Purposeful Living: An Interview with Linda Cassidy
Linda Cassidy is an Ottawa blogger with a focus on life and style for the woman over 50. On her blog, A Labour of Life, you can expect to find outfit posts, recipes, beauty reviews, decor tips, local event coverage and more. Her sense of fashion is completely unique, and I love that about her! From trendy pieces to classic looks, Linda shows you how you can put outfits together and add your personal touch. Although we’ve never met in person, I admire how she transmits her joie de vivre through her blog and social media channels, it’s contagious! I’m happy to have her here today so we can get to know more about her and her passion for living purposefully.
First off, let’s get to know you better!
I feel most inspired when…Those around me are happy and content. There is something about the positivity of others that helps create inspiration.
On most days, I’m wearing… I am a dress girl; I really do love dresses but lately I am rocking the look with my collection of Converse. (In the summer you will also see a fedora on my head). And let’s not forget a statement necklace. Dress, converse, big necklace, that probably sums up Linda.
My favourite place to spend time outdoors is…Honestly, it’s my back yard. We have created a little summer oasis that calls my name daily.
One of my favourite inspirational quotes is… “The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.” — Maureen Dowd
When I’m feeling down and out and need to change my mindset, I…talk to Kent, he is my balance. He actually keeps me balanced and helps me break down the pieces into manageable chunks. He helps me see the light where I don’t see it and he also helps validate when it’s ok not to shake it off. I know it sounds corny but we have always been able to help each other see the light and the dark of all we do.
Now let’s get right to it, what does purposeful living mean to you?
It actually means living a life worth blogging about even if you do not blog. It is taking a chance and saying hello, or helping that person that needs some help or going outside your comfort zone and taking action. Simply put, a purposeful life is a life with purpose!
When it comes to work, what are you most passionate about?
In my day job I am most passionate about helping people and finding the right solution, It may not be the right or same answer for everyone but it is the right answer for the person I am in the moment with. By day I am a Union representative and by night I am a blogger. For my blogging work I am passionate about finding the balance between my worlds. I care about the world around me and the life I lead and I believe sharing those moments is what connects us with others. Blogging is my connection to the larger world around me, the ability to connect with someone I may never actually meet but the one I share a connection with. I guess in both my worlds I am passionate about expanding my world and touching the lives of those around me.
How do you find joy in each day, even the tough ones?
My joy each day is connecting with those I love, in person or online – it is not restricted to one area, because my life is not in one area. A smile or hug from Kent, a kind word from a fellow blogger, a surprise call or message from a friend or family member. And of course a snuggle from my Lou always gives me joy each day.
How does a successful day look to you?
Fitting in all that I wish to accomplish and still going to bed with time to watch an episode on Netflix. A successful day means I got through the day with no harm to any and hopefully joy to most.
How do you get out of your comfort zone?
Blogging has taken me totally out of my comfort zone. It has helped me go to an event alone, share a picture or thought I was unsure about. It is recognizing life’s not perfect nor are we.
What is one tip you can share with us for building genuine connections and relationships in your industry?
Comment- that is the one and only piece of advice I have. Reading and sharing is good. Commenting is golden. You can only connect if you reach out.
What is one of the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since starting your blog/business?
Social media matters and so do other bloggers. I started out actually not realizing that social media is the key to success. I also started out not knowing this community and how welcoming and helpful they are. Have a question, just ask. Almost the entire blogging community will quickly come back with an answer or a way to find the answer.
What is one thing you do often that contributes to living a purposeful and fulfilling life?
My over sharing I think, my excitement for living and sharing what I do has lead me to a more purposeful life. It has helped me embrace a challenge, reach out to people and overall just find joy in what I do.
What words of encouragement would you give to someone who is just starting out or struggling with their blog/business?
Reach out and say Hi. Don’t be shy and recognize everyone started as YOU. If you want to know how I do something, ask, if you want help we will show it, Bloggers are by nature the most helpful people that will come into your life. Welcome them in with a Hello
We all have dreams and goals, would you mind sharing a few of yours with us?
I know this is where I should say World Peace but honestly it’s just to share my little piece of the universe with as many people as I can. I would love to turn this into my retirement. I would be lying if I did not say I would love to do this full time. For now I am happy balancing my worlds but to totally focus on creating stories that people want to read, to share pictures they want to look at and food and crafts they want to try, that is my dream.
One last thing…what has been one of the best pieces of advice you’ve ever received/read?
“Please reach out and ask I am always here to help”. And “ find your tribe” that one is a little more difficult because you may not realize who your tribe is but when you find them you will know. After a few years of skirting around the edge of a few I have finally found mine. They make me feel good, they make me feel empowered and able to tackle everything. My Ottawa Crew rocks and I am so happy they are in my life. Find your tribe that is the best piece of advice
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview Linda. Your definition of a successful day – “I got through the day with no harm to any and hopefully joy to most.” – is so beautiful and a great reminder of how we can have an impact on the world around us. I was also nodding my head when you talked about getting out of your comfort zone – I can definitely relate! Blogging has lead me out of mine several times, and it’s important to know we can do that even if the result isn’t perfect, because as you say, life’s not perfect and nor are we…but it’s sure meant to be lived and we are meant to live it!
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Although I already know Linda IRL, I loved reading this article and getting to know her even better. Emily, your line about her “joie de vivre” is perfect! Linda’s outgoing personality, sense of adventure, and great sense of humour, make her one of my faves. I love her sense of style also. Always enjoy checking out what outfit she will pull together next!
thank you so much for this and for the lovely comments.