I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend, Moyra Gorski, who recently moved to Geneva, for a conversation about her experience settling into the area. Moyra and I have known each other for several years, and I thought it would be interesting to capture her insights on life in Geneva from a fresh perspective.
Moyra is a mom of four young adults, ranging in age from 21 to 29. “Three of my boys have moved out and are spread across the states—Michigan, Montana, and Missouri,” she shared. “Our daughter, who’s 25, is still living with us here in Geneva.” Having built her career as a nurse, Moyra shifted gears when she got married and had children, eventually leaving the suburbs of Wheaton, where they lived for 30 years, to settle in Geneva.
Her journey into wellness began in Wheaton, sparked by concerns about one of her children, who was frequently ill. “I started to learn about health and wellness when a friend suggested I look into how I was managing my home and family’s health,” Moyra explained. “This was back when people weren’t really talking about vitamins, wellness, or having a non-toxic home—about 25 years ago.”
Interestingly enough, her wellness journey actually started here in Geneva, long before she moved. “A friend recommended a chiropractor in Geneva who was focused on natural health, and that’s where I began to see a difference in my son’s health. He started to feel better, and so did I.” That was just the beginning for Moyra, as she dove deeper into the world of health and prevention.
It wasn’t long before Moyra found herself partnering with Shaklee, a wellness company that provides health products, many of which she was already using for herself and her family. “I wasn’t initially interested in starting a business, but helping people solve problems has always been a passion of mine,” she said with a smile. “I think that’s just part of being a good nurse—helping people figure things out.”
She continued, “It’s very organic when you start talking about how people feel and what has helped you. It makes the conversation easy and natural.”
As Moyra settled into her new life in Geneva, she quickly realized how much the community had to offer. “It’s funny,” she said, “because moving to a new place always brings up the same questions—where do you go for a chiropractor, for a massage therapist? What’s your favorite restaurant? Or, even something as simple as, where do I get my car fixed?”
Moyra found herself turning to local resources like the Geneva Moms page and the ‘What’s Happening in Geneva’ Facebook group—just as she had done in Wheaton. “It’s been really helpful to tap into those groups, especially when you need quick recommendations,” she added. Moyra refers to herself as a wellness entrepreneur these days, thanks to her Practical Nutrition Advisor certification, which allows her to guide others in navigating the world of natural health. “I help people figure out if they’re taking the right supplements, using the best products for their needs, or if they need to tweak things to better meet their health goals.”
I was curious and asked Moyra to explain her certification in more detail. “What does that entail?” I asked.
She smiled. “It’s a learning process,” she said. “I did the certification through a chiropractor who runs various health programs. He’s aligned with Shaklee as well. I was already familiar with a lot of the health concepts from my nursing days, but this course helped me dive deeper into specific health issues like diabetes or arthritis. I learned how nutrition, lifestyle changes, and the right supplements could support people facing those kinds of challenges.”
Her nursing background gave her a solid foundation, but the certification allowed Moyra to hone her skills in natural health. “It really helped me apply what I already knew to the world of supplementation and prevention,” she explained. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to help people improve their well-being in such a tangible way.”
Moyra’s passion for wellness isn’t the only thing that’s carried her through life transitions. As we talked, she reflected on her family’s decision to move from Wheaton after spending 30 years there. “We loved Wheaton,” she shared. “It was where we built our family, grew our business, and really settled into life. But, like I mentioned earlier, all our kids have moved out, and it felt like a new chapter was starting.”
The decision to move wasn’t made lightly. “Our house in Wheaton was beautiful, and we had so many memories there,” Moyra said, her tone softening. “Honestly, I would have stayed forever, even though the neighborhood was changing, and the taxes were getting ridiculously high.”
She laughed as she recalled her husband’s willingness to move at any time. “He was all for it, but I think I just got comfortable. You get into your routines, and it doesn’t seem that bad, you know? But the truth was, we were only using half of our house. We had this amazing pool that was ten years old, but we were barely using it. It was like we were moving into a new phase of life, and the house no longer fit.”
I nodded, understanding that transition all too well. “It’s that moment when you realize your life has shifted, and the space you’re in no longer serves you the way it used to. Since we recently moved I completely understand.”
