A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing Monica McCarthy, LIFEstylista. She was preparing for the launch of a brand new website, and she needed photos for the new venture. Afterward, she was kind enough to take some time out from LIFEstyling to answer a few questions.

. . .

K: What do you do, and where can people find you?

M: I help busy creatives and entrepreneurs create a day-to-day lifestyle they love. People can find me on my website/blog at MonicaMcCarthy.net, on Twitter at MissMMcCarthy, or Facebook. Or running with my dog in Central Park!

K: How did you come up with the term LIFEstyling? Whatever does it mean?

M: Prior to being a LIFEstylist, I was a holistic health coach. I loved helping people feel their best, but I discovered I was just as interested in helping them accomplish their non-health goals like career, bucket list, etc. I also noticed that I really enjoyed writing about life changes on my blog — and that’s when readers started actively participating and responding. The way I personally approach LIFEstyling is combining Nourishment (what we feed our mind, body, and soul) with Adventures (or what I like to call Life Experiments). Creatives and entrepreneurs are generally a really hard-working bunch, but we often forget to create a life that supports our passions instead of draining them.

K: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself in recent history?

M: Oh, this is an easy one because it’s been coming up over and over for me: The importance of making CHOICES. These are very different from decisions. Eventually everything in our lives comes down to the choices we make. Which is awesome and super scary at the same time!

K: How has LIFEstyling impacted your own journey — how you see yourself and offer your skills to the world?

M: Wow — there’s so much to this question! I’ll start by saying, I’m really learning to walk the walk. For example, travel has always been a big priority for me, but until I realized I’d have to change my lifestyle (like quit acting, move to an apartment with cheaper rent, etc.), I didn’t make it happen. Now I’m ready to turn my big, crazy dreams into reality! The other part of that question is more difficult to answer because I’m still carving out my niche. What I do know is that I am a huge believer in the idea that everyone can have a life greater than they’ve ever imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful that people trust me to help them do just that!

K: Alright, one last one, in fill-in-the-blank form: I feel effervescent when…

M: …I’m surrounded by people I love, in a place I love, doing things I love.

Many thanks to Monica for kindly sharing her words, and her stunning self, today. Hop over to her blog for updates on her world traveling, LIFEstyling expertise, and her brand new Happy Workaholic Handbook.