“True belonging lies not in clinging to the familiar, but in daring to explore the depths of our own souls and embracing the journey of self-discovery with courage, vulnerability and authenticity.”
Clinging to. Surviving. Grasping. Toughing it out. Holding on for dear life. These phrases were once the guiding principles of my life, deeply entrenched in my day-to-day existence without even realizing it.
As I reached a peak in my corporate career, as Chief of Staff, I found myself at a confusing crossroads. Despite my outward success, I felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness and disconnection from myself. It was a realization that shook me to the core and forced me to confront the fundamental question: What did I truly want?
‘What I truly wanted’ was not something I had ever really asked myself. I had anchored myself so deeply in my professional identity, I did know how to react when suddenly it felt like anything but what I wanted. The more I sank into that reality, the more I panicked. It took multiple panic attacks and physical discomfort for me to start paying attention.
After months of deliberation, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, returning to my roots in rural Jamaica where I had spent my formative years. There, my Uncle said to me, “Laura-Mai, you’ve lost your groundation.” (‘Groundation’ is a Jamaican term meaning: the connection of a person’s roots, identity or community.)
The term ‘groundation’ became significant in what is now, Root Beginnings, but at the time not having it felt isolating and confusing. I didn’t know how, but I knew I needed to make a fundamental change to my life. Navigating change over the years had become a mind over heart decision, often made without the grounding gut instinct that I recognise now, when we are truly connected with ourselves.
Through my time in Jamaica, followed by three months in the mountains of Santa Elena, Colombia, where I worked to develop Madre Cocoon, a special and vibrant space for those who need time in nature; I slowly began to unravel the layers of conditioning that had obscured my authentic self.
It was a deep and raw process of reconnection, of rediscovering the innate instincts and passions that had long been buried beneath the demands of corporate life. I learned to listen to my inner voice, to trust my intuition, and to embrace vulnerability as a pathway to growth.
Through time in nature and self-reflection, I unearthed the concept of ‘inner belonging,’ realizing that true fulfillment could only be found by aligning with my own values and aspirations, rather than conforming to external expectations.
I began to see myself holistically, re-learning to love and appreciate all the experiences I had had which made me uniquely who I was, and that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
With newfound clarity and purpose, I began to discover my own unique path, blending my corporate expertise with my passion for coaching and yoga to create Root Beginnings—space for personal growth and self-discovery.
Through Root Beginnings, my hope is to offer a sanctuary for those who find themselves caught in the relentless pursuit of external success. To create intentional space for those who are continuously tangled in how to’s, so they can re-discover their bigger ‘why’ and purpose, to live a life filled with inspiration and intention.
True belonging lies not in clinging to the familiar, but in daring to explore the depths of our own souls and embracing the journey of self-discovery with courage, vulnerability and authenticity.
