In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Chris Ayotte, former Army officer and host of The Northern Sentinels podcast, to explore what it means to live a life shaped by intentionality, priorities, and personal fulfillment.

After years of military service and multiple deployments, Chris made a life-changing decision: to step away from the Army and spend his daughter’s final two years of high school fully present at home. What followed was a transformative six-month journey of reflection, recalibration, and the creation of a new mission—this time, in civilian life.

We talk about:

• 🌱 The emotional and practical reasons behind Chris’s decision to leave the military
• 🧭 How he gave himself space to not rush into what's next—and what that taught him
• 🎧 The birth of The Northern Sentinels podcast during his transition
• 💡 The quiet, personal work of figuring out what really matters—and building around that
• 🙌 The power of aligning career moves with what brings genuine happiness and presence

Whether you're navigating a major life shift or seeking clarity about your next step, Chris's story offers a powerful reminder: You can pursue what’s next without leaving yourself behind.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Listen to The Northern Sentinel podcast
• The Greater Good Substack - with Chris' podcast and writings

Wish you journaled more, but struggle to make the time or never know what to write?

Join me on Oct 8th at 8 pm Eastern, for a free guided Journal Club experience.

Come as you are. I’ll provide the prompts and the space to slow down, reflect, reconnect with yourself, and spend an hour with an incredible community of women who are learning to live more intentionally.

✓ No journaling experience required

✓ No pressure to share

✓ Just bring yourself and a notebook