my story about letting go, building a life with intention, and how you can start your own transformation (in any area of your life) today. (audio version included)
So… I’ve got some exciting news as we enter Libra Season, aka MY SEASON (yes, your girl is a Libra)! 🎉 And to celebrate, I’m offering one-off life coaching sessions for just $150 as I finish up my International Coaching Federation accreditation. These sessions are LIMITED, so grab your spot before they’re gone!
Here’s the truth I believe:
I don’t think coaching is something you need to achieve your dreams.
But… do believe a knowledgable coach can make the journey SO much smoother.
Imagine having someone by your side helping you navigate your brain, giving you tools to thrive, and holding space for you to dream bigger.
If any of this resonates with you:
You’ve got that BIG, almost scary goal on your heart but feel stuck…
You’re in a transition phase of life, feeling the shift, knowing you’re ready to live differently and pave your own path…
I’m here to help you gain clarity, find your joy, and take actionable steps toward your goals— all while keeping things beautifully balanced in true Libra fashion. 😉
Now, I say this because I GET IT- I know what it’s like to just wait for the “perfect” moment to start but sometimes, you have to take the first step.
Sure sometimes opportunity shows up - but if we’re so scared we might not even notice when it comes….
That’s why it’s about CREATING the opportunity, taking action that is aligned with your dreams to actually make it happen, will it be scary - f*ck yes.
BUT I promise you,it’s scarier to sit on that dream and watch it pass by..year after year knowing you could if only you just tried
And I’ll be honest (moment of vulnerability)…
Am I terrified sending this email, scared everyone is going to judge me and be like wtf is she just promoting herself and services - who tf does she think she is… ABSOLUTLY. It’s TERRIFYING putting yourself out there.
But do I know, it’s worth the risk if even one person responds . Do i know it’s worth it to see that I am getting to make a living helping others reach their potential AND actually seeing them build amazing lives that impact those around them and their community
That I am living that and creating that opportunity to have a ripple effect….
YES. So …
Do you resonate with this? Then let’s do this!
🌟 How to Book: Reply back to this email me with the word "READY," and I will send you my private booking link, let’s make magic happen together!
P.S. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start living your dream life… let’s begin creating that life you dream of NOW!
One of my dreams has come true, though it didn’t unfold exactly as I imagined. I’ve been drafting this post for a while, but part of me didn’t want to share until it felt real. So here we go...
If you’re new around here and want to stick around for the chisme… subscribe below
Storytime: How I ended up Spain.
I’m writing this from a cozy little attic apartment with an incredible view of landscapes designed centuries ago in southern Spain, where I’ll be spending the next few months.
As of today, September 13th, I’m exactly one month away from turning 33, and life isn’t what I expected—but somehow, it’s even better.
That’s what I want to share with you today: how to pursue your dreams while staying open to change, and how what you end up with might be even better than what you’d imagined.
This story starts back in 2013 when I graduated from RIT. Instead of the chemical engineering degree I initially pursued, I graduated with a degree in International Studies focused on Latin America, Migration, and Genocide/Post-War Conflict. After spending a summer in the Balkans, I yearned to return to Europe. I applied to be an au pair in Spain, did a few interviews, but quickly got talked out of it—this "wild dream." Instead, I took a job in New York City working in microfinance through AmeriCorps. It was still a big risk and aligned with my goals, but it wasn’t the big dream.
Life took so many twists and turns, leading me to backpack through 26 countries, change careers multiple times, and experience many romances and heartbreaks. But I grew, and now I work for myself. Being a digital nomad is no longer some far-off "maybe"; it’s my actual life.
In the fall of 2023, I found myself at a crossroads. I was dating someone who had many of the qualities I wanted, but they didn’t want a nomadic life- something I yearned for. They wanted children—something very different from my own hopes. I tried to make the best of living in rural New York with my family, growing closer to them and nurturing childhood friendships. Yet, I still felt uneasy, like I was forcing myself into a mold that wasn’t mine.
A coach once told me, "You’re like a flamingo in a flock of chickens, trying to belong, trying to fit in because you love them so much—but you are meant to fly. The chickens around you want to see you soar."
That got me thinking about flamingos, and I realized they migrate. They set off, soar, and find their way back home. I’ve often felt like the odd one out. I’ve wished for a suburban life with a husband, kids, and soccer practice, but whenever I think of it, part of me feels like it’s dying—the part that yearns for walks along centuries-old cobblestones, immersion in rich cultures, and seeing sunrises from different viewpoints all over the world.
One day, sitting on my Tía’s terraza in Guatemala, I realized I had to let go of the relationship I thought I wanted and choose the life I once told myself was out of reach. I craved waking up next to someone who wanted to travel and create memories with me. I realized this meant ending a sweet romance.
It hurt. It felt like yet another relationship had ended because I couldn’t stay put. It seemed like I had only two choices: the suburban housewife or the free-spirited traveler.
