A Brand New Rae

05/14/2026

05/07/2026

This smile is 100% genuine. No masking. No pretending "life is good". Because it REALLY IS.
I feel like I am stepping into this version of me who has been quietly waiting stage left while I figured my s**t out.
A version of myself who knew that she would one day choose HERSELF, set healthy boundaries, and listen to her mind, body and spirit.
Never EVER did I expect this to be the outcome of my spinal surgery but I am so grateful that it was.
And the responses I have received "i wish I could do what you are doing. You inspire me" ......my loves....you CAN do it. I promise you, once you do, you will never be the same person.
Just know that you are deserving of a life that is aligned with your values, beliefs, desires. It's up to YOU to make it happen.
Always here to chat if you need!
Xoxo
Rae

05/05/2026

04/27/2026

Here's something I am learning about burnout recovery.

It is 100% on me to hold myself accountable to the boundaries I create...at work and in my personal life.

If I don't show up for myself every single day, the boundaries will never happen.
I need my boundaries in order to help regulate my nervous system.
I need boundaries to help me be a more productive and positive person to be around.

It is not laziness. It is not being selfish.
It is holding yourself to a higher standard of living that you didn't think you deserved...or needed.

That way of thinking is starting to fade rather quickly for me, which is great!

It is still uncomfortable some days, but it gets easier.

And because of that, I am becoming a person who I dig alot😉

04/17/2026

I woke up one day in October of last year in the worst pain of my life. My right arm ..shoulder to finger tips... felt like it was given out on me. Several doctor's appointments and an MRI later, I was told I had 3 herniated discs in my neck. December 15th I had a 3-level ACDF surgery (yes, I am bionic now😉 and no, I won't set off alarms at airport security) 4 months and 1 day later, PT graduated me 🥹 This ordeal started many years ago. Sports injuries, desk job for 19 years, topped off with work/life burnout and stress. My body finally told me it couldn't handle it any longer. Fast forward to today....life is different in all the best ways...but the most important being that I am no longer in pain, I can feel my fingers, and I am getting my strength back a little every day. Full fusion can take up to a year. I have good days and bad days, but there are more good than bad! Planning to just continue healing and strengthening this new, beautiful neck of mine and enjoy this new, pain-free life. Thank you Dr. Bash, PA-C Matt Fernandez, PT Dylan Andrews
and everyone at Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associatesfor helping me heal🫶

04/16/2026

04/12/2026

Just bc I'm a manager, doesn't mean I can't practice these boundaries.

04/01/2026

Am I singing? Am I gigging?