Small Sparks: Why I started this blog
9/29/25
I used to think courage meant big, sweeping gestures, like a firefighter saving a puppy from a burning building. But lately I’ve noticed it shows up in quieter, weirder ways: in a patient taking their first step after a stroke, in a student asking a question that makes me do a mental double-take (“Wait… did they just say that?”), or in myself when I admit I have no idea what I’m doing (again). These are the moments I want to collect here. Tiny flickers. Small sparks. Because connection often hides inside those little flashes, and if we notice them, they can light more than just the moment, they can light the way forward.
I’m a physical therapist. Educator. Mentor. Connection Seeker. I crave human connection, and I try to notice it everywhere. I stare at life’s messy edges while hunting for patterns that sometimes aren’t even there. And yet, I’ve often hesitated to share. “Who would care?” I’d ask myself. “I don’t have enough experience, enough polish, enough life drama worthy of a writing anything worthwhile.” But here’s what I believe: the small sparks are exactly what matter. The moments when vulnerability meets curiosity. The times when courage shows up quietly and transforms something bigger than the moment itself. And yes, sometimes those sparks are hilariously awkward.
So, this blog is my experiment in noticing and naming them. Sometimes the sparks come from my neuro PT curiosity and passion, the lessons we can learn about resilience, recovery, and human potential. Sometimes they come from life outside the clinic: awkward yet insightful conversations, tiny triumphs I didn’t see coming, my constant unraveling, and marveling at my many imperfections. My hope is that these sparks might resonate, illuminate something for someone else, or at least make us pause and notice, without forcing anyone to sit through a lecture. I’m not here to preach. I’m here to connect.
This isn’t about perfect writing, massive audiences, or pretending to have it all figured out. It’s about curiosity, courage, and connection. And maybe laughing at myself a little along the way. So welcome to Small Sparks. Let’s see what lights up when we pay attention.