This is 25 | It's My Golden Birthday!
It's my golden birthday! I'm 25! Wow, weird to say. Now I am a quarter of a century old! It's kind of crazy.
It feels like just yesterday I was running around my backyard as a kid, and now I'm still running around but in a completely different way. I am busy working, managing and keeping up with The Gilded Bellini, writing, on-air hosting and a whole lot more. It has been a long journey to get to where I am now and I know there is a long road still ahead.
Looking back on the last few years, a lot has happened that I realize needed to happen to bring me where I am today. I left my childhood in New Jersey behind when I went to college and worked in New York City which was a dream of mine since I was little. Then, I relocated to LA to continue a more creatively-focused career that's allowed me to become more than just my job title. It's given me the chance to explore what I am good at, what I like and what I am passionate about.
I think it's the evolution of my twenties.
While it has certainly gotten overwhelming at times, I think it is a blessing that I've lived in 3 different states my whole life - I've put myself into unknown territory first when I was 18 and moved to the city, and then at 23 when I moved to the West Coast. It takes a lot of strength and bravery to break out of your comfort zone that is always there waiting for you to come back.
That's exactly what I've done over the span of the last 7 years, and it's allowed me to continue to thrive on independence. I've learned the only way to grow is to often times let go and take on the world... often without knowing who or what lies ahead.
If you told me even 15 years ago if I would have lived in NYC and created a life for myself there, I would have never believed you. If you told me 8 years ago if I'd leave the city and eventually live in a new one (LA, nonetheless) in such a short matter of time, I probably would've thought you were lying even more. But what I've learned is that you need to hop on board for every good opportunity that comes your way, no matter how intimidating. And if there's no opportunity waiting, make one for yourself.
Another is to stay focused and concentrate on the good things. I am a firm believer that every obstacle (regardless of whether it's work related, relationship related, etc.) that comes your way is meant for you to learn how to handle it and push through. Not one good opportunity has come my way without me working extraordinarily hard towards it.
Some highlights of the last few years:
- Hosting for Nickelodeon
- Being featured on The Huffington Post
- Graduating from college
- Working good jobs in both NYC and LA
- Being recognized as a host, expert, influencer & media outlet all together
- On-air modeling for Good Day NY, PIX 11, CBS/WLNY
- Being cast in a skit for Cosmopolitan
- Getting my writing published
- Being able to closely work with brands I love and believe in
- Being cast in a commercial
and more!
I am forever grateful for my true friends and supportive family members that have stuck beside me over the last several years, despite where we're located on the map. We all have our ups and downs and I am thankful that I have you in my life. I love you all!
Wait can I say it again?? 25!!! 24 was a great year and I am hoping 25 will be a million times better! Time to do as The Gilded Bellini would... throw some gilded confetti and pop the bubbly!
