There are moments in life when time forgets to tick, when the world softens its noise, and all that remains is breath, sky, and soul.

In 2019, I was traveling with my mentor, Ret. Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch. While passing through an the Las Vegas airport, we stopped in a store to grab some snacks. As a coffee lover, a small book caught my eye, “The Coffee Bean.” I picked it up, intrigued.

The HomelessByChoice Tour – Next Gen - I began the HomelessByChoice Tour on January 6th, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, with all the optimism in the world. “This is going to be a grand experience. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I feel Like I need to do this” I said.

Time is a quiet thief. It does not ask for permission, nor does it announce its arrival. It simply moves, steady and unshaken, while we go about our days believing we have forever.

While getting my haircut from Luis Ramos, a 23-year-old barber in San Bernardino, CA, we struck up a meaningful conversation about life.

My mentor and second mother. Why mentorship matters.

Little lessons that lead to huge breakthroughs

My first and second hurricane within two weeks. This is what I noticed.

It all begins with a single step and the will to keep going.

Well now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about life, it’s that it often resembles a challenging climb up a grand mountain—full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.