I’ve curated a book on happiness, Global Joy, and we are in the process of publishing in India. My chapter contribution is about finding purpose through our passions in childhood. Robert Waldinger, MD wrote the forward and refers to my insights: "As a lifespan developmentalist, I’m struck by how the book reflects the evolving nature of happiness—from playful childhood curiosity to the deeper sense of purpose and contribution that anchors adult well-being."

I couldn't identify my passions because my childhood was masked in trauma resulting in selective mutism that I carried into adulthood. As I painted at 50 I discovered I know how to write and have a lot to say. SHRM bought my book. Put me on the national stage. TECTA hired me as their Keynote speaker for their East Leadership Conference and bought my book for their leadership.

It's happening and it's because of paint, revisiting the moment I spilled the paint and stopped communicating at school. Once I painted as an adult, I overcame that barrier.

I want to help people find their “paint” and purpose.

“Our earliest moments of play are not just memories—they are maps to the joy and purpose we are meant to live as adults.” ~Alexia

Read the story: https://alexia.substack.com/p/paint