Who is Alana Long?
I once read a book that when asked “who are you” people often describe where they are from, the jobs they have held, their accomplishments, their statistics like reading them from a sheet of paper. The book pointed out that these could be characteristics of anyone, they aren’t you, they aren’t want drives you, make up your spirit, or touch on what is important to your soul.
After reading this book, my life changed in many ways, but it changed how I talk to people getting to know me. I don’t need to tell you what I have done for you to know me, I need to tell you what makes me happy, what’s important to me, what drives me.
The most important thing you need to know about me is this: If it’s important to me, I don’t quit. I am one of the strongest people you will know.
I am from Massachusetts, born third in line of four children, to Ioving Italian parents. I began developing me, and who I am today, through watching the financial struggles my parents went through as we grew up. I knew that if I wanted it, I had to work for it, and that has been who I have been from very early on. I evolve, change, reflect, and persevere through hardships allowing myself to fail, recover and get back up again to try it a new and better way.
My Italian nature makes me passionate, feel hard, and connect to others well as I am not afraid to put myself out there or to allow myself to be vulnerable with others. Who you meet today, is who I am, always. My ability to connect with others, by being my true self, has served me well as I am able to have amazing moments of true happiness with someone I have just met. What brings me the most joy is to brighten someone’s day and to give them the support or love they are needing. This could be a loved one or someone I am passing on the street, but it is what fulfills me the most.
More recently my life changed in an even more incredible way. What was the worst thing that happened to me, became the biggest growth moment of my life to create a person who believes wholeheartedly in herself, her abilities, and her ability to connect to the human spirit.
In 2020 I was hit head on by a drunk driver who killed my son Travis, with whom I was 7 months pregnant. I never thought at 35 years old I would have lost a child and was in shock that this is something that could happen to me. What was even more shocking is how I responded.
It wasn’t a conscious decision, but the day that happened I changed. I became unstoppable, because I put purpose behind why my son sacrificed his life and why he and God allowed me to continue to be here and be a mother and wife to my family.
As each day has passed from the day my life was changed, I become stronger and more purposeful. I know that I am here to touch other’s lives, and I already am and will continue to do that in many ways in my future.
Having financial troubles growing up has given me a strong desire to be financially successful and created an entrepreneurial spirit within me. I feel fortunate to have had all of these difficulties in my life, as they gave me a resilience that can not be taught or learned.
This wellness venture is another way for me to fulfill my personal needs of leading, helping, and creating financial stability for myself and my legacy. As I continue to grow as an individual to support and motivate, I hope to lead others along the way, and know that I can make that impact in the lives of others.