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A Leap of Faith into the Sunshine

“Look at challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and reinvent yourself.” ~ Jeannie Marmol

Leaving behind the high-rise shadows of New York for Florida’s sunlit shores wasn’t just a change in zip code; it was a pivotal chapter in our lives, etched deeply by the pandemic’s indelible mark. The city that never sleeps had succumbed to an eerie slumber, its vibrant streets now pathways of uncertainty and loss.

My daughter, then teetering on the edge of adolescence, spent her middle school years confined within our four walls, her social world shrinking to the dimensions of a screen. Home wasn’t just a living space anymore; it became a classroom, an office, and a reminder of the fears lurking outside. Amid this chaos, personal losses piled up, cruel reminders of our fragility, snatching away my stepfather and godmother as the virus’ toll climbed relentlessly.

The executive title I held at a prestigious financial institution, once a source of immense pride and stability, started to weigh heavily on me. The pandemic had not only altered our daily interactions but seeped into my professional life. Customer service became a gauntlet of sanitary protocols and social distancing, transforming simple transactions into logistical nightmares. But it wasn’t just the procedural changes; it was the stark realization that my role offered no solace or safety to my family, and I watched helplessly as my mom and my daughter slid deeper into depression each day. It wasn’t long before it took hold of me, too.

Florida beckoned, not just as a geographical escape but as a beacon of hope. Its proximity to the Dominican Republic, where my mother was born and eventually decided to build a new life, promised easier familial ties and a semblance of normalcy in a world turned upside down. The decision to leave New York wasn’t merely about fleeing a city overtaken by a virus; it was a deeply personal quest to reclaim the security and happiness threatened by Covid-19, the invisible menace that had invaded every aspect of our lives.

In the end, the choice was clear, yet daunting. I traded my 20-year career, not for certainty, but for the chance at crafting a future where my daughter wouldn’t have to choose between safety and education, where my mother could find solace, and where I could rewrite our narrative. Our arrival in Florida was not the conclusion of our ordeal but the beginning of a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Today, the fear and uncertainty that once clouded our departure is a distant echo. My financial coaching and consulting business thrives on the same principles that guided our leap of faith. My daughter has bloomed in the company of her peers and each day is a reminder that the path to happiness isn’t linear or assured, but a mosaic of risks, faith, and hope.

To those facing life-altering decisions, remember: the strength to leap lies within and the unknown holds the keys to doors we never knew existed. Don’t shy away from taking risks or fear starting over. The resilience we have is often underestimated. Look at challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and reinvent yourself. It’s not the falling down that defines us, but our capacity to rise, time and again. Lean into faith, hold fast to hope, and step into the unknown with the belief that the best is yet to come.

 

ABOUT JEANNIE:

Jeannie Marmol is dedicated to demystifying financial strategies and helping others build wealth. Her mission extends beyond individual success to the corporate sector where she makes impactful changes through her consulting, speaking, and workshops.

Her 20+ years at New York Life and JPMorgan Chase & Co., combined with her insights into the financial industry, allows her to help individuals and businesses reach their financial goals.

Born in the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States at the age of 5, Jeannie’s journey began in Spanish Harlem. Today, Jeannie has earned her Executive MBA from Columbia University. She believes that education and financial freedom are essential for personal and professional success.