My 45th birthday was a washout - LITERALLY. Hurricane Sandy had decimated NYC and brought my beloved city to it's knees. Even now, a year later, families are still displaced and homes remain uninhabitable. Personally and professionally, my own perfect storm had wreaked havoc on my life. I was so far in debt that I could not even see my way out of it. And that made me question whether my fifteen year pursuit of my fashion design dream was really worth it. There had been no balance in my life for quite some time. All I did was work. I had become so absorbed with "making it work" that I had little time to enjoy life's little pleasures. As a result, I ate all my problems away and gained so much weight. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't even recognize the joyless, fat person staring back at me. It was Sandy that stopped me in my tracks and made me reconsider the things that really mattered. On my birthday, in my home where I was left with no heat or electricity, I contemplated all those things and made the hard decision to forego my apparel design pursuits. I was angry with the universe for not providing me with the opportunities necessary to become a financial success. And I was angry with the curvy women who seemed to love what I did, but did not demonstrate their support of me monetarily. But things always have a way of working out.
A year later, I am triumphant. When my sister gave me a Handbag Workshop Class at a local college as a birthday gift last year, it opened my eyes to other options in design. Now I am actually selling purses to women in Tennessee, California, and as far away as Oslo, Norway. I finally feel validated in my design pursuits. My bags are also being carried in two New York City stores. I have lost 30 lbs. since my birthday last year. And my partner of fifteen years who has supported me and loved me through the great and the not-so-great times married me earlier this year in a small, yet magical ceremony. A year later, I feel like I am back on track. I feel centered, more focused. I love what I do. Women actually demonstrate that they love what I do when they make a purchase and that really makes me feel good. And I am taking time to enjoy the simple things again like time with family and friends, seeing museum and gallery exhibits, and exploring the city that I love so much. So Happy 46th Birthday to me! Sure, I could complain about some things, but I won't because I remember what last year was like. And life is so much better now.
Peace & Fashion!
