A Life-Long Interest in Fitness and Wellness

I have explored the fitness and wellness path all my life and have devoted myself to actively working in this industry for the past 30 years and have seen many trends come and go. The key to living long, staying fit and being happy includes a personal formula that encompasses the body, mind, heart and soul. After living with pain in my body for a long time, I needed to make movement fun again. Recovering from stress and injury requires a gradual and steady progression to allow the body to restore its natural balance.  

A Happier, Healthier, More Holistic Life

Development of the Eight Essential Elements to Health and Happiness

I focus my attention on my own lifestyle balance and overall well-being through the integration of numerous techniques I have learned over the years from my mentors and teachers. My experience has not only helped me find a wellness formula for myself but also to help evaluate and ask the right questions to suggest wellness strategies for each person I coach. Lifestyle balance inspired the creation of the Happiness Wheel and the Eight Essential Elements to Health and Happiness.

The Spark of Joy Helps us Shine

My granny used to say “you need to have more fun dear” when she would witness me running full speed ahead without allowing too much down time. For most of my 20s and 30s I was revved up and stressed out until I burned out.  Life teaches us what we need to learn the most and what we resist the most is often what we need the most. The way I was living needed to change. I now infuse my granny’s motto into all that I do. From activity choices or business collaborations, everything is more fun when I bring joy and gratitude into what I do. I love my work, I just do it differently now. I let my heart guide the way. Being healthy and fit gives me the resiliency and energy to keep going even when the path is a tough one.

We all shine more when we turn our focus towards the little joyful moments each day brings. Gratitude is a part of each day and the practice changed my life. What we focus on amplifies so I now choose to focus on what I appreciate instead of what I don't. Here are some examples of things that bring a smile to my lips and a lightness in my heart: fun family dinners, comforting morning hugs from my husband Ian, Shiva’s smiley face and waggly tail (our Golden Retriever), stepping onto my yoga mat for a nurturing practice, sitting quietly enjoying my morning coffee – the first sip is the best!

What sparks happiness for you? For me, the 'little things" are the "big things". Simple joyful experiences that make each day special lie:  enjoying my shower with hand made soaps infused with essential oils, baking healthy cookies, shopping at fresh farmer’s markets, giggling with my mom and exploring waters by kayak, reading inspirational books, listening to podcasts of great thought leaders, being with the School of Happiness community, seeing and smelling the fresh flowers around our home, facilitating empowering workshops and retreats to engaged, curious groups of people, drinking afternoon tea from my granny’s tea cups, tasting real maple syrup like my dad used to make, walking/hiking in the woods, swimming in the lake or canoeing with my dad, relaxing afternoon naps, quiet meditation, spending time with a close friend, getting out into nature daily. And there are so many more special moments that each day offers that enrich my life. Even the most challenging day offers joyful moments, we just need to choose to see life's gifts. "What is wrong is always available, so is what's right."

Childhood in Rural Quebec

I have lived an active lifestyle all my life. My family owned over 96 acres of property in Lakefield, Quebec so I grew up as a country girl roaming the woods as early as six years old with my dog Albert (a loyal and playful Samoyed) and riding bareback on our horses as they grazed the property. Weekends were spent cheering my dad on at his baseball games. My mom even made us wear funky homemade bonnets on our heads claiming them to be good luck for the team. We looked a little silly, but we believed that it helped his team win! I loved spending carefree summers at the lake swimming, sailing and paddling. Being in nature, especially surrounded by trees has always been naturally therapeutic for me.

Sports Involvement from Elementary School to University

In elementary school I got involved with the track and field team and cross country team along with other team sports. It was in high school that I was introduced to aerobics and weight training and immediately fell in love with those activities. I trained vigorously with a coach in body building as I entered CEGEP and university and also joined the rugby team and thought it was normal to feel sore all the time. Now I know better…

Daily Movement! Hiking, Dog-Walking, Yoga

Yoga Life Since 1997

Dealing with Back Pain and Anxiety

Since the age of 18 I lived with chronic lower back pain along with bouts of anxiety. My own back issues prompted me to focus on discovering back care methods through collaborations with physiotherapists and osteopaths. As for the anxiety, I learned what the triggers and traumas were along with efficient techniques to successfully surrender, accept and find freedom. Stress reduction and unburdening pasts hurts/traumas plays a huge role in our well-being.

There are several factors that may contribute to anxiety and the pathway to emotional freedom can vary from one person to the next. I have learned that when I balance my life effectively, participate in meaningful work with people I enjoy being with, along with maintaining a whole foods diet, regular exercise, yoga, meditation, quality sleep, and being in gratitude, I feel happier, more optimistic, more vibrant, and motivated to share what I have learned with others. And when life challenges arise I can sit with the discomfort and be present to what Life is trying to teach.

By making well-being a priority, I have a greater ability to flow through the ups and downs of life with greater awareness, grace and joy. When the anxiety pops up,  I notice I am usually stressed, too externally focused or “in my head” so I take a time out to tune in and take the 12-inch journey back to my heart to restore my balance from the inside out.

Being in any kind of pain is not fun and I know what it is like to wake up feeling stiff and sore. Yet life's challenges can lead to opportunities. The Mend my Back Program was born to help others restore better posture and recognize the patterns that are causing the discomfort. Along with my partner Ian we have designed a comprehensive and progressive program to help others along their back care journeys. If you are curious to know more, you can check it out here:  Mendmybackprogram.com

An Eternal Student

I will always remain a student of life, I love learning, networking and exchanging with inspiring leaders. I am driven to consistently research new methods, and create new projects that will help myself and others live a healthier, happier life. Being active and inspired is what allows me to continually grow and evolve and subsequently share what I learn.

I am grateful to have been well guided and supported throughout my life by family, friends, mentors and teachers. I have had the experience of working for large organizations along with working in smaller teams and enjoy all my collaborations.

Pay Attention to Daily Thoughts, Choices and Actions

A pivotal quote changed my course of direction in 2013: “Build your own dream or someone will hire you to build theirs.” It is important for me to do what I love with people whom I am in alignment with. When the fun stops or if I am no longer evolving, I pay attention and make a move – as challenging as life transitions are, they are also highly rewarding. School of Happiness was born and our community is growing.

Our destiny is shaped through our consistent daily thoughts, choices and actions. We become what we repeatedly do. I choose to begin each day powerfully to get myself into a centered and vibrant state - conscious breathing, gratitude, stretching, getting outdoors for a morning walk and being intentional about my day. 

My personal intention is to remain in alignment with my soul’s purpose which is about learning to be a better communicator and developing my spirituality, connection with my higher Self and the Universe. My mission is to guide others to be conscious creators of their well-being mind, body, heart and spirit leading to optimal health, happiness and fulfillment at home and at work.

I trust that day by day, I am guided - we all are. I listen and honour the voice that speaks to me through my heart as an inner GPS, then each day cultivate the courage to keep moving forward. Together we all can...

Learn with Laura

I invite you to join me as I share the elements of a healthier, happier life in my signature programs around the globe so that you can also navigate your way through a fulfilling life with the tools you need to remain balanced, healthy and happy.

= Stay connected to be informed of conferences, retreats, complimentary classes and online events. Join our mailing list here: Yes please keep me informed

= Become a member in our online platform, try one of our complimentary classes or tune in for a drop in class at your convenience. More info here:  Online classes

= Come Home to YOU Coaching Packages. Reclaim your your energy and your well-being now.

Live well. Be happy. Be YOU.