Have you lost yourself?

I have a different kind of #transformationtuesday to offer today.

Yesterday I had to drive to the beatific appellate courthouse in Brooklyn to pick up my attorney certificate of good standing. 45 Monroe holds a lot of memories for me.  

It's where I was first sworn in as an attorney in April 2008. Standing there with my parents so proud of my accomplishments, having overcome the year-and-a-half-long misery of failing the bar exam twice and finally passing on the third try, it felt like the culmination of my 27-year-old life up until that point. That's the girl on the left. I was full of dreams, hope, and the innocent belief that I was going to honestly help people - specifically abused and neglected children - out of bad situations. I believed in justice, in our legal system, in fairness and equality. 

Over the course of the next 7 years, I got beat down by the government machine and stripped of the fantasy I was living in. I started hearing callous words and sardonic, caustic phrases pass my lips as though they were someone else's. I began to take pleasure in the "game" of litigation and cross examination, of taking people down who needed more help than what our adversarial system provides. I became obsessed with work and advancing in my career, to further my own ego and societal approval. 

I lost myself. 

It eventually took its toll on my health and emotional well being. I was gaining weight and imploding.

When an angel came and offered me a solution, my trained rational and methodical brain completely rejected it at first.  While I did start taking steps to work on my health and fitness, I did it for my own ego: I couldn't stand not fitting into my prized stylish suits. I refused to shop in a place that sold the size I knew I was. I started working out at home and eating clean, following the plan my coach gave me.  I started leaning on the support of a group of women who started out as strangers that had my back in a way I had never before experienced. I started seeing success. I started feeling better. 

I started inspiring people. I reconnected with the hope and dreams I once had. I realized I still had the power to be an agent of change, directly helping people who wanted to take control of their lives in the way I had. 

My heart opened up and I discovered that where I was at no longer served me. So I left it all behind to focus on my newfound passion of helping people become the best version of themselves. And worlds of possibility opened up for me. 

I share my story because someone else's story changed me...and maybe it can change you too.

If you're wondering whether there's more to life than the one you're living, I can help you find what you're looking for.  Message me at fb.com/jaimepiazza or email me at jaimepiazza@gmail.com and let's chat more. ❤️❤️❤️