You asked for it — and we listened. This October, we're offering a women-only Road Scholar Ethels Tour of New York City/Broadway. This is a not-to-be-missed vacation! Sign up today as spaces are limited!
When people ask me how I got into a career in wellness, I tell them it all began with my mother. For the past 15 years, I’ve been teaching wellness workshops, guiding clients in private yoga practice, and leading international retreats for women through my company, Stretch Your Spirit. I owe it all to my mother's mentorship.
At 84, her vitality is a testament to a life filled with an unparalleled zest for living. Because of her, I was tumbling at age five, teaching yoga at age 12, and dedicating all my endeavors to helping others live their best lives. Like my mother, I’m constantly thinking of ways to make people live their healthiest and best lives. This means I’m often giving advice and being bossy. I learned that from my mom, too!
A Career That Mattered
From the mid-1970s until 1992, my mother’s career thrived in a successful school of gymnastics in Western New York. To this day, she’s still known as “Coach.” She wasn’t just the founder, owner and head coach; she was a mentor, cheerleader and role model for countless students. Some students were Special Olympics athletes coming to our gym to practice their routines.
One of them was four years old with spina bifida and partial paralysis in her lower body. That child and I would practice yoga poses on the floor exercise mat to heighten her awareness of sensation, and stretch and strengthen her body. This is how I began my career in wellness. I was 12.
With my mother as my mentor, I continued teaching in the gym until I left for college. Working with my mother gave me a deep knowledge of how to manage a wellness business as a career, and that inspiration led to me starting my own company in 2009.
Her example also taught me resilience and endurance. Mom’s work was physically demanding — long hours in the gym, managing a business, and constantly encouraging her students to be their best. Her dedication instilled in her a profound sense of purpose that would carry her through life — and will carry me through my life.
After retiring from gymnastics, she went on to be the director of an aquatics center. Then, she retired once again to transition into volunteer work, teaching in a program called SHYNE: a pool workout that stands for stretch, health, yoga, nurture and exercise. It brings tears to my eyes when she smiles, stretches her arms up high, and begins her class with, “Okay, friends, let’s SHYNE!”
According to her, wellness isn’t just about staying active; it’s about continuing to make a difference in people’s lives.
Family First
My mother has four children, three stepchildren and 10 grandchildren. She’s the kind of matriarch who makes every family member feel valued and loved. Her relationship with my dad is an inspirational example of her grace and positivity. After an amicable divorce, they still remain good friends, proving that love and respect can transcend the end of a marriage. When my mother met Deb, her current wife, it was like watching her rediscover a part of herself she didn’t know she was missing. Their marriage in 1998 marked the beginning of a beautiful chapter in her life.
Embracing Change and Staying Active
A big part of my mother’s happiness comes from her ability to embrace change. After spending years in the cold winters up north, she and Deb moved full-time to a 55-plus community in Florida. The warm weather and active lifestyle suit them perfectly. Mom played competitive softball until age 80 and still hits the pool daily to practice new poses for SHYNE.
And her commitment is not just about physical health. She’s a firm believer in nurturing the mind and spirit, too. In 2019, when I asked her to co-lead my wellness retreat for women in the Dominican Republic, she was all in! Then, a few years later, when I asked her to co-lead in Belize, she rallied for that one, as well.
The Power of Positivity
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about my mom is her unwavering positivity. Life hasn’t always been easy for her. She’s endured knee surgeries, pelvic floor dysfunction and most recently, feeling the brunt of ageism. But instead of letting those challenges hold her back, she pushes forward gracefully and optimistically.
“The most difficult choice I’ve recently made was turning in my driver’s license,” she told me.
Her positivity isn’t just a mindset; it’s a practice. She starts each day with a singsong “Good morning!” and typically focuses on what she’s thankful for rather than dwelling on what she can’t control. This outlook has been a guiding light for our family, reminding us all to find joy in the little things and to approach life with an open heart.
A Life Well-Lived
“So what’s the secret to living a happy and healthy life at 84?” She smirked, “My family and my wife, of course!” Yet if you look closer, you’ll see her secret is even more than that. It’s also purpose, connection and a relentless determination to make the most of every moment.
As an entrepreneur and her child, I’m endlessly inspired by her example. She’s taught me that a life well-lived isn’t about avoiding challenges but about facing them head-on and finding the beauty in every stage of life. For that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
What do YOU think is the secret to a long and healthy life? Let us know in the comments below.
