Stepping into new roles often carries an air of anticipation and transformation. For me,

Alina—daughter of Sharon Bruckman, the heart behind Natural Awakenings for over 30

years—it has been a journey marked by profound personal evolution. Walking beside my mother

in this space she’s nurtured for decades has been both humbling and inspiring.

Just a year and a half ago, my life took an unexpected turn. Sitting in a doctor’s office, I heard

the words “breast cancer.” Fear settled in like an unwelcome guest. Yet, life had more in store.

Three months post-surgery, I discovered I was pregnant. A new life was growing within me even

as I was fighting for my own. The experience was surreal—terrifying and miraculous all at once.

During these upheavals, love became my anchor. I got engaged to Charley, my steady, loving

partner. We left Colorado—my home of 15 years—and purchased a little stilt house overlooking

the water in Everglades City. But the most life-changing and heart-opening gift of all has been

our daughter, Zylah.

Motherhood has been a profound teacher. This first Mother’s Day as a mom feels deeply

personal. Working from home while caring for Zylah full-time has stretched me in ways I never

imagined. There are days I draft emails with one hand, cradle her in the other and navigate the

beautiful chaos that defines early parenthood. Some moments feel overwhelming, but then, love

shows up—a baby’s giggle, a serene moment outdoors, quiet evenings snuggled as a family.

These small joys are my compass.

This month’s feature, Women in Bloom: Balancing Hormones for Optimal Well-Being by Carrie

Jackson, resonates deeply. Insights from experts like Dr. Anna Cabeca emphasize how ten

minutes of gratitude, laughter or movement can recalibrate our day. This wisdom has been my

lifeline, reminding me of the power in simple rituals.

Reflecting on my health journey, after my diagnosis, I was advised to pursue aggressive

treatments that would have altered my body’s natural rhythms. Instead, I chose a holistic path

guided by intuition and supported by a compassionate medical team in Naples. This choice

preserved not just my hormonal balance but also gifted me the experience of carrying Zylah.

Trusting my inner voice amid external fears was one of the most courageous decisions I’ve

made.

A line from Carrie’s article lingers with me: “Estrogen is the hormone of energy and growth,

and progesterone is the hormone of peace and calm.” Having faced estrogen-driven cancer, I’ve

intimately felt the delicate dance between these forces. Whether navigating postpartum shifts,

perimenopause or the daily quest for balance, our bodies hold stories that deserve

acknowledgment.

One affirmation from the article has become my daily mantra: “I meet this moment with grace.”

It’s a gentle reminder that amidst life’s messiness and magic, grace is always within reach. This

is how we bloom—through resilience, vulnerability and unwavering self-compassion.

To every mother, nurturer and blooming soul reading this: Happy Mother’s Day. May you

discover grace in your becoming and courage in your bloom.

With heartfelt gratitude and blooming grace,

Alina