Becoming Pixel

I’ve spent much of my life tuning in to what others need—reading the room, adjusting, making sure I fit. Maybe you relate. Now I’m entering a new chapter. I’m choosing to show up as Pixel: a bright, distinct light learning to stand on its own terms. In this chapter, I’m focusing on embracing my light and trusting that it will resonate alongside the millions—maybe billions—of other pixels around me.

I’ve always been someone deeply attuned to the needs of others—listening, adjusting, supporting and collaborating. That served me well in classrooms, in meetings, and in many roles I’ve held. But over time, I realized that at times I would compromise at the cost of pieces of myself. It didn’t always know how to prioritize my own light as part of the collective. I could travel and adventure to far reaches on behalf of other people, but what about for myself.

That’s where Pixel comes in. Pixel is the name I’m choosing to mark this shift—a reminder that I’m more than the roles I’ve adapted to. For me, a pixel represents a single, distinct point of light. On its own, it may seem small. But in connection with others, it’s part of a much bigger picture.

Becoming Pixel isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about practicing: practicing living big, or even bigger, practicing listening inward as much as outward, practicing trust that my light matters as it is. Some days that feels easy; other days it feels clumsy and uncertain. But it’s real.

So here I am, becoming Pixel. Not polished, not finished—just learning to show up as myself with a little more courage and a little less apology. Trusting that in the bigger picture, even in progress, the light I share belongs. As does the light of each other person and creature.