HARMONY HARMONY IN DUET IN DUET

A MOTHER–SON SYMPHONY AT CAFÉ I AM A MOTHER–SON SYMPHONY AT CAFÉ I AM

As I sit with Vanda Teixeira-Saitowitz and her son Rafael ("Rafa") at Café I Am, savoring the aroma of fresh cappuccino, their unique bond, much like the blend of the coffee, is palpable There's a warm rhythm in their conversation, a symphony that only a special mother–son duo can orchestrate "I feel extremely honored to be Rafael’s mother," Vanda a ' s future in music looks promising He is paring for his high school sophomore-year recital anticipates a packed schedule over the next few s, filled with both classical music and jazz. hey drain their coffee cups, Vanda and Rafa e into the most cherished aspects of their her–son relationship. For them, communication is cornerstone, serving as a basis for mutual erstanding. They make it a point to try to view gs from the other's perspective, a practice that ngthens their bond el so many special connections with Rafa Too n it feels I have been in this relationship before, I have been his mother before," Vanda says, her ds laden with emotion In her journey of honoring elf, she strives to be the best mother she can be, ng Rafa in realizing his full potential For Rafa, bond is deeply treasured, a soul link that ates their relationship to a divine level da and Rafa's special bond goes beyond being ely mother and son They are partners on a ed journey, their paths intertwined through the s of life's symphony each learning, growing and wing together. <

Asweentereachseasonofourlives,wefindpromiseandpossibilities Wetrulyarewhatwethinkweare andthatiscrucialtothejourney.

IoncehadtheopportunitytointerviewErnestineShepherd TheWorld’sOldestFemale BodybuilderSheiseighty-seveninhumanyears buthermindsetappearstobeinherforties! WhenErnestinestartedherfitnessregimeattheageoffifty-six,anyofuswouldhavesaid, “Nowayissheevergoingtobeabodybuilder” buthermindsetsaidotherwise!Yourscantoo!

Maybeyoudon'twanttobeabodybuilder,butknowthis:Yourmindset determineswhateveritisyouchoosetobeIlovewhatGeorgeEliotoncesaid: “Itisnevertoolatetobewhatyoumighthavebeen.”

InmyfirstpublishedbookMyJourneytoLadyWisdomAfterMidnight(nowavailableon AmazoninKindleandpaperback),Itakeyouonthejourneyofdiscoveringyourown“Iam” It’snevertoolatetodiscoverwhothatpersonis!

Asweembraceourpersonaljourney,therearefourquestionsthatneedtobeconsidered:

OK, I know, this may sound like a silly question. That’s what I thought when I asked myself the first time But can you genuinely answer? I don’t know about you, but my answers always started with something like, “I am so-and-so’s wife," or "I am so-and-so’s mom. " It wasn’t until my roles and titles shifted that I realized: I actually could not answer the question Sound familiar?

Please don't misunderstand me; the roles of wife and mother are wonderful and honorable roles, which we cherish. However, as our life's seasons come and go, those roles will shift. So, let’s go back Before you were a spouse, a parent, an employee and so on, who were you? What did you like to do? Think about it What makes you laugh? What gives you joy? What is fun? What is exciting? What do you absolutely love to do something you would do it even if you didn’t get paid? These are important questions to ask yourself >

Each of us has a purpose. Our purpose is birthed out of the things that we do that bring joy to others and the things that we do that bring joy to our very soul. What brings you real joy? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to do that on a regular basis?

Is there someplace you always wanted to go? What will it take to get there? I was reminded of this when I planned a trip to Africa last year. Initially, I couldn’t imagine going through the process of getting there. However, I began by taking one step at a time. I completed one requirement at a time. The trip eventually manifested, and it was wonderful! I answered the myself going? My answer was: Africa. And I went.

I host My Journey with Paula G, a weekly TV show that is seen on a variety of platforms. I always tell my audience that time is precious; it is the one thing that we cannot get back. We are always waiting until the time is right, until the money is right, until the stars are in proper alignment. While we do need to exercise wisdom in all that we do, sometimes we simply need to answer the call to “go” and embrace the unknown journey ahead.

The greatest conversation you will ever have is the one that takes place in between your ears. What is God speaking to you? Your obedience to His Word will determine the course of your life. Some of us are in the empty-nester season. This can be your season of opportunity to pursue some passions and dreams that you otherwise would not have pursued due to your previous seasons in life. I myself am on a mission to encourage and influence my fellow Baby Boomers to pick up where they left off and finally live out the life of their dreams. >

I have had the opportunity to pursue a career in radio, television, voiceovers and commercials and now I do lifestyle modeling too and I love it all! Lord knows, it is a journey filled with unknowns There are ups and downs There have been trials and triumphs, but it has all been worth it! What is your journey? What is your “I am"?

Regardless of where you are in your spiritual walk, or where you stand with your faith and belief in a Power higher than yourself, I can only tell you what my own journey has been People ask me how all this got started It was an answer to a prayer I can’t give you some big grand glorious story other than to tell you that prayer works!

We all have a journey, and we all travel on our unique path with different experiences and various levels of assistance along the way Whatever your journey may be, what is for you is for you! Focus on you; don’t compare yourself to what someone else has, or to what someone else is doing or has done Seek God Ask for direction Ask for open doors of opportunity Ask for the discernment to recognize the open door(s), for the courage to walk through and for the wisdom to embrace the journey And keep thanking Him for the journey! <

BY KAREN GAMBA, CEO OF THE EXV AGENCY