If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
The advice I would give to a younger version of myself would be that I don’t have to KNOW everything and that I am smart enough, talented enough, inspired enough, and competent enough to handle whatever situations I should find myself in. In short … I am enough! I have done a lot of over-thinking in the past, and with self-doubt plaguing me, opportunities have been missed. I have allowed self-limiting thoughts to affect behaviours, choices, and the trajectory of my life. Opportunities present when we are ready for them, but I have often failed to see them until they are well past.
The second bit of advice would be – to remember that I don’t have to DO everything! One of the most challenging and painful lessons that I’ve learned in life comes from being a parent. Accepting that just because I can do a thing doesn’t mean that I should. The wisdom in that came slowly and with difficulty. While it often feels like we should step in and help others because they are struggling, any actions taken on their behalf can be disempowering to them and recognizing that sometimes the best thing you can do for others is simply to stay out of the way. Providing support through witnessing the struggle allows people to learn, grow, and develop. This doesn’t mean you don’t love them, nor does it mean you won’t provide support and assistance when needed; it simply means that you don’t do anything until and unless you are asked.
Once I learned this, I wasn’t as exhausted all the time and entangled in other people’s “drama”. I had more balance in my life.
Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
Two phrases guide my life. The first is “I aspire to inspire”. I am very passionate about self-expression and helping people recognize that they have a voice and a right to use it. There are so many forms of self-expression, and it is a joy to help people discover, explore, and embrace their preferences. The second phrase that I live by is “Imagine the Possibilities”. I am an idea generator, and I love interacting with life and my environment. I am a person who never experiences boredom; the only exception is if I am ill and my body and energy levels are completely depleted.
Possibilities abound. I love to bake, paint, sew, make jewellery, garden, write stories and poetry, dance, make candy flowers, organize parties and events, play music (once capable of playing nine instruments) and spend time in nature. I also adore crafting strange and eclectic objects and spending time with family, friends, and my ten cats. There are never any limitations to the possibilities I see.
What is your number one business goal this year?
I work full time in a tailor-made position for a company whose vision and purpose I believe in; Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development, and there are always new and interesting projects arising. In addition to this work, I have my small Coaching Business Effervescent Health and Wellness, and I have also recently published my first children’s book. By the end of 2022, I intend to have completed and published my first online course, which will take me from individual and small group coaching to reaching and working with a greater number of people. I am currently working on the imagery for my second book and hope to see it published by the end of this year.
What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?
My number one priority in my career and daily work is maintaining a high work ethic and productivity. This requires balance and scheduling time for self-care, relaxation, and fun. It is easy to become overwhelmed and take on much more than is physically, logistically, mentally, and emotionally viable with many interests and pursuits. It takes a toll on my body and everything else because I have been known to press onward through anything to meet my commitments. I’ve learned that it is much better to take on less and do it well than to spread myself too thin and pay the consequences.
What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
Expressing creativity in various formats and building for the future is my favourite thing about what I do for a living. It is really rewarding to create training and coaching materials that help people move forward in their lives, reach goals and objectives, and have a greater understanding of their wants, needs, values, and motivational drivers. In addition, I enjoy working with people, providing support, and ensuring they know they are seen, heard, appreciated, and valued.
Connect with Laura Ross (she/her):
Quality Control/Facilitator Support
Cell: 250 615-9029
Terrace, BC
laura@icldgroup.com | www.icldgroup.com
ICLD recognizes its presence on the unceded traditional territories of the Kwikwetlem, Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Coast Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, Nisga’a, and Tahltan First Nations.
