I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was a good girl, straight-A honor student, perfectionist, always involved in various leadership opportunities. I was accepted to Syracuse University where I graduated with various awards and academic honors. After college, I went to graduate school at a prestigious research program in the area of Higher Education. I was accepted at various internship programs and other work experiences. By the time I was 24 I had a Master’s degree and landed the dream job in NYC at a well-known university.

On paper, I was living the dream. Yet I was miserable on the inside. I didn’t have real friends that I could count on. I was living in a crappy basement apartment about an hour away from Manhattan. I was working a high demanding job that brought out all of my insecurities and more.  Most of all I hated myself immensely. I was living a secret life of self-hatred and inflicting a slow death upon myself.

I was a hardcore bulimic, restricter and a binger. I was chasing my happiness and love by inflicting pain through binges, purging, laxative, diuretics and diet pill abuse. I waited for life to begin once I reached the perfect weight.

What happened?

After way too many rock bottoms to count on, I finally got sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. There must be another way to live. I was open and willing to focus on my problems and finding a solution. I wanted to live a bigger life than what I was living and most importantly I wanted to stop the pain.

Recovery

My path towards recovery started when I choose to go to an eating disorder specialist for my healing process. I was no stranger to therapy but I never addressed the immediate problem as I was focusing on dealing with the issues from my past.  This therapist quickly send me to the 12-step rooms in NYC so I can hear my story and find a peer support.  In these rooms I started to build the spiritual foundation for my emotional and physical recovery.

Like any good student, I applied the principles and slogans that I learned into all of my affairs. This has meant facing fears that once were paralyzing. Creating a structure of self-care and acceptance.  Tapping into what my desires are as opposed to what I should be doing.

In the process, I have worked with a large range of coaches, therapist, experts, peers, gurus and a range of modalities.  I am graduate from The School of Womanly Arts. I am completing the Holistic Health Coach training through Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  I have performed in a burlesque show as part of Kitty Cavalier’s Sacred Seduction program. I am a passionate Shrink Session student.

What I know for sure… 

• I believe that we have to put ourselves first in the priority list.  It’s not selfish its necessary.
• Self-care is not a luxury it is a necessity
• There is no such thing as fast big over the top solution. It’s about making small subtle changes that over time will transform your life into the life you want to live in.
• Your strength lies within not outside of yourself.
• Moving your body everyday = bliss & sanity!
• We are human beings not human doers.

My life today you may ask?

I have an amazing crew of friends (you may find a few of them guest blogging). Who I spend time trying out new classes with, going for brunch and just having fun.

I have a job that I enjoy working and I feel supportive teaching college students to be leaders and planning large events in NYC. I own my business as a coach and I am Healthy Living Blogger in NYC.

I live in a fabulous apartment 10 minutes away from my job with a view to Lady Liberty herself. I have been abstinent from the eating disorder for almost 4 years and counting.  I am having fun trying new experiences that have been part of my bucket list!

Most importantly I have fallen madly, deeply in love with myself. I embrace each challenge as another opportunity of growth. I can practice unconditional love and acceptance to myself . I have a healthily imperfect relationship with life. I am no longer a good girl, I am real and authentic.