I run workshops and coach on holistic living with a focus on using essential oils to reduce your toxic load and support emotional healing AND I’m also an educator at lululemon!
Reflecting on this was such a gift because I have been so fortunate in my life/lifetime to be surrounded by so many incredible women.
First and foremost is my Mum, as someone who lives away from home and understands the challenges I can’t even imagine that she moved to Canada not speaking english, with almost no contact to home (this was pre internet and when international calls were a small fortune – can you even imagine!) She just went for it, she took every opportunity to learn and grow that came her way and is just such an inspiration of hard work and believing in yourself, but she is also just so incredibly loving, kind and has the most amazing outlook in life (I’ll stop here cause I could write a whole essay on all the ways she inspires me.)
Consumerism and how it makes such an impact in the whole world. I’m by no means perfect, but I used to be a serial shopper and it was all to fill these emotional holes, the phrase ‘retail therapy’ makes me crazy now because I see how truly prevalent it is in western culture.
Not only does it have a huge impact on the planet in terms of waste, but as I mentioned it has a real impact on emotional health, the majority of the upper/middle class in the world are in a vicious cycle of Keeping up with the Jones (or actually the Kardashians) and it creates this serious global lack mentality that has us actually depleting our resources at alarming rates and keeps us feeling inadequate. Women especially need to know about this because we are the ones being marketed to and spending the most money – Vote with your dollars!
Be the one to break the pattern. It’s so easy to get sucked into complaining or gossiping but it’s also just as easy (sometimes) to turn those conversations around. You can either put a positive spin on whatever conversation is happening or just change the subject all together. If you feel like you can’t escape it, then start looking for place to go where you might meet people who are more aligned with your heart, believe me when I say your people are out there!
I actually started my oil classes not for profit but because I wanted to call people into my life who were interested in the same things that I was, and it totally worked!
Last year my health took a bit of a left turn and that was really challenging, but I have been working with incredible healers and teachers and I feel like I’m coming out stronger than before. The experience also taught me so much about myself and really highlighted areas of my life that needed to be addressed and also places where I was allowing fear to run the show. So I’m really excited about how great I’m feeling and also about taking my passions to the next level by starting an energy work diploma in Feb that I can incorporate into my business.
I truly believe that you can’t love anyone more than you love yourself. I know that can be triggering for some people and I have had some heated debates about it, but it all boils down to that simple fact, and by the same token, no one can love you enough if you don’t love yourself enough. For me the more compassionate and forgiving I am with myself the more that reflects on all of my relationships and the work that I do. And the more that I work on it, the more permission I give to others to do the same. I’ve learnt over time that it’s really what you do that matters more than anything you can say.
I think I’m gonna go back to Mama O. I love Super Soul Sunday’s and just day dream about sitting across from her having soul chats and belly laughs. Also I feel like the food would be incredible!
You can come hang with me on insta @veronicaleedrayton facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelightandgratitude/ website: www.lovelightandgratitude.com
What was the catalyst for change in your life towards a holistic health practice?
Great question. When I moved home from Thailand, I had fallen in love with traveling and felt connected to my “soul” on a whole new level. But I felt physically unhealthy because although Thai food is delicious- it’s not very easy to control what you are consuming when you are living in a country and can’t speak or read the language. I encouraged all my foreign teacher friends there to exercise in our little studio apartments in Thailand but the nutrition component was just not there. When I got back after 2 months backpacking South East Asia, way too much Pad Thai and excessive amounts of Thai beer and whiskey– it was time for a drastic change. I had always loved working out but my knowledge of proper nutrition was lacking. Then I reached out to my mentor about her health coaching business and the rest is history. The more I learned about how MY fitness, nutrition and mindset were closely intertwined, the more I wanted to help others do the same. I started reading personal development which is probably the most impactful part of my business on my life.
When I moved to Australia, I became a part of the non-profit mental health organization, One Wave (on accident) and this is where everything came full circle. I realized that my purpose in life is to make a difference in the mental health space and I allowed myself to step into MY TRUTH and stop worrying what other people thought of it. I started practicing yoga regularly, meditating, using my gratitude journal, and reading spiritual books. I attended The Goddess Group and realized there were a lot of other women on this holistic path. Now– I can’t learn enough between reading, podcasts, webinars, documentaries and Youtube binges and most importantly my personal self-discovery.
To me, I feel a duty to myself and the world to break down stereotypes against- “fit chicks” and “spirit junkies”. I want the world to see that it’s not some woo-woo hippie bullshit. The connection between our mind, body and spirit is undeniable and backed by science. Taking care of your WHOLE BEING is what transforms your life and the lives of those around you. And the coolest part is… there are humans out there, just like YOU, V who I would never know without this lifestyle. Cheers to spreading the love, light and gratitude. I can’t wait to see where it takes you next.
Ensusiasm 
This whole article screams Veronica all over it! I love this.
Right! I teared up writing it! Lucky to call you both friends!