From Passion to Purpose: A Journey of Healing, Humanity, and Honoring the Heart

What did you want to be when you were a child?

There were so many things—a cake decorator, a singer, maybe a veterinarian, a historian, or a creative writer. I’ve always been passionate about too many things at once! A career in math and science was the last thing I thought I’d pursue, yet here I am, and it makes perfect sense. Nursing, for me, is more than a profession. It’s an art. It’s a science. It’s a calling rooted in compassion. Ultimately, I just wanted to help people—and I found a path that lets me do exactly that.

What quotation inspires you and motivates you to be yourself and do what you love?

One quote that has guided me for years is from Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love—a powerful reflection on fear, strength, and authenticity:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure… As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

This quote reminds me that it’s not inadequacy that holds most of us back—it’s the fear of our own light, our power, our capacity. Through years of shadow work, internal healing, and facing my own demons daily, I’ve come to understand that we are not meant to shrink ourselves. We are complex, layered beings—both the forest of trees and the forest through the trees. And when I show up fully as myself, I believe it gives others permission to do the same.

I’ve always believed that people just want to be seen. They want to feel purposeful, influential, and safe to be all of who they are. My work lies in creating that space—where people can speak their painful truths and know they are not alone. We are not defined by our struggles or wounds. We are so much more.

What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work?

The people and animals I love, in a space that feels like home. And I’ve realized that “home” isn’t always a physical place—it can be a feeling, or even a person. Sometimes, home is a moment: someone’s arms around you, making you feel safe and seen.

Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first starting out?

I would have told myself that it’s okay to take time. I wasn’t necessarily in a rush, but I ended up graduating early—twice—and completing both a dual Master’s and Doctoral program before I turned 30. Looking back, I had a pretty nontraditional academic journey. I hand-picked each experience and loved being immersed in learning. But if I could go back, I’d tell myself to savor the process a bit more. There’s no expiration date on growth.

What’s the first thing you do every morning to start your day off on the right foot?

There are two things I try to do every day—both of which I wish I’d started doing much earlier. First, I tell myself: “I am proud of you.” Second, I practice gratitude for all things—even when I don’t know what the day will bring. It’s a simple shift, but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

What are the top three things someone should consider before starting a business?

Starting a business is an act of bravery—and often, of surrender. Here are the top things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Are you willing to take risks?
   I left a seemingly stable job to open my private practice, and it was terrifying. But it was the right kind of risk—the kind that paid off. I wanted long-term relationships with patients, the ability to educate and empower, and a space to grow. And that leap gave me just that.
   
2. What do you actually want to spend your time doing each day?
   Be brutally honest. The day-to-day reality of your work matters so much more than the title or paycheck. Choose something you want to wake up for.
   
3. Is this work aligned with who you want to become?
   At the end of each day, is this business helping you move toward your values, your goals, and your higher self—or away from them?
   
4. Bonus: Are you teachable?
   Are you willing to humble yourself in the pursuit of something greater? Because you will face challenges you never saw coming. And the ability to learn through them is your most valuable asset.
   

Alexa Potts, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APN is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a private practice serving Rocky Heights Wellness and Rula Health. She’s also a part-time actress and model and recently finished her first feature film.

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