But in that moment, I looked at how far I had come. Two years earlier, I hadn’t even gone on a date because I was focused on my goals—seeing the world, building my career, and convinced that all men were terrible. Now, I realized that wasn’t true. I had healed and worked through so many wounds. It wasn’t that I was doomed at relationships but rather it just wasn’t aligned.
I realized I could design the life I wanted, and that someday, someone who wants the same life might cross my path. Even bigger, I realized a relationship wasn’t the ultimate marker of success but rather someone to share life with.
Being honest with myself was hard. I sat with my feelings, envisioning what I wanted. I remembered that rooftop moment, and how I wanted more moments like that, all over the world.
Then I recalled my long-held dream of going to Spain. I had put it on my vision board and shared it with my best friend, saying that one of my goals for 2025 was to acquire a nomad visa and live abroad.
A few weeks later, my friend, whose lease was up, said, "What if we go to Spain for a few months and see how we like it?"
My heart lit up. I hadn’t even thought of that. It made the dream feel real and accessible—no longer this "perfect," unattainable goal. But that realization terrified me. What if Spain wasn’t as romantic as I’d imagined? What if I messed up?
But if I didn’t try, it would remain just a shiny dream—something I could admire from afar. What if I started turning that admiration into inspiration and took the first steps?
So, I agreed. My most level-headed, organized friend—a suburban mom of a toddler—was saying, “Let’s go.” Why not?
As each month passed in 2024, I started appreciating the small joys of rural life—the sunsets, the long walks, the deeper connections with my family. Knowing that my life would change in September made those moments even more meaningful. I could come back, but it would be a different version of me. The flamingo, finally embracing its nature.
And now, here we are.
Being a Traveling Titi
Nikki & I’s adventures
A year later from that rooftop in Guatemala, and here I am on another terraza, our own, in Spain. I’ve realized that I got exactly what my soul desired, even though it didn’t look like I thought it would. Instead of creating memories with a romantic partner but rather a soul mate.
I believe soulmates aren’t just for romance but in friends - a mate that our souls get to share this life time with. And I’m sharing these moments with my best friend & of 13 years, and I get to be a part of her daughter’s life too. I never imagined this would be my life a year ago, but I’m incredibly grateful it didn’t turn out the way I planned—this is better.
Here’s a little formula for taking those first steps toward your dreams:
Be honest with yourself: What do you truly want? Sit with it. Let yourself feel it. It might be uncomfortable, but let that deep desire bubble up. Speak it into existence if you can.
Share it: I told my best friend about my dream, and it felt so unreal and silly at first, but I shared it anyway.
Try it on: What’s the first step toward that dream? What’s a manageable path you can take?
Be open to change: The dream might evolve. Some parts might turn out to be inherited from others, and you may explore a different direction. It might even end up being better than what you imagined.
And that’s how I ended up in the south of Spain.
While I’m here and have your attention, I’ve completed my ICF Coach training courses and I’ll still be working U.S. hours and coaching clients. In fact, I’ve just launched a group coaching program focused on achieving goals in community.
I have capacity for 4 more clients in 2024 and 2 more for the group program. I would love to chat if you’re curious.
So if you’re feeling stuck in life, career, business and know you are that flamingo ready to soar and reach your dreams - let’s jump on a discovery call and see how we can work together.
PPS: Nikki told me to tell you to stay tuned to our travel vloggy insta documenting our adventures of 2 best friends and a baby (featuring dog) (TwoFriendsAndABaby)
The Two Friends : Joy & Nikki
Thanks for reading Build with Joy! Subscribe to my journey to receive new posts & support my work.
I have a big, scary dream to share with you all, but I'm going to hold off until it becomes real in a couple of weeks—because honestly, I can’t even believe it’s happening! 🤯
First, I want to share a lesson I've learned that led me to finally jump in and chase this dream. (And let’s be real, I need to remind myself of this constantly!)
Life often presents us with opportunities to follow our dreams...
But those dreams don’t always come wrapped in a perfect, beautiful bow that grants us eternal happiness. Instead, they come with challenges, unexpected twists, and a lot of uncertainty.
But here's the thing: That’s the beauty of it.
Living your dreams isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or everything to align just right. It’s about embracing the journey, however chaotic, and finding joy in the process.
(Yes, I know—that’s ROUGH to accept, especially if you’re like me and want everything to be PERFECT. 😅)
It's easy to think that joy and fulfillment only come after we've accomplished everything on our list.
But... what if joy was part of the journey, not just the destination?
What if you allowed yourself to experience pleasure and happiness right now, even as you pursue your goals?
If you're reading this, you probably have big dreams and aspirations. You’re not someone who shies away from challenges—but even the most driven individuals need to pause, reflect, and infuse their lives with joy.
Joy is the antidote to burnout. It’s the spark that keeps you motivated. 🔥
As a life coach, I’ve seen how crucial it is to find that balance...
Between pursuing goals and enjoying the present moment.
Whether you're on the path to a major life change or simply trying to navigate everyday chaos, having someone to walk alongside you—offering tools, encouragement, and accountability—can make all the difference.
