Chicago Girl with California Spirit Lives in New Jersey.
I was born and raised in Chicago, but at the age of 25 relocated to Southern California. As the youngest of 4 in a close Italian family, this was a bitter sweet transition. I loved my family more than anything, but I felt I need to live on my own and be independent. I left Chicago in an old Ford Maverick, with just $1800. in cash and one credit card. I knew in my heart, or gut that this was the move that would change the course of my life. And it did. I loved Los Angeles and built a life for myself. I had a great career, friends, and social life and at the age of 38 I got married. It was the ultimate dream wedding, but far from a dream marriage. The marriage ended 3 years later. At 41, I wondered what I will do with my life now. Of course my family wanted me to return to Chicago, but I loved LA. I always had self discipline in setting goals for myself every six months, and so I stayed put and decided to be good to myself and take my time in making future plans.
Two years later, in September of 1998, a friend and I went on a vacation to club med Turks and Cacaos. I thought it would be just a great week of fun. Little did I know my entire life would change! There, I met a man who lived in Montclair, NJ. Talk about geographically undesirable. I was not looking for a relationship, especially one on the other side of the coast. But, I knew he was Mr. Right, because as much as I loved LA, I missed him more. My friends thought I was crazy, out of my mind to move to Jersey. They would say "Jersey? Who goes to Jersey???" Well, apparently me because I moved in with Curt in February of 1999 during a snow storm. I had to be in love to move to Jersey in February!
Not only did I change coasts, but I changed careers and entered the world of corporate sales. I was given a territory that covered all 5 boroughs of New York, Long Island and Northern Jersey. Even with the best maps, getting lost was a daily ritual! There were no GPS systems.
In September of 2004 Curt and I were married. While I was very happy with my personal life, I was equally unhappy with my job. As a top sales performer, I was constantly stressed and just not enjoying my life. I had no balance; I had gained 30 lbs and was not taking care of my health. I was not happy! I kept telling myself, I can’t go on like this, I need a change. I did not even take time for myself to reassess my life and set some new goals. It was time for a change!
During our lives, we all have what I call those "Aha Moments". Aha moments are a result of an event that made an impact on our lives. The ones that make us take stock of our self’s and our life. If we experience those moments and our perception shifts, then change can occur. I had my share of Aha moments. I finally one day decided it is time to make a change. I decided to pursue the interests that I never made time for. Since then I returned to school and obtained certificates in integrative nursing, holistic modalities, and life and career coaching. Through the process, I left my job and became inspired to form "Ageless Beginnings".
What I know for sure is that time is precious and life is a gift. Honor and appreciate your life. Make the most of yours by learning, evolving, and most of all enjoying it!
