Amanda Rafuse
Mom, Healthy Lifestyle Coach & Podcast Host
I always knew deep down that I was meant to help others and spread kindness. It’s deep rooted in my soul. I have always had a creative mind and fiery spirit. But after years of neglect and pushing them down under the surface, I lost my passion, drive and purpose. Once I realized that I was actually the one blocking myself off from living a pretty amazing life, I decided to stop making excuses and go chase those big dreams!
-
What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I’m a go-getter...or as some may call me - a squirrel. If I see something I want I go all in and chase it down. Finally deciding to put my mental health and family FIRST was a very proud moment for me. I am sure that most people would argue that quitting your job isn’t the idea of a “proud professional moment” but for me it was the turning point and what I believe is the actual START of my new career path. It may be happening way later in my life than I had expected, at 39 to be exact, but I don’t think we should ever put timelines on success. Oftentimes, the more life experiences we go through, the more we are shaped into exactly who we are meant to be. Both personally and professionally.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
I want to see our provinces flooded with entrepreneurial women who are stepping out into the spotlight and creating and inspiring the younger generation. I want our children to see strong, brave, and hard working women following their dreams and supporting other women to do the same. We currently have so many incredible women right here in Atlantic Canada who are doing amazing things and truly are inspiring. I think it is amazing that you are showcasing these women because they deserve to be in the spotlight!
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
Quitting my job actually opened up a lot of doors for me that I had locked tight for so many years. It allowed me to completely open myself back up and let the creative juices flow again, which gave me a huge surge in growth. I started taking care of my health (mental and physical), I got back to doing things I loved and that brought me joy, and I started diving into personal development through health and fitness coaching. This was the game changer for me. This is a vital piece of the puzzle I had been missing in my life and this is what made the shift for me...both personally and professionally.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
Podcasts! Oh my word! I love so many! But my favourite is most definitely ’EmpowerHER’ with host Kacia Fitzgerald. Her podcast has literally helped me climb out of some very deep holes and she is pure fire! She is all about helping women find things they are passionate about and helping them live their best lives. I actually enrolled in her Podcasting Course and I launched my own podcast called ‘Toggle that Switch'' in December 2020. I also love ‘The Woman of Wellness’, ‘Bite-Sized Balance’’, ‘The James Smith Podcast’, and ‘Boos & Bourbon - The Podcast. I am currently reading the book ‘The School of Greatness’ by Lewis Howes, which I am absolutely loving!!
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
Finally being honest with myself and admitting that I needed professional help after I suffered a nervous breakdown. I realized that I needed help to navigate all of the deep feelings of anxiety and depression that I was suppressing. I learned that it is ok to ask for help and to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. That is where real growth happens. I learned that I cannot fill the cups of others if my cup is bone dry. Once you focus on filing your own cup first, you can then overflow into others. You never know who else might be going through similar experiences and really need to hear YOUR story, YOUR struggles. I am now openly sharing my journey, ups and downs included, in the hopes that other women might see my struggles and realize they aren’t alone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I am so fortunate to have so many amazing women (and men) in my life who truly inspire me every, single, day! My mom is an incredible woman and she has been through so much over the last two years. She raised me to be kind, honest and hardworking and I will be forever grateful to her for that. My coaching teammates inspire me daily. Seeing them show up for themselves and their families has been the number one thing that has kept me accountable in my own health and fitness journey. Our team has cultivated an amazing and supportive community that makes me laugh, cry and feel a deep sense of pride and belonging. I am thankful for them everyday!
What would you have done differently?
I have recently read a quote which talked about how every soul we meet and experience you experience is happening exactly how and when it should. This really got me thinking about my life and all of the things that I thought I did wrong or could have done better over the years. After really letting this message sit on my heart I realized that I have done everything exactly as I should have. All the reps I put in and all the things I have done have given me the tools, wisdom and confidence I needed to guide me along the path to where I am now. So without those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What are the principles you live by?
Be honest. Show compassion. Choose Happiness. Put your greatest effort into everything you do. Laugh and Cry and feel all the feels.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
I think if anyone has been in the workforce for long enough, you have definitely experienced damaged professional relationships. A fractured professional relationship zaps your time, attention, and focus and creates a ripple effect that goes well beyond the two individuals initially involved. I know this first hand. I wear my heart on my sleeve and sometimes I let my emotions take control. So during professional conflicts, I would often take things to heart, and that would affect the quality of my work and would create tension. This would then trickle down through our team, which would throw the dynamics off and lead to other issues. So for me, I knew this was something I needed to work on. I really tried hard to check my emotions at the door, learn to listen to all sides and communicate effectively.
-
Kind and loving soul, Entrepreneur, Healthy Lifestyle Coach, Podcaster and Beach Glass Hunter who is obsessed with burgers, pizza and chicken nuggets!