Written by: Lauraine McDonald, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
First, my business is constantly evolving. It is a living entity. It is not static, but rather energy in constant movement, just like us and just like the world we live in. I am learning that following my intuition and staying curious is key. I used to be one for planning everything out. And I mean everything. I had daily planners and to-do lists. I was the organization queen. Not so much now, because it was me trying to be in control of life. The reality is that I am not, and I am not in control of how my business wants to flow either. By listening and following intuition and staying curious about what is going to happen next, my intention is that I can then stay open and see the opportunities that will be presented to me. I can only do this if I am in a place of 'not knowing'.
2. I had to get exceptionally clear on my values.
I see my business as an extension of myself—everything I do impacts my business in some way, shape, and form. If I am not living in alignment with who I truly am on a daily basis, my business will not be either. And I desire my business to expand, grow and develop into an empire so that I can help as many people as I can. Getting clear on my values helps me make decisions for myself, whether it be on a personal or professional level. It helps me live with the boundaries that I create, it is easier to make choices, and it allows me to see myself at an even deeper level.
3. I have put value into my time.
My time is important and valuable. Time is my greatest resource, and it is the one thing that I will not get back if I waste it. I now prioritize my life and business in a way that resonates with me. I get to work hard in my business, but it is just as important to allow myself to live in the moment and make sure it is not the only thing I am doing. I value work-life balance, always have, and always will. And because I know this, I can constantly check in and see what needs to shift and change so that I honor this part of me and don’t burn out.
4. I get to walk my talk daily.
'They' say that you teach what you need most, and 'they' are correct. It has become very clear to me that if I don’t do my own work, especially if it is on areas that my clients are coming to me for help with, I am no good to them or to myself. I have committed to a life of self-development, and the more I work on myself, the more I love life. Perseverance, trust, and determination pay off.
5. There is no such thing as failure.
I can only fail if I lie down on the ground and give up. Running a business is trial and error, just like living life, so if I can take each error as a lesson, I will only gain.
6. Risk-taking has become a must.
I am not averse to taking risks but definitely struggle when the risks related to being seen and heard. Success comes from doing the very thing that scares me to my core. And there have been times where I have taken action in my life and my business whilst shaking. It is those actions that have brought me the most rewards.
7. Running a business is the hardest thing I have ever done, but so is life, right?
It pushes every single one of my buttons. It is imperative to allow myself to continuously grow, expand, and up-level so that my business can too. In order to do this, being real, honest, and vulnerable with myself and with my clients every single day is imperative. It takes listening to myself wholeheartedly and doing what I feel is best for myself, even when those around me do not agree with what I am doing.
8. Running a business is the most rewarding thing I have done, but so is life, right?
I have chosen a way of life that means I get to live my life how I want, and I get to do the things I love every single day. My business and my life are an expression of my heart and soul. It is most certainly not easy all the time, but isn’t this what life is all about; to challenge ourselves, to break free from societal norms, cultures, and behaviors from a family of origin that no longer serve? To actually feel free, content, and whole. When I see my clients accomplishing this, and when I feel it in myself, I feel so much joy and gratitude. I get reminded of my ‘why’ for business and for life. I am truly living the life I am meant to be living in all of its entirety. There is limitless potential, and it is available to all of us.
Are you open to finding out more? Message me and let’s chat.
Lauraine McDonald, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lauraine McDonald is an intuitive guide and empathic healer who has been working with Energy for over 15 years. She has two degrees in Psychology and relishes every opportunity to bridge the gap between the mind and body. Due to many traumatic experiences, she has dedicated her life to helping people connect authentically to themselves and the world around them. She does this by helping you to release past traumas, break free from cultural and societal boxes and innately see and express who you are. Deeply rooted in the Native American Way of Life, Lauraine brings a holistic approach to her work. Lauraine is also a Sexual Abuse Advocate and looks forward to bringing light to the mental health stigma of keeping quiet and holding on to secrets that belong out in the open. Her mission is, "Become you, speak your truth, reclaim your power and step into who you were born to be."
