"Big and small dreams are worth paying attention to – everyone deserves joy, however they choose to find it." In this deeply moving and empowering episode, Stacey reconnects with her cousin, Alison Krupnick, whose life story unfolds across continents, careers, and challenges. From her time as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer working on the frontlines of refugee resettlement, to navigating multiple cancer diagnoses, to her bold relocation to Portugal, Alison shares how she continually embraced change, pursued meaning, and reclaimed joy. The conversation traverses topics like international diplomacy, healthcare inequity, the reinvention of identity post-career and motherhood, and the healing power of food and community. With warmth and insight, Alison offers a rare perspective on resilience, adaptability, and making a new life on your own terms. What You’ll Learn: What it means to live through reinvention multiple times in a single lifetime Insights into the life and responsibilities of a Foreign Service Officer The emotional weight of approving or denying refugee cases Navigating multiple cancer diagnoses and how the U.S. healthcare system fails many The power of empathy, perspective, and rediscovering purpose later in life What it takes to move abroad and build a meaningful new life How food became a thread connecting identity, creativity, and joy Alison Krupnick is a writer, former Foreign Service Officer, education advocate, and expat currently living in Portugal. With a career that has spanned international diplomacy, communications, and community organizing, Alison is also the author of Ruminations from the Minivan: Musings from a World Grown Large, Then Small. Her essays have been featured in publications such as the Harvard Review and The New York Times. Alison writes a Substack newsletter and continues to explore life through travel, cooking, and cultural immersion. Connect with Alison: Book: Ruminations from the Minivan On Kindle Substack: https://alisonkrupnick.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akrupnick/ If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟 Learn more about Life Reimagined and past episodes. Follow us on social media. Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more incredible conversations with those who dare to redefine their lives. Book your next Sisterhood Travels Tour. Join our Private Facebook Page to keep up with exciting news.