or straightforward (but still pack a punch). These questions can be hard to answer if one is unable to pause, reflect, and dig deep . These prompts are not your garden-variety "What’s your favorite color?" questions. Oh no, they’re the deep, soul-searching, "Why are you the way you are?" kind. The kind that make you realize you’ve been ghosting your own inner self for years. When I started answering one of the many questions in this journal, I found myself in a circus of introspection, where my brain is the reluctant trapeze artist, and I'm hanging on for dear life. This journal is all about wrestling my inner thoughts and, hopefully, emerging a bit wiser. Or just more confused—that’s part of the fun, right? These reflection questions are like brain yoga, though; and I’m sharing my answers here in case they insp...

The power of imagination is one of the most extraordinary gifts we possess. It allows us to dream beyond the boundaries of the present and envision a future rich in possibility, creativity, and impact. For me, those moments of daydreaming often transport me to serene landscapes—a beautiful house nestled by a river or lake, surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking mountain views. It’s not just a scene; it’s a feeling of peace, connection, and balance that inspires me to keep imagining bigger and bolder futures. Among those vivid dreams, one idea has resonated deeply with me. It’s a huge endeavor of building something with far-reaching impact—not just for myself but for the lives of others. I dream of founding a non-profit organization (E.L.I.) with the mission to sponsor visas for international teachers. This initiative would bring talented educators from around the globe to live and teach in the United States, creating a cultural exchange that enriches both their lives and the co...