Embracing Many Hats: My Journey Through Identity, Resilience, and Caregiving
Life often demands that we wear multiple hats—daughter, caretaker, partner, sports coach, and personal trainer. The challenge isn’t just wearing them all but embracing each without fear of a constant shadow. The most transformative hat for me has been my mental health advocate role. It meant becoming both my biggest cheerleader and my most honest critic.
This journey began anew on June 19th, 2019, with summer on the horizon. I felt the sun’s energy, knowing its warmth would spark my creativity. Yet, even as a go-getter, I felt myself shifting since those early high school days. This shift was diagnosed as bipolar disorder—a diagnosis that brought with it periods of both profound insight and challenging times, including stays in a psych ward and facing an abuser in a virtual courtroom.
Reflecting on this time, I see life’s beautiful ability to turn imagination into reality. As a young girl, I dreamed of a career with athletic achievements fueled by a relentless work ethic. That dream has transformed but remains deeply rooted in a pursuit of purpose and authenticity.
As I write this on October 31st, the past few months feel both nostalgic and profound. Actions once paralyzed by fear are now part of my daily life, thanks to the strength I didn’t know I had.
One of the biggest roles I carry today is that of caregiver. Alzheimer’s entered my life in 2016, just one year after I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. My father’s diagnosis changed everything, leading my mom and me to make the difficult decision not to seek out a new life in Brooklyn but instead to embrace this journey together. This decision was made out of love—a choice I know my parents would make for me without hesitation.
Stepping into this role hasn’t been without shame or fear of judgment. Returning to New York, I hoped to find a community where I felt I truly belonged—a place that embraced every part of who I am. Today, I’m finally growing into that sense of belonging, sharing my story to connect with others and honor the people and experiences that shape me.
