By Elizabeth Scarcella
Have you ever wondered how some people appear to have it all? How life seemingly flows effortlessly and success falls at their feet? What their secret sauce contains and where you can find the ingredients? Yea, I did too.
In my quest to figure out how I, too, could live such a fulfilled easy going successful life, I began to study well known business giants like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Larry Ellison. I followed icons in the digital world like Marie Forleo, Gabby Bernstein and Gary Vaynerchuk. I became engrossed in spiritual gurus like Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay and Marianne Williamson. The common thread in all of them, and many others, is an unshakable belief in themselves. They chose to not only believe, but feel deep in their core, that they, like every one of us, is granted a License to Live Large…if only we exercise the willingness to be so bold.
This column is dedicated to you, Coachella Valley. It is my desire to champion you to find fulfillment by determining what’s next in your life. It is my belief that we learn best by gleaning what is applicable in others’ stories; those we relate to through commonalities or similar pasts. I will be highlighting a variety of individuals from our community, whether it be a local business owner, a philanthropist or a stay-at-home mom or retiree who has risen from despair to delight.
In this week’s edition, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Brenda Direen, a Lifestyle Planner. Having met Brenda only a few months ago, I quickly became intrigued in how she remains perpetually enthusiastic about life with a true passion to Live Large.
LTLL: Brenda, do you remember when you decided to Live Large?
Brenda: “Actually, I have held the motto to Living Out Loud since childhood because I’ve always been filled with visions of wanting to live my passions now rather than building a bucket list later in life. I’ve traveled the US from coast to coast, owned one of the first Aveda concept salons, as that was a great solution to eliminating the harsh chemicals and sexist comments found in the traditional salon industry. During that time I started sailing, a childhood passion, I just HAD to explore further. I chose to sell my successful salon, buy a sailboat and live out my childhood dream for the next 1.5 years. Had I not decided to jump ship (pun intended) on the relationship with my life and sailing partner, it would have been an amazing time sailing around the world.”
LTLL: What did your family and friends think of your Live Out Loud lifestyle?
Brenda: “This is what so many seem to not understand, living your dreams does not create unpredictability, it creates an open flow of what is possible. This belief is something I have taught my newly married and thriving-in-life son. I wanted him to understand that exploring your passions, whether they work out or dissipate, is what matters most, not living societies’ version of security. Additionally, it’s equally important to treat all people with kindness and respect, as we all coexist.”
LTLL: How did you wind up in Palm Springs…that’s a far departure from Ohio?
Brenda: “It only took one visit to Coachella Valley for me to know that I belonged here…I had a visceral reaction to the Modernism and gorgeous landscape. I saved a few pennies and moved to the Valley in February, 2017. Although moving and starting over is always scary, especially at 56 years old, however, I knew that I made the life commitment to Live Large and Live Out Loud. I must continue to pursue my dreams and continue my open flow.”
LTLL: Lastly, what one piece of advice do you want to share with the Coachella Valley?
Brenda: “I truly believe that every one of us can live a life of ease and joy if we follow our passions rather than our fears. It’s our own choice to do so.”
Whether you decide to move across country and start a brand new career like Brenda, or you choose to pursue a hobby or sport you’ve always been interested in, or begin a new relationship even after you’ve been hurt…whatever the occasion, it’s our right to Live Large.
We want to hear from YOU, Coachella Valley! Have you exercised your License to Live Large? Please email me at elizabeth@coachellavalleyweekly.com for a chance to be interviewed and featured in an upcoming issue.
Elizabeth Scarcella, Founder of Go Get Young and Co-owner of Rx2Fitness, is a Holistic Counselor and Anti-Aging Coach who enjoys helping her clients create the life of their dreams. For more info, contact her at gogetyoung@gmail.com.
Brenda Direen, Founder of Palm Springs Lifestyle Management, helps her clients plan special events, organize their homes and closets and inspires them to keep their homes looking snazzy. For more info, contact her at brenda@brendadireen.com.
