Jillian Morris, writer, life-promoter, bridge builder, mother, wife, is interested in the stories that shape us. She believes storytelling is a powerful means to finding connection.
Q. If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Be conscious of spirit. Be intentional in feeding spirit. Nurture the adventurer, the creative, and even the mischief within. Your curiosity, your imagination, the Great Mystery will take you places that the mind and body cannot fully understand. The mind and body are the vehicle. Emotional and spiritual literacy is where it’s at! This is the fuel for your vehicle – pace yourself, endure, indulge, explore, wander, refuel, and repeat. Truth, wisdom, and peace can be found through the peregrinations. The search for more, for better, for bigger should be assigned to this growth.
Q. What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
My greatest influence has been volunteerism. Individuals sharing their gifts and efforts because they simply care for the community they are supporting. I have been humbled, inspired, and blessed repeatedly by fellow volunteers and what we accomplish together. From my perspective, volunteering is the most rewarding way to learn, to network, to bridge gaps, and to spread love. I am a better mother, wife, friend, and community member because of it.
Q. What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
My favourite thing I do in my work/life is share stories. My culture is heavily based on storytelling. We have been telling the same stories for time immemorial because they do not age. A good story will have you searching for and reflecting on the meaning and lessons within it. The best stories will have you in an introspective state. The most profound element of story is its ability to heal. I tell my story, I create stories, I listen to and read the stories of others. Sometimes it is a conversation, a sharing circle, a teaching, an article, a novel, a video game. I consume all I can to make me a better, more thoughtful, more aware, and relatable writer.
Q. What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
In Haudenosaunee culture there is this concept, Kan’nikonhrí:io (the Good mind). It teaches us to be intentional in the way we relate to the world around us. It teaches about humility, interconnection, peace, and love. It teaches to speak with care, to listen with care, to be open, to be kind. It reminds us to consider the things in our own world that may be clouding our judgements and perceptions. I return to the teachings often to check myself and reground.
