Unexpected Dreams

Abstract

Do dreams come true? Dream careers and dream lives? Sometimes yes, maybe no. With unforeseen challenges and detours in life, it is imperative to gain coping skills and a healthy individualized self-care routine. Mental health is of concern as the nation comes out of a global pandemic. It is time for the world to adjust, realign, and create a new system and culture at work as well as home. The author has adopted a motto that has served her well- “If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong.” However, this is not typically taught at home, nor at school, let alone in the workplace. This chapter is the author's story – how she continues to learn how to live authentically according to her values as a woman in higher education and an academic leader. She shares how she continutes to try to adapt, improvise, and overcome by shifting perspectives, creating personalized ways to thrive, and showing grace and acceptance to ourselves and others.