“Exactly,” Moyra agreed. “I’m a creature of habit, though. I’m loyal to a fault, and that’s something I teach my clients—build habits that serve you well. So, I resisted the idea of moving for a while.”
Then Moyra shared something that changed everything for her. “About a year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was caught early, and I had it removed, so my health is better than ever now. But that diagnosis led to a lot of soul-searching. I spent a lot of time in contemplation, thinking about my life and what really matters. I’ve always been spiritual and connected to energy and natural health, but this took things to a deeper level.”
She went on to describe how she spent hours in meditation, prayer, and journaling during that time. “One of the clearest things that came out of that was the realization that it was time to let go of the house. It wasn’t just about the empty nest—although that played a part. It was about recognizing that a phase of our lives was over. It was time to move forward.”
As she spoke, I could see how much the decision symbolized for her. “It sounds like selling the house was really a reflection of the emotional and spiritual journey you were on,” I said. “It wasn’t just about moving—it was about releasing things from your past and stepping into a new chapter.”
Moyra nodded. “That’s exactly it,” she said. “It was time to move forward, to let go of what no longer served us, and to embrace the next phase of life.”
As Moyra continued sharing her journey, it was clear that the move was more than just a change of address—it was a much-needed shift in energy and life direction for her entire family. “It really became that for us,” she explained. “For my husband, for me, and even for our daughter, who had faced some personal struggles while we were living in that house. She was ready to leave it behind, to give it to someone else and start fresh.”
The sale of their Wheaton home felt like a gift in itself. “We found a buyer who absolutely fell in love with the house,” Moyra said, smiling. “They were excited to make it their own, to create their own memories there. That felt really good, you know? And we all know the market is crazy right now.”
Moyra and her husband had been ready to downsize for some time. “We wanted a smaller home, something that fit our new phase of life,” she shared. At the same time, her husband was closing his business and transitioning into a new career path, so they knew they needed a place that would suit their evolving needs. “His office was in Hillside, so we thought about areas on either side of Wheaton—Lombard, Downers Grove, even Geneva, St. Charles, and Batavia.”
They cast a wide net, looking for homes within a reasonable radius. “We had a bit of a range,” Moyra explained. “I had a feeling that Geneva might be the place, but the market was tight, and it was hard to know what we’d find. Geneva is a little pricier than we expected, and the inventory was low, so we weren’t sure what would come up.”
Then came the moment Moyra found their new home. “Did you fall in love with the house right away?” I asked, knowing that sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right place.
“I did,” she replied, her voice softening. “By the third time I saw it, I called my husband—he couldn’t be there with me and the realtor—and I started to cry. I told him, ‘This is it. This is our home.’ I just felt it.” Moyra’s connection to the house deepened when she realized they’d first seen it on the day of Geneva’s Swedish Days Parade. “It was like this nostalgic, beautiful moment—seeing the parade go right in front of our house. I thought, ‘Next year, we could have a Swedish Days party right here.’ It just felt right.”
I could relate. “I’ve had that experience, too,” I told her. “When we bought our last home, I walked through the front door and knew instantly that it was the one. I hadn’t even walked through the rest of the house, but I felt it. Sometimes, you just know.”
Moyra nodded. “Exactly. It’s that gut feeling, that this is where you’re meant to be. But it’s funny because this time, the market was so wild, we ended up buying the house without ever setting foot in it. I thought that was the most ridiculous thing, but here we were, in the car, signing documents and making an offer. Our realtor had done a video tour for us, but still—it was surreal.”
She laughed, remembering the irony. “I had told myself I’d never buy a house like that, and then we did!”
Her story reminded me of my son’s home-buying experience, which had played out in a similar way. “It’s amazing how things work out,” I said. “And you end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. I’m so grateful we lost the other houses we thought we wanted because this one feels like the right place.”
Moyra agreed. “The buyers of our old home never saw it until they came for the inspection. They were out of the country, and technology made it possible for them to buy a house they’d never set foot in. It’s a different world now, but it worked out.”
The new house was a significant downsizing for Moyra and her family—half the size of their Wheaton home—but it suited their needs perfectly. “I work from home, and my husband is transitioning into doing more energy and Reiki healing, so we needed space for our work. The upstairs, where we’re sitting now, is this lovely built-out area. It’s perfect for my office, and there’s a small third bedroom for when the kids visit.”
