Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Melissa Mahoney of Phoenix/Scottsdale

Melissa Mahoney shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Melissa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As of late, the first 90 minutes of my day consist of a shower, putting on workout clothes, spending a few minutes outdoors to catch the first rays of the sun, a 5-minute meditation, and coffee (I must have coffee!). After that, I go to the gym for a workout class. My morning routine sets the tone for my day. However, it looks a little different during the school year with getting kids ready and dropping them off at school.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I tell people that I am an East Coast girl living in a West Coast world. While I grew up in New England, I have lived out west for more than 20 years and love it, but the East Coast attitude remains! My career began in the entertainment industry, working as an accountant on several notable Emmy Award-winning shows. After having my second child, I decided to focus on my second passion — travel writing, and I haven’t looked back since switching careers. Writing is both a passion and a labor of love. While I work on my own travel website, I am a writer and editor for a popular U.S.-based travel website. I love what I do, and I realize how lucky I am to be able to make a living out of what I am most passionate about — travel.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was always a late bloomer so my earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I packed my bags and headed out west in my early 20s. And this happened without a plan. Just me and a few friends decided to escape our lives in New England and head for Hollywood. It was the best decision I had ever made in my life and showed me how strong I really am. Not only was it an escape from a life I outgrew, but it was also an escape from the negativity of one of my parents, who tried to instill fear in me throughout my life.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be to listen to my intuition more, follow my dreams, and disregard what others think I should do with my life. I spent a long time in my life trying to live up to others expectations of me when it wasn’t authentic to who I am as a person. I would probably be in an even better place in my life if I had listened to myself more.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I always believed I could control the outcome of everything, and would feel angry and/or disappointed if it didn’t. Once I realized I can’t always control the outcome and I certainly can’t control others, I decided to let it go. There’s so much freedom in that! I definitely subscribe to the Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory these days.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
I will regret not living life to the fullest, not chasing my dreams, and not traveling as much as I possibly can. I am a firm believer in finding joy every day, being the best version of myself I can be, spreading happiness to others, and living life to the fullest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.worldlyroamer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldlyroamer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mahoney-066535253/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldlyroameradmin

Image Credits
Melissa Mahoney