My Journey at NAMIWalks 2024: Finding Wellness as a Mom, Teacher, and Advocate
Hey y’all. I hope you’re finding a moment to pause, breathe, and truly be in the moment today. Life can throw us so many curveballs, and if you’re anything like me—a mom, teacher, and anxiety warrior—it can feel like you’re balancing on a tightrope most days. So, I pray that you’re taking a second for yourself.
This past Saturday, I had the honor of participating in NAMIWalks 2024 here in Palm Beach County. For those who don’t know, NAMI—National Alliance on Mental Illness—is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting people affected by mental health challenges through education, advocacy, and compassion. This was my first year walking, and let me tell you, it was a big deal for me. Not only was I representing my business, Teach Well PBC, but I had my daughter by my side. Watching her little feet walk next to me, full of curiosity and strength, was everything.
You know, ever since we watched Inside Out 2, talking about emotions has become a daily thing for us. That movie helped her understand what my anxiety feels like, and gave us both a language to talk about it. It’s a beautiful thing when your child can empathize with what you’re going through, even if they’re just learning to navigate their own emotions.
The Night Before: Chaos, Netflix, and All the Rest
Let’s rewind to the night before, shall we? I’d love to say I prepped and got a full night’s rest, but let’s be real—life had other plans. For whatever reason, sleep was not happening. Ava discovered Sam & Cat on Netflix, and those giggles were unstoppable. I was up too, diving into Game On by Seressia Glass (yes, review coming soon!), hoping I’d drift off, but nope. We stayed up, her giggling, me reading, both of us wide awake.
So, the morning of the walk wasn’t exactly an easy “rise and shine” moment. It was more like, “Okay, we’re really doing this, even though we’re running on fumes.” We finally got out the door, only for Florida to remind me who’s boss. Yep, it started pouring rain. My best friend, who was supposed to join us, called and decided to sit this one out because of the weather. And me? Well, I had a car full of umbrellas and raincoats, and a strong sense of determination. I knew this event was “rain or shine,” and I was set on showing up.
I wish I could say I smoothly navigated to the park, but no. I got lost not once, but twice—thank you, Google Maps (and my own sense of direction, or lack thereof). When we finally parked, the rain had decided to take a break, but I knew better than to leave those raincoats in the car. However, the backpack was getting full, so I made a mom decision: water and bug spray over rain gear. We met up with the rest of Community Connectors of Be Well PBC, another incredible local group focused on wellness, and it felt like the universe was telling me, “You’re in the right place.”
We decided to take on the two-mile option, and y’all, let me tell you, Mile 1 was both empowering and sticky. It was hot and muggy, but seeing so many people walking for loved ones, for themselves, for a better future—that was powerful. I felt proud to be there, wearing my Teach Well PBC shirt (shoutout to my sister for making them!) and showing Ava that wellness, no matter how it looks, is a journey worth taking.
Then came Mile 2. Out of nowhere, the skies opened up again, and rain came pouring down like it was on a mission. Ava and I huddled under a picnic shelter with a bunch of other walkers, waiting it out for about 15 minutes. But something inside me stirred—I didn’t come all this way to stop. So, we pressed on, rain or not. Ava’s little hand in mine gave me strength, and each step through that rain felt like a triumph over all the doubts and fears I’ve held onto for too long.
When we finally crossed the finish line, soaked but victorious, the cheers of NAMI volunteers felt like a warm embrace. It was a moment I’ll never forget, especially knowing my daughter saw me push through challenges to achieve something meaningful. I hope she carries that memory with her as a reminder that her mom doesn’t back down, even when things get tough.
Being a teacher with anxiety is no walk in the park. There are days when my heart races just walking into a classroom, and days when the weight of my responsibilities feels like too much. That’s why I created Teach Well PBC—a platform for teachers like me, who need support, encouragement, and a community that understands the unique challenges we face.
This walk was the first public representation of Teach Well PBC, and it felt amazing to show up for my fellow educators. I want to create a space where teachers can find resources for mental health, tools for work-life balance, and just a bit of inspiration to keep going. Because, let’s be real, teaching is hard, and taking care of yourself is even harder.
Now, on the personal side of things, I’ve got my blog, The Blogger Next Dior. This is where I share my own journey—beauty tips, lifestyle hacks, self-care moments, and everything in between. This platform is my outlet to talk about the little things that make life better, especially for those of us who struggle with anxiety. It’s about finding joy in the small stuff, and reminding myself (and my readers) that wellness isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential.
NAMIWalks was a reminder of why I started these platforms. In the rain, with my daughter’s hand in mine, I felt this incredible sense of purpose. I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it for other moms, for other teachers, for anyone who feels like they’re barely holding it together.
Participating in NAMIWalks taught me so much. First, it reminded me of the importance of community. Standing shoulder to shoulder with people who’ve fought their own battles was healing in a way I didn’t expect. Secondly, it taught me about resilience—the kind that shows up even when the skies are pouring rain and everything seems to go wrong. And finally, it gave me hope. Hope that there’s a path forward for all of us, no matter how dark our struggles might seem.
As I look back on NAMIWalks 2024, I realize that wellness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a journey. Whether it’s through my work with Teach Well PBC, my personal blog, or moments like this walk with my daughter, I’m learning to prioritize my mental health and help others do the same. If you’ve ever thought about supporting mental health causes or joining a wellness initiative, let this be your sign. Find something that speaks to you, and go for it.
To anyone reading this, especially those dealing with mental health challenges—I see you, I understand you, and I’m rooting for you. Life isn’t always easy, but small steps, like participating in a walk or creating a supportive platform, can make a world of difference.
And if you ever want to talk about flowers, beauty products, or managing life as a mom and teacher with anxiety, my comment section and DMs are always open. We’re in this together, and I’m so grateful for this community.
