07/31/2026
💖💖💖 Sometimes, when everything feels like way too much, I need to be reminded of my why.
July was a litany of sad days—and way-too-long, 18-hour workdays, because the world still turned even though I just wanted to sit still. Saying goodbye to Paisley devastated our little family, and Isla is so lost without her sister. Grief makes even the simplest things seem impossible. But, I barely had a moment to breathe this month. There’s so much to do. I’m exhausted.
And then, a few days ago, my friend Melanie Drewnowski posted about why she and her daughter Olivia are walking in the Alianza DV Services Cider Donut Dash.
I immediately cried—joyful, grateful tears. I felt energized like I hadn’t in weeks. I remembered my why. 😌
This is why all the effort is worthwhile. This is why volunteering matters. This is why talking about hard things like domestic violence matters. When we share our stories to shine a light on community resources and give our time and attention to nonprofits who are doing really amazing work, the right people notice, and the right people join us and start shining their lights too. Mel now volunteers every year—with our mighty little Serve With Liberty crew 💙—to clean up the shelter grounds. She’s also collected donations for the shelter residents and has done so much to support and show up for Alianza. She’s shining her light. It’s really awesome. ✨
Mel, Olivia, and the entire 💖 Swiftie Squad 💖 are walking in the Cider Donut Dash to raise funds and awareness for Alianza. I’m so so proud to be the captain of this fantastic team of domestic violence warriors 🙌. We hope you’ll support the Swiftie Squad and Alianza with a donation, or register to walk, run, or volunteer. 👟
Go to 🔗 pledgereg.com/5930/Team/32568 to donate, register, or learn more! And, thank you so so much for your support. 💜✨
