The Shape My Joy Takes: personal Essay Series

I didn’t set out to write a personal essay series. I was just trying to survive another Tuesday without crying in the dish soap aisle of Superstore. But somewhere between burning out (again), learning how to rest (badly), and slowly unfurling into a version of myself I actually like, I started writing down the moments that made me feel like a person again. Not a brand, not a role, not a walking apology. Just… me. And thus, The Shape My Joy Takes was born—because apparently I can't heal without turning it into a project. Classic.

These essays aren’t about being impressive. They’re not about five-step plans or perfect morning routines (unless you count lighting a candle at 10 a.m. and hoping for the best). They’re about softness. About self-trust. About finding magic in the mundane and building a life that doesn’t need to be performed to be beautiful. Some of these pieces will make you cry. Some might make you laugh-snort. All of them are honest. All of them are mine. And if you see a little of yourself in them, then maybe they’re yours too.