Welcome to Unfettered Heart: Where Real Life Meets Real Growth

Welcome!

I'm excited, and nervous to start this project. It takes courage to open oneself up to being perceived by others. But this has been a long time coming, and I am so happy to get started. First, a little about myself: My name is Amaris, like many women, I'm a working mom. I got my bachelors in biological science, as an adult student - I graduated at age 32. Now, I work in cancer research as a data manager for a cancer registry... I don't tell you any of this to brag. In fact, I think my job is one of the least interesting things about life. lol! I share these details about myself so you have a sense of who I am as a person. I think when it comes to consuming media, its always important to consider the source.

Me, being the source of this blog, I hope the fact that there was a point in my life when I was an adult student with classmates 10 years younger than me, who was also going through a nasty divorce, while simultaneously doing my best to raise my child speaks to my resilience. Also, not for nothing, if you're someone whose been through your fair share in life - I get it, because me too girl! lol (or bro, we're inclusive here :)) That being said, these posts will come with a lot of experience wrapped in humor... the humor might be a trauma response, but baby steps.

I've spent much of my life filled to the brim with anxiety, I mean just white knuckling my way through each day. Thankfully, this blog comes at a much calmer time in my life. with that calmness, I'm able to share with you my experience and some of the things I've learned along the way. This blog is deeply personal for me, and I hope you will be able to sense that here. I'm choosing to live honestly, and with a heart that will not be chained by societal expectation - that is what will be reflected here on this blog.

I started Unfettered Heart because I couldn't find many places online that felt real - places that talk honestly about juggling bills. Places that are candid about being present for your kids during bedtime stories, even when you're on the brink of a breakdown. Traveling a path just to find a road block that turns you back around to your starting point, and self-care that is simple an attainable. A place that highlight the small victories, and the quite, dignified work of starting over.

I have 35 years of life, and in truth, I can't say that I have a clue as to what I'm doing or how any of this is supposed to work. I wouldn't call myself an expert at anything. I'm no financial guru, relationship coach, or luxury maven - but I'm intentional about trying. I'm a person who believes that joy can be found even when life is messy, overwhelming, and unfinished. This blog isn't about perfection. Its about truth, growth, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for yourself - every day - one choice at a time. I'm figuring things out as I go, and if you're still here with me, maybe you are too.

A few more things about me before I let you go: I love late night reading - even when I regret it at 6am the next morning. I love trying new recipes and learning new things in general. I love to see other people just living life and being happy. You know that old couple you spot on the park bench, flirting with each other like teenagers - that type of stuff! I cried watching the "its corn" kid, for Christ sake! That baby was so happy for his corn, and I loved to see it! lol! Also, I truly believe that kindness, to ourselves and others, is a kind of superpower.

Here at Unfettered Heart, you'll find:

• Honest reflection on single motherhood. The wins, the worries, and the in between

• My ongoing journey with finances. Learning to budget, dream bigger, and forgive my past mistakes.

• Self-care that's simple, meaningful, and accessible.

• Real stories about dating, loneliness, friendships, and what healing really looks like.

I'll be posting new blog entries weekly. If you've ever felt like you're rebuilding your life from scattered pieces, or just trying to hold on to yourself while giving so much to others - I hope this blog feels like a soft place to land.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here's to unfettered hearts, imperfect paths, and personal growth.

-Amaris <3