Looking Back

8 Months Pregnant with Matisyahu, all dressed up for

Purim on the Red Carpet (our Jewish Halloween.)

dediced to work it like all the stars do when they are

pregnant. This dress is from my modeling days,

the shoes are Steve Madden bough specifically

for this event, hair and nails did!

 This week will be dedicated to looking back and reminiscing about how I became who I am today and how blessed I feel to be here at this point in my life.  I can honestly say that I am content and have everything that I want, and I just want to keep growing and learning

I was born in Moscow, Russia, named after my great grandmother Yehudit.  In the Soviet Union Judaism was a nationality, not a religion, and Hebrew names were not allowed, so my parents chose Yulia.  My father was born in Grozny, Chechnya in the Caucasus Mountains, so I am 1/4 Mountain Jewish, but look more like my fathers' ancestors than my 3/4 Moscow/Ukraine family.

We lived in Moscow for 7 years, and my parents decided to make a better life for their kids, let us have our Jewish identity with no discrimination.  In 1980 we went from Moscow - Vienna, Austria - Rome, Italy - NY, NY - and ended up in Denver, Colorado where we had family.  My parents decided to send us to an orthodox Jewish school so we would learn about our culture and tradition, and they would learn from us.  After 7 years we found another relative in Miami, Florida, put all our stuff in a van, took a road trip, decided to stay because of the weather.

 Miami is a whole other chapter in my life which I
will continue tomorrow, but the picture you see
is a glimpse into my wild side.  I love to work it,
 be a diva, look hot, flaunt it, and be an
 exhibitionist :)

Thank god I met my husband, and was brought full circle into a wonderful Jewish community where my children can know their roots, and I can grow in my spirituality and knowledge of my ancestors.  I feel that my parents' taking me out of Russia has blossomed into the life I have today.  I am so grateful for their courageous decision to come to a new country with nothing for the sake of their children.

Tip of the day:  Our past makes us who we are today.  We came to this point from all the choices, directions, and decisions we made in our life.  Celebrate it, no regrets, no looking back, just move forward and learn and grow into who you really want to be - your past does not hold you back, it's your choice to move forward.

Reminisce, Be Present, Grow,

Coach Yulia