Moyra was also excited about her latest certification in working with tuning forks, adding another layer to her holistic wellness practice. “I can see clients here, which is great. It’s like the upstairs is our workspace, and when we go downstairs, it’s home.”
Curious, I asked, “So, after looking at different communities—Lombard, Downers Grove, St. Charles—what made you decide on Geneva? Was it the house or the town that sealed the deal?”
“It was a combination of both,” she replied. “We looked at homes in other areas, but a lot of them either required a same-day offer, or they weren’t in great shape. Geneva just had a good vibe. The street we live on is older, established, and has this great energy. Even though we back up to the high school, the area feels right. My husband and I are both really into energy and how spaces feel, so it’s important to us. And the community here is lovely.”
Moyra smiled as she described Geneva’s charm, clearly delighted with her decision to settle here. “Geneva is such a lovely community. It’s older, it’s established, and I feel like it’s a place that really values wellness,” she explained. “When we were looking to make an offer on the house, I told my husband, ‘This is a great place for both of us to grow and help people because this community really appreciates being well, being healthy, and being vibrant.’ It just felt like the right match for what we have to offer.”
“And the fact that you can walk to so many places doesn’t hurt,” I chimed in, knowing how special Geneva’s walkability is.
“Exactly!” Moyra said with enthusiasm. “I’m planning to start a new walking routine next week. In September, we’re really going to take advantage of all these walking opportunities because it’s just such a walkable town.”
I recalled seeing one of her posts about walking back from town. “Didn’t you recently post a picture of a walk back from the farmers market?”
“Yes!” Moyra laughed. “That’s one of the best parts—being able to walk to things like the farmers market or just into town. Geneva and Wheaton are similar in that way; they both have so much to offer. Geneva has this incredible shopping district, and the sense of community here is really special. Just yesterday, I saw your article about the Fox River Cleanup Day. I love how people here take pride in keeping the river and the town beautiful.”
Moyra nodded in agreement. “That’s one of the things I’m really coming to appreciate about Geneva—the people here care. Whether it’s the river, the local businesses, or community events, there’s just a lot of heart here.”
I was curious how familiar she had been with Geneva before making the move. “So, before you moved here, how well did you know the city?”
Moyra paused to reflect. “Honestly, not that well,” she admitted. “We’d come out here occasionally for dinner or coffee, but I didn’t know the area deeply. I did attend a few networking events at local restaurants, and of course, I’d heard about Geneva Commons, but I always thought, ‘Oh, that’s so far away.’ Now it’s five minutes down the road!” She laughed, realizing how perspectives change once you’re living in the area. “People would always tell me how much they loved Geneva, and now I understand why. You cross that bridge over the Fox River, and it’s just beautiful. There’s something really unique about the restaurants and shops here.”
I couldn’t agree more. “I’ve done a few Christmas walks and garden walks in Geneva over the years,” I said, reminiscing. “I’m not sure if they still do the Christmas walks, but it was always fun to visit different homes all decorated for the season. It’s just one of those charming things that makes Geneva feel like home.”
“Absolutely,” Moyra said. “And there’s always something going on. Like Festival of the Vine! There’s this constant sense of celebration in Geneva. It makes living here feel vibrant and connected.”
I was eager to know what else Moyra had discovered since her move. “So, what have been some of your favorite discoveries as a new Geneva resident?” I asked.
“We moved here on July 29,” Moyra said, thinking back. “We closed on the house earlier in July but took a little time before officially moving in. One of my favorite discoveries has been Prana Yoga—it’s just five minutes away, and it’s a beautiful, authentic yoga studio. I love that I can walk there. And then there’s the Geneva Green Market, which is this small, local market open just a couple of times a week. They make the most delicious quiches and baked goods, and they sell locally sourced honey and other natural products. It’s exactly my kind of place—authentic and a little crunchy,” she said with a grin.
“I love that!” I said, picturing the type of market she was describing. “Geneva really does have that small-town charm with its local shops and markets.”
“Exactly,” Moyra agreed. “I just stumbled upon the Green Market while walking to yoga one day. The door was open, and I couldn’t resist checking it out. It’s those little moments that make me love living here. I’ve also discovered the paths along the Fox River—they’re gorgeous. I met some friends at Windmill Park one Saturday, and we walked down to Batavia’s market and back. It was just beautiful.”
