I Can’t Get No Satisfaction: Marianna Cuomo Maier Of Grata Wellness On Why So Many Of Us Are Feeling Unsatisfied & What We Can Do About It
An Interview With Drew Gerber
Having a deeper connection to ourselves and others in our lives is important to ‘fill up your cup’ and do things that feel good, are enjoyable, and allow us to flourish.
From an objective standpoint, we are living in an unprecedented era of abundance. Yet so many of us are feeling unsatisfied. Why are we seemingly so insatiable? What is going on inside of us that is making us feel unsatisfied? What is the brain chemistry that makes us feel this way? Is our brain wired for endless insatiable consumption? What can we do about it? In this interview series, we are talking to credentialed experts such as psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, brain science experts, as well as spiritual and religious leaders, and mind-body-spirit coaches, to address why so many of us are feeling unsatisfied & what we can do about it.
As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Marianna Cuomo Maier.
Marianna Cuomo Maier is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach who created Grata Wellness (www.gratawellness.com), a holistic coaching practice, wellness platform, and blog that provides a gratitude-centered approach to health and wellness. Marianna received a Bachelor’s Degree from Yale University in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from National Louis University. Marianna received her Certification as a Health and Wellness Coach from Wellcoaches School of Coaching. Marianna guides individuals to be empowered to take control of their body and mind, maintain balance, and live a more joyful life.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory!
I created Grata Wellness, a holistic coaching practice that provides a gratitude-centered approach to health and wellness. Formative experiences such as being a Teach for America (TFA) pre-K teacher in Englewood, Chicago, and Chief of Staff of a health tech startup, profoundly impacted my outlook. I discovered my passion for supporting others so that they may thrive. As a health and wellness coach, I can empower my clients to change their daily habits and improve their health.
As a TFA teacher in the Chicago Public School system, I experienced life-transforming work by interacting with my young students, their families, and other teachers that challenged my understanding of the world. I wanted to provide high-quality teaching for my students but became aware that external determinants, such as food, housing, and employment insecurity impacted my students’ ability to learn and succeed. In witnessing these challenges, I soon realized that I did not have the tools to adequately support my students and their families. I became committed to gaining the appropriate skills to support those around me in my next endeavor.
After teaching, I became Chief of Staff of a health tech startup where I gained closer access to the health and wellness world. Unfortunately, I experienced burnout as a young professional prioritizing work over my well-being, felt challenged to strike a balance between having fun and feeling good, and was lost in navigating life as gluten-free, following a clinical recommendation from a few years prior.
In striving to fulfill these goals, I realized I needed a health and wellness reset. I met with a functional medicine practitioner who identified that I had an unbalanced gut. By healing my gut, I gained an enhanced awareness of my body, the things I consume, and how it affects my physical health. Afterward, I developed a love for running and trained for my first-half marathon even as a ‘non-runner’. While training, I strengthened my physical and emotional sense of self through yoga, meditation, and healthy eating with a commitment to being gluten-free. In October 2021, I had the exhilarating experience of completing the Chicago Marathon.
With an understanding of how to achieve my own well-being, I aspired to create a platform where others could also be supported in their wellness journeys. I quickly sought out advice from other professionals in the coaching field and studied to become a certified health and wellness coach. Today, I guide individuals to be empowered to take control of their body and mind, maintain balance, and live a more joyful life.
What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?
One of the most important lessons that I wish I could teach my younger is that it is neither selfish nor frivolous to dedicate time, effort, and energy to self-care practices and opportunities to have fun. Our society praises productivity and hard work and traditionally diminishes the importance of doing things purely for enjoyment. However, I maintain that having fun and enjoying ourselves is just as important as being productive and working hard. Further, taking time to dedicate to ourselves is necessary for our overall health and wellness. Some benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, better quality sleep, increased creativity and productivity, and improved energy and vitality. I encourage celebrating our silly and playful sides and finding ways to have fun every day.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is the necessity to ‘fill up my cup’ in order to care for others. The expression ‘fill up your cup’ means to take care of yourself and make sure that you have enough in your cup so that you can take care of others. Thus, it is your responsibility to prioritize your well-being in order to better support the people in your life. I heard it beautifully referred to as a “gift” that you give to everyone in your life. Thus, taking the time to meditate, have a quiet cup of coffee, take a walk, and other practices to take time for yourself not only improves your personal well-being but also allows you to be the most supportive and fully present version of yourself for the people in your life.
None of us are able to experience success without support along the way. Is there a particular person for whom you are grateful because of the support they gave you to grow you from “there to here?” Can you share that story and why you are grateful for them?
