Sometimes, looks can be deceiving. The perfect relationship, perfect family, and perfect home can sometimes be anything but. That’s what Barbara McNally (pictured above), Coronado local and author of the candid memoir Unbridled, discovered as she embarked on a quest to conquer her fears and find her independence. In her book, McNally shares her journey to self-discovery, from traveling back to her Ireland roots and the exciting escapades she experiences along the way – dancing with horseman, communing with priestesses, even a romantic encounter in an ancient castle. In her book, she also recounts the time she spent in Jamaica, working with homeless girls where she finally discovered her newfound passion – empowering women to become their best selves.
“My book is all about my journey to who I am. It’s about how I gained my independence so I could contribute back to the world,” says McNally. “It ended with me wanting to live a full life.”
And full it is. McNally is also the founder of the Mother, Lover, Fighter, Sage Foundation, an organization designed to empower women from all walks of life to enhance their lives and discover their untapped potential. The foundation provides scholarships, workshops and seminars, and also teams up with other organizations to support women.
“The Foundation is really a shout out for women,” explains McNally. “Our role as wives and mothers is very important.”
The foundation highlights the four dimensions of herself that Barbara experienced on her journey: nurturing, sensual, assertive, and spiritual. All proceeds from Unbridled go towards the foundation to support its programs and projects.
One of the ways the foundation has been enhancing the lives of women is by sponsoring annual spa days for wives of wounded warriors. McNally, along with the Armed Services YMCA, hosts a day full of relaxation and rejuvenation for caretakers of wounded warriors; women who have one of the hardest jobs, a job filled with challenges that often goes unrecognized.
This year’s spa day will be held April 15th at the Hotel del Coronado from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spa services including massages and facials will be offered, as well as time for the wives to connect and share their experiences as caretakers.
McNally recalls her time from a previous event. “Tears streamed down my face as I listened to the women support each other, sharing their stories of love and sacrifice for their children and injured husband. Hugging these women who found strength and a sense of humor they never knew they possessed inspired me to be flexible with life’s unexpected turns. They inspire me to dig down and find strength and gratitude.”
For more information on the Wives of Wounded Warriors spa day and the Mother, Lover, Fighter, Sage Foundation, visit www.UnbridledFreedom.com or email [email protected].
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Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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