From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford, and this is Budability.

The weekly series where I talk with Buddhists from all walks of life

about the power we each have to change our lives and the world around us.

Sometimes... around us. Sometimes you're driving on cruise control.

Just enjoying the view, taking your time.

And then you hit a pothole and realize, whoa, whoa, whoa, I should be paying more attention here.

Then you check your ETA and realize you are going to be late.

You think I got to kick it into gear and get my act together.

I hope you're not tired of hearing all these analogies from me, but hopefully you get the point. Sometimes life

throws you for a loop and you think to yourself, I got to get it together. Today's guest,

Caitlin Todd of Louisiana, was taking the scenic route to her dream career when a big surprise

changed her life and sense of urgency.

Caitlin tells the story of how she was able to build a solid foundation for her life,

filled with stability and joy.

Welcome to bootability, Caitlin.

Thank you for joining me at the start of the new year.

It's great to have you here.

So I always have my guests just introduce themselves.

So you can share just a little bit about who you are and some of your life growing up.

So I'll let you take it away.

Hi. I am Caitlin. I am 30 years old. I'm from Gretna, Louisiana, which if you're not

familiar, is just the part of the greater New Orleans area. I currently work full-time as a firefighter operator, and I work part-time in EMS, and I'm also in school right now.

...