Living the Mediterranean Life: Finding Fulfillment with Anita Heidema

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves caught in the daily grind, seeking fulfillment in our careers, relationships, and personal lives. But what if the secret to a more fulfilling life lies in embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, connection, and simplicity? Anita Heidema, the founder of “O’Live Your Life” and a certified coach, has discovered just that. With a rich background in corporate and travel industries, Anita has pivoted to a life that blends her passions for health, food, and community. Together with her partner, renowned chef Dario Tomaselli, Anita now promotes the Mediterranean lifestyle—a way of living that emphasizes balance, connection, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

In a recent podcast episode, Anita sat down with Christina Daves to share her journey from the corporate world to her current life of fulfillment. The conversation was enlightening, offering practical insights and personal stories that highlight the transformative power of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Here’s a summary of their conversation, packed with takeaways that can help anyone looking to live a more balanced and connected life.

From Corporate Hustle to Personal Fulfillment

Anita’s story is one many can relate to. She began her career in the corporate world, spending years in the travel industry before transitioning into the paper industry. Despite her success—she was the first female sales rep in Canada’s paper industry—Anita always felt something was missing. Her true passion was waiting to be discovered, and it wasn’t until she took a step back from the corporate hustle that she found it.

Anita recalls how she was always entrepreneurial at heart, even as a child selling tadpoles door to door. Yet, like many, she got caught up in life’s demands and followed a more conventional path. It wasn’t until she was trained and certified as a coach, combined with her extensive corporate experience, that she began to carve out her true calling. This blend of her corporate background and her love for travel and health laid the foundation for what would become “O’Live Your Life.”

The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care and Career

One of the more poignant parts of Anita’s story is her experience with the “sandwich generation”—a term used to describe those caught between the dual responsibilities of caring for their children and their aging parents. This is a unique and often overwhelming position, as it requires immense emotional, physical, and mental energy to meet the needs of both younger and older family members while also trying to maintain a career and personal life. Anita found herself in the thick of this when her mother was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder that causes symptoms similar to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The diagnosis profoundly impacted Anita, forcing her to navigate the complexities of caregiving while running a business and managing her own life.

This challenging period taught Anita invaluable lessons about time management, self-care, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. The demands of caring for her mother, who required constant attention and medical care, meant that Anita had to reassess her priorities and find ways to balance her personal and professional life. It wasn’t just about being there for her mother; it was also about finding ways to maintain her business and personal health without burning out.

Anita’s journey through this difficult time is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She learned to shift her business model to better accommodate her caregiving responsibilities. Realizing that her one-on-one coaching sessions were too time-consuming, she pivoted towards reaching larger audiences through public speaking and online courses. This change not only allowed her to continue her work but also provided her with the flexibility needed to care for her mother. By leveraging technology and expanding her reach, Anita was able to maintain her career without sacrificing her role as a caregiver.

This experience also highlighted the importance of flexibility and balance in life and work. Anita became acutely aware of the need to set boundaries and prioritize her time effectively. She embraced the idea that it’s not about doing everything perfectly but about finding a sustainable rhythm that allows for both professional success and personal fulfillment. Through her journey, Anita exemplified the strength and determination required to navigate the complexities of the sandwich generation, offering a powerful example for others in similar situations.

Moreover, Anita’s story underscores the importance of community and support systems. She often speaks about how leaning on friends, family, and professional networks helped her manage the overwhelming responsibilities that came with being part of the sandwich generation. This sense of community is something she now emphasizes in her coaching and retreats, encouraging others to build strong support networks and not to hesitate in asking for help when needed.

Finding Love and Partnership in Unexpected Places

Another inspiring aspect of Anita’s journey is her relationship with Dario Tomaselli, a world-renowned chef. Their partnership began as a friendship, with their children being best friends. It wasn’t until years later, after Anita’s divorce and the passing of her mother, that she and Dario realized they had a deeper connection. Their shared values and experiences brought them together, and they now work side by side in both life and business.

Anita and Dario’s relationship is a beautiful example of how life can take unexpected turns and lead to new beginnings. Their story underscores the importance of being open to love and connection, even when life feels overwhelming. Together, they have built a life centered around the principles of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which they now share with others through retreats, cooking classes, and their online platform, “O’Live Your Life.”

The Mediterranean Lifestyle: What It Means and How to Embrace It

So, what exactly is the Mediterranean lifestyle? According to Anita, it’s not just a diet or a way of eating—it’s a holistic approach to living that prioritizes health, connection, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages:

Balanced Eating: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, and eating until you’re 80% full. It’s not about strict dieting but rather incorporating more vegetables, healthy fats, and balanced meals into your daily life.
Natural Activity: Staying active doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Anita and Dario advocate for integrating movement into your daily routine naturally, whether it’s walking to the grocery store, taking the stairs, or engaging in activities you enjoy.
Conviviality: This principle is all about connection—sharing meals, spending time with loved ones, and fostering a sense of community. It’s about putting down the phone, turning off distractions, and being fully present with the people who matter most.
Stress-Free Living: The Mediterranean lifestyle emphasizes the importance of managing stress and living with intention. It’s about finding balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what truly matters—your health and happiness.

Bringing the Mediterranean Lifestyle Home

While it’s easy to embrace this lifestyle on a retreat in Italy, the challenge is integrating it into your daily life back home. Anita acknowledges this but insists it’s possible with the right mindset and support. She offers coaching and online programs to help people maintain these principles, even in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

One of the key takeaways from Anita’s story is the importance of self-discovery and adventure. Whether it’s trying new foods, exploring different cultures, or simply taking time to reflect on your life’s direction, the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages you to live fully and embrace new experiences.

Retreats: A Deep Dive into Mediterranean Living

Anita and Dario offer immersive retreats that allow participants to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle firsthand. These retreats are more than just vacations—they’re opportunities for deep connection, self-discovery, and rejuvenation. Participants stay in luxurious villas, cook with Michelin-star chefs, and explore the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany and other Mediterranean regions. The goal is to give people a taste of this fulfilling lifestyle and equip them with the tools to carry it into their everyday lives.

The Bigger Picture: Health, Happiness, and Giving Back

Anita’s story is also one of giving back. She and Dario are committed to living on a portion of their income so they can donate the rest to causes close to their hearts, such as The Fenna Heidema Lewy Body Foundation, which raises awareness for Lewy body dementia. This heart-centered approach to business and life is a testament to their belief that true fulfillment comes not from wealth, but from health, happiness, and making a positive impact in the world.

Conclusion

Anita Heidema’s journey from corporate executive to Mediterranean lifestyle advocate is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to find your true passion and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, connect more deeply with loved ones, or simply enjoy life’s simple pleasures, the principles of the Mediterranean lifestyle offer a roadmap to a happier, more balanced life. Through “O’Live Your Life,” Anita and Dario are helping others discover this path, one delicious meal and meaningful connection at a time.

Watch the full episode here:h