14 Years

WOW. Apparently this month reflects my 14-year Internet anniversary (to be exact, the anniversary is July 9, 2006...oops, missed it!). I decided to dig into my photo archive to see what was happening in July 2006 and indeed, this trip to the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum was inspiration for my first blog post on Boston Mamas (my first Internet property). The journey eventually led me to develop a freelance writing, editing, and design career, launch a graphic design business (Posh Peacock, which I shuttered many years back), co-author Minimalist Parenting, launch a speaking career, become a creative director (WomenOnline), start a podcast (Edit Your Life Show), return to design and launch an advocacy apparel company (Brave New World Designs), and start a second podcast (Hello Relationships).

I'm often asked whether I regret having invested so much time and energy in academia, only to leave the field. The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT. Given how insecure I was about my intellectual ability for, like, FOREVER, I'm extremely proud that I earned a Ph.D. and a fancy triple appointment postdoctoral fellowship at Mass General Hospital/MIT/Harvard Medical School via funding I secured through grants I applied for from the NIH. All of the shit (red tape, personal, etc.) I had to wade through in academia helped me develop mental toughness, an intense work ethic, delight in creativity (and the immediate gratification of the Internet), and -- let's be honest -- an appreciation for making more money than the $41K I earned by the end of my fancy triple appointment postdoc (OMG you guys).

No one's path is linear. Embrace the curves and U-turns. Forging a creative career out of nothing is no small task, especially while raising small humans. But I'm so grateful for it all, and especially to my husband and kids who have been the ultimate team players to help me grow in so many ways.