Tag Archives: Loss

Life

23 years later…9/11

Here I sit, in New York City on 9/11. Having grown up on the east coast, but spending most of my adult life in California, I’ve always kept my love for the east coast close in my heart. And now I am here for my first anniversary of 9/11. Hard to believe it’s been 23 years since that tragic day. Never in a million years did I realize at the time that I would be so affected by that tragedy only then to move on in life to work on the rebuilding of the WTC. I knew in my soul I needed to be a part of rebuilding. And yet, I had never been a New Yorker until now. It was just something so strong within me that I had to be a part, even if small, in being a part in bringing life back to this property.

Through my role in Commercial Real Estate, in particular for the mall business, I had the chance to work on and ultimately be in charge of the Marketing and overall planning for this re-opening of Westfield shopping centers, The Oculus WTC. Through this opportunity, I was able to work with incoming retailers, city planners and the like, encouraged to ensure we created an event that would not only open a center, but most importantly, honor the families of 9/11. It will go down in history of my life as one of the most important days that forever touched and left a mark on my heart. As I, unfortunately didn’t have a way to change history, or reverse the wrong that was done on that day, I (at the very minimum) had the chance to share my love, support and condolences to those who came to be honored. To find a way to bring light to the darkness that fell upon this city.

Remembering seeing mothers closing holding onto, hugging their children, families and loved one. It took all I had not to completely lose myself in all the emotion, in these moments with my empathetic heart. But to rather use the overwhelming love I felt for all those in the Oculus, to reflect and share that back with everyone there that day.

For all those so personally affected by the tragedy, I continue to hold you in my heart and pray for peace in your life as you carry forward.

Life, Travel

A golden opportunity

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For years I’ve dreamed about experiencing the Golden Door. Rated as the World’s Most Iconic spa by Conde Nast (article below), is certainly appealing and note-worthy, though I knew there was much more behind “the door” even beyond their noteworthy and very prestigious ranking. It took an unfortunate tragedy in my life to lead me to this golden property, for which I further understand what a magical chance this was to finally check in at the Golden Door.

This is, by no means, just a place to go and be pampered- though fear not- you will be pampered…til you can’t be pampered no more. Though the real beauty about this place is so much more than the pristine grounds and architecture, The Golden Door offers some of the best classes and treatments a gal could ask for. The Door is, simply put, transformational. In one day, I went on a 5 mile sunrise hike, had a massage, got a pedicure, had a full hour reiki private session, learned Fencing, took a meditation class, attended a sound bath and called it a night. I mean seriously? This is how we should live each and every day. (clearly I’m still basking in the golden glow of this place)

Just before the holidays I lost my best friend in the world-my one and only sibling, my brother. His passing was not only sudden it was a complete and utter heartbreak. I shut down- not eating, not sleeping, and completely dehydrated unless you count endless caffeine, so I guess you could say I was past dehydration, if you want to be real about it. Needless to say the grieving was taking quite a toll on me-body, mind and soul. Fortunately, I knew that if I was to continue on in this life without him I needed to find a way back to me. Back to life. Find a way, a reason to go on without him.

This lead me down the freeway to a small town in North County San Diego, to the Golden Door. I checked in on December 30th for 4 nights of checking out, to check in. And that’s exactly what I did- I checked IN. It was time to rest, relax, cry, grieve and write to get it all out. I have for so long eagerly awaited my chance to come to this beautiful retreat away yet at this time I was overwhelmed with such grief and thus filled with anxiety about what this experience would be. How could I possibly grieve around 30 random women I’ve never met before? As I had been in hiding since his passing, unable to talk to even those I love the most In my life. I truly was shut down and checked out.

To my surprise, It was as if the magic began the moment I stepped through the doors. From the breathtaking awe inspiring grounds, to the thoughtful detail that went into everything for my stay. Fully customized just for little ol’ moi. I’ve never in my life been so cared for and felt so supported. And this was just from Golden Door and its staff. The most beautiful gift was In the company I kept. Every. single. Woman. was amazing- truly phenomenal women. It’s as if we were bonded in sisterhood day one. Never have I shared such intimate vulnerable, emotionally provoking connection with women of all ages in my life. We all quickly came to realize that we all had our own lives at homes and challenges in life that came with it. And we were here to celebrate, grieve and honor one another-strangers or not, it didn’t matter. In fact, that amazing gift of holding space for one another was remarkable. Exactly what I needed to bear witness to- the beautiful gift of humanity and an authentic connection. To hug, to show love and support for someone you just met. I have never felt so supported in my life. I know this is precisely what I was asking for following the loss of my brother, as I had lost faith and hope in this world. I must say with complete gratitude that thankfully the Golden Door offered me the golden opportunity of a lifetime to connect, to heal and to commune with loving, kind souls who I will forever appreciate.

Thank you Golden Door for helping to heal this broken heart of mine and for the beautiful community of women who happened upon one another to enjoy this life together. I am forever grateful.

To explore your own transformative, golden experience- Check out what’s behind that beautiful door.
https://goldendoor.com

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-door-is-the-worlds-most-iconic-spa