Welcome to My Substack

My Story

Welcome! Through my Substack community, get access to valuable tools and real stories to help you to tap into your inner guru and tackle taboos.

If you have read my essays, you already know a lot about me. Here’s a little more:

I was born in St. Louis County, Missouri. I left at 18 to call Chicago home for four years. Then I moved again. This time to New York City, which I considered home for 20 years. I wrote about my return to the Midwest in The Washington Post.

Here’s a view from my last office in Manhattan.

A lot happened between my two moves from and to Missouri. I stumbled. I soared. I failed. I loved. I grieved. I explored. I learned. I served.

I was able to step away from a world consumed by the physical and control and step into the spiritual and embrace flow. I was a professional Irish dancer (Broadway’s Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s productions across North America and in London) turned financial regulation lawyer in New York. Now in Missouri, I’m a writer, yoga + meditation teacher, certified astrologer, Reiki master, and end-of-life doula. In short, I’m a life optimizer!

I met some incredible teachers and guides along my path. I met some who taught me some hard lessons, too.

I also found my husband, Steve, in the last place I expected: home. I’m married to a wonderful partner, and I am a stepmom and dog mom. Steve and I love to travel and hope to visit all the U.S. national parks.

Minutes after saying “I do” on Cathedral Rock in Sedona. Photographer: Stacy Burk Photography

Now, I want to help you skip the stress and expense of finding your path alone. I'll share the tips and tools that worked for me, and together we can create a community that will help us soar.

What you can gain:

• Real-life insights: Mini-essays offering relatable stories and reflections.

• Personalized guidance: Moon-focused reflections to support your well-being.

• Connections to valuable resources: Introductions to inspiring authors, healers, and community builders.

• Stay up-to-date: Notifications on my latest published work.

• Priority access: Early invitations to exclusive online events.

• COMING SOON - - - For paid subscribers: Community, growth, and learning: Interactive chats, monthly connection Zooms, guided practices, and empowering astrology education.

My husband took this photo of me on a street in Venice.

I am a firm believer that there’s no one right way to create greater peace and a happier life. I believe we need to take time for ourselves, to hit pause and tune in, explore interests and paths, and serve others. All of these together can transform your life and help you be more authentically you. This mix worked for me.

My “How I” won’t necessarily be your “How To.” But, I hope my “How I” helps you create your unique “How I.” Let’s use this space to nurture our souls, unlock our potential, and help each other grow so we “Live Well. End Well.”

Take what serves and disregard the rest. And remember: Never outsource your power.

Grateful to be on this journey with you!

xoTess

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