About Zhenya

Hello there! My name is Zhenya. 

I live in Chicago today, and my life is filled with various roles: I am a lifelong student, a first-generation immigrant, a daughter, an aunt, a wife, a dietitian, a positive psychology practitioner, a Russian language tutor, a globetrotter, and much more. From childhood, I sought to combine academic work with an active social life and multiple hobbies. During my childhood in Siberia, I attended two schools simultaneously: one for academics and the other for music.  My mornings were filled with studying geometry, literature, and geography; I spent my evenings practicing piano and taking foreign language lessons. On the weekends, I performed at concerts, sang in chorus, caught up on homework, and played badminton and soccer with friends. By any means, I did not feel swamped; this was a typical childhood of most of my Russian friends with Soviet-educated parents. 

Later, I fell in love with chemistry, deciding to make it my major at university and thinking of becoming a scientist or (at least) a perfumer! Simultaneously, I was passionate about art, especially academic vocal and classical music, and secretly dreamed of an acting career in opera or theater. At 21, I immigrated to the USA to continue my education without good English. I learned to live by new rules and navigate my life outside of my comfort zone. At the same time, I wanted to stay true to myself and fulfill my dream of pursuing a quality university education. Myriad trials and errors shaped my understanding of the professional path. 

To stay afloat, I juggled ESL and college courses with jobs as a busgirl, waiter, nanny, and Russian tutor, all while navigating immigration interviews. Yet, my inner voice craved more balance and soul-fueling activities. So, in my little free time, I made room for drawing lessons, yoga, and other mindfulness practices, as well as visits to art museums and symphony concerts.

Eventually, I discovered my true passion and calling as a dietitian, which required a unique combination of skills from both art and science. I furthered my education with a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, where I had the privilege of learning from leading experts in the field, such as Martin Seligman and James Pawelski. This transformative experience not only enhanced my own well-being but also inspired me to advocate for a holistic approach to health, one that emphasizes both physical and mental well-being. 

At the beginning of my journey, I used simple organizational tools—a school diary, a basic planner, and various to-do lists. Later, I moved on to more advanced planners that allowed me to set goals for the month ahead and better manage my time in multiple areas of life. My education in nutrition emphasized the importance of establishing healthy habits and balance in diet, activity, rest, and sleep. Studying positive psychology brought my attention to the elements that support and enrich mental health, such as mindfulness, positive emotion and optimism-enhancing activities, prioritizing, and more. 

Along the way, my husband saw me struggle to find a planner that met my growing expectations. Smartly, he suggested I create my own, and I did. 

My love for life guided this planner. The finished product grew out of my belief that we all can curate good lives, full of zest and harmony, by establishing healthy control over various aspects of our existence. I hope you find this book helpful and have fun with it. 

 

With love and gratitude,