Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Gonzalez.
Hi Isabella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I have learned that life can be both extremely challenging yet profoundly rewarding. Having been raised by two fully blind parents and facing the loss of my mother at 6 years old, allowed me to develop empathy, resilience and many other qualities that fuel my passion to spread as much love and inspiration as I can.
At a very young age, I was immersed in an environment where adaptability and support were paramount. My parents, despite struggling with their own disabilities, created a nurturing home through unwavering determination and unconditional love. Their love is what inspires me to help improve the lives of those around me and it taught me that limitations are often surmountable with just enough perseverance. From my earliest years I remember my mother going in and out of treatment for cancer treatment, and I vaguely remember my father going in and out of dialysis for his diabetes. It was fate that brought my parents together and is one of the reasons I believe that my purpose is to help advocate for others, and spread more light in a world that can seem so dark.
When my mother passed, I felt my entire world crashing down. Even though I was only 6 years old, it forced me to face the reality of the world ahead. Luckily, I have had my father with me through this journey, and he has also served as my biggest motivation. Ever since I was little, he never gave up on me, and he managed to raise me all on his own despite every challenge he faced. THIS is what fuels my passion for life. We have both survived many losses together, and although those were some very difficult moments to navigate, we made it through together knowing God’s plan for us is bigger than anything we could ever imagine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been quite a challenging journey. I would have to say other than the loss of my mother, losing my Tia Sandra and Grandmother who were like mother figures to me, was something very difficult to process. These two losses happened within the same year, and I was next to both of them during their final days on earth, this is something that will live with me for the rest of my life.
As the people that we love pass on, it is up to us to continue the legacy that they left behind. We grieve, we cry, and we question why the universe would take the people we love away from us. But it is important to remain faithful in the midst of all the pain, and remember that God gave us a purpose. Some of us may search the rest of our lives for this purpose, but sometimes its rather simple.
To love authentically, to live a life filled with humility and honor. To remind people we love them every chance we get, simply because no moment in life is guaranteed. To inspire the lives you come across. With all the obstacles trials, and tribulations life also blesses us with o many beautiful moments. it is up to us to look deeper, and realize that what makes this life worth appreciating is the perfect balance. The balance of joy, laughter and enlightenment, versus the grief, tears, and pain.
My struggles have allowed for me to connect with so many individuals around the world, and that is a gift I am eternally blessed with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently in my final year of Undergrad, with plans to attend law school after i graduate and then pursue a career within the legal field. As I learned to navigate a system that often overlooks the needs of those who are disabled, it cultivated a deep desire to become an attorney. More specifically to be able to advocate for those individuals who are both marginalized and overlooked by the rest of society. My end goal is to leverage my unique perspective on life to be able to effectively address systemic inequalities and be a voice for those who are not being heard. I also have a strong passion for public speaking, and would like to become a motivational speaker.
I also believe that community is very important, and devoting yourself to the people around you is one of the ways that you are able to give your life a deeper sense of purpose. I am blessed to be apart of various communities throughout the city of Miami, but more specifically Peak360 crossfit located in South Miami. Peak was where i ran to when i had gone through the loss of my aunt and grandmother, and even during the time where i almost lost my father. Being able to have a community of people who care about you, and want nothing but the best for you is something so magical, and I feel so grateful that I was able to find them and call this place my second home.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Humility & Selflessness.
This is something paramount to my success, although my definition of success might differ from many others. Being humble allows for you to be open to learning from all of the individuals who cross paths with you, and it allows you to see things in different a different light, which is sometimes necessary. As humans we tend to forget that we all come from different walks of life, and being open to learn from different perspectives is what is going to teach you how to navigate through different obstacles you might be faced with. Human connection is something magical, and walking alongside others with the intentions of uplifting them is truly a gift.
One of my favorite quotes reads “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela
This quote emphasizes the importance of serving others selflessly, and leading with a humble heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @isaabellitaaa
Image Credits
@veechaps @janelleavanruiten
