Happy birthday month to me! 🎉 Since it’s the season of celebration, reflection, and eating cake without guilt, I figured it’s time to get personal and share my journey with you. If you’re new to Diary of a Self-Help Addict, welcome! And if you’ve been hanging out here for a while, you probably know I love sharing lifestyle tips, recipes, and the occasional deep dive into the chaos of life. But today, let’s talk about me—because what better way to spend my birthday month than basking in the glow of nostalgia and self-appreciation?
I was born and raised in a small town in New Hampshire—picture Hallmark movie vibes but with fewer perfectly trimmed hedges and a lot more snow. My parents were incredible—supportive, loving, and patient enough to deal with my teenage dramatics. We started as a Catholic family, but when I hit seventh grade, we switched to an Orthodox Christian church. This was…an adjustment, to say the least. The biggest shock? No Christmas celebrations and a strict Sabbath observance. Imagine being 12 years old and explaining why you no longer have a tree or presents to your friends. Awkward! But those experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. They taught me resilience and discipline and, most importantly, led me to my Christian faith—which anchors me to this day. Not to mention, we have great family memories of spending winter break in Florida every year.
The Nurse Dream: Born from Heartache and Healing
I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was eight years old. Why? Because life threw me two big curveballs that changed my perspective forever. The first was when my dad had a heart attack. It was terrifying, but the nurses who cared for him were extraordinary. They didn’t just care for him—they comforted our whole family. Then, in seventh grade, I broke my arm (side note: seventh grade was apparently the pivotal year of my life). After surgery, the nurses were so kind and attentive that I knew right then I wanted to be just like them. Spoiler alert: I followed that dream, graduating from St. Anselm College and launching a career I still love nearly 30 years later.
Love, Beaches, and 28+ Years of Partnership
Fast forward to post-college life. My best friend and I decided to celebrate our graduation with a trip to the beach, staying with her brother. Enter Mark. He was funny, charming, and basically irresistible. We hit it off, and here we are, 28 years later, still laughing at each other’s jokes (even the bad ones). This May, we’ll celebrate 25 years of marriage—a milestone that makes me proud, grateful, and incredulous. We’ve lived in Florida, Arizona (where our beautiful daughter Natalie was born), and Georgia, where we’ve been for the last 19 years.
Pilates, a Studio, and Finding Balance
While life as a nurse was fulfilling, I found my passion for Pilates through a friend who convinced me to give it a try. It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels. Pilates became my happy place, and in 2008, I opened Strong Tower Pilates Studio while still working full-time as a nurse. Was it chaotic? Oh, absolutely. Balancing work, motherhood, and a traveling husband (Mark was often on the road with his band) wasn’t easy. But looking back, every late night and early morning was worth it. Natalie is a resilient, confident young woman, so I think we did okay.
Wrinkles, Botox, and Embracing Change
Let’s talk about aging. When I turned 50, I had a heart-to-heart with my mirror—and the mirror won. Static wrinkles had entered the chat, and while I told myself for years I’d never do Botox, I finally caved. And guess what? I loved the results. Not only did it boost my confidence, but it also inspired me to help others feel the same way. So, I became certified to administer Botox, chemical peels, and other skincare regimens. These days, I’m all about helping my friends and clients feel fabulous in their own skin. If you’re curious about what I offer, you can find out more here: KL Aesthetics and Wellness, LLC.
The Blog: A Happy Accident
The blog? It started because I was tired of repeating myself. (Can I get an amen from my fellow advice-givers?) Over the years, I’ve dabbled in everything from DIY skincare and supplements to gardening and sourdough, and my friends kept urging me to share my tips online. Thus, Diary of a Self-Help Addict was born. What started as a creative outlet became one of my greatest joys. I love connecting with all of you, sharing what I’ve learned, and hopefully inspiring a few smiles along the way.
Related Read: Check out my Favs page. : )
Today: Life, Love, and Finley
At almost 52 years old (birthday countdown: imminent), I can honestly say I’m living my best life. I’m doing what I love, married to the man I love more than ever, and proud to be the mom of an incredible daughter who’s about to graduate from college. Our family wouldn’t be complete without Finley, our 7-year-old Havanese, who’s somehow both the baby and the boss of the house.
Lessons From My Journey
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that life rarely goes as planned—but that’s where the magic happens. From my small-town beginnings to becoming a nurse, Pilates instructor, blogger, and Botox aficionado, every twist and turn has shaped who I am today. So, here’s to embracing change, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the little things. And cake. Always the cake.
Thanks for letting me share my story. Now tell me—what’s your story? Leave a comment, and let’s connect. Cheers to another year of laughter, learning, and a sprinkle of self-improvement! 🥂
Let’s Get Social
Want to keep up with all the fun, tips, and occasional shenanigans? Here’s where you can find me online (and trust me, I’m everywhere):
- Follow Diary of a Self-Help Addict on Facebook and Pinterest for recipes, lifestyle tips, and more ways to sprinkle self-help magic into your life.
- Check out KL Aesthetics and Wellness on Facebook and Instagram—where skincare dreams come true. You can book appointments and shop my favorite skincare products here.
- Get your Pilates fix with Strong Tower Pilates Studio on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—because abs don’t make themselves. Oh, and we offer Yoga and Tai Chi too!
Juggling three businesses and their social media pages is basically an extreme sport, so your likes, comments, and follows mean the world to me. Thanks for being part of this crazy, wonderful journey—now go click some buttons, and let’s stay connected!
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