Life is a long and winding road..
August 31st, 2009
Life is like a long and winding road and sometimes we just have to trust that if we follow, it will all work out. Dr. Marlene Caroselli has learned this lesson to be true and today she is here to share her story. Welcome Dr. Caroselli!
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today: the path was chosen for me. It was not one I planned to walk. It’s as if an invisible hand had drawn the map and was urging me to follow it. After earning my doctorate, I left high school teaching for a year-long sabbatical in California. My sister was filming in Europe at the time so her Santa Monica apartment was empty. She invited me to live there and, because my needs were minimal, I did temp work just to earn enough for living expenses. My third assignment was a two-week secretarial stint in a property management firm. Within months, the general manager offered me a position as building manager of two L.A. High-rise buildings. I resigned my teaching job in Rochester, NY, and began life as a los Angelino. One of our tenants was national university. They asked me to teach classes to the working adults who were earning degrees. In time, I was getting so many requests to do corporate training that I decided it was best to start my own training services firm. And, I soon realized it was more professional to hand out books as part of the courses rather than hand out hand-outs. Hence, the 60 business books that I regard as “teaching on paper.”
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would? Advice from my successful-entrepreneur brother: he called one day when I had just found out a proposal I’d written was not accepted. He told me not to feel bad, that the incident was bringing me one step closer to my ultimate goal. In other words, not every venture will be successful. No one can realistically expect that. The rejections were just assurances I was moving closer to my ultimate goal.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation? Make modest expenditures in the beginning.
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels? I flit like a butterfly (apologies, Mr. Ali) from the tedious to tantalizing. To illustrate, I will work on a difficult project until I tire, then I’ll do art work. When my hands are too paint-splattered to continue, I might read for a while, or make a soufflé, and then return to the project.
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why? Undoubtedly my brother and sisters (I know, that’s three, not two) but they have such diverse mental profundities to offer that I’d never be bored.
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational? I am inspired by the unknown soldiers who bear unbelievable conditions and are willing to die for our country. No matter what difficulties we face, they are nothing compared to what these brave young people do on a daily basis. My very first contract, 25 years ago, was with the department of defense. I’ve learned a lot about dedication and patriotism over the years. And, while I am opposed to war, I support our nation’s sons and daughters in every way I can. Now, I’m on the board of “thanks, plain and simple,” a non-profit formed by Anne Montague in West Virginia. They work to help our returning Iraqi vets acclimate to civilian living. They also undertake projects like identifying and honoring the few remaining Rosie the riveters from World War II.
What do you see in your future? Peace, micro- and macrocosmically.
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location? I’m in the pool every morning at 5:30. Fortunately, most people aren’t inclined to early-morning starts and so I often have the pool to myself. The sounds of water–they’re subtle and cannot be heard when many people are lapping it up–put me right in to an alpha state, where some of my best thoughts can be found.
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support? Family, undoubtedly. (The stories about Italians and familial closeness are true.) They support in ways big and small. One of my sisters is truly techno-savvy so she helps that way. Another sister was a movie producer and lends creative thinking when I need to bounce ideas. My brother offers business advice.
What / who are you most thankful for and why? My parents. My father left the old world at age 16, and came to this country, knowing no one, not speaking the language, not having the benefit of an education. (He had only gone to the fourth grade.) He worked incredibly hard all of his life, to support a family of five children. We all went to college and on to wonderful careers. My mother was a stay-at-home seamstress, who had dropped out of school, reluctantly, in the eighth grade in order to support her family. Nonetheless, she managed to sell an invention to a major American manufacturer when she was in her 70′s!
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back? I work with 20-30 local charities, contributing art work and gift baskets for their fundraisers.
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
Take intelligent risks.
Learn from the masters.
Surround yourself with people who can and will help.
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey? Most of my books are self-help books. So, for example, someone who needs to persuade others–and who in this world does not–would benefit from my new e-book, “principled persuasion.” when it was originally published as a book, it was selected as a director’s choice by Doubleday book club.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story with our readers. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes, visit Dr. Caroselli’s website at: www.caroselli.biz and connect with her today!
Be healthy, be focused and be the best you that you can possibly be!
In gratitude,
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald
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Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald has been a network marketer and connector since 1990. She is a published author, her passion is writing and she spends much of her free time meditating and connecting with like minded individuals. Caryn walked away from Corporate America in 2003, she continues to achieve the goals she sets for herself and has created the life of her dreams. Today, Caryn assists others in creating the lifestyles they desire through network marketing, privately owned businesses and spiritual lifestyle coaching. Ready to move forward in your life?
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EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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