When Life Gives You Lemons
Hi, I'm Johanna - a psychology enthusiast, mental health advocate, and lifelong learner. I have a deep passion for understanding how psychology influences our daily lives and how we can use it for professional and personal growth. I'm on a journey, just like you. Let's use this space to share what we've learned with each other.
A mom in her 40s, a wife of a military officer, and a psychology student. That's me. In a sentence. This is the boring bit. I finished high school and got my Associate's in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. I worked off and on in law, realizing that as much as I loved it, I couldn't live on $10/hour.
I returned to school at 24 years old. To become a nurse. I went to a 1 year certificate program and got licensed as an LPN. So now I worked my butt off for $13/hour. A few years later, my faith and family failed me immensely. I had been down a path that I almost didn't come back from.
It was time to change, to move, to leave everything and everyone I knew or I wouldn't survive. I moved out west, continuing to work as a nurse. There I met and worked with the most amazing Navajo people. I learned so much. Not just about other cultures, but about myself and my culture. I started to see my own biases and internal racism. I started to see the way people truly live in America. I started to see America's biases.
My childhood dream and obsession has always been archaeology. I finally was in control of my own life and could make my own decisions. I started to take archaeology and anthropology courses from the local college. My soul blossomed. I was finally allowed to be me. I volunteered with state archaeologists who taught me so much. I had never felt so fulfilled before.
Then I met my husband. On Tinder. He was a fresh pharmacist working at the reservation's hospital. I was a nurse working at the county prison. This is a weird country song. He had to make sure he hooked me in so he broke out the big guns of pick up lines.
He asked me who my favorite Star Trek captain is.
Lucky for him, I love Star Trek. We were a match made in nerd heaven and we've been nerds together ever since.
I've returned to school many times since. I loved helping people as a nurse, but I wanted to do more. I wanted a career that fulfilled my soul, but also fulfilled my back account and non-existent retirement fund. I began to "try out" different careers. After a lot of chemistry and biology classes and the pandemic in 2020-2021ish, I landed on mental health, psychology. In 2023 I graduated with my BS in Psychology from an online school.
Yes, an online school... for psychology... I know. It's basically a cliche.
But I believe that knowledge is power and education is freedom. If the only education you can handle is online because you work full-time or multiple jobs, or have family responsibilities, does that make your education less valuable? If you have disabilities, visible or invisible, that prevent you from entering a brick and mortar building, do you not deserve the same opportunities?
I took that online degree in psychology and began applying to graduate schools. I applied to master's programs and even Ph.D. programs. After about 2 years of deadlines and personal statements, not only was I accepted into a master's program, I was accepted into two.
I am a graduate student studying my Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, as well as a graduate student studying my Master's in Business Administration.
You can't tell me nothin'!
Sure, I'm not competing with young Ivy League graduates. I'm a mom in her 40s that has anxiety and late diagnosed ADHD. Was I ever going to be? Do I even want to be? What I am is happy. Happy with what I've accomplished and happy with where I am going.
I was raised in a strict, fundamentalist religious cult. There were no expectations for me except to be a submissive and obedient wife. I had to fight for my right to education, even pursuing it in secret. Education is freedom. I believe that all people have the right to this freedom.
I am a woman, a wife, a mom. I am a daughter, a sister, a soul. But I am so much more than the sum of my parts. I am so much more than my roles or labels. I am a voice that carries the weight of my past and the hopes of my future. A voice that will not fade into the background. A voice that only gets louder. Add your voice to mine. Let's shout for equality, health, and freedom.
Our mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between psychology and everyday life, making it accessible, actionable, and empowering. Through evidence-based insights, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies, we aim to help people overcome barriers, embrace growth, and build a better future. This blog is a space for learning, healing, and transformation - where psychology meets real life.
Our vision
To create a community that fosters education, resilience, and self-empowerment. To inspire people to action, meet challenges face-to-face, and unlock their fullest potential.