My parents are my biggest supporters. From a young age, I have been encouraged, uplifted, and empowered to do great things and to treat myself well. My mom is a doctor, trained as a radiologist, who now advocates for measures to prevent cancer. My dad is an entrepreneur who was a trailblazer in the exercise and wellness industry far before online fitness, athleisure, or yoga and pilates were celebrated in the way that they are today. While I never realized it at the time, my parents’ values and beliefs about supporting holistic health and wellness have greatly impacted who I am and the way that I view my journey. I am tremendously grateful for their ceaseless support, love, and encouragement, and for empowering me to be the best version of myself.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think it might help people?
I am working on ways to make what I have learned and implemented in my life more accessible and available on a larger scale. Beyond one-on-one coaching, which I offer now, I am working to have group coaching as well as online programs to guide individuals to be empowered in their journey to their best selves. I am also working to expand the Grata Wellness community, which seeks to provide ways to inspire and educate individuals about the benefits of gratitude and the idea of thriving rather than surviving.
Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s now talk about feeling “unsatisfied”. In the Western world, humans typically have their shelter, food, and survival needs met. What has led to us feeling we aren’t enough and don’t have enough? What is the wiring? Or in other words, how has nature and nurture played into how humans (in an otherwise “safe and secure” environment) experience feeling less than, or a need to have more than what is needed for basic survival?
Humans have physiological needs including food, water, clothing, and shelter that must first be met for basic survival. Next, humans must feel safe and secure. As intelligent and complex creatures, humans are thoughtful and emotional with intricate feelings. Thus, as humans satisfy their basic needs for survival and safety, a desire for love, belonging, and fulfillment emerges. Without fulfilling our emotional selves and doing things for enjoyment, pleasure, and happiness, humans cannot flourish and thus have feelings of dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the idea of flourishing is presented as the way for humans to gain true happiness and fulfillment and go beyond basic survival to thrive rather than survive.
How are societies different? For example, capitalistic societies trade differently than communists. Developed nations trade differently than developing nations. In your opinion, how does society shape a human’s experience and feelings of satisfaction?
Humans are social beings and thus I believe that the human experience, feelings of satisfaction, and expectations are greatly influenced by societal factors and culture. Our ideals, values, and choices are greatly influenced by ideals presented in our culture and societal constructs. Thus, the society in which a human is raised and lives greatly impacts their expectations and feelings of satisfaction.
With a specific focus on brain function, how has the brain and its dominion over the body and beliefs been impacted by the societal construct?
I have studied the evidence-based body of knowledge known as positive psychology, which supports the idea of flourishing as a result of positive behavior change and high levels of well-being. It has been shown cognitively and physically that positive psychology principles including gratitude and optimism contribute to living healthier, longer lives. Our brains are impacted by our environment and interactions and thus by the societal construct we live within. Appreciative Inquiry is a philosophy and approach that focuses on bringing out the best in a person or situation. A tenet of Appreciative Inquiry, the Constructionist Principle, explains how people are impacted by their social context and environment. This principle asserts that positive outcomes are a result of positive energy and emotions, which are generated through positive interactions and conversations with other individuals. Thus, as shown by the Constructionist Principle, we can enhance our quality of life by exposing our brains to positive social interactions. The inverse is also possible. As such, the human brain is largely impacted and influenced by societal constructs in positive and negative ways.
Do you think the way our society markets and advertises goods and services, has affected people’s feelings of satisfaction? Can you explain what you mean?
Humans are social beings who create ideals and values and make choices based on their society and through their interactions with others. In the same way that the society in which a human is raised, and lives greatly impacts their expectations and feelings of satisfaction, so does their exposure to products and services that are marketed and advertised. Thus, marketing and advertising greatly impact people’s feelings and their definition of satisfaction.
It is argued that advertising tries to generate dissatisfaction by presenting ideals to which an audience should aspire. In this way, advertisers aim to evoke desires so that the audience spends money on products and services to satisfy their needs. This is based on the idea that humans are driven by a need for relative comparison and a desire to compare their status and success to that of others. Whether or not advertisers attempt to generate dissatisfaction, advertising relies greatly on the audience having an emotional response to the content.
How is the wiring of the brain, body, and beliefs shaped by marketing, language, and how humans trade?
Marketing, advertising, and language evoke emotional responses in humans and play on desires for belonging and connection. Thus, a human’s brain, body, and beliefs are shaped by the content we consume.
I work in marketing so I’m very cognizant of this question. In your opinion, how do you think marketing professionals can be more responsible for how their advertising shapes humans’ health and experience of happiness overall?
