Aligned on Purpose

Trusting God, timing, and the courage to step into a new calling

As many of us can relate, life often feels like it’s speeding by, and taking a moment to write can sometimes feel like just another item on the to-do list. Journaling has held me through these last few months, but sharing my recent journey is long overdue. Thank you to my subscribers for your patience.

In mid-2025, I began studying to become a birth and postpartum doula.

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families before, during, and after childbirth. Birth doulas support clients throughout labor and delivery, while postpartum doulas focus on care after birth, offering guidance with recovery, newborn care, feeding support, and emotional well-being. Doulas do not provide medical care, but they work alongside medical professionals to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered in their birth and postpartum experience.

This decision was inspired by several things, most notably, the need for women of color to receive meaningful support during the transition into, and throughout, motherhood. I also learned of an acquaintance who passed away during childbirth, which deeply impacted me and felt like a calling toward a deeper purpose.

📊 Maternal Mortality Rates by Race (most recent CDC/National data)
• Black women: ~50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births — the highest rate among major racial groups.
• White women: ~14.5 deaths per 100,000 live births.
• Hispanic women: ~12.4 deaths per 100,000 live births.
• Asian women: ~10.7 deaths per 100,000 live births.
• American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women: AI/AN women experience maternal mortality rates that are roughly 2–3 times higher than white women, with some analyses estimating around approximately 54 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to ~17 per 100,000 for white women.

I remember chatting with my sister while she was planning her wedding last year, and she eagerly encouraged me to pursue this path, not only for myself, but also so I could support her when she eventually became pregnant. So, I began my coursework to become certified, and its funny how timing works. Two dear friends became pregnant last year and gave me the opportunity to serve as their birth doula. Additionally, another friend and her daughter stayed with me briefly, which allowed me to provide postpartum care as well.

Sometimes, when we decide to begin a new endeavor, God aligns things in our favor so we can step into our purpose. During a time when people of color are being targeted and anti-immigration sentiment is rampant, I found a way to make an impact. I began volunteering with Embrace Birth Support, an organization that supports refugee mothers and families. Being able to share my knowledge with other volunteers has helped expand the impact we can create for vulnerable communities.

This is part one of my recent journey beginning in 2025 and leading me to where I am now. I can’t wait to share the next chapter, but for now, here are some journaling prompts to support you if you’re starting something new or preparing to take a leap of faith.

✨ Here are three journaling prompts that gently guide reflection, courage, and forward motion:

1. What idea, dream, or project keeps returning to my heart, and what might it be teaching me about who I’m becoming?
   Reflect on why this calling feels persistent and what part of you is ready to be honored through it.

2. If fear, time, or outside expectations weren’t factors, what would I begin right now, and what is one small step I can take toward it this week?
   Write without limits first, then ground the dream in an actionable next step.

3. Who or what has prepared me for this season, even if I didn’t realize it at the time?
   Consider past experiences, people, challenges, or quiet moments that have equipped you to chase this dream now.