Becoming

(ba-’kə-miŋ/)

(verb, noun)

1. The act of growing into oneself - shedding what no longer fits and stretching toward what feels true. A gentle evolution marked by curiosity, courage, and the occasional costume change.

2. To step boldly into possibility, knowing the process may be messy but always meaningful.

3. n. A lifelong unfolding: the sweet in-between where the past meets potential.

"Becoming is not a destination, but a dance - awkward at times, radiant at others."

Rehema

(rā-’hā-mə/)

(Swahili origin: "mercy" or "compassion")

1. A feminine given name of East African origin, most commonly found in Swahili-speaking communities. Derived from the Arabic root "rahma", meaning mercy, kindness, or compassion.

2. A seeker of understanding and connection, reflecting a lifelong pull toward healing, empathy, and helping others feel seen.

3. [Personal] A collector of stories, plants, and the occasional dog fur tumbleweed. Also: a soft science nerd, wellness wanderer, and recovering perfectionist who believes in naps, kindness, and root-cause everything.

It was 1972. There were two white babies in the maternity ward at the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya; I was one of them. Born to parents, John and Jayne, while they were in the Peace Corps teaching English. Before heading back to the states when I was about six months old, John and Jayne and I visited the Egyptian pyramids; they always look so familiar on TV! We moved from upstate NY to Anaheim, CA, close enough to watch the Disneyland fireworks on summer nights at 9:30 PM. A couple of years later my brother Josh joined our little family. Yep, John, Jayne, Josh… and Rehema; essentially, I’ve been an outlier from the very beginning.

Now, fifty-some-odd years later, I’m sharing my stories with the Universe (Imposter Syndrome be damned.) If someone reads them — wonderful. If they inspire someone — even better. But the real goal of this site is to help me wrangle the chaos of my thoughts while I continue “Becoming Rehema”: reflecting on what truly matters, redefining what success feels like, and leaning into a rich, fulfilling next phase of life.

Thanks for being here!

Rehema