-Tribe Times, Welcome Back!-

Omg. Ahhhh! YAY!!! The blog is BACK! You all have no idea how excited I am for this space to be established again. I don’t really want to say this is a start over because so much love, honesty, and realizations have happened in this space, but with its year long absence I feel an introduction is necessary. The TORQUE community is constantly growing, in all the best ways, so for those of you who have yet to experience the blog…welcome. For my OGs who have been supporting my writing for years, you’re the reason we are here. I hope that with the blog being back in our lives, we can all connect on these topics through words and hearts while striving to be our best selves. This blog was born through a text message of sharing how far I came out of a dark time in my life. Words are powerful. But when words simmer within our souls and ignite into action, that is an unstoppable force. My hope for this blog is to remind you that you’re not alone in all the things we face. I want this blog to give you the courage, motivation, and support to continue on through all the things. One day. One step. One word at a time. So here we are. This is that space. And I am so glad you are here.

For those of you that know me, I’m sending you a big hug right now. But for those of you who don’t, HI! My name is Caroline. I am newly married to my hubby, DJ, and still struggle to introduce myself as Caroline DeBrakeleer. It’s a mouth full, don’t worry if you can’t figure it out. Neither can my 20 first graders, but we will keep trying! I am a teacher and love all things learning. I am an avid Penn State fan and found TORQUE during my time at Penn State. I am 25 years old and while I am young in age, my heart and soul are old. I found peace and grace in the spin room during a hard time in life. I’ve cried so many tears, had so much growth, and found so much love through being a part of the TORQUE community. I am pretty excited to live this again because i am finally coming out of my spin retirement that I’ve been in for the last year! I was an avid spinner and am so excited to get back into my routine. Between the wedding, completing my masters, and a tough year at school, I am so happy to be back. While I miss the morning crew so much, I will be there Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings for now! I can’t wait to sweat it out with you on the bike. But if our paths never cross, maybe our hearts will through these posts.

I said earlier that this blog was built via a text message. And I am not lying when I say that. Words and writing are a gift that I have had that I never had a home for. Summer made it happen. She believed in my words so much that they became this. I am so so so excited to be writing again and I hope that my experiences, my short comings, my growth, and success can help us all connect. Because that’s what this is about. Connecting. Being people. Loving each other. Facing our selves and our worst thoughts. And honestly, walking each other, hand in hand, home.

I can’t wait to grow with all of you through words, light bulb moments, tears, laughs, realizations, and fun! Life has to be a balance of all the things. I hope I can create a space for us where life comes to life through words and we feel inspired to continue to put them into action. This is just the beginning of truly anything we want…will you follow along with me? Hope to hear your thoughts and feel your love along the way!

Grace & Gratitude,

Caroline