Life Lessons:
Laurie Canata
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes! I would definitely say I an happy at the moment. Of course circumstances can change quickly and that ‘happiness’ can be swept away. Instead of happiness, which to me is a shallow, circumstance dependant emotion, I choose to focus on joy. I think that joy is a deeper emotion that comes from your soul. It’s also one of our Fruit-Full Kids plate designs! I think that joy is more constant than happiness and can exist despite negative circumstances.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Hang on! It’s going to be an amazing ride! Of course there have been ups and downs, but I don’t think I would tell myself to do anything differently. The life experiences that I have had are what make me who I am today.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Don’t react based on your immediate circumstances! I have learned to base my actions on what I know to be true, not just what seems to be true at the moment. Things have had a way of coming into better focus when I stop and consider them in the light of truth instead of my initial feelings.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
My main goal for the next 12 months would be to be able to look back and hold my head high, knowing that everything I did, I did with integrity.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
My faith is definitely the secret to my happiness. As I said above, my happiness is not circumstance driven, but comes from a deep abiding joy. That joy is a gift from God that I can access when life is not necessarily dealing me happiness.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Praying, reading God’s word and seeking His will for my life are what keep me grounded.
Spending time with my family is also something that keeps me grounded. We all gather on the couch, watch our favorite shows, and eat ice cream. It’s a simple thing, yet it bonds us together.
*What’s your biggest regret?
I was divorced when I was very young, so I would have to say that is my biggest regret. However, that experience helped to develop my character and has given me a better appreciation for all the good things about my current husband and marriage!
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
To love God and display Christian character in their everyday life.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I crash! If I sit down, it’s over! I have a hard time getting back up if I take a break. I would love to be able to take a break and then jump back into things with my full energy.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
My business. I feel honored and humbled that God chose to plant the seeds for such an awesome concept and business in me – and I am so proud of the result! When I hear from one family that loves our concept and benefits from it’s implementation I am so satisfied!
*When were you happiest?
I like to think I haven’t gotten there yet!
*What ten words best describe you?
Grounded
Faithful
Fun
Industrious
Intentional
Determined
Caring
Philanthropic
Clever
Confident
Laurie Canata is a stay-at-home Mompreneur and mother of four. One particularly frustrating day with my kids turned out to be the inspiration for the wonderful business she now runs. Please read the full story here.
The life lesson that she learned from this whole experience is that inspiration can come from many places. Sometimes the challenges in our circumstances plant the seeds for the most meaningful journeys. Fruit-Full Kids was born out of parenting need and not parenting expertise. When she was willing to be honest about her parenting struggles, she found a kinship with other moms. The Fruit-Full Kids concept of encouraging and rewarding good character resonates with real parents who are intentionally trying to raise children with character. Stay current by liking the Fruit-Full Kids Facebook page.
