Hey, I’m Nicole.

I grew up in a small town in Northern Ontario, in an under-resourced and challenging home environment. Addiction deeply affected my family, and I learned to navigate life on my own from a young age. I am the only one in my immediate family who escaped this horrible disease, and it’s given me a great sense of humor, along with a unique perspective and outlook on life. Build a Home Within is a journal I keep close by and share with whoever will listen.

I now live on the West Coast. I work in a small boutique real estate office, and I am living a life that I only dreamed of as a little girl. I’m married to a hilarious and beautiful man who makes me feel safe. I have a close circle of really good friends, a quiet place to live, and access to an abundance of nature. This is what it means to Build a Home Within: to never give up, never settle, and choose optimism, even when life has been hard. You can rewrite your story and discover joy, even in the midst of chaos. I know because I have.

I hope my words bring you comfort and remind you that you’re not alone.

Nicole xo