There is no question that humans are influenced by marketing and advertising. In a world where consumption of this content is ubiquitous, marketing professionals have great power. Marketing professionals can have a positive impact in educating individuals about products and services that are grounded in research and can positively impact humans health and well-being. For example, professionals can be more forthright in advertisements about cigarettes, alcohol, highly processed and sugary foods, and personal care products with many toxins to educate the masses rather than mask their negative impact. Concerning how advertising impacts happiness, marketing professionals can make content less idealistic and more realistic by showing content that is inclusive of all people and not only highlighting the most ideal scenarios.
For you personally, if you have all your basic needs met, do you feel you have enough in life?
I feel that there is so much more to life than having basic shelter, food, and survival. I not only believe in the idea of thriving beyond surviving, but I have seen the difference in my own life. I remember the mornings when I would wake up and run out of bed to get to work. Though I had ample food, shelter, and means for survival, I lacked daily happiness, enjoyment, and greater purpose. Reflecting on that time when what I valued most was putting my all into work, I now recognize how unsustainable that was. I would so often feel tired and grumpy and inevitably became burnt out. By celebrating the necessity to ‘fill up my cup’ and investing time and energy into myself, I learned that I could thrive rather than survive.
Okay, fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview: Can you share with our readers your “5 things we can each do to address the feeling of not having enough.”
- Have consistent routines and follow a schedule:
Having consistent routines and following a schedule creates structure and a sense of normalcy so that you can thrive. Following a routine and schedule also reduces anxiety and stress, improves creativity and productivity, and allows you to accomplish your goals.
Some of my daily routines and practices that keep me feeling grounded include:
~Write 3 things I’m grateful for
~Get at least 5 minutes of Italian practice in on Duolingo (can’t break my streak)
~Ice my face when I wake up and before I go to bed
~Take my vitamins
~ Follow a daily skincare routine
~ Stretch after exercise, after I wake up, or right before I go to bed
2. Practice Gratitude Daily:
Through gratitude, we can cherish the people in our lives, appreciate the joy in the little things, and create a mindset shift that affirms and acknowledges the goodness around us.
I practice gratitude daily by journaling three things I am grateful for when I wake up. I take a few moments to write down three things I feel grateful for in my life. For me, these can cover anything from my loved ones to the weather to a yummy latte. I use a dedicated gratitude journal, but you could write this wherever works for you, like a daily planner or the Notes app on your phone.
3. Take care of your mind every day:
It’s essential to give yourself nurture daily to strengthen your sense of self, develop awareness for the things that feel good, and create positive mindset shifts.
For me this looks like:
~Mind: getting fresh air, meditation, reading, listening to music or a podcast, going for a walk
4. Take care of your body every day:
Daily body movement and nurture are essential for overall well-being. Physical activity everyday aids our mind body connection and supports our mental as well as physical health.
For me this looks like:
~Body: getting a full night’s rest, going for a run, eating a nourishing meal, yoga, stretching
5. Take care of your soul every day:
Having a deeper connection to ourselves and others in our lives is important to ‘fill up your cup’ and do things that feel good, are enjoyable, and allow us to flourish.
For me this looks like:
~Soul: calling or seeing family/friends, journaling, dancing, laughing, connecting with nature, practicing gratitude.
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you to live with more joy in life?
Some of my inspiration comes from Jay Shetty’s podcast On Purpose, Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book Joyful, and Dr. Lisa Miller’s work.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Creating a movement around the importance of self-care practices and opportunities to have fun to have a meaningful impact on the workforce and societal construct would be transformative to the well-being of all people. This movement would clarify that it is neither selfish nor frivolous to dedicate time, effort, and energy to oneself and rather it is just as important as productivity and hard work. This movement would celebrate our silly and playful sides and champion finding ways to have fun every day.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
Please follow me on Instagram at @gratawellness and subscribe to my newsletter on www.gratawellness.com where I will be sharing my wellness journey, coaching offerings, favorite products, recipes, and health and wellness tips. Please be in touch via my Instagram, website, or via email at marianna@gratawellness.com to explore if health and wellness coaching is a good fit for you.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About The Interviewer: For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. Drew is the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., a full-service PR agency lauded by PR Week and Good Morning America. Wasabi Publicity, Inc. is a global marketing company that supports industry leaders, change agents, unconventional thinkers, companies and organizations that strive to make a difference. Whether it’s branding, traditional PR or social media marketing, every campaign is instilled with passion, creativity and brilliance to powerfully tell their clients’ story and amplify their intentions in the world.
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction: Marianna Cuomo Maier Of Grata Wellness On Why So Many Of Us Are… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.