I’ve written about my mission in life before—community-focused, integrity-driven, with the steady goal of doing right by those who need it most. Guess what? That mission remains unchanged. But, let’s just say the mission file is now a bit more battered, with coffee stains and a few dog-eared pages from navigating this wild world.

What I’ve come to realize is that life, especially in the world of nonprofits and mental health, is an intricate blend of deeply meaningful work… and complete absurdity. Picture this: one minute I’m helping a community rise, and the next, I’m sitting in a meeting where someone earnestly debates whether we need 18 bullet points or 19 in the mission statement. It’s all part of the journey.

I used to think integrity was the suit you wore every day—sharp, polished, and always on point. But maybe integrity can also have a playful edge. Maybe it can wear sneakers, crack a joke, and be just as strong, if not stronger. After all, when you’ve weathered the storms, you might as well dance in the rain, right?

So yes, my mission is still rooted in community. I still strive to serve with intention and care. But I’m more willing to embrace the ridiculousness along the way. I’ll still show up with my sleeves rolled up and my heart wide open, but I’ll also take a moment to laugh at the absurdity of it all. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll tackle life’s challenges with a wink and a mischievous grin—because doing good doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.

At the end of the day, I’m still here, mission intact. But now, there’s more play, more joy, and definitely more moments where I shake my head at the bizarre beauty of it all. And you know what? It works for me.