My journey started at 15 when I discovered the book “The Madman,” by Khalil Gibran; his opening parables made me feel a sense of relief: I was not alone.
I developed an insatiable thirst for deeper knowledge, and I read and I read. Each new book brought more lessons and messages which confirmed my calling, validated my own feelings, and opened me up to a whole new world of empowerment.
As I watched my divorced mom struggle to make ends meet and raise two daughters, I realized there was much more to life than the unhappy routine around me. I did what society dictated: I earned a degree in Business and headed to New York City with the predetermined goal of joining corporate America. I felt right at home within the diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds. And for a while it was good. Except for the void.
My corporate experience was exciting and educational, but it was not fulfilling. So, in my spare time I trained and eventually earned my certification as a yoga instructor. As time went by, I noticed that friends, colleagues and even, on occasion, absolute strangers were drawn to me for advice, counsel and support. My early calling to be of service to others would continue to confirm its existence, in spite of myself.
Still trapped by the need to accomplish goals that had been imposed and ingrained in me by family and society, I took a job with a small business, which was immensely more rewarding. There, I was able to make a greater impact. But just as my personal and professional trajectories were looking up, I was given a challenging health diagnosis with a poor prognosis. Determined to improve my odds, I dug deep into spiritual teachings and implemented lifestyles changes that eventually allowed me to own the disease but not the “dis-ease.”
And the universe kept nudging me for further change. My dream job was delivered to me: Director of Operations for The Four Winds Society, an international energy medicine school lead by Alberto Villoldo PhD, headquartered in Miami. I studied with the shamans and healers of Peru and experienced their sacred practices. I became a certified energy medicine practitioner. And although every day I worked with the mundane aspects of business, I started coaching more and more. It was through this extraordinary opportunity that I learned how, in addition to a calling, many people need guidance, self-confidence and yes, even permission, to follow their dreams.
Through helping others, I found myself. The more I empowered others to choose their destiny, the happier I became. The more I inspired others to abandon goals others had predisposed for them and courageously pursue their own dreams, the braver I became.
My experience, talents and hard-earned skills had finally matched my lifelong calling and what my heart had desired for decades: To be of service to others, helping them achieve wellness, empowerment, professional satisfaction, joyous interpersonal relations, and savvy decision-making skills to find and embrace their path to happy and productive lives.