The past fifteen months of my life fit neatly into Charles Dickens’ words: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Not as a contradiction, but as a lived version of the literary device Dickens used, antithesis. It was a season of profound contrast and growth.

There were moments of rebuilding and hope. There were times when my family experienced renewed connection and increased stability. There were also moments of unexpected change that required me to adapt quickly and thoughtfully. Some days were quiet and focused on caring for my children, while envisioning the future. On other days, I was forced to accept that life was propelling me forward in a different direction.

The public betrayal was the turning point. It was challenging, but it was also clarifying. In response, I leaned into structure and healthy routines. I returned to the walk-run method, jeffing. It has been a long-standing discipline in my life since childhood.

It helped me regulate and decrease stress, while staying present. I recommitted to journaling, reflection, and intentional habits that allowed me to remain grounded while caring for my children. Looking back through my journals reminded me of the value of self-awareness. It is almost comical to reread your journals after you have overcome and outgrown situations and people.

Managing new responsibilities required support, and I sought it thoughtfully. Stabalizing support came from the most unexpected source(s). I am grateful for everyone who supported me, while I navigated the initial transitory season.

Aligning my life with the unique blueprints I created has ultimately made the past 15 months some of the best of times. Through intentional adult self-discovery, I gained radical acceptance of the changes and challenges. That acceptance brought peace. It allowed me to focus on what I could control. I controlled my mindset, actions, and environment. I reclaimed my individuality. I am so much more than a Mother and soon-to-be ex-wife.

Today, my life looks so much different than it did 15 months ago. Of course, I do not live in the five-bedroom, new construction anymore, but I have peace. My life is centered and intentional, while striving for self-mastery. I consistently practiced self-care, rooted in mindfulness, prayer, reflection, and short-term goal-setting. These weren’t indulgences; but tools that strengthened my ability to show up calmly and confidently daily.

During this time, technology became a practical support tool. My drastic and significant decrease in resources encouraged me to tap into my creativity. Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective, just intentional. Simple mindfulness practices, calming audio, and quiet moments of reflection became part of my routine. These practices helped me to be resilient.

I eventually began using AI-supported journal prompts to deepen my self-discovery process. I now think all mothers should have an intentional self-discovery period every three to five years. While I still value pen and paper, the AI journal prompts helped me focus my attention and energy inward. I began adding to prompts, being more strategic with the prompt framing, and pondering how to get the data I needed to become my best self. The data included rebuilding confidence, reinforcing boundaries, and asking the important questions. It was sitting with the answers "I thought I wanted" vs "the 35-year-old woman" answers, that was the hardest part of the self-discovery process.

We can send Lacey & Tech’s; Free Mindful & Mindfulness AI Journal Prompts directly to your inbox so you can save it for later. Enter your email address and subscribe to our Community List to receive it. The prompts can be customized to include your best self-data too.

💡 The Bridge to Your Best Self

Intentional self-care became the bridge that carried me from transition into clarity and forward movement. Technology and digital literacy made that bridge possible, giving me the confidence to take purposeful action both online and in life. Each choice, each step, carried meaning beyond the screen. I used digital literacy in the of shaping my days, for data to make decisions, and execute efficiently.

Digital literacy has become a gateway to nearly every high-wage, high-growth opportunity. It’s no surprise that a recent Microsoft and LinkedIn survey found over 70% of hiring managers would choose a less experienced candidate who is proficient with AI over a more experienced candidate who isn’t.

At Lacey & Tech, we help people bridge the divide between access and understanding. The space in the divide is the difference between knowing a tool exists and confidently using it for work or on your phone. This is the space where opportunity either opens wide or quietly closes. Join "The Beta Group" today, to experience our private learning community.

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Access + Literacy = Power ≥ Modern Civil Rights in Motion

This is why we do this work. We not only want to show people what tools exist, but to guide them across the bridge from doubt to clarity. We lead with compassion to guide people from hesitation to action, with their confidence increasing and their dignity intact.

Digital literacy is the difference between reacting to life and directing it.