Mary-Ann Costa - WISE WOMEN 2024

17 Dec

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

While we cant control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. This quote has been the foundation of my resilience and has empowered me to find the best version of myself, and change my views on aging and find the beauty in life at every age with a grateful heart.

How wise are you? 61

Where are you from? West Beach, South Australia

What about your life would you like to celebrate most?
At 60, I found the courage to change my career path and become a Pilates instructor, challenging not only my cultural beliefs but also the societal stigmas often associated with women born in the 1960s. I faced my fear of failure and returned to study to earn my certification in a field I am deeply passionate about—ageing well.

I’m determined to live the next 40 years differently. I’m peeling away the layers of who I was as a carer and embracing who I am now!

What 3 words best describe you in this phase of your life?
Empowered , Courage and Happiness

What do you love about this time of life?
Growing up in an Italian family, I inherited a deep passion for life and travel—values my parents instilled in me from a young age. However, navigating the cultural expectations often placed on Italian women—marriage, children, and family—while striving to carve out my own identity has been a delicate balancing act.

I am incredibly grateful for the life I have built, my boundless energy, and my beautiful family, including my supportive spouse and three amazing children. Yet, finding inner happiness required more than gratitude—it called for deep self-reflection and growth.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Through meditation, embracing my emotions, and dedicating time to understanding who I truly am, I’ve unlocked the best version of myself. This journey led me to make a bold decision: leaving the corporate world to pursue my dream career.

Today, I stand at the beginning of an exciting new chapter, filled with purpose and fulfilment. My story is a testament to the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the belief that it’s never too late to reimagine your life.