In this inspiring interview, we delve into the transformative journey of Laura Andert, a resilient and determined individual who has overcome significant challenges to find comfort and confidence in her own skin. From navigating the complexities of self-advocacy with cerebral palsy to prioritizing self-care and embracing her authentic voice, Laura shares invaluable insights and lessons learned along her path of self-discovery and empowerment. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for anyone embarking on their own journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this journey, and how did you find the strength to overcome them?
This is going to come as a shock for those of you who know me; for those of who know my story. They know I have persevered and advocated for myself in enormous ways to get to where I am today. But those of you don’t know this. Although I’ve moved mountains to make things happen in all the while of doing so, I was not comfortable in my own skin. Yep, that’s right. It all came full circle at full speed ahead when I turned 30 years old.
I had to learn to let go of false insecurities of myself. I had to love and see my worth as a whole; everything about myself. The good AND the difficulties. I realized I was not happy in my own skin. As I said above when age 30 hit me, everything exploded! I lost my job, and I was still striving for everybody’s approval. Validation in my family and friends. In my head people were judging me. I thought: “Oh my goodness, people are going to think less of me because I am unemployed. I need a job! I need a job! I can’t do anything until I get another job! I’m going look like a loser! Is this okay to just wait for that perfect opportunity? Is it okay to say “No” to people things when I don’t want to do anything? Is it ok to not be okay?
The answer to all those things I learned is: “YES”. I knew deep-down I was going somewhere in a whole-different career direction, but I just had to learn to wait and be patient and trust the process. I fought and bettered myself to get where I wanted to be up until that point, but I had to be patient and trust my journey more, to go where I wanted to always go professionally and personally. Lo and behold, I started stripping away layers of false beliefs that occupied my mind. I had to feel all the feelings built up inside of me. I laughed, I cried—a lot—but mostly I laughed. I laughed at the silly absurd beliefs drawn up on myself. I discovered who I am. Found peace within myself.
How did your experience with cerebral palsy shape your perspective on self-confidence and self-advocacy?
I made up a quote for other individuals with disabilities to overcome their obstacles and challenges, BUT this quote can be for non-disabled women as well!
“You are the creator of your own future. No one else will do it for you.”
If we want to change something, or rather if we MUST change something in our lives, we must figure out how to make that change. Knowing I could speak up for myself with having CP, I thought it was the rule to do things or how to figure out things on my own. Yes, I had support professionals to help me if I needed anything, but I wanted to be front and center when going after what I desired. Frankly, because I knew I could.
Having it only made me stronger in going after what I wanted and knocking down walls to make it my goals and dreams happen. I knew I was going to face obstacles and challenges. But that is what motivated me. To take leaps and bounds and faith in trusting I can overcome anything. Yes. Even when I heard the word “No” multiple times. I’d think: “No? Watch me!”
What specific steps did you take to prioritize self-care and reconnect with your true self?
I had to learn to stop being a people-pleaser for people in my life and accept the need to put my needs first, indefinitely. Saying no to things all the while with accepting and accepting that is OK to say “No”. Learning to be honest with people about if I wanted to be alone, and know they were going to accept that.
These last three years, I had to be alone and continue to see who I am alone. I soon began to love all of myself in every form. Playing my narrative in a different, happier tune. The choices I made, the good, the sad, and the ugly. I was starting to feel free in my skin. Progressing in no longer having the need to hide from anything. I was speaking up personally about the things I cared about and not being afraid of judgment. The time it takes to realize these truths—your truths, take my word, you will feel liberated in your own skin. Had I not done this inner work? It’d be a different story.
Can you describe a moment that stands out to you as a turning point in your journey towards feeling comfortable in your own skin?
It was just at end of this last year my moment came. In my journey towards rewriting my story. It may sound like a fictional scene you would read in a book, but I remember waking up one day, on just any ordinary day—nothing exciting was going on—I felt I finally hit my turning point of being comfortable in my own skin!
I could conquer anything. I had that good kind of butterflies fluttering inside of me. All those insecurity beliefs had vanished! I remember a couple days later; I was talking to my parents about a situation that I once was afraid with bringing up. I clearly nailed the conversation with the self-confidence I never had before. From that point on, I found myself constantly saying things with certainty, no fear. “I’m Coming Out” by Dina Ross was on repeat in my head the entire day!
What lessons have you learned about resilience and perseverance through your experiences?
You know the saying from the small blue tang fish from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.” Well now, I just did what Dory said. I kept on moving along and forward. Pushing forward today! It was and is hard somedays, but I know I must keep on going to get to the next point where I am supposed to go in my life. The more I became resilient and persevered, the stronger I became. The stronger I become when I do this continuously. It gets easier and easier to go after what I want personally and professionally. I must still stay disciplined even when it gets rough.
How has your newfound confidence and self-awareness influenced your relationships with others, both personally and professionally?
Oh, I feel like my newfound confidence and self-awareness with my family friends and peers has influenced in more was than one as I feel 100% more confident with the actions I take. There is no second guessing or feeling I’m not good enough or can’t do things deep down when I know I can. Confidently acting positively if something doesn’t feel right—or the opposite.
What advice do you have for women who may be struggling to prioritize their own needs and find their authentic voice?
Ladies, it is OK to take a step back and say “No” to things. No to people. You must do what is right for you. If you’re not happy, how can you make others happy? Our individual selves matter. Your voice matters.
The best advice I got from my childhood friend is this. She said to me in my early 20’s: “Sometimes you must block out everybody else and worry about yourself.” Yep. She is right.
To get to where you want to go next in life personally and professionally, we must overcome our limiting beliefs to grow into who we are meant to be.
In what ways do you believe inner work and self-discovery contribute to overall success and fulfillment in life?
Now, I show up. I show up exactly who I am by having the accept truths about me. No more of the nonsense of holding back. “Watch out world, a brand-new Laura has emerged.” I feel like Donna Paulson, the Secretary turned COO from the American legal drama, Netflix’s Top rated 2023 show, Suits. Love her.
Looking back on your journey, what words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is just beginning their own path of self-discovery and empowerment?
Be real. Be honest. Be real and honest with yourself. What lies have you been telling yourself for so long, so absurd. Acknowledge those lies. Feel them. If you must cry, cry. Laugh. When you can’t laugh about your past beliefs, just laugh even when nothing’s funny. Let the tears out. Then, lay them down and let go. Let them go. Begin to say positive things about yourself that ARE True. When you do this day after day, week after week, all the time, you will feel comfortable in your skin. See those negative layers peel away…and rediscover who you truly are.
