Fourteen years might seem like an eternity for some, but for me, it was a chapter - profound, transformative, and deeply personal. It was a time when I immersed myself in the turbulent waters of human relationships, betrayal, trauma, infidelity, addiction and abuse, and extending a hand to the broken fragments of families and couples on the brink. As I waded through this emotional maelstrom, certain patterns became starkly evident. Clear signals emerged, pointing to the heartrending breakdowns I was all too familiar with.

But a realization began to take root: I wasn’t meant to be merely a trauma-informed recovery coach or a crisis manager. There had to be more. I sought to understand the undercurrents that pulled individuals into these stormy waters. If I could fathom that, perhaps I could intercept these patterns before they solidified.

A vision started crystallizing in my mind's eye. Why wait for a rupture when we could reinforce the foundations? I saw the potential of equipping the younger generation with the robust tools they needed for emotional and relational reslience. It marked a significant shift - from repairing wounded hearts to fortifying them, from steering through emotional tempests to ensuring serene journeys from the onset.

This became my fervent mission. This wasn’t a fleeting aspiration. As I crossed the threshold into the halftime of my life, I was invigorated with passion. This new purpose was a continuation, an extension, yet also an evolution - one that was aimed at leaving an indelible mark, creating a legacy that echoed through future families and generations.

Determined to rewrite the prevailing narrative, and move upstream from the crisis, I set my sights on prevention. No more would I be a silent spectator, holding space and confidentiality to tales of heartbreak; I aspired to weave stories of empathy, resilience, and thriving relationships. In my heart, I've always wanted to guide our youth, helping them navigate around emotional hurdles, so they're less likely to face those crushing breakdowns.

So, began an exhilarating chapter. It wasn't just about mending; it was about empowerment. Hearing firsthand from students in the relationship & enneagram cadre class I led, I felt drawn to help equip these young minds. My focus was to empower the younger generation with tools and resources, to nurture their emotional intelligence, and to instill in them the art of valuing relationships. A childhood story that has consistently resonated with me throughout my life, is that of the boy with the five loaves and two fishes. This tale of a young boy with humble offerings, when placed in the hands of the divine, Jesus then feeds the five thousand.

This past year, I often felt like I was treading a path parallel to that boy's. Venturing into entrepreneurship and confronting the challenges of the technological age, I frequently questioned whether my abilities were sufficient for the monumental journey ahead. Through the welcoming halls of my alma mater, the support of professors and students, and the camaraderie of fellow visionaries reignited my passion, I found solace and inspiration in the story of the boy and his heartfelt gift.

After countless nights, revisions, and relentless perseverance, my endeavor bore fruit. Much like the boy with his modest offering, I also watched a miracle unfold. "Number" was not just an app, but a testament to our journey and the transformative power of genuine human connection. As I wait for the approval from the App Store, my heart swells with gratitude.

To every soul that has been part of this adventure and difficult journey, from my alma mater, my friends, my amazing team, my mentor, coach, my family and most importantly God, I extend a sincere "Thank you!"

To the next generation who inspired me, "Number" is our beacon of hope in this age of technology. To all who seek genuine relationships and authentic connection, this gift is to you.

Imagine stumbling upon a treasure map, not leading to gold or jewels, but something infinitely more valuable: the deepest, most authentic version of you. That's what the Enneagram is. As an enthusiast who wants everyone to thrive, and to create tools to get them there, my relationship with it has deepened into something truly enriching these past five years. It's not just a personality test, like Myers Briggs or DISC, it's a key that unlocks the door to understanding not just what we do, but why we do what we do.  Over the past five years, this tool has deepened my understanding of both myself and the numerous couples I have worked with for almost two decades—those recovering from betrayal, trauma, and abuse. It goes beyond the what and delves into the why, making sense of our motivations and behaviors.

Navigating life, pandemics, parenting, and my own personal trials—made the Enneagram's value even more apparent. It provided a language to articulate the turmoil of emotions and behaviors during my lowest points, showing that such patterns aren't random. Through the Enneagram, I began to see the shared threads that bind our human experience, understanding that there's learning even in the shadows and that compassion is key for healing and growth.

Picture the Enneagram as more than just a map. It's an evolving guide, a testament to our emotional intelligence. It not only reveals who we are but illuminates who we can become. For those embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery, the Enneagram can be an enlightening companion. It doesn't just spotlight our behaviors; it outlines the path to growth and healing, since embracing challenges is part of the process.

So, step into the journey with the Enneagram, brave friends. Let it guide you, let it transform you, let it reveal the truth of your authentic self. As we navigate this together, embracing our growth and healing, let's remember to be gentle with ourselves and others. Because, in the end, it's all about love and our shared humanity, the love we have for ourselves and the love we share with the world.