I look in the mirror, and smile. Today is an accomplishment, being interviewed by James Lipton.

No, I’m not an actor, however, he chose to interview me because of the uniqueness of my story. The beautiful black and purple dress I am wearing, shows of my figure that I have worked hard to obtain through workouts and fasting.

My hair and makeup were done by professionals and I look like a movie star. The happiness in my soul, radiates from my eyes. My life is full of joy, happiness and peace.

As I walk out onto the stage, I hear a thunderous applause. I walk across the stage, and shake hands with James Lipton. I take my seat and the audience settles down. I look out to see my daughter Seraya and her husband Onai, sitting next to my sons Colton and Will. My loving husband is sitting with them, all smiling and sending me love and kisses to encourage me.

James introduces me, and the audience applauds again. My heart pounds with excitement and gratitude. I want to share my story, hoping I can encourage many people to live their life’s purpose!

James: “So Juli, you were born in 1971, to a minister and substitute teacher. You by no means came from an anything but a simple, humble upbringing. How did you go from that simple life in a small town, to the entrepreneur and success story sitting before us?”

Me: “Well James, that was a journey. It was not a straight road, but had many twists and turns. There were mountains to climb, and valleys to claw my way out of.”

James: “Let’s start with the passing of your husband.”

Me: “Yes, I waited to marry until I found my prince, my knight in shining armor. I married Willy in 2000. We made a beautiful life together and had 3 amazing children. In 2012, after 12 years of marriage, he passed away after a short fight with an aggressive, unusual cancer.

At that point, I was 42, and my children were 11, 8, and 6. I could have been a victim of my circumstance, but I chose everyday to get up and fight. Fight to give my children a great life.”

James: “I bet that wasn’t easy. What kept you going?”

Me: “No. I didn’t want my children to see me give up. I wanted them to know, that no matter what life gives you, you don’t fold. You don’t become a victim.”

James: “So, when did things really change for you?”

Me: “In 2022, I made a hard decision, one I knew would be best for my family, and I moved us from Maui to Texas. You need to understand that up to that point, my children only knew a life on Maui. I made the decision to move to Texas and start over.

I changed careers 6 months after moving to Texas, because I found that Corrections, which I loved dearly, did not provide what I needed in Texas. I started a commission job, making a decision to change my life.”

James: “Did your children support you?”

Me: “Absolutely! My children have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They support me, no matter what I decide to do.”

James: “What do you think was the one thing that you did, that changed it all for you?”

Me: “That’s an easy answer. I made the decision to change. You may say, that’s a simple thing. But it’s not. Have you every said to yourself, ‘I’m going to change’ and made it happen?”

James: “It sounds easy enough.”

Me: “Sure it does. Until you try to do it. I think that what makes me different from the average Joe out there is…..I decided to change, and I did whatever it took to do that. I made a promise to myself, and did it. No excuses.”

James: “I think a lot of people change. Well, they want to.”

Me: “Yes, they WANT to. But the minute it becomes hard, they give up. I tried many things. My friends made fun of me, ‘oh, here so goes again with another “scheme.”’. I didn’t listen to them. I continued to go after my dreams, no matter what others said.

I found a problem, found a solution, and did it. And if that didn’t work, I found another solution, and tried it. I kept going, unwilling to let others steal my dreams. I knew I had a true purpose in life, and I pursued it

James: “What is your true purpose in life?”

Me: “To share my journey, to encourage others to pursue their passions.”

James: “So, I see here that you travel the world.”

Me: “Yes, I’ve been to Paris, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and all over the US.”

James: “Where is your favorite place?”

Me: “Texas. Tyler Texas. I love my home on Lake Palestine. I love to just hang out with my kids and grandkids. Sitting on the deck, overlooking the lake, and sipping my morning coffee.”

James: “What is the one thing you want everyone to hear from you?”

Me: “Never give up. Sit down, really think about what you want do with this beautiful life that God has given you. What are your talents? What is your passion? Then do whatever it is you have to do, to achieve your true purpose.

Don’t listen to other negative spin on life. Don’t let others tell you what you should, or shouldn’t do. Focus on yourself, and go for it. Find your tribe that will support you, and go after your dreams.”

James: “That sounds so easy. Is that all you have to say?”

Me: “Is it though? If it was easy, everyone on this planet would be happy and fulfilled.”

James: “I guess you’re right.”

Me: “This life is what you make of it. Think about standing before God at the entry to heaven. If God asked you, ‘What did you do with the unique talents I gave you?’, what would you say?”

James: “That’s a good question.

”Me: “Would you be able to say, ‘I did everything I could to use them for good? Or would you say…..”what talents?” Or would you say, “but this happened to me, and this happened to me, and then this happened.” Would you tell Him what a victim you were in your life? Or would you tell Him that you took control, and learned, and grew, and pursued a great life? It’s in your hands.”

The audience begins to clap.

Me: “Quit being a victim and pursue greatness!”

My husband and kids stand and clap. The audience follows, and within seconds, the whole audience is standing and cheering.

James stands, and pulls me to my feet.

James: “Thank you Juli for spending time with us this evening. It’s been an honor to interview you.”

Me: “I will only consider this interview a success, if I have encouraged at least one listener, to not be a victim of life anymore and pursue their passions.”

The audience again begins to roar with applause.

I leave the stage, still with the applause in the background.

I am happy, and filled with gratitude for being able to share my story.