March 12th, 2026: Living My Dream Life

I didn’t know what I wanted my life to be at 14. Or at 18. Or even at 24. What I did know, is that I dreamt of being happy. Every so often, actually, very often, I gather little moments where I realize that I’m living that dream life. 

One of those little moments was today. I’ll set the seen. I am on the couch, working on The Village website. I’m in Nick’s usual spot in the corner of the couch. We leave for Georgia tomorrow for Nick’s Spartan Race. He’s flying us there! Nick is on the phone with his grandparents in the dining room. He started working on his flight plan for tomorrow and will keep at it once he’s off the phone. The cats are playing (read: fighting) in the living room.

Nick is catching his grandparents up on life, and thanking them for his birthday card. Then I hear “Taylor’s doing well, she says hi” followed by updates on The Village’s suite, our first fundraising event since I took ownership, and speaking so proudly about my work.

Earlier today, I met with the owner Greater Grounds, the coffee shop that is hosting Recovery in Bloom. He told me about the name of their coffee shop. How it is rooted in the story of Noah’s arc. He asked if I knew the story, to which I said yes. He mentioned the dove coming back with the olive branch to  show that there were “greater grounds” ahead. When I was 18, I got a tattoo after our pastor shared that story. I find it beautiful. A reminder to not give up, to have hope, to believe in a better future. 

Between reflecting on my story, of where I was when I was 18, then hearing so blatantly from Nick speaking praise about my businesses, I almost brought me to tears. I really didn’t see much hope for that happy life I dreamt of many times throughout my life. Initially writing this, I said I saw “no hope.” But I don’t think that’s true. I think I always had at least a sliver of hope.

There were many time I could have thrown in the towel, settled, or not gone on. It’s moments like this, on our cat scratched couch, in our 115 year old home, in the heart of our city, listening to my husband talk that I get to reflect on how grateful I am. I can’t imagine or dream of a better life than the one I have now. Of course, there will always be evolution of my dreams. For now though, I’m happy right here. 

With Love,

Tay