I have only met Amanda a few times, and I noticed immediately that she is a bright light.
She has a big, beautiful smile and she draws people in like a magnet. The second time we met was at a mutual friend's wedding - someone we both adore. We ran into each other in the bathroom and we just stood in there for a long time talking about how beautiful the wedding was and how excited we were for the bride and groom. It felt like sneaking away with someone I had known forever.
I loved learning more about Amanda through this story. I am amazed by her strength in really difficult circumstances and her ability to process and continue to pour love out to her friends and family through the good and the bad times. Her definition of resilience moved me too - thoughtfully picking up the pieces so you are able to move forward constructively. wow.
Amanda - thank you for being you and for always making me feel like family! You are amazing <3
1. Name: Amanda
2. Hometown: NYC
3. Current Town: Simsbury, CT
4. Favorite Song: Way too many to count. One of them at the top of the list is “How Deep is Your Love” by the Bee Gees
5. Favorite Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
6. Favorite Recipe: Anything that involves cheese and pasta.
7. What does resilience mean to you? Resilience is picking up the pieces and moving forward no matter what. More than that, it is examining each of those pieces and figuring out a more constructive and productive way to move forward.
8. Describe a time you were so happy you felt like singing out loud: When we closed on our house! We were first time home buyers moving away from our hometown. It was exciting times!
9. Share a story about something you regret or the hardest thing you’ve ever had to get through: In 2008, I lost my brother to cancer. He was only 21 years old. Without being able to fully process that loss, in 2013 my mom passed away from kidney cancer. To say that it has been tough to not have them here is an understatement. I think the hardest part of it all was having to watch both of them fight this terrible disease. Having to witness the progression of cancer, seeing it how it consumed and devoured their bodies, watching them wither away – and not be able to do anything about it – that was the hardest thing I ever had to go through.
10. What do you to get through hard times? Distractions and prayer.
11. What is one thing you can’t live without? My crazies = my husband and kids
12. Describe what you are going through now in one word and then explain. Reflection: I am in a season of life where everything seems to be in place and finally flowing easily. It’s not always like this so I am thankful for this downtime because it has allowed me time to reflect on who I am and where I am going. It is also allowing me to examine parts of my life that need improvement. To be the best version of myself is my goal.
13. What is one thing that you are most proud of? Going back to college. Right after high school – life happened fast. Sickness, work, money - there was always a reason why the time wasn’t right to go back to school. I am proud of myself for finally putting my fears aside and finishing what I started. I am even prouder that I have been able to balance my homelife, work and school, and maintain a 3.9 GPA.
14. If you were to offer one piece of advice to other women, what would it be? “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Embrace your path. Every step forward and every set back is taking you where you are meant to be.
15. If you got to be Oprah for a day and give everyone one product, what would you chose? Airpods. It is absolute freedom to not have wires hanging around your neck when you are working out.
Isn't she awesome!?!
Our mutual friend nominated Amanda for a Resilience Story and here is what she had to say:
"When I think of resilience, I think of her. It is so easy to close yourself off to a world that has been unfair and heartbreaking, the hard work lies in remaining open to all the beauty life still has to give and she has stayed open - to love, to family, to hope. She is the definition of resilience."
Be sure to leave a comment to show your love - Happy Sunday!
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