Sometimes in life we have to be willing to take big risks if we want big change. Even when it's uncomfortable, even when it's scary, taking a leap of faith into the unknown is the only way to get big rewards. This is my brave story of how I changed my name in order to become my true self (and achieve my dreams!).
I never thought that I'd become a professional musician some day. I knew I wanted to be something BIG, but somehow I never dreamed of pursuing a music career; I didn't think it was possible.
Although I had always loved singing (and was basically doing it since birth!), I thought I'd pursue something a bit more practical. So in college, I studied exercise science and pursued a career teaching yoga and meditation. This was all fine and well- I enjoy this stuff, too. But I was totally playing it SAFE.(1)
It wasn't until after college that my path and plan was completely flipped upside down. I met a music producer who loved my voice and wanted to work with me. He asked me to write some lyrics and melodies to some of his beats. (I said sure, but honestly didn't know what the hell I was doing! I had never written music before!!)
What happened next was the greatest surprise of my lifetime.
Songs flowed from me effortlessly like I was born to do it! I couldn't explain it, but somehow I already had everything I needed to write beautiful songs- quickly!
MY UNIVERSE EXPLODED.
I had this whole plan in my head about being a teacher and healer (which is still a big part of my life), but my highest purpose was finally revealed.
Teaching yoga would be safe and with small rewards. Becoming a professional musician would be scary, risky, crazy… but would reap the HUGEST rewards and would lead to the BIGGEST achievement of my lifetime.
But there was one problem here: my name.
I was born with a very plain, popular American name (which I won't mention here, since it's no longer a part of me!). This name represented the entire path of playing it safe: safe name, safe job, safe life. But I knew I was born to be something BIG, and this old name would hold me back. (Sorry Mom and Dad! You did your best) (2)
So after some contemplation and meditation, I was gifted with my new name: Gia.
BOOM! It was huge. I could feel so much more energy, expansion, and possibility with this name!
But how do you just change identities all of a sudden and become someone new?? This was truly the scariest part. If I changed my name, what would people think of me? What would happen??
To be honest, the transition was rocky, to say the least. It took me 6 YEARS to fully transition into being Gia.
I went back and forth, I divided myself in half, I was two people for a long time. No one knew what to call me or what to make of it.
Finally… it was time to step up and BE BRAVE.
In 2015, I announced to myself, my family, my friends, and the Universe, that I would be solely known as Gia, no matter the circumstances. It was awkward at first for a lot of people! Many people still call me by my old name because it's hard to change.
But I have to tell you, this brave step on my journey unfolded so beautifully and brought endless rewards.
I finally became the person who I am meant to be!
Since becoming Gia, I have gone to music school, written tons of songs, performed my music in LA and San Diego, released my debut album, and last week I was interviewed on the radio here in San Diego!! (3)
I had to take big risks and be brave in order to reap the greatest benefits and become who I am meant to be! (4)
If you'd like to hear me tell this story, watch the video above (and listen to the background music, which is one of my original songs!).
Now I KNOW that there's some wild journey calling your name, as well. I know that you have a desire in your heart to achieve something big and be something great, but maybe fear is holding you back.
It's time for YOU to step up and be brave, too. It's time to take BIG risks and see those BIG results.
Ready or not… join us for the 30 Days of Brave Challenge to jump start your journey to greatness!
Hi Gia, I want to thank you for sharing this story. I have been in search for years of my calling, trying different things but it always felt like I could not decide… although much of the things I have been doing are close one to the other. They are wether creative or therapeutic or both but somehow I felt never sure. A couple of weeks ago, inspired by Alexandro Jodorowsky meta genealogy therapy which I have been studying for a while, I found myself one night inside a lucid dream and it was so vivid that I decided to make the ritual of being born again Jorowsky style which involved choosing a new name at the end. The name that came to me was Risa and after finding out next morning that it happened on a full moon night, I added Luna. It felt pretty weird to tell people around me that I had a new name. But I did! When I heard your story, something unlocked in me and clicked. My passion since I was a little girl has been acting, theatre and I chose to study and became a visual artist. Suddenly I felt that I have… Read more »
Hi Gia,
Your story is amazing, thank you for sharing. .. my name is Claire, and I remember the dream of being a singer at an early age, but things happened in my past, marriage, children, divorce, that changed all that, that dream got lost along the wayside somewhere. ..I picked up new ones…surprisingly enough, a yoga instructor, health coach….etc. I really haven’t thought about singing anymore. I’m 54 now and working on reinventing myself, doing what I love, focusing on new intentions, dreams….how to remember those dreams or make new ones. It seems I’m all over the place at times. I want a new life, new me…how do I get there?
Hi Gia, I love how you inspired your name and had the guts to live fully. I am happy I signed up to this challenge – also shit scared about dropping who I was for who I am becoming. My faith flutters when dropping the old for the new ‘unknown’ me, if that makes sense. I don’t feel like I am certain on who I am becoming – in fact – on who I am allowed to be. Who am I allowed to be? I can be anyone I want right, so why does it feel so clunky, almost fake in my new role. Did you feel this in the transition? What thoughts did you use to keep your new role from faltering at the first negative thought or set back you encountered? I am in a new business, and most people in this business say they are a wellness coach etc. Although I have had training, I don’t feel qualified to help people move past – I think who am I to be doing this and advising? My life isn’t perfect so how can I help anyone else. Faith feels blocked because I feel stuck at the crossroad and… Read more »
Hi Gia, Thank you for sharing your story. I really resonate with it. I am also scared to start a music career. My biggest problem is that I am not confident enough in my own abilities because no one has ever told me that I have what it takes to become a musician (my choir teacher did praise my singing progress though). I can write songs… I have been getting inspiration to write a song about some emotion or train of thought that is particularly prominent at that moment, but I have never shared my songs with anyone because I am scared that they are no good. Ultimately, I aspire to be a singer-songwriter just like you. However, I have been playing it safe by studying computer science in college. I did decide to join a choir for next academic year though, and I hope to get the courage to keep honing my music skills and to put my music out there. In regards to names, there is a name I associate with being brave that is not my given name. That name is Scarlet. It has given me courage to be braver in social interactions, which is also important… Read more »
Thank you Gia. I chose a nom de plume years ago. My parents told me I was good but needed a real job. My ex- threw out boxes of writings each time we moved-and laughed it off. I stopped for years. Just starting again 15 years after leaving him! Angry that I gave him and girlfriend so much power over me! Maris is here!!!
I’ve started my book, any tips would be phenomenal!!!
Great inspiration! Thank you for another tool to reach my goal.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story I’m so inspired… music is my essence… this is my third day on this amazing journey I’m being so blessed… I can’t wait to add you as one of my artist…
Hi Gia, thank you very much for sharing your story. I’m going through a personal moment so similar to the one you went through, that it was really inspiring to hear that you did it, that today you are the person you want to be, and it gives me faith to know that someone else could and motivation to go ahead with my way of self Discovery.
Sorry if my English is not perfect but I’m from Argentina. 🙂
Great story, Gia! I’m happy for you. You are alive light. I can see your glow from within. It’s wonderful that you took that leap of bravery to be the best you. You are definitely an example to us fledglings just stepping out!