Happy New Year! Let’s kick 2021 off with a new Monthly Muse. Meet Julie Burton. Julie might be the most positive, upbeat person I know. She’s a true “Jane of all trades” who not only follows her own dreams, she encourages and helps others do the same. On top of being a mom, author, teacher/coach, founder/owner of Modern Well, and a wellness advocate , she’s just launched a new podcast - Her Next Chapter. Read on to learn more about this amazing woman.

What did you want to be when you grew up and did you follow that dream?

I wanted to be a writer. I remember the first story I wrote about a fox leaving home and the great feeling I had in creating something with ideas and words. I was hooked! And yes, I did follow that dream and am still creating with ideas and words.

You're a writer, teacher, self care expert, fitness instructor, mom, the list goes on. Can you share your career journey with us and how these all impacted you?

I am a person who cannot do just one thing. I like to have a lot going on and I need variety. Starting in public relations after completing my master's in journalism was a great way to begin my career. I learned about marketing, how the media works (even though it was before the internet!), and fine tuned my writing skills. When I became a mother, I pivoted to freelance writing part time and also dove into teaching group fitness (pilates, spinning, yoga), which sparked my love for wellness and building community. While being a mom of four helped me develop strong leadership skills, it also kicked my butt and led me to my work around self-care. The Self-Care Solution--A Modern Mother's Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being was a labor of love that took me a decade to write but I connected with thousands of women around the world who shared their struggles and advice about how women take care of themselves while caring for others.

What inspired you to start Modern Well?

ModernWell is the thread that ties all my passions together—my love of community and empowering women to be their best selves and live their best lives; my passion for creativity and belief that nurturing our creativity is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and society as a whole; and my commitment to spreading the message of self-care and making sure that women have a safe, supportive, and inspired place to go to build themselves up--professionally, emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Before I even get out of bed, I start my day with a Jewish prayer of gratitude (Modeh Ani). It helps me keep things in perspective and reminds me of the many blessings in my life. I spend most of my days at ModernWell, meeting with people, strategizing with my team, talking with members, and running the operations of the business. I also try to do some movement every day, whether it's walking my dog, doing a GetHealthyUTV workout, or yoga on my own. And then there's the mom/parenting stuff, of course—being there for my kids, cooking (or picking up dinner), running to Target... I also try to make time to read or write every day.

How have you pivoted your business with the impact of COVID this year?

Most of our workshops/events that we used to hold in person, we are now doing online and we've added more on-line programming like an online Spanish class and additional writing classes and workshops. We are continuing to keep the ModernWell community strong through regular communications and opportunities for engagement both in person and online.

What gets you up in the morning (your purpose) and keeps you motivated?

My kids, my husband, my work at ModernWell and in the community. I am continually motivated to do my part in making our community and society stronger, more accepting of one another despite differences, and bringing people together to impact positive change.

What's the best advice you've been given?

1)Nobody really knows what they are doing and most people are making it up as they go.

2) Never stop learning, asking questions, and being curious.

3) Trust your gut.

What are you most proud of?

My kids, my work in the community, and I am proud of and eternally grateful for the ModernWell community.

What would you have done differently if you knew what you know now?

I would have been kinder to myself and others, and I would have set clearer boundaries.

Rapid Fire

• early bird or burn the midnight oil: midnight oil

• coffee or juice to start the day: coffee

• Dream vacation destination : Tahiti/Bora Bora

• control freak or go with the flow: A mix of both

• Cardio or weights: Cardio (but trying to do more weights)

• Favorite book: All the Light We Cannot See

Thanks Julie for sharing your story with us! Be sure to check out her new Podcast - Her Next Chapter. You can find out more about Julie on her website.