We were lucky to catch up with Rochelle Gapere recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rochelle , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I recently returned from a solo trip to Malta. Traveling solo is one of my favorite forms of self-care. I love spending time with myself and being present with my thoughts. Being abroad allows me to be curious, meet new people, try new experiences, and replenish my creative energy. While traveling, I tend to disconnect from social media and emails so that I can savor my “me time.” When I am at home in Miami, I give myself the gift of stillness for the first 30 minutes of every morning. During that time, I do my gratitude practice, pray, journal, or do my visualization techniques. I can’t express how important my morning routine is for my effectiveness; it sets the tone for my day. I am a firm believer that we can’t pour from an empty tank, so I am very intentional about filling my tank. These days, I serve from my overflow. It makes me happier and more impactful with the work that I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a happiness coach, bestselling author and international speaker. My life’s mission and purpose is to add more happiness to this world by empowering others with science-based tools and techniques that help them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I believe we should live lives that are engaging at every level, lives that thrill us and make us excited to jump out of bed in the morning. I utilize practical techniques to teach my clients and audiences my unique approach to living a happy life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the qualities that has been most impactful is my unwavering self-belief – I believed in my mission and purpose and never allowed naysayers or distractions to steer me off course. Second, is my tribe- ‘iron sharpens iron’- I have a solid tribe. They are people who encourage and cheer me on, they support my ideas and they’re who I run ideas by and they provide invaluable feedback. Last, is my love of learning- I can never read or learn enough. My quest for knowledge has been a game changer for me, my life, and my business. I am always fascinated by the latest happiness research and self-development techniques.
My advice to individuals who are early in their journey is to be mindful of who you share your vision with. Everyone won’t be a healthy incubator for your dreams. Also, seek mentorship or coaching, success leaves clues, there is no need for you to reinvent the wheel when there are resources available to help you reach your goals sooner.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorite books. It is the gift that keeps on giving. I keep it on my bedside table and each time I read it I experience a new ‘aha moment’. The second agreement, “Don’t take anything personally” reminds me to detach from the need for external validation and to recognize that most of what others do or say is not a reflection of my worth or value. People are living in their own story with their own trauma and life experiences. I try not to take things personally because usually a person’s behavior has more to do with their own internal struggles and means nothing about me personally. I have also learned to give people grace by recognizing that “what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.” By practicing this agreement, I protect my inner peace and reduce unnecessary suffering.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rochellegapere.com
- Instagram: rochelle.gapere
- Facebook: rochellegapere
- Linkedin: rochellegapere
- Twitter: rochellegapere
Image Credits
Winter Raven Photography Dwayne Watkins Photography
