Jun 17, 20245 min read

How to Journal-Connect &Create: The Beauty and the Art of The Joyful Journey of Journaling Together Event on May 18, 2024, at The Plymouth Community Center.

Updated: Sep 26, 2024

"What's your story?" is a common question people ask when they first meet.

My story begins in the ancient land of Macedonia, the country of Alexander the Great. Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by the rich history and beautiful landscapes that made my childhood picturesque, yet, despite its charm, my town offered limited opportunities. It was a place where birthday parties and social gatherings were almost non-existent.

From childhood, I cherished reading and journaling. I would spend my days lost in books, which became my sanctuary, and this continues to be true. There's nothing quite like a good book; reading and journal writing continue to be my gateways to the blossoming of creativity.

As a child, I was extremely shy. I recall being unable to attend a birthday party without my mom holding my hand throughout the event. I would cling to her, feeling the world was too big and overwhelming. The idea of mingling with others, even kids my age, filled me with dread. It was like the end of the world. My Mom will send me to buy some bread because she was trying to help m I would somehow convince my best friend to do it for me. Now I understand the saying, "Don't think about how, but who." Haha. Despite my shyness, I perhaps possessed strong sales and negotiation skills. It seems that necessity truly is the mother of invention. My mom was my shield, my anchor in a world that often felt intimidating.

Things have changed now in my hometown, with more opportunities and a stronger sense of community, but back then, I felt isolated and constrained by my shyness. I would often pray, asking God for the courage to overcome my fears. I believed that with His guidance, I could change my life.

In 2005 with nothing but a suitcase, a good friend by my side, and a heart full of hope and dreams, I left behind the familiar comfort of Macedonia, and the most important thing in life that you will have and hold. Family. It was heart wrenching, but I had to go. Arriving in America with my dear friend Mimi was a culture shock, but together, we navigated the challenges of our new lives, supporting and providing comfort during difficult times.

The cities were bustling with life, and the diversity was both exciting and overwhelming. I realized that starting from scratch in a foreign land was going to be one of the biggest challenges of my life.

The initial days, months and years were the most challenging. I juggled multiple jobs, ranging from working banquets at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek to bussing tables late at night at another diner. My roles varied from babysitting to hosting at different restaurants, in-room dining, front desk, concierge, to guest services—You name it - I've done it all. All the good things.

One early morning, while working as a server, I encountered a beautiful mother with her family on their vacation. She wore a lovely heart pendant, which I complimented for its beauty. My admiration was sincere, and the following day, she came to see me and presenting a kind card with a beautiful heart enclosed. Her name was Tammy and she spoke with a very beautiful southern accent, gentleness and kindness. We became friends ever since.

Every day presented a challenge, but I kept my faith strong. I knew that building a life in America required more than just hard work – it required forming connections and building relationships. This was especially daunting for someone as shy as me, but I remembered my prayers and trusted that God was by my side.

Back then, my English wasn't very good, but rather than mocking me, the people in America were incredibly kind and supportive. They appreciated my accent and my personality, which made me think, "Okay, I can do this."

I began to attend local events and community gatherings, hoping to meet people and form friendships. I enrolled in classes to improve my English and joined a local gym to interact with others. Slowly but surely, I started to make friends. My genuine kindness and determination to succeed endeared me to many, and before long, I found myself surrounded by a supportive network of individuals who believed in my potential.

My journey was not just about finding a job or a place to live; it was about creating a sense of belonging in a foreign land. It was about finding home in a foreign land and finding my people, my Family. With the power of prayer and God by my side, I overcame my shyness. The relationships I built became the cornerstone of my life. They provided me with the emotional support I needed to overcome obstacles and the encouragement to pursue my dreams.

Years passed, and my hard work paid off as I continued to foster the friendships that had become my family in America. I never forgot my roots in Macedonia, often reminiscing about my hometown and the people I left behind. But I had created a new home for myself, one built on the foundations of perseverance, friendship, and the unwavering belief that relationships are crucial for a fulfilling life.

My story is a testament to the power of human connection and faith. It reminds us that no matter where we come from or what challenges we face, the relationships we build can help us overcome the greatest obstacles and lead us to a life filled with joy, purpose, and love.

I firmly believe in personal and professional growth and have been actively collaborating with one of the best non-profit organizations, Score, which has been a tremendous help in my entrepreneurship journey My business mentor, Kathy, an exceptionally intelligent engineer, has been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic. During a conversation about the success of my events, my status as a bestseller in my district, and the multiple awards I've won for companies like Number 7, L'Oréal, Olay, and others, she suggested I host an event. Thrilled by the idea, I immediately agreed. Creating and organizing events is something I had never envisioned myself doing in the past. But now is the present, and that is the most precious gift.

I began planning, mapping, and sending out invitations. I recall my virtual friend Ali Abdal saying, "I'll do this even if it helps just one person." Inspired by that, I decided, "I'll do this even if only one person attends." To my pleasant surprise it was more then one that came to my first event, "The Art and Beauty of Journaling. "I have written a blog on that specific topic which you can read here: The Power of the Fourth Estate-The Art and Beauty of Journaling (genuinebeauty.net )

Below are pictures of my event. Enjoy and hope to see you attending on of my next event in August.

In person, virtually or over the phone I'm here to guide you and support you and of course love you!