What made me do this?

I found myself asking, “What have I gotten myself into?” and “Why would I take on something like this at 48?” I had to laugh just to keep from talking myself out of it. But then, I had a conversation with my dear friend and Mrs. Colorado American 2023, Natalie Oliver-Atherton. She asked me the one question that truly mattered—What is your why?

That question made me pause. It forced me to dig deep.

At the heart of it, my why was crystal clear: I wanted to use this incredible platform to amplify the work I’m already passionate about—advocating for youth, supporting those suffering from PTSD, and standing with families impacted by Dementia and Alzheimer’s. What if this journey could help me raise not just awareness, but real, tangible support for organizations doing the hard, necessary work?

And that’s when my doubt turned into purpose. My fear turned into excitement.

I stopped asking, “Why would I do this?” and started asking, “Why wouldn’t I?”