We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Petronelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This was a tough lesson that I had learn and overcome over the years. I used to be a perfectionist and “hard worker” for the majority of my life. Balance was a mental concept and not something I regularly practiced. Growing up I learned that success would only come from consistent and constant effort and hustle. From my teenage years through to my early thirties I burnt the midnight oil, pushing my body to perform and keep up with the demands of my career in the entertainment industry and running my transformational coaching business. It wasn’t until my body burnt out that I learned how to slow down because I was forced to. I literally couldn’t keep up the pace I was operating at anymore. And I finally learned that the way I was working and showing up to my life wasn’t sustainable for me. Yes, I accomplished a lot and made many dreams of mine come true, however, I realized when I could barely get out of bed some days that it wasn’t worth compromising my whole well-being any longer. Over time I learned that my self-care and downtime couldn’t just be a practice that acted as a bandaid or temporary form of relief from the over scheduled and busy life I was leading. I have recognized that balance comes from learning that BEING and DOING are symbiotic. One isn’t more important than the other. There is a time to work and a time to rest. A time to do nothing and a time to put effort in. I learned and fully leaned into what my body needed and discovered what works best for me. Since then I have discovered the meaning of balance in my life and my health and well-being has been restored.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My background blends my 10 years of experience in front of the camera as a professional singer, actress and model and my 11 years of running my coaching, healing and transformational business helping thousands of people align to their purpose and lead more fulfilling and joyful lives. In more recent years I have specifically been supporting, advising and working with individuals in Hollywood and entertainment industry professionals. I know what it’s like to be in this industry first hand. The highs and lows, the impact that being in the public eye has on you, while maintaining a relationship to your creative gifts and crafts. Getting here has been a tremendous journey of immense inner and outer work. I have always followed to and listened to my strong inner voice of intuition to move me forward. Listening and acting on it has been the biggest source of support as well as my greatest lessons as a human being. Why I love working with people in Hollywood and the entertainment industry is because I know and understand the responsibility these people have to influencing the masses. They are role models to people far and wide. When people in this industry are aligned with their true self, are in their purpose and have a deeper sense of fulfillment, harmony and connection within, they become an even greater source of inspiration, impact and influence to others in a positive way. Hollywood has the ability to awaken and inspire the masses quickly and spread messages of hope, love and FAST. Now more than ever a new Hollywood is emerging where more voices, stories and messages are being shared. I believe that this is one of the most powerful and valuable tools that humanity has to help the world shift consciousness rapidly.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Living and residing in North County, San Diego is peaceful and laid back. This is the epitome of a beach town experience and coastal living! The perfect day would be taking my family and friends to Carlsbad Village early in the morning to enjoy a coffee and gourmet donut at my favorite spot called, The Goods. We’d then go for a nice long walk along the beach enjoying the sunshine and refreshing ocean water of the Pacific. Following this we’d head down to Encinitas to the Self-Realization meditation gardens to take in the tranquility and peacefulness of the gardens and views overlooking Swami’s beach. It’s one of my recommended places to visit when you’re here! In the evening we’d venture down into the city of San Diego at sunset and take an evening stroll through beautiful Balboa park and then either head over to Little Italy to enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Solunto or a phenomenal meal at Born and Raised. There is so much to see and do in the city just from walking around. I am getting excited just thinking about it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people and resources that have helped me to get to where I am today. This hasn’t been an overnight process. Over the years I have hired many powerful mentors, teachers and coaches who have helped me to evolve and step into the person I am today. There have been countless books that I have read that supported my path and journey. However, I will start from the beginning because as I teach my clients and have learned myself, our foundation is EVERYTHING. So as cliche as it may sound, my parents were the initial foundation for me that helped to set me up for success in life. Louise Hay was the first “spiritual teacher” and book resource that came into my life at 20 years old. The information I read in her book was the gateway to opening me up to my own self and spiritual awakening. After reading her book, my entire life began to shift dramatically and that is how I started on the path of transformation.

Website: www.vanessapetronelli.com
Instagram: @vanessapetronelli
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessapetronelli/
Facebook: @v.petronelli
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhaHpMWjWpM2NL511tXqdg

Image Credits
Gabby Perez, Michael Bezjian