Meet Isabella Gonzalez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isabella Gonzalez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Isabella, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

One of my favorite quotes by the Dalai Lama reads “True happiness is not something that is merely sought out in fleeting experiences, but it is a state of mind that is cultivated.” Throughout my own life I have found that true happiness does not come from material items or other temporary pleasures. For me, true happiness and optimism come from embracing my purpose with the rest of the world, while also connecting and spreading love with other humans. The Tibetan Buddhist Leader, Dalai Lama believes that happiness is a state of mind that is very heavily rooted in love, compassion, gratitude, and inner peace.

Gratitude is one of the most essential things I practice in my everyday life. Every single day that i wake up I thank God for allowing me to see another day. I do this because I know what a privilege it is to be alive, especially after having seen so many people I love leave this earth. It is a privilege to love, it is a privilege to laugh, it is a privilege to cry, it is a privilege to feel joy, and it is a privilege to feel pain. The odds of being born are 1 to 400 trillion, so I would say we are more than lucky to be here and to simply exist.

As a young girl, I remember navigating many losses and trying to maneuver the hardships of life. Many moments I spent questioning the world around me, and even questioned the purpose for my life if I had continued to witness so much pain, suffering and loss. As I grew older I found that although many moments that I have experienced were both painful and debilitating, it allowed me to come to the realization that maybe my purpose in this life is to help others see that something beautiful can be the result of a difficult journey. I wanted to be an example of the virtues of love and kindness. Often times we have no control of our external circumstances, but we do have control over our response. Many people call it “blind optimism” and some have even gone as far as to say that the only reason I am so optimistic is because I haven’t experienced anything hard in life. Usually I just laugh it off, and tell them “if only you knew.”

Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective. You have to truly believe that whatever challenges you are facing in the moment, will help you become a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of yourself. Within building this resilience for life, you are also able to help elevate the human experience by offering hope, and love to other people who might also be experiencing difficult moments in their own life as well. We are all learning how to navigate this crazy journey called life, so it is important that we all help one another. Life is quite honestly one of the greatest teachers there is, but you MUST be willing to learn and also recognize that your pain and suffering is the very thing that the universe is using to test you. As you continue to navigate this life, you must be okay with whatever happens weather that may be good or bad, and you have to have some degree of faith in knowing that whatever does end up happening is the best thing that can possibly be.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My story began 35 years ago at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. This is where both of my parents met and fell in love. Being raised by two blind parents is one of my greatest honors, and I am beyond proud to have been raised by such extraordinary people. Originally, my parents were never planning on having children because they were both battling many other health issues. My mom was battling cancer and my father was on dialysis, on the waiting list for a kidney and pancreas transplant. Many years went by of my parents battling several health issues, but despite going through some very difficult moments together they were able to remain hopeful because of their deep rooted love for one another. They never once complained about their circumstances, and made the best out of every obstacle they were faced with.

Fast forward to 2002 and I was born! Although I was not technically planned, I know that I was always part of Gods plan for them and for the rest of the world. From a young age I knew that God brought me into this world to deliver hope, light, and to remind others of his goodness and grace. Many people find it difficult to even comprehend the thought of two 100% blind individuals raising a baby girl all on their own, but it happened and I am living proof of that.

Two months before my mother passed away, my dad finally received a kidney transplant that ultimately saved his life and allowed for him to raise me all on his own, and to become my very best friend in this walk of life. I am thankful to still have him by my side, everyday I make it mission to honor my parents legacy and to make them proud. They gave me the wonderful gift of life, and I plan on using that gift to change the world. Our story has inspired hundreds of people we have come across, but I know that some day it will impact millions. God has chosen us as vessels of his love and grace, and he has entrusted us with the sacred purpose of sharing his light with the world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

These three things are inspired by the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, and have been most impactful in my own journey and experiences.

1. Impermanence
2. Compassion
3. Detachment

Impermanence teaches us that everything in our life is constantly changing, all things that live also die, and all things that come must go. This concept has profoundly impacted me because it helped me understand, and come to terms with the reality of the people I have lost throughout my life. It allowed me to be in the richness of my hello and goodbyes, and in my i love you’s. No moment is guaranteed, so we must learn to embrace the present moment and not dwell on the fact that it might all be gone some day.

Being able to connect with other human beings is one of the most magical experiences in this world. We were put on this earth to love one another. Compassion allows for us to form deeper connections with other humans, and it helps us embrace love and kindness amongst one another, and to help our neighbors with a selfless spirit. One of the most fulfilling things in my own personal life has been knowing I have been able to give people a sense of hope and inspiration. It has made all of the painful experiences in my life worth it, knowing that it was all for the betterment of the human experience.

Detachment is probably the most difficult practice. Practicing detachment helps us to not become overly attached to our personal relationships with people, or to material possessions, while still appreciating it and loving fully. Buddhists believe that mastering detachment allows for us as individuals to experience life without expectations and not allowing things to take control of your happiness/ peace of mind. It helps us to be at peace with whatever we are experiencing in the present moment. This has become a crucial part of my life because it has allowed me to not have the constant anxiety of losing more people in my life, which has always been a huge fear of mine after losing so many important figures.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was never giving up, even in the face of their own health struggles. Despite the battles they fought within themselves, they always showed up for me—each day, without fail. Their strength, determination, and unwavering love never wavered, and through it all, they made sure I felt like the most loved daughter on earth. Their ability to persevere and put my needs above their own hardships taught me the true meaning of resilience and unconditional love. That love, with all its depth and sacrifice, continues to inspire me every single day, reminding me to keep going no matter the obstacles, and to always show up for those I care about with the same devotion.

My parents always believed in me. They instilled in me the unwavering conviction that I was destined to change the world and impact the lives of everyone i crossed paths with. Even during their toughest moments, they would remind me of my potential. Even if they could not physically see me, they still saw something in me that I sometimes struggled to see in myself, and they never let me forget that I had the power to make a difference. Their faith in me has been a guiding light, fueling my determination and reminding me that I carry their hopes and dreams, not just for my own success, but for the positive change I can bring to the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @isaabellitaaa

Image Credits

@veechaps