“The paths along the Fox River are such a gem,” I said. “There’s something calming about walking along the river.”
“Definitely,” Moyra said. “One day I walked over to Wheeler Park to explore a bit, and then I found out you can walk all the way to St. Charles. There’s even a sculpture park near there. I love discovering all these places on foot—it’s such a great way to connect with the area.”
As we continued talking, Moyra mentioned something unexpected. “You know what’s funny? I was in the marching band in high school, and I was the drum major my senior year. So now, living near the high school, I can hear the marching band practicing. It takes me right back,” she said with a smile. “They had their first home game last Friday, and it was so loud! But I loved it. Hearing them warming up and marching to the field—it’s like I’m a part of that energy again.”
“It’s fun to have that little connection to your past,” I said, understanding how those moments can make a place feel even more like home.
“Exactly,” Moyra said. “It’s these little things—the marching band, the community events, the walks by the river—that make me feel like we’re really settling in. Geneva feels like the perfect place for this new chapter in our lives.”
Moyra’s enthusiasm for Geneva continued to shine as we discussed her new life in the community. “We’ve only been here a month, so we’re still discovering everything,” she said. “But what I love the most is that we can walk everywhere. I’ve even talked about this on my podcast—I always encourage people to get out, explore, and introduce themselves. When I walk into a new shop, I make it a point to say, ‘Hey, I’m new to the area, and I’d love to get to know your place.’ The people here are so friendly.”
She smiled as she talked about the simple joys of walking the dog and meeting new people along the way. “There’s this little shadow we all stay in where we just say ‘Hi’ and move on. But I’ve been making a point to stop and chat with people because I want to connect. I want to be a part of this community, not just live here.”
“You’re looking to make Geneva part of your world as much as you want to become part of it,” I said. “It’s not just about living in a house but really embracing the community around you.”
“Exactly,” Moyra agreed. “It’s not like we’re just here on vacation. This is home, and I want to feel comfortable and connected.”
Curious about her podcast, I asked, “Tell me more about your podcast. What’s it called?”
Moyra’s eyes lit up. “It’s called “Your Journey to Joy”, and I’m in the second season now. It started in early 2020, initially focusing on overcoming eating disorders and addictions. My daughter went through an eating disorder, and I’ve had my own struggles as well. I wanted to share stories of hope and recovery.”
But as time went on, Moyra realized she wanted the podcast to evolve. “A couple of years ago, I shifted the focus to joy because I noticed how easily we can lose sight of joy when life gets overwhelming. Whether it’s raising kids, dealing with health struggles, or just managing day-to-day life, sometimes the joy gets lost. And I wanted to remind people—and myself—that joy is something we can actively seek out.”
I nodded, knowing how true that is. “I’m sure your diagnosis with breast cancer had an impact on that shift as well,” I said gently.
“Absolutely,” Moyra replied. “When life throws you a curveball like that, it can either knock you down, or you can choose to find meaning in it. I’ve always believed that things happen for us, not to us. So when I was diagnosed, I focused on staying positive, finding the bright side, and looking for the lessons in it all.
Feeling Strong
Moyra’s strength and resilience were clear. “You’ve been through so much—building a business, raising children with mental health struggles, facing your own health challenges—but you’ve found a way to stay positive through it all.”
“That’s exactly it,” Moyra said. “Life happens. It’s not always easy, and nobody’s coming to pull you out of bed and make everything better. It’s up to us to get up, find the joy, and make the most of what we have. That’s what I’ve learned through my own journey, and that’s what I try to share with others. I want to find the things that bring me joy, whether it’s discovering new shops in Geneva, finding the perfect place for lunch with a girlfriend, or going for a walk by the river.”
“And dancing,” I added with a smile. “You mentioned dancing earlier. Tell me more about that—what’s the joy of dancing for you?”
Moyra’s started to glow. “Dancing is something I picked up during the pandemic. Like a lot of people, I was feeling bored and restless, so I walked into a dance studio in Glen Ellyn and decided to try ballroom dancing. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it, but I did! I’ve always loved classical music, so dancing a waltz or a tango—it just clicked for me.”
