Welcome!
Welcome to Reform Within and Without!
Starting a new project in any way that makes me more visible is… not my idea of a good time, but I’ve come to a place where long form writing feels like the best way for me to share my thoughts. Social media isn’t designed, after all, for deep thinking and building connections. And, after a recent experience of landing unexpectedly in the press (more on that later), I’ve decided to use my social channels differently.
And so, here I am, launching a Substack where I’ll be examining the systems change work that matters so much to me. Why this? Why now?
My life has been a study in contrasts. I grew up within the rigid confines of a cult, only to break free and embrace the complexities of the "real" world, which—coincidentally—means often engaging in spaces that replicate those cult-adjacent experiences.
In addition, I'm a mom navigating the joys and challenges of raising three kids. I’m a wife, a community builder through my non-profit (Cultivating Solutions), and a history and political science enthusiast with a persistent itch to understand why things are the way they are. Underlying it all, a rebel heart beats with questions, challenges, and yearnings for a beautiful tomorrow.
Here, I'll explore that tension – the pull between working within established systems and pushing against their limitations. It's where I'll share my journey, insights, and struggles as I navigate the messy, beautiful, and often infuriating landscape of modern life.
What to expect here:
This isn't just a platform for my musings; it's a space for dialogue. I hope to foster a community of fellow iconoclasts, lightning rods, and stalwart questioners who refuse to accept simplistic narratives. Here, we'll dissect current events, delve into historical context, and explore the personal and political challenges of our time. We’ll talk about values, not just party lines. We'll embrace nuance and wrestle with difficult questions.
Thanks for being here: let's explore, challenge, and create together.
