Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to LJ . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
LJ , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I find purpose in my pain. I have over gone 16 surgeries in my life and have overcome a lot. I had spine injury in 2013 that changed my life, have survived rare illnesses and grateful to be alive today. I even donated one of my kidneys in 2018. A lot has happened to me but I had to change my mindset and continue to work at it every day. I was unable to walk and in a wheelchair for nearly 2 years but I worked hard so when I say every step counts– every step counts!! I am unable to have children but gave the miracle of life by donating a kidney. Life does not always go according to plan but I believe there is a bigger plan. I find purpose in my pain and allow it to motivate me to be better, do, better and inspire others that even what we think is impossible in fact is possible. This past year I participated and won my very first pageant which years ago seemed impossible but I slayed the stage. I went from wheels to heels! I believe we can change our story at any given time. There may be parts written out for us already but with ambition and purpose we can overcome challenges and go from surviving to thriving.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am certified and tested by Best American Psychics and they awarded me Psychic of the Year for 2022. I am an approved member of the Certified Psychic Society. I was nominated for Best Medium by OM Times in 2022. LJ has been nominated Best Psychic of Long Island for 2020 through 2024. I am listed in The Best Psychic Directory. I hosted my very own TV show, The LJ Show. Also, I am an ordained Interfaith Minister, Life Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Motivational Speaker, Kidney Donor, Reiki Practitioner and author of ‘The Spirit of Hope’ and her most recent book ‘Think Like a Medium, Act Like a Warrior’ now on Amazon. My documentary –The LJ Documentary – The Story of a Warrior Spirit is now on Youtube. I was recently crowned American Miss National Mrs. for 2024 at the American Miss pageant in Portland, Maine. My platform is to raise awareness for organ donation. My favorite title is ‘Warrior’. I took on NY as a model for a few designers at New York Fashion Week. My next adventure is representing Mrs. Italy in the Universal Petite pageant in June 2024!
Since my spine injury in 2013 I have learned to live everyday to the fullest. If there is something that calls me I go for it!
It changed my perspective in life in every way. It taught me life is too short and I encourage people to do the things they dream of rather than ‘I wish I did this or that”. I learned strength I never knew I had. It taught me who was there for me through such a traumatic time in life and who wasn’t. It’s taught me to persevere and push myself out of my limits. Prior to my spinal injury I would not have been a daring, adventurous person, with all these titles! I live with ‘why not?” Why can’t I do it all? Perhaps when you go through something so scary and traumatic those things seem easy. My entire life changed in an instant. We never know what tomorrow brings. It’s taught me to go after my dreams and live life to the fullest. I hope others are inspired by my story and live their life to the fullest NOW. I am here for anyone that needs some guidance on their journey and happy to help them navigate to live out their goals and dreams no matter how big or small.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The advice I’d like to give those early in their journey is to learn as much as you can. Read books, find a mentor /coach or someone who inspires you to help you along! Support is very important! Start your day with positivity whether it’s a quote, podcast, song. Surround yourself with people and things that raise your vibration! Early on in my journey I began with a vision board and I had “Tying my own shoes” on there. After my spine injury I could not wear a show on my right foot and tying my shoes felt impossible. I recently took the stay with a tiny heel but look at that! Everything begins with a thought and plan to take action. Focus on what you want in all areas of your life– health, relationships, career, anything you desire. Start with one small basic step. It all adds up! Once you take the first step you’ll feel so excited an motivated for the next one. You can do anything, you just have to start! Focus, be consistent and be patient. You keep that up and you will only see results! Document your journey to see how far you’ve come! Little did I know my documentation turned into my very first book!
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 was support me and tell me I could do anything. Their support means the world to me. I changed major after major trying to figure out where I fit in. My parents never got made they always encouraged me to find what makes me happy and give it my all. My dad would say I could have anything I wanted if I worked hard for it. My parents migrated from Italy with nothing and I watched my father become a successful businessman. Today, I like to thank my entrepreneur skills, positive attitude and work ethics to my parents. They have supported all my ideas and continue to encourage me that I can do everything in more. Dreams come true but we have to put in the work. I also love how they told me to do everything with a smile no matter how hard it is and what we give out we get back! I was a stubborn teenager but now I am adult and can say “mom and dad you were right!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ljthemedium.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lj_the_medium/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediumlj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7BAmZQzJo8vKaCs4_btiJw
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Medium-Act-Warrior-ebook/dp/B0B9W8N72T/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1XGOHJU5FVMQ7&keywords=THINK+LIKE+A+MEDIUM+ACT+LIKE+A+WARRIOR&qid=1661112528&sprefix=think+like+a+medium+act+like+a+warrior%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-2 https://linktr.ee/ljthemedium
Image Credits
Ross Farber Couture Modeling Agency Dennis Madigan Rex Lott Photography