She explained that dancing became more than just a hobby. “It’s a way for me to get out of my head and all the ‘to-do’ lists that come with life. Dancing connects me with my heart. It’s fun, and if I can keep it that way—not get too competitive—it’s such a joy. I’m now at a private studio in Naperville called NP Dance, and it’s become a big part of my life.”
I could see how much dancing meant to her. “I imagine dancing is both physically and mentally challenging,” I said. “But what I love about watching ballroom dance is the flow—the way the music and movement come together so effortlessly.”
“Yes!” Moyra agreed. “That’s what I love, too. It’s all about flow, both in the dance and in life. Can we let go and just be in the moment? Can we stop trying to control everything and simply enjoy the experience? For me, dancing has become a metaphor for life—learning to go with the flow, being present, and finding joy in the little things. It’s also an escape, a time where I can forget about the world for an hour and just have fun.”
Moyra smiled, clearly content with where she was in life. “It’s a lovely hobby, and I’m so glad I found it. Whether it’s dancing or discovering new spots in Geneva, it’s all about seeking joy and staying connected to what makes me happy.”
As our conversation neared its end, I asked Moyra to touch a little more on how she sees her business flourishing in Geneva. “You’ve mentioned meeting new people and how Geneva feels like a place where your business can thrive. Is there anything else you’d like to share about that? And of course, let everyone know how they can reach you.”
Moyra nodded thoughtfully. “Sure. You know, I’ve learned that confusion often leads to inaction. A confused mind does nothing. And as women, especially as we age, there are so many things happening with our bodies—hormonal shifts, low energy, and so on. It can feel overwhelming. That’s really who I try to help—those women who are going through these changes and aren’t sure what’s going on with their bodies.”
She continued, “I focus on helping people create habits that make them feel better. And while my primary clientele is women, I also help men navigate their health journeys. I love partnering with other businesses like chiropractors and naturopaths, and I’ve already started meeting some in Geneva. It’s about finding ways to collaborate and support each other—whether it’s through nutrition, wellness talks, or workshops on topics like journaling. I really want people to embrace vibrant health, not settle for feeling old or run down.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I said. “I hate when people use getting older as an excuse for feeling worse. There’s so much we can do to stay vibrant and healthy.”
Moyra smiled. “Exactly. So many people don’t know where to start, and that’s where I come in. There’s a lot of noise out there—what to take, what to do. Your doctor says one thing, social media says another, and it’s hard to navigate. I help people cut through the confusion and figure out what works for them. I also love collaborating with other professionals—physical therapists, personal trainers, chiropractors—because it’s not just about me, it’s about building a community of support.”
I nodded in agreement. “Collaboration is key. It’s about offering real value, not just products or services, but something meaningful.”
“Exactly,” Moyra replied. “If anyone wants to get in touch, I’m active on social media. You can find me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at Moyra Gorski. I also have a website, moyragorski.com, where you can find information about my coaching, nutritional products, my journal, and my podcast.”
Moyra nodded. “And there’s a dance studio just three minutes up the road in St. Charles. I’m planning to take a class tomorrow just to stop in and say hello. It’s been so much fun exploring the area.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said. “I’m so grateful for your time and your perspective as a new resident of Geneva. I’m really looking forward to getting this article out there.
With that, we wrapped up our conversation, leaving me feeling inspired by Moyra’s vibrant energy and her excitement for this new chapter of life in Geneva. It’s clear she’s already making her mark in the community, bringing her passion for wellness and connection into every step of the journey.
Karen Carlson, a dynamic and creative spirit in Geneva, cherishes the city's vibrant life. As a seasoned entrepreneur and licensed massage therapist, Karen intertwines her love for quilting with her passion for writing, contributing to Geneva's cultural tapestry with published works ranging from poetry to children's stories to non-fiction books.
Geneva, the heart of Karen's social and creative endeavors, offers unparalleled convenience and diversity, reflecting in Karen's lifestyle and work. Alongside her husband, Bruce, Karen indulges in local and global adventures, from culinary quests within the city to international mission work.
Engaged deeply in Geneva's community, Karen balances her time between family, creativity, and service, embodying the spirit of the city with every quilt stitch and written word.