Maria Cortes-Graham shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Maria, 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: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am finally wandering, and it feels incredibly freeing. I found this path very naturally, just by going with the flow of my life without resistance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are a team of professionals from diverse fields, including science, communication, and the healing arts. This unique blend is our secret strength, allowing us to offer something far beyond traditional therapy or coaching.
In our sessions, you’ll experience a holistic and multifaceted approach, one that is as deep as it is transformative.
At the heart of our work is self-knowledge. We believe that truly understanding yourself is the key to gaining control over your life. Yet, self-discovery is no simple task, the human mind is intricate, layered, and often takes years to fully explore. Our role is to help guide you through that journey with clarity, compassion, and powerful tools drawn from our diverse expertise.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I can deeply relate to this question. No one is a true expert in parenthood, and mistakes will inevitably be made along the way, often unintentionally. I believe we can all connect with that reality.
In my case, my parents’ own fears and limitations shaped the way they guided me. They often believed that not everything was possible. I still remember conversations where I shared my dreams and outlined the future I envisioned for myself, only to hear my mother say, “That doesn’t exist.” But deep down, I knew it did. I understood it was just a matter of creating the right ecosystem for it to happen.
When my vision finally came to life, they said I was lucky. I wasn’t angry, but I knew the truth: we can achieve almost anything we want if we are willing to put in the work and create the right environment, whether it’s for a career, a partner, or any other goal. What some people call miracles are the result of preparation, persistence, and faith converging at the right time.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering, or rather, pain, is the greatest master. When we are happy, comfortable, or feeling successful, we often convince ourselves that we’ve figured life out. We tell ourselves, “I’ve got it.” Sometimes, without realizing it, we carry that belief with a hint of arrogance. But that sense of certainty becomes a comfort zone, and in that place, we stop growing.
It is only when life shakes us, when the world we know begins to shift or even collapse, that something awakens inside us. Pain forces us to pause, to look inward, and to question what we once believed to be unshakable truths. In those raw, difficult moments, we begin asking ourselves fundamental questions, the kind that strip away illusions and demand brutal honesty.
If we choose to listen instead of resist, pain becomes the doorway to transformation. It humbles us, reshapes us, and clears the path for new beginnings. In the collapse of what we thought we knew, we find the opportunity to discover who we really are, and who we are capable of becoming.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
For me, this question holds the true key to success in life. Too often, people, especially the highly driven and ambitious, focus almost exclusively on career and professional growth, while neglecting their habits, health, personal life, and relationships. In their devotion to climbing and achieving, there is little space left for balance.
But real success cannot be measured by career alone. We are four-dimensional beings: body, mind, emotions, and soul (if one chooses to believe in it). None of these dimensions is more important than the others, yet they are deeply interconnected. There is even a natural sequence: a healthy mind cultivates healthy emotions, which in turn support a healthy body.
So what does it mean to have a healthy mind? It begins with self-awareness and self-regulation. It means noticing our mental patterns, especially the negative, obsessive, and limiting ones. It means recognizing which emotions they trigger, and learning to regulate and express those emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
From there, the body follows. Nourishing it with proper sleep, mindful eating, and consistent movement builds the foundation for strength and energy. And when mind, emotions, and body align, we create the space for the soul, or a deeper sense of purpose ( beyond the career), to flourish.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Recently, my mother passed away, and I found myself going through the belongings she had gathered over her long life. For the first time, I met her not only as “my mom,” but as the girl, the teenager, and the young woman she once was. Through her things, I glimpsed her dreams, her fears, and even her wounds. She lived to 84, six years after my father passed, and left behind a family who now carries her memory.
As my brother and I reflected on her legacy, it sparked a deeper reflection within me. I see myself as an authentic and happy person, someone who loves to bring joy, comfort, and the wisdom that comes with time and experience.
When my time comes, I don’t want my children to be consumed by sadness. Instead, I want them to know that I will continue to live within their minds and hearts, in our laughter, in the moments we shared, and in the advice I passed on with so much love and care. That, I believe, is the truest legacy: not what we leave behind or materially build, but what continues to live on inside those we love.
Contact Info:
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