We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Ledoux recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I firmly believe that overcoming imposter syndrome is a challenge, if not an impossibility. It can be managed, certainly, but its presence often lingers, waiting for an opportunity to resurface. Whether it’s the constant need for approval or the weight of high expectations instilled by overbearing parents, imposter syndrome tends to lurk in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment. Personally, I often find myself yearning for acknowledgment, a simple “thank you,” for the immense effort I invest in my endeavors, be it at work or in my personal life.
Take, for instance, my role at The Serenity Ranch, an organization dedicated to supporting women coping with PTSD and trauma through equine therapy. I’ve spearheaded various aspects of the operation, from crafting business strategies to managing the website, orchestrating events, handling social media outreach, seeking financial backers, overseeing board meetings, and navigating the legalities of incorporation and licensing. On top of all this, I’m responsible for the well-being of 30 horses while juggling the duties of being a mother to two children and a supportive partner to my spouse. The workload is undeniably immense, yet it seems there’s always an expectation for more, a greater burden for me to shoulder.
Given the weight of these responsibilities, it’s hardly surprising that imposter syndrome takes hold. However, I’ve found that the key to managing it lies in prioritizing self-care. I make a point of attending therapy sessions weekly, carving out time for adventures with my children, and taking leisurely strolls with my dogs. Additionally, my teaching role at a nearby university serves as a reminder of my competence and expertise, bolstering my confidence in my abilities.
Despite these efforts, there are still moments when I’m plagued by feelings of inadequacy, attributing any successes to sheer luck. In such instances, I combat these doubts by confronting them with reality. I meticulously document my accomplishments, detailing each achievement as concrete evidence of my capabilities, thus dispelling the notion of mere chance.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My mother and I established The Serenity Ranch with the aim of offering vital support to Women Veterans. Our vision was to create a program that utilized rescued horses to aid female veterans, providing them with a nurturing and healing environment. The impact of our initiative garnered national attention during the pandemic, earning us a feature in Horse Illustrated and fox news feature also.
Regrettably, the original ranch we operated in Montana had to shut its doors in 2021 due to the pandemic’s challenges. Being separated from our family in Connecticut for two years prompted us to reassess our priorities, leading us to the decision to relocate closer to them. In 2021, we made the move to Connecticut, along with our 30 rescued horses, and found a property nestled in the Northeastern “Quiet Corner” region, bordering Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
However, our transition to the new location was met with unforeseen difficulties. Persistent rainfall and undisclosed property issues posed significant challenges. We were misled about the extent of renovations required and faced exorbitant costs from unscrupulous hay suppliers. Despite these setbacks, The Serenity Ranch remains undeterred.
Our primary objective now is to offer retreat programs for Female Veterans at no cost, necessitating the development of additional revenue streams. To ensure our sustainability, we’re taking deliberate steps to establish The Serenity Ranch properly. We officially incorporated the business on October 13th, 2023, and have assembled an exceptional Board of Directors. We are now recognized as a registered charity in the state of Connecticut and are actively pursuing 501c3 status. We believe wholeheartedly in the potential of our mission, but acknowledge that we need assistance to sustain our operations and secure our 501c3 status. Once achieved, this status will open doors to countless opportunities for growth and impact.
We are actively fundraising to obtain our 501c3 status. The estimated cost to obtain a nonprofit lawyer to assist in establishing is $4000. In addition to our $3500 monthly hay costs, we have farrier and vet bills that stack up. We take care of our horses on our own, and the work is exhausting. Resilience is not the word!
Please donate if you can to our cause. We want to empower, build up and create a world full of powerful, resilient and strong women. I believe in our cause, and know with all my heart we can change the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The skill that has been most transformative for me on my journey is learning website design. When I faced Postpartum Depression after the birth of my second child, my supportive brother, who runs an IT business, provided me with resources and projects to delve into website design. Through self-guided exploration of software and trial-and-error, I taught myself the intricacies of building websites. Since then, dating back to 2015, I’ve crafted numerous websites and occasionally lend my expertise to friends to bolster their businesses. In fact, my proficiency in website design played a pivotal role in securing my position in Economic Development, as they required a fresh website to amplify their presence. This skill remains indispensable, serving as a gateway to showcasing businesses to the world.
Another area of expertise crucial to me is horse training. Amidst the stressors of life and the demands of ranch work, spending time with horses serves as a grounding force. In the midst of hectic days, I prioritize moments of connection with these majestic animals, relishing in the joy of handling and grooming them. While my mom emphasizes the importance of work and maintenance, I advocate for prioritizing the fun and fulfillment that comes from interacting with the horses, especially through training.
Lastly, business planning stands as another cornerstone of my knowledge base. Drawing from my experience coaching businesses on growth strategies, I recognized the need to apply these principles to my own endeavors. I firmly believe that courses in website design and business planning should be integrated into high school curricula, as they are essential skills for navigating the modern world.
These proficiencies are not innate talents but rather skills honed through diligent research, experimentation with software, and a willingness to learn independently. The journey of self-education yields remarkable results, empowering individuals to accomplish feats beyond imagination.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself inundated with stress, I find solace in the simple act of cooking, often spending entire days in my kitchen. It’s my sanctuary, where I delight in experimenting with diverse recipes to nourish my family with new and exciting dishes.
On days when time doesn’t permit a full retreat into culinary exploration, I turn to our horses for solace. Wrapping my arms around these majestic creatures and immersing myself in their calming energy serves as a powerful antidote to overwhelm. Their serene and spiritual presence offers a respite from the demands of ranch life, reminding me of the importance of connecting with nature.
Recognizing the significance of self-care is paramount, and discovering what it means to you can be instrumental in managing overwhelming feelings. Whether it’s through culinary creativity or communing with animals, prioritizing moments of personal rejuvenation is essential for maintaining balance in a busy world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theserenityranch.org
- Instagram: @theserenityranch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSerenityRanch/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-serenity-ranch/
- Twitter: @RanchSerenity
- Youtube: @TheSerenityRanch-jw8gk
Image Credits
Lisa Ledoux Rachael Yarborough
