This morning, Jeffery Brooks was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes on August 13, 2022.

As part of the Commonweath Prosecutor’s presentation, I was invited to share a Victim Impact Statement, which I share with you below as an Open Letter. Jeffery was present in the courtroom, which granted us an important few moments of eye contact and personal acknowledgement.

Forgiveness and acceptance are important steps in the healing process for all of us. I hope that these words can serve as a balm for the broken hearts in our community as we move into the next chapter.

Sitting with my own mortality helped me find clarity in my Purpose (dharma), and the goals I have for my future. Though I am the same person, I know deeply that facing my own near-death has helped to bring greater quality to the rest of my life.

Until our community takes collective action to curb distracted, impaired, and reckless driving, more people will lose their lives. More people will experience life altering injuries and trauma. The way towards a brighter, safer future starts with the individual choices that we make each day, and the ways in which we treat the people around us.

Jonah continues to inspire me. She was brave, social, active, creative, and so kind.

She inspires me to be more giving with my time.

She inspires me to be a better person, and to make more compassionate decisions.

This weekend (August 13) will mark the one-year anniversary of the car-on-bike crash that nearly ended my life. During my recovery many folks have asked me to share what I learned. So I offer to you this list of Essential Habits in the hopes that it may offer some light in your moments of uncertainty.