And now, here’s something that might be tough to hear…
Your dreams won’t be perfect. 😬
Your dream might end up being something completely different than what you imagined. And guess what? Life will keep "lifing."
After you reach that milestone, after you finally do the thing—life continues. If you've been measuring your happiness solely by reaching your goals, you might feel disappointed. 😔
What will truly help you in the long term is finding joy in the tiny moments, in the process, and in learning more about yourself.
In the coming editions of this newsletter, I want to share more about my personal journey in love, life, and adventures—including letting go of the idea of "perfect."
El Velo Se Cayo (just listen to the lyrics, chills) Youtube | Apple
Tiny moments:
Kitchen Sink Cookies from Panera ifkyk & Selfies with Bella the Alpacas (PS:she’s crucial to the upcoming chisme)
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I get a commission for suggesting it to keep this content free for you. I only recommend things I love and know will benefit you.
Let’s Build with Joy Together
If you're ready to take that step and build a life filled with both achievement and joy, let's connect. I have a few spots left for one-on-one coaching and an 7 spots left for my upcoming group coaching program launching September.
PS: I also want to let you know that as your fav latina ADHD coach and with Latinx Hertitage Month and ADHD Awareness month coming up I am available to virutal workshops for your organization or business!
Your dreams are waiting, and I'm here to help you make them a reality—messy, beautiful, and entirely your own.
Last week, I was helping my friend move into her new apartment complex. The apartment had a beautiful public terrace, so every morning I took advantage of the sunshine and ate my breakfast outside. It reminded me of the six months I lived in Mexico, crossing one thing off my bucket list - living abroad.
The Sunset in the Mayan Riveria from my morning Yoga classes
but first this newsletter is sponsored by …
yes, I am sponsoring my own newsletter cause ya girl’s a business owner onwards to the story
In my home in New York, we have a beautiful deck that overlooks a pond and the woods. Years ago, I used to look at it thinking, "One day, I’m going to enjoy it." When I started planning my trip to Mexico, I realized—why am I waiting for “one day” to enjoy it when that day could be today? Why did I start doing that well..
sunsets from the porche
I began applying that philosophy to my life—enjoying the rooftops. What I’ve noticed is… I’m usually one of the few people enjoying the rooftops. Most of the time, these gorgeous spaces go unused, even though they're featured in marketing to attract and validate higher rent prices. Yet, we wait for the “perfect time,” for when we think we deserve it.
the rootop terrace in Mexico that was almost always empty
But here’s the thing… it will be there when you’re ready to enjoy it. But who’s to say that day will come? One day you might be moving out and realize—you never used the rooftop. OR… you can enjoy what you have worked hard for NOW. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset that’s going to happen whether or not you want to enjoy it. You can choose to bask in the awe of existing. Today, I can choose a tiny moment of joy.
Starting my day with my own tiny morning adventure
Living a slow nomad life, I’ve realized that what I crave and look forward to isn’t necessarily exploring new big things and places. It’s those slow moments, the moments of peace—seeing the sun from new angles around the world. Enjoying it in comfortable, cozy places with people who fill my soul with joy.
This story shows how often we think of joy as a reward, only allowing ourselves pleasure as a sign of accomplishment. While that is great sometimes, we need joy and pleasure in our daily lives to remind us that life is beautiful, even amidst chaos.
Noticing the clouds on the long country roads (it’s a turtle right?)
Let’s be real—if you’re subscribed here, you are probably someone with big dreams and big goals. You aren’t someone who is going to stop pursuing your goals. More likely, you’re probably burnt out or on the road to burning out. The antidote is JOY. It’s play, it’s pleasure, it’s the dopamine rush that replenishes and motivates us.
What I’ve learned as a coach over the past three years working one-on-one with folks is that even the most driven, determined, successful person needs joy in their lives. Sometimes we literally need to pause, see how far we’ve come, and be inspired to keep going.
Taking a weekend roadtrip to Ocean City, Marlyand
I invite you to create a tiny list of just three day to day small things that bring you joy. Write this down on a piece of paper somewhere you can see. Why? To remind yourself to take note of these in the day to day, to observe them, to appreciate those moments and start flexing that joy muscle. I’m excited to hear how it goes.
For me, what keeps me going are sunsets, watching people reunite at airports, and seeing people reach their goals over time—seeing them build a life by design. As scared and cringe as I feel saying “I’m a life coach,” I realize that right now, this is my calling and I’m privileged to coach wonderful people.
So, I want to share my Summer Coaching Specials with you!
I’m excited to help you on the next part of your journey.
Summer Coaching Specials:
One-on-One Coaching: I have 5 more spots left to work with clients to help you reach your goals and literally BUILD with JOY. Let’s design a life that makes sense for YOU. If you’re interested, let’s get on a call to see if we’re a fit.
Beta Group Coaching Program: Launching in September, this bi-weekly group coaching program will help us set our goals and stay accountable over six months. As this is the beta cohort, the first 5 people will receive a discounted price of $333 for the total program.