News Summary
L.A.-based author Jennifer Romolini shares her transformative journey in her new memoir ‘Ambition Monster,’ focusing on self-care and emotional wellness for women. This candid narrative accompanies her podcast ‘Extended Scenes,’ addressing ambition and life changes at 52, while challenging traditional views on success and wellness.
Los Angeles, CA – L.A.-based author and podcaster Jennifer Romolini is sharing her personal journey through her new memoir titled “Ambition Monster,” set to release in 2024. With over 20 years of experience in high-profile roles at women’s magazines and lifestyle websites, Romolini details a transformation from a workaholic into an advocate for intentional self-care and emotional regulation, particularly for women navigating the complexities of ambition and aging.
Romolini’s memoir provides a candid reflection on her “harrowing and violent childhood,” revealing how her professional achievements once served as a coping mechanism to mask personal pain. By highlighting her past, she aims to shed light on how workaholism can be a symptom of unresolved trauma and the importance of addressing these underlying issues for emotional wellness.
To further engage in her themes of ambition and success, Romolini has launched a podcast titled “Extended Scenes.” The podcast focuses on redefining ambition, particularly in the second half of life, and addresses personal subjects such as parenting a teenager, her journey as a novelist, and adjusting to her physical changes at the age of 52. Throughout the series, she emphasizes that her current drive is guided by clarity and purpose rather than a pursuit of external validation.
Romolini advocates a very intentional approach to self-care and stresses its necessity in maintaining balance amid everyday chaos. She shares favorite spots around Los Angeles that offer peace of mind, including the Bellevue Recreation Center, the Philosophical Research Society, Naturewell smoothie shop, the back garden at Stories Books & Cafe, and Taix for its renowned martinis and fries. Her commitment to wellness includes an exercise routine that incorporates weights and yoga at Everybody gym in Cypress Park, which she describes as inclusive and welcoming.
As Romolini navigates the changes that come with aging, she emphasizes the importance of self-care, sleep, and movement. Her personal health journey has been affected by celiac disease and the dietary adjustments she has had to make, especially during perimenopause when her body began processing food differently. This experience stimulates her belief in discussing and normalizing the challenges associated with aging and ambition, particularly for women over 40.
The themes found in “Ambition Monster” extend into her podcast, where she critiques the commercialization of wellness and advocates for a return to genuine self-care practices. Romolini also highlights the role of creative hobbies, such as weaving, as a way to promote relaxation and self-expression. Despite identifying as a novice in this area, she encourages others to explore new avenues for personal growth and emotional stability.
Furthermore, Romolini speaks on the importance of emotional regulation for long-term wellness, emphasizing that as one ages, maintaining mental and emotional health is imperative. She suggests that while ambition can be a powerful force, it can also lead to a detrimental pursuit without understanding and intentionality.
Through both her memoir and podcast, Romolini hopes to inspire others to redefine what success means in light of personal experiences and societal expectations. Her narrative invites a critical examination of traditional notions of ambition, arguing that they should adapt as individuals evolve through life’s stages.
With “Ambition Monster” and “Extended Scenes,” Jennifer Romolini not only recounts her own experiences but also ignites discussions surrounding vital topics such as self-care, emotional awareness, and the evolving nature of ambition, especially for women in their 40s and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Jennifer Romolini on Staying Sane in LA
- Google Search: Jennifer Romolini
- The Guardian: Jennifer Romolini and the Ambition Monster
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ambition
- New York Times: Exploring Workaholism
- Google News: Workaholism
