Mary Beth Cowardin is a seasoned marketing professional, community advocate, and a living testament that love, purpose, and fulfillment can arrive right on time - even if they don’t follow the traditional timeline.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mary Beth grew up in a supportive home rooted in family, academics, and sports. After college, she launched a thriving marketing career that would take her across borders - literally.
Her early years were marked by international travel and fast-paced professional demands, whic...
Mary Beth Cowardin is a seasoned marketing professional, community advocate, and a living testament that love, purpose, and fulfillment can arrive right on time - even if they don’t follow the traditional timeline.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mary Beth grew up in a supportive home rooted in family, academics, and sports. After college, she launched a thriving marketing career that would take her across borders - literally.
Her early years were marked by international travel and fast-paced professional demands, which, while enriching, often left little space for deep, lasting relationships.
At the time, she believed love would come naturally. But as her 30s turned into 40s, she began to notice that life doesn’t always align with expectations.
Even through heartbreak, including the stunning moment of returning from a work trip to discover a partner had gotten engaged to someone else, Mary Beth held onto her integrity.
Rather than settling for relationships that didn’t feel right, she stayed true to her values and continued investing in the things that brought her meaning.
Her time was filled with volunteer work, close-knit friendships, and co-founding Girls with Gears, a cycling team supporting cancer research through the grassroots nonprofit Pelotonia.
In 2015, a new chapter quietly began when she was “tagged” in a creative social media project called Selfies for a Cause.
For 365 days, she posted a daily photo highlighting nonprofit organizations - linking each one to something personally significant, from a national awareness day to a friend’s birthday.
The initiative, which she named Daily Dose of Goodness, reflected her deep desire to connect people through purpose.
Looking back, she believes that this consistent act of sharing light was exactly what helped attract the right energy into her life.
Because that same year, she met her person.
What began with a shared love of cycling and a spontaneous concert ticket soon unfolded into a relationship defined by ease, honesty, and mutual support.
Their first date wasn’t overly planned or forced and just felt right.
Over time, Mary Beth realized that the emotional maturity she had cultivated over the years was now being mirrored back to her in a partner who valued communication, balance, and shared dreams.
At the age of 49, Mary got married for the first time. And while it wasn’t how she originally imagined her life unfolding, it was exactly what she needed, exactly when she was ready.
Mary Beth’s story is a reminder that being single doesn’t mean being incomplete. And that independence and partnership aren’t mutually exclusive.
She believes that relationships should feel natural, not like constant work, and that the right person won’t require you to dim your light or abandon your truth.
Through sharing her journey and life story, Mary offers hope. Hope that it’s not too late, and that beautiful things still lie ahead.
Whether you’re navigating disappointment, embracing independence, or holding space for new beginnings, Mary Beth’s story proves one thing clearly: You are never too old, too late, or too far behind for the love and life you deserve.
Key Takeaways from Mary Beth’s Journey
1. Love Has No Deadline - Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t. The right person can arrive exactly when you’re truly ready.
2. Stay True to Your Standards – Don’t settle out of fear or pressure. Trust your values and wait for a relationship that feels aligned, safe, and real.
3. Your Life Doesn’t Need to Be On Hold – Fulfillment starts with building a life you love on your own. The more whole you are, the more whole your relationships will be.
4. Let Openness Be Your Superpower – Being open to love doesn’t mean losing yourself. It means being willing to receive something beautiful when it comes.
5. The Right Relationship Feels Easy – Love shouldn’t feel like constant work. When it’s right, it flows naturally with mutual respect, laughter, and peace.
6. Independence and Love Can Coexist – You don’t have to shrink to fit into a relationship. The right partner will celebrate your strength and walk beside you, not ahead or behind.
7. Hope is Always Worth Holding Onto – Even when the wait feels long, don’t give up. Beautiful things still unfold in unexpected, perfect timing.
Quotes from Mary Beth Cowardin
1. "Don’t waste time on someone you know isn’t right for you. Life is too precious, and your peace is too important."
2. "Being yourself is easy - and that’s how you know it’s a good relationship. You don’t need to perform or pretend when it’s real."
3. "Independence and partnership aren’t opposites. You can be strong on your own and still open your heart to love."
4. "Keep at it. The right person will come at the right time. What’s meant to be will find its way when you're ready."
Connect with Mary
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marybeth.cowardin
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-cowardin-9077075
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vabelle68
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