Meet Graziana Zito

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

Graziana, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, comes from a sense of self-awareness, community and purpose. My resilience was not cultivated alone. In fact, having a strong support system, was one of the key factors that built, and continues to build, my resilience every single day. Knowing that I have people I can count on fully, who carry me through the tough times unconditionally, and believe in me wholeheartedly, gives me a greater sense of my own self-trust and perseverance on the hardest of days. We as human beings are capable of many things and we are far more adaptable then we recognize. But moving through this life, one full of ups and quite possibly even more downs, would be impossible to navigate alone – at least that’s what I believe to be true from my experiences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Eighth Sense Wellness, I have the privilege of integrating my experience as an occupational therapist and yoga instructor to provide a blend of therapeutic techniques, creating a unique and comprehensive approach to wellness. My venture is fueled by a deep passion for creating spaces where people feel safe to live a life that is authentic to them. The foundation of my business was sparked by this drive to connect with others in a way that fosters genuine self-expression and emotional well-being.

Our occupational therapy practice offers a holistic therapeutic approach to support neurodiverse children and their families. Our sessions are designed to enhance self-awareness and nervous system regulation while building meaningful connections. The main goal of our sessions is to foster trusting relationships between all members of the team: the child, the parents and the therapist. Personally, I’ve found that these connections are not just beneficial—they’re crucial. Resilience is deeply connected to regulation, and since regulation occurs between individuals, fostering it among many people can create a ripple effect throughout the community. By building a supportive network, we help everyone feel safer, more protected, and improve their overall quality of life. Just as my support system helps me stay resilient and grounded, I strive to offer that same sense of belonging and encouragement to those we serve, fostering a nurturing space where everyone can grow and thrive together.

Our perspective is grounded in evidence-based practices and real-life experience that has significantly impacted individuals’ lives, with a commitment to creating an environment where children and families feel supported and celebrated rather than needing to be “fixed.” We recognize that there is no right or wrong way to be, and we aim to provide a space where everyone can feel confident in doing their best with what they have in each given moment. What excites me most about my work is the chance to help others explore their own connection to self in a safe and curious way. This approach fosters resilience and self-compassion in navigating all that life has to offer.

We’re thrilled about our upcoming initiatives, including the launch of a new program aimed at broadening our reach and offering additional resources to families. We are running group yoga programs that support inclusivity and celebrate neurodiversity! We’re actively seeking collaborations with local schools and organizations to amplify our impact.

Alongside our core offerings, we host women’s circles centered on friendship and empowerment, and facilitate group and individual yoga classes focused on building restoration and harmony in the body, helping individuals experience and integrate these sensations. Whether someone is seeking a greater sense of connection, peace, or a space to feel authentically themselves, we’re confident that one of our offerings can support their needs.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that stand out as most impactful are compassionate communication, curiosity, and non-judgment.

Compassionate communication is so important to me. It goes beyond just the action of speaking. It is the cornerstone to all meaningful relationships, both big or small, and is essential in understanding one another. We communicate in the way we speak, but also in the way we listen. Self-awareness allows us to continuously refine our communication styles and observe how our messages, both spoken and unspoken, are received. It’s important to understand where another person is coming from, even if their perspective differs from your own. Being in connection to so many different individuals, with different needs and different priorities, I am constantly reflecting on how my words and actions might come across. Even more so, how the meanings of my communication might be interpreted differently from one individual to the next. This is a lifelong practice for me.

Curiosity, another quality I prioritize, is like a playful adventure, where taking risks means being willing to explore the unknown even when it feels a bit daunting. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing growth. I find that I’m guided towards the next version of myself when I venture into areas that feel uncomfortable. Those moments of growth are invaluable and often come from doing something that feels a little scary. However, having a strong support system and belief in yourself makes it easier to embrace curiosity. Imagine approaching life with the wonder of a child, seeing the world as your canvas. What choices would you make if you weren’t held back by “what ifs”? Start small and try new things without worrying about what others might think. It’s the playful spirit of curiosity that can lead to the most rewarding discoveries.

Last but not least, non-judgment is a skill that requires continuous and dedicated practice. I find myself needing to practice this every single day, both towards myself and others. It’s all too easy to get caught up in self-criticism, comparison, and doubt. Although we know these tendencies are not helpful to our well-being, they often feel inevitable. This is where the complementary skills of compassionate communication and curiosity come into play. Practicing non-judgment allows us to approach others and new experiences with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or biases. This openness enhances our ability to communicate compassionately, as we listen and engage without judgment, truly understanding and connecting with others. Similarly, non-judgment fuels our curiosity, enabling us to explore new ideas and opportunities without fear of failure or criticism. Together, these skills create a supportive environment where we can embrace growth, form authentic connections, and continually evolve.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

The ideal client is any adaptive, determined, and trusting individual or family who is committed to personal and collective development, seeking to enhance quality of life, build stronger emotional connections, and foster a supportive community.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kevin Crawford – for the headshot

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
How did you find your purpose?

Core to our mission is helping our audience and community reach their full potential and

Confidence
Breaking Barriers: Succeeding Even When Representation is Lacking

What do you do when no one else in the company or the meeting looks

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic