“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but in her own wings.”
“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but [in her] own wings.”
When I entered law school, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to become. I wanted to be of service toward a particular passion and to be a leader for the purpose of supporting others toward a better life and a better future.
But as many law students do, I lost my way during my law school years - in large part because, as a high achiever, I subconsciously looked outside of myself to validate my worth. What did that look like? Me trying to mold myself to the legal profession’s external markers of success and doubting myself when I felt like I didn’t “measure up.”
So when I graduated law school, despite the success I achieved (like securing a law firm job after graduation!), I felt empty inside. As a naturally joyful person, I realized I hadn't truly felt the lightness and space in my soul in a long time. And that’s when I knew something was very wrong.
Not passing the Bar Exam twice confirmed and intensified my fears. As someone who graduated in the top 10% of her high school and college classes and attended one of the top law schools in the country, failure at this level was a new experience. I felt it all - deep sadness, hopelessness, defeat, shame, guilt, and most of all, fear. I wondered how I would ever recover and find my way in the legal world.
But somewhere inside, I sensed that reconnecting and getting to know myself again in a deep, meaningful way was the key to my desired transformation. And when I turned inward, I discovered what was in my way: a belief that I wasn’t good enough, or worth enough, to be an attorney. What I needed to work through - to really learn and know in my heart - was that my worth wasn’t based on achievement. It had been and always will be inherent, just because I’m me (the same is true for you!).
Slowly but surely, between the tea-stained pages of my journal; the inhales, exhales, and emotional releases in yoga classes; and the deep inner work, I started to reconnect with myself. I now had the opportunity to create my own life around this new person - to make different choices more reflective of my authentic self.
And when I started to do that, everything changed. I chose to take a different Bar Exam because the jobs I wanted were in that jurisdiction and the family and friends I loved were geographically closer. This time, I passed! I landed my dream job within 1.5 years of entering the professional field that had always inspired me. And I met the man who became my fiancé, only 6 weeks after entering the dating scene.
Let’s work together
My story is just one example of what can happen when you truly get to know yourself, honor yourself, and continually practice showing up for yourself in the world. It’s not impossible or improbable. It’s the natural result of putting intention into action - and in trusting in your own wings rather than fearing the branch below.
When you embody your true inner desires and act from your heart - that’s when you can truly be of service and lead in the way you always wanted to. I want all this and more for you too, friend. Nothing would bring me more joy than to see you shine at your brightest. Join me in changing the legal profession - one person at a time.
So, are you ready to start your inward journey and practice?
Let’s work together
How I Practice Wellness In Everyday Life
I love being active, especially in the ocean – swimming, surfing, snorkeling, SUP-ing and other water activities bring me immense joy!
I love a good dance night out with my ladies.
I enjoy learning about systems that explore personality: Western and Vedic astrology, the Lunar Zodiac, Human Design, the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, etc. (Check out more on the Resources page!)
My favorite place on Earth (so far!) is at sunrise on the top of Mount Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii.
Fantasy/superhero, romance, and heart-felt anime movies/TV shows are my jam - from Outlander, Harry Potter, and Wonder Woman, and to Jane Austin and Disney, to Miyazaki films + Avatar: The Last Airbender.
I love long, old-school phone calls with friends. The nostalgia of a simpler time and the gift of connecting with loved ones brings my heart so much joy.
