Meet Cara: (In her own words) “I was twelve years old when it hit me for the first time: there was nothing more powerful than words. Perhaps in a last-ditch effort to give her students something to do at the end of the school year, my sixth grade teacher assigned my classmates and I one last creative writing story. I don’t recall it centering on a particular theme, nor do I remember what the story was actually about – but I do remember poring over the handwritten words on the

Meet Alessandra: (In her own words) ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 People tell me at work that when they see me they remember to pause and take a breath. They take a moment to get out of their head, their worries, their anxiety. Others ask me how I can keep a sense of calm and focus when the pressure is on. I tell them I practice mindful meditation. For 15 minutes every morning I sit by the same window and practice being still, in my body, in the present moment by paying attenti

Meet MJ: (@mjtam) ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 In her own words… “It was 1999 when I first stumbled writing online. I was in the fashion industry at that time, and I was extensively traveling for work so during my flights and hotel stays, I started documenting my daily experiences on an online journal. I anonymously blogged my life as the new mom-to-be. I instantly connected and found a community of blogging women and next thing I knew; I became a big part of the first collabo

Meet Annita: in her own words ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 “Becoming a world traveler wasn’t on my radar as a young girl. I wanted to be a businesswoman who would take the world by storm or at least my hometown. However, as fate would have it travel entered my life via WWII stories my father shared and I lingered to hear every detail of his travels through North Africa and Europe as a soldier. I imagined walking the same cobbled stone streets, sipping coffee in French Cafes tu

Meet Liz: (in her own words) “I could tell you the horrible details of how I was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer, the 200 hospitalizations and 40 surgeries that followed. But, I am so much more than that. Cancer gave me a very important gift. Before my diagnosis, I wasn’t aware that I had the ability to be happy, joyful, appreciative and loving no matter what the conditions were surrounding me. It is only now that I am thankful for the contrast of the struggle I went through.

Meet Dani: We met years ago through our local parish. Both of us were volunteering and supporting our church/community at large. I’ve always been drawn to Dani’s welcoming and supportive nature. She has a smile and an energy level that is contagious. ©Amy Boyle Photography 2018 Dani retired from her position as Mergers/Acquisitions Clearance Director at the law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, after 29 years. Before she retired, Dani’s life was touched by Alzheimer’s over 30 year

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” – Brene Brown ©Amy Boyle Photography Meet Maria: Q. What is one story you have always wanted to tell? A: I might look okay from the outside, but inside I wasn’t always this way. I’ve struggled with a problem since second grade; a sweaty little secret called hyperhidrosis (excessive uncontrollable sweating). Yep. Who else do you know who can make their own raindrops? But I’m no