The Start of Something Good: How a Journey of Self-Reflection Inspired a Brand

Hi Friends, 

Have you ever thought, “I can’t,” “I don’t know how,” or “I’m not good at that?”

Well, about a year ago I set out on a journey to build confidence, which led me to trying new skills that I had no experience with, no schooling, and no formal training. For an optometrist, aka medically trained, this felt pretty whack considering most of what I knew was from shadowing, schooling, and specialized training that got me to where I am today. 

So why would I do this? 

Well, I felt that I had lost my ability to “JUST GO FOR IT” in my personal life (e.g., intentionally being in the front row of my workout class, trying more challenging recipes in the kitchen, or signing up for a community event). Once I started tackling my personal life, I realized this same limiting behavior was a part of my career mindset. I would often hesitate to ask a colleague I admired out for coffee or second-guess myself when considering submitting an application for a leadership position. However, I hadn’t lost all confidence in myself, I was extremely comfortable with doing everything in my power to help my patients in a decisive and confident manner. In the exam room I practiced the mentality of, “let’s try and see what happens” which typically applied to treatments like prism, medications, and specialty contact lenses to find the solution that best served the patient. 

But here’s the kicker:

I had become so practiced in having the confidence to do things for others that somewhere along the way, I had lost the art of trying new things for myself. So, when I realized after 7 years as an optometrist, that I had quietly removed myself from things like going to conferences, applying for certain programs or positions, or just generally putting myself in the community OUTSIDE of my exam room, I knew there had to be a change.

Visiting from social media? HI! I'm excited you're here! You can pick up the story here. 

So, fast forward to today and WHY I’m sharing this saga.

After a year of trying, failing, celebrating, and searching, I’ve found something that feels so true and authentic to my spirit. Most of my life I’ve tried to lead with “just be a good human” and the Golden Rule (I still picture it above my 4th grade classroom door), but I will also be the first to admit that I can wear my emotions and state of stress on my sleeve; nobody is perfect. These mantras especially became front and center when sticky situations would arise, or more recently in the familiar flow of the day-to-day when my soul and happiness in my life was feeling challenged. 

One day it hit me,

GoodHuman Design: a concept that joy and happiness has the potential to be created by combining TWO powerful actions: acts of kindness that uplift others and, in turn, bring fulfillment to ourselves, AND by prioritizing our own well-being and purpose, enabling us to show up as our best selves for those around us—the epitome of a GoodHuman Design. 

While I see many phases and facets of Good Human Design, I’m starting off with a new skill that I’ve learned. I’ve released two designed collections that are inspired by the lessons from my own journey and the values that have always been rooted in my heart. 

If this Inspires you in any way✨

• to be kind
• to do a gut check on your life
• or all of the above

Check out my first two collections, which are available now, where I’m creating everyday products to serve as a reminder to Be a GoodHuman and find moments to be happy. 

For those of you who stayed to read this insanely long post (concise storytelling is next on the new skills list), I want to tell you how much I appreciate you hearing my voice and hope that there is something in this (blog) post that grabs your attention to find some love for others and for yourself. 

With Gratitude, 

Taryn