Reflective thoughts of the day…my recognition of my inner compass and unwavering sense of self have me thinking about how I continue to navigate the unknown in front of me.

Today, I reflect while writing in Rosemary Beach, taking time—as I always do—to recalibrate and recharge away from the external noise that often drowns out my voice. In these quiet moments, I’m reminded of my inner compass, which I’ve named Rosie after my paternal grandmother. She has always had my best interests at heart, guiding me with quiet certainty. Yet, there have been times I’ve ignored her, strayed from my knowing, and found myself feeling unmoored. Why did I choose to silence her? That’s a question I’m still untangling.

Like Tracy Edwards, who fearlessly led an all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race, I’ve spent my life charting a course through the unrelenting challenges of a male-dominated world. Tracy’s determination to rise above doubt and societal expectations mirrors my own journey—from a young girl pushing against stereotypes to a woman thriving in corporate environments and, later, as a mother raising two sons with strength and authenticity.

In environments where money, power, and control often overshadow emotional connection and integrity, I refused to surrender to manipulation or conform to dominating forces. I trusted that Rosie’s direction—my own intuition—was more accurate than the external voices that sought to define me. Still, there were moments when I wavered and questioned myself when I drifted off course.

Like Tracy rebuilding her yacht and forging a path many deemed impossible, I, too, have had to reclaim my power and reaffirm my own course, even when the world sought to undermine me. Her journey is a friendly reminder that resilience and courage can propel us forward, even against the fiercest headwinds.

As I sit here, allowing the stillness of Rosemary Beach to settle around me, I recognize how essential it is to take these pauses—to step away from the noise, to listen, to recalibrate. The more I honor Rosie’s wisdom, the more I realize she was never leading me astray, only reminding me of the direction I already knew deep down. Where in my life am I still learning to trust my inner compass? And most importantly, what shifts when I finally do? Turns out – the biggest takeaway I have realized is Rosie was right all along, guess I should’ve listened the first time.