Fuel the Fire Within: Celebrating One Year of The SoulFire Collective

Hey Reader!

We are so grateful you are here!

Celebrating One Year of SoulFire

Last Monday, we gathered with friends to celebrate one year of The SoulFire Collective.

What began as a spark born from a season of uncertainty has grown into something far greater than we could have imagined. Over the past year, SoulFire has become a place for meaningful conversations, personal growth, community events, storytelling, coaching, and connection. Most importantly, it has become a collective of people who believe that no one should have to navigate life's transitions alone.

The evening was filled with laughter, reflection, gratitude, and a look ahead at what comes next. Together, we celebrated the stories shared through the SoulFire Sessions podcast, the impact of our community events, and the many people who have contributed their time, talents, encouragement, and support along the way.

One of the most meaningful reminders of the night was this: SoulFire was never meant to be built by one person. It was always meant to be a collective.

To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, partnered with us, listened to an episode, shared a post, attended an event, or simply encouraged us along the way...THANK YOU! You are part of this story, and we are incredibly grateful.

Here's to Year Two.

SoulFire Sparks Series: Alex Hawkins

Coming Back to Yourself

What if the path that looks right isn't the path that's right for you?

For years, Alex Hawkins was doing everything she thought she was supposed to do. She built a successful career, checked the boxes, achieved the goals, and kept pushing forward. But underneath the accomplishments was a growing sense that something wasn't aligned.

In this month's Spark Series episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Alex shares how burnout became a turning point, one that ultimately led her back to herself. Through slowing down, spending time in nature, and learning to listen to what her mind and body had been trying to tell her for years, she began building a life rooted in purpose rather than expectations.

Today, as the founder of Wildwood Connections, Alex creates outdoor experiences that help others reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

One of the most powerful lessons from her story is that resilience isn't always about pushing harder. Sometimes resilience looks like resting. Listening. Choosing a different path when the one you're on no longer fits.

Alex's story is a reminder that purpose isn't always found by doing more. Sometimes it's found by slowing down enough to hear what's calling you forward.

Where in your life might you need to stop pushing and start listening?

Listen to Alex's full episode here:

Money Matters for Real People Series

We’re excited to introduce our new Money Matters for Real People series...a conversation space where mindset, strategy, and real-life financial decisions come together in a way that feels approachable, honest, and empowering.

Throughout this series, Cristina and Josh Montanez explore topics like financial mindset, planning for the future, investing through different life stages, protecting what matters most, and creating a healthier relationship with money overall.

In Episode 3, Future-Proof Your Finances, Cristina and Josh explore how financial planning evolves through every stage of life. Whether you're just starting your career, raising a family, preparing for retirement, or somewhere in between, they discuss practical strategies for building a financial plan that can grow and adapt alongside your goals.

The conversation covers the power of mentorship, compound interest, intentional financial habits, and how major life transitions can impact your financial future. They also discuss the importance of balancing both the offensive and defensive sides of financial planning—growing your wealth while also protecting what matters most.

One of the biggest takeaways? You don't need to have everything figured out to get started. The key is knowing where you are today, defining what success looks like for you, and taking the next step with confidence.

Check out Episode 3 below!