Anaiya Fitzgerald

Today I will be interviewing one of the sweetest and strongest women I have ever met.

Anaiya (Nai) Fitzgerald: She and her daughters were part of our Jersey Divas Dance family, but The Man Above had different plans for them. Our bond solidified fast and continued to grow as I got to know more about her, her family, and her situation. People are so quick to judge a book by its cover; but, I have and will continue to review a person from cover to cover and reread, if necessary before I make an assumption. Nai was not in a good space but I needed to assure her that someone was on her side. Sometimes people need a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen, not a Judge Judy or Mathis. Prior to asking for this interview (although I’ve always kept up with her on FB), a good amount of time had passed since we were last in contact. Not knowing how Nai would react I took my shot and reached out.

Good Afternoon Lady,

How are you and the kids? I know you’re a very busy woman these days. I see your glorious work all over FB. I’m writing for an online magazine and was wondering if I could interview you for my section. I sent the link and patiently waited.

Nai: In her usual kind manner stated “ Thanks for considering me.”

Me: Why wouldn’t I? You and I clicked from the start and I think it was because our struggles are alike. I’m so happy for you and the kids. No one is more deserving. Ok, this is where things got a little emotional and I wasn’t expecting such a response.

Nai: You gave me what I needed Miss Nicole when I was ready to just give up.

iBronze: Now, I’m not sure about the rest of you, but this pulled all of my heartstrings at once. You really never know what kind of an impact you can have on someone by doing just one small jester. My only goal at the time was to comfort another person in need. I didn’t have anyone to talk to lean on. I was the oldest among those in my circle and it all fell to me. Our conversation continued, with us both in a very emotional state, we learned there were other things we had in common. We both were published Authors and had attended Notre Dame. The familiar warmth from our conversations was still present and it was exhilarating. Our connection was still as strong and her soul appears to be unscathed by her past events. This was truly a blessing. 

So without further ado, I give to Anaiya Fitzgerald. Let the interview begin!

iBronze: Can you give our readers a little background on yourself and a brief understanding of your “Struggle”?

Nai: My name is Anaiya Fitzgerald. It’s a blessing to be able to tell you who I am without first mentioning who I was to others. First, because for so long, that’s all I was: I was the caretaker to everyone and I felt like being needed by others was my purpose! I believe my biggest struggle, outside of poverty, was a lack of understanding of what true purpose looks and feels like! I spent my entire being who, I thought, people wanted me to be. I was seeking their validation. Beyond that, I could only find myself and grow within.  

iBronze: What was the turning point for you?

Nai: The turning point in my journey was removing myself from the world and really going underground. I moved to my mother’s basement. I allowed myself to understand that if I knew it all, I wouldn’t be back home in my thirties with 3 kids trying to stay afloat! During this time I was forced to look at myself and hold myself accountable and find my purpose! 

iBronze: What was the hardest lesson you learned and how do you think you could have avoided it, if possible?

Nai: The hardest lessons I had to learn in life is before I was a mother, a friend, a daughter, girlfriend, or a sister, I was female! I feel that had I realized I was pouring from an empty vessel and inserting myself into others’ lives always trying to “fix someone“ instead of fixing myself ( because that was easier); I would’ve learned to thrive instead of just survive much sooner.” 

iBronze: If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be? 

Nai: To strive for balance in all that I do. I think I’ve always tried to be the best at “my thing,“ but just like the moon is still the moon no matter what phase it is in — it is ok to charge my mind or shift focus, work hard, and have fun. It’s all about balance, hence my brand and business, Virtues and Vices. 

Nai adds, to go from a McDonald’s manager to the CEO of a Virtual Talent Agency helping 300 + broadcasters, and get a monthly income from simply bringing content to a live-streaming app has been an amazing experience! I really see how God prepares us in steps and levels. Had I never managed a high-paced restaurant, I wouldn’t have been prepared to manage, brand, and host a successful business. Most of what I do is about really getting to know people and seeing how we can use the app we work on to the network and generate an audience which ultimately generates an income.

www.vvirtues.com

iBronze: We all must find a balance within our lives. Your mental, emotional, and physical state depends on it. No one can align you with what you need for your own self-balancing. Search within, research online, talk to whoever you consider a spiritual adviser but take some steps toward creating and understanding what you need. We can’t begin to understand others if we don’t understand ourselves. Until next week, farewell readers, and may you all find “YOUR BALANCE.”

Positive Psychology