From Setback to Springtime: My Journey to Purpose

Hi – I’m Dr. Kay.
Chances are, you’ve never heard of me. And really, why would you? I haven’t discovered a cure for cancer, ended world hunger, or made groundbreaking scientific achievements. I’m just a regular person, living one day at a time—interacting with my family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and the everyday people I meet.
I try to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I lend a hand when I see someone in need. And I’ve learned (after some trial and error) that just because I have an opinion doesn’t always mean I need to share it. Trust me, that lesson took time—and grace—to embrace.
So why am I here? Why this blog?
Spring is About Change
In the spirit of renewal and growth that springtime brings, I want to share a little of what led me here—starting this blog and this new journey toward living a life of purpose.
As I’ve mentioned in my bio, I’ve had a successful corporate career, primarily in education—a field I absolutely love and still actively support. Education has always been more than a career for me. It’s been a gateway:
🔹 To self-discovery
🔹 To independence
🔹 To security
🔹 To opportunity
Education is a gift that, once acquired, no one can take away. And when paired with wisdom (which we’ll talk more about soon), it has the power to transform lives.
When Everything Changed
So, why did I walk away from a career I cherished?
Like many of you, the pandemic shifted everything. In-person learning abruptly moved online, which was especially tough in career and technical education. But instead of backing down, I leaned in. With my team, I reimagined the entire academic experience. We made it work. It was hard, but it was worth it. And I was recognized for it—two promotions, in fact.
Then, life threw me a curveball.
One evening, I found myself in an all-too-familiar situation for far too many women: an incident of sexual harassment involving the CEO. Years of hard work and dedication were suddenly overshadowed by a moment that should never have happened. And the truth is, no matter how the media spins it, our legal system doesn’t protect victims the way it should.
I had a decision to make.
After a lot of soul-searching and reflecting on everything I’d missed during the pandemic—family time, vacations, holidays—I realized the career I was fighting for no longer aligned with the woman I am, or the values I hold dear.
A New Season
Now, I’m rediscovering joy in the little things.
I’m doing home renovations.
I’ve got goats (all expecting babies soon—so excited!).
And I’m rebuilding my relationship with God.
I’ve always known that any success I’ve had comes from Him. And I trust that He’s preparing me for something greater—though I don’t yet know what that is. Some days, it’s hard. But I believe. I hold on to hope. And every single day, in some small way, He reminds me of His love.
This Blog is for You
My prayer for this blog is that it becomes a safe, encouraging space. A place where:
We lift each other up
Share stories
Offer inspiration
And remind one another that starting over doesn’t mean starting from nothing
You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. And you’re never too far gone to bloom again.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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A Guided Prayer for New Beginnings
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for new seasons and fresh starts. Thank You for walking beside me even when the path is unclear. Lord, I surrender the pain of the past, the uncertainties of the present, and the hopes of the future into Your hands. Help me to see the beauty in every moment, and the purpose in every detour. Strengthen me to trust Your plan—even when I can’t yet see it. Surround me with Your peace and love and let me be a light to others who are searching for their purpose too.
Amen.
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Let’s grow together.
– Dr. Kay 💛