Coming Home to Myself: How the Imprint Project Helped Me Rediscover My Unique Shape

By Yvonne Blanchard, Owner, Tilly Foods, LLC, November 2025

In July of 2023, Rana helped me connect with the core of what makes me “me.” Remembering moments when I was fully alive and happy—and actually reliving that feeling of alignment—became a major “aha” moment. What makes me who I am is completely unique. I don’t have to worry about being a "square peg" trying to fit in a round hole; I am my own unique shape.

Operating from this centered place of true self-knowing has given me the courage to accomplish what I once believed I couldn’t, and with boundless energy. Whether I fail or succeed, my confidence grows because I’m aligned with my truth. A truth that was always there—I just needed the Imprint Project to guide me back home to myself. It feels like so much more than a second chance in life. A few reflections from having lived with awareness of my imprint for over two years:

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My Imprint Is Not a Personality Test

One of the first things I realized is that the Imprint Project doesn’t pin me to a quadrant or personality type. Imprint is someone seeing me, seeing into me, into the stories that give me a spark and enliven me… a reminder of who and how I am. A unique shape—not a label. Not a box.

Imprint helped me know my unique shape and finally understand that I don’t need to contort myself into a standardized outline.

The Aha Moment: What Enlivens Me

Realizing what drives and enlivens me was the breakthrough. I’ve been thinking and behaving in certain ways for years, and only now can I see these things as assets—as strengths—my imprint. Prior to this breakthrough, I found myself unhappy with each profession, position, and career and felt like an outsider, an imposter--that my ways just didn't fit, perhaps perceived as weaknesses.

After completing the process, I began unapologetically presenting my full authentic self: what makes me "me", even to potential employers. At first, I didn’t get a single job I applied for. Some jobs did not quite fit my imprint fully but I found the exercise of job hunting as a wonderful opportunity to practice being in alignment with my imprint. Oddly, the sting of rejection didn’t last. I’d rather be rejected for my truth than accepted for a false presentation of myself. Also, learning to say no to what doesn’t serve me has become powerful and liberating.

Recognizing where I wasn’t in alignment with the core of who I am—my imprint—was deeply enlightening. Any self-doubt diminished after a couple of successful rejections, which were confirmation that I am getting closer to where I am supposed to be and further from what doesn't align with my imprint.

Evidence of Alignment

• I walk in alignment with what enlivens me the most.

• Evidence: boundless energy and the desire to create more time for what matters.

• I tackle imposter syndrome by learning what it feels like to be true to my core—and what it feels like when I’m not.

• Confidence isn’t my issue. I know me. I believe in me. I trust what works for me.

• Instead of spiraling into self-doubt, I now ask better questions: What is the best path for me?

I Make the Road While I Travel It

I’m no longer compromising. I’m discovering I’m never actually stuck.

Acting from alignment feels effortless—betting on myself, taking risks, starting a fresh pet-food business because of how alive I felt handling the produce. I remember standing with my hand in the mixing bowl, feeling the food, and KNOWING: “I can do this.”

That moment made me realize how deeply connected I am to earth, soil, bugs, trees, birds, animals, herbs, and gardening—a lifelong fascination I had never pursued meaningfully.

Taking a Chance—and Blossoming

I applied to the UC Master Gardener program this year. I prepared, interviewed, and got in by speaking pure truth—with passion and enthusiasm. It was a risk to be so open about my philosophy and how I move through the world. Every word came from my core.

I was surprised when I got in. I was surprised again when I graduated, became a volunteer at a nature preserve, and quickly became a lead volunteer—donating over 130 hours since July.

Alignment created momentum.

The Three Cs: Confidence, Curiosity, Courage

Being aligned with my imprint has amplified the 3 Cs. I now go after anything that makes my heart beat faster—things I would never have pursued before understanding my imprint. Instead of feeling crippled by uncertainty, I feel fearless.

I believe I can pursue my dreams.

As the founder of a wholesome, natural, fresh pet-food business, I’m now using my imprint and love of gardening to take the business to a new level—growing and supplying my own ingredients so I can fully control the quality that goes into every bowl.

I’ve even become an alumni ambassador for a major scholarship organization, including leading small-group book discussions and will be speaking publicly at events.

Alignment Creates Opportunity

The more I walk the road I’m building—with my imprint as my compass—the more aligned opportunities appear. The more I do what I love, the more energy I receive. And with that energy, I do more of what I love.

Imprint has allowed me to be more open, more courageous, and more willing to take chances. I can’t wait to see what awaits me on the next stretch of this road I’m creating.

Every time I take a chance on myself, my imprint shows up.

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