Women Living Fully: Woman of the Week: Joanne Cobb

Joanne Cobb

I am a woman who is dedicated to bringing healing, self-improvement and ongoing philanthropy to those around me. One of my greatest passions is being an active participant in my global community through philanthropy.
I would describe myself as an introvert.

Recently married for the second time, I finally found my life long partner. I am beginning the journey of self discovery again as I carve out who I am as Mrs Cobb.

Who inspires you in your life and why?

My biggest inspiration is my mom. She immigrated to Canada as an 18 year old girl who didn’t speak English and made a life for herself and our family. It was not an easy life but she suffered and toiled and made the best of each day. She taught me about honor, hard work and being a care giver. She is the strongest woman I know and inspires me even today at the age of 78.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life?

After marrying for the first time at age 19 I had no idea who I was. I simply rolled up my sleeves and became the bread winner in my relationship. After 11 years we went our separate ways (we simply grew apart and wanted different things) and I had to rediscover who I was. One of the biggest regrets was that I never completed college and I was never blessed with a family of my own. So many things transpired in the years between my thirtieth year and where I am today.

So here I am, at the end of my college program to become a Marketing and Sales Manager with a specialty in Digital Media. After kissing many frogs, I am married for a second time to an incredible man who has a great son and living in a beautiful home in Burlington.

It’s true… it is never too late.

What did you do to move through them? What did you learn?

That is a simple question – with all that has happened and many very low points I’d have to say I did just that – moved through them.
One step, no matter how tiny at a time. One of my biggest ah ha moments was my first polar bear swim. For those not familiar, basically it is a dip in Lake Ontario on January 1st! A brave group of people put on their swimsuits and take a plunge to start the new year. I recall going all alone, the year after my separation and standing in line not knowing a soul; as the line moved, you slowly removed an article of clothing to get used to what was to come and became supporters of the ‘can you believe we are doing this’ group around you. Then when you reached the start area, you stripped down to your swimsuit and off you went one step at a time (some steps quicker than others). You kept moving… one step at a time. FYI, side note – if you stood on the rocks for too long your wet feet would freeze to them, (year 2, I wore aqua socks LOL). It hit me when I got to my car, trying to warm up – just keep moving no matter how slow, I have got to keep moving.

To this day I keep moving through my days but am much more aware of moments. I became a certified meditation teacher a few years back and it taught me about self-awareness and being present. So today, I move through things and I try to move away from things that do not serve me. Life is too short.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of who I am as a person. I am not perfect but I am perfectly imperfect.
I survived job loss, rape, abuse, loneliness, losing a child, divorce, and a life of things not coming easy. I persevered and am at peace and living in joy.

What do you want younger women to know?

1. Stay in school. Get a degree/certificate. It does matter.
2. Believe in you. No matter what. You are in control and can change your circumstances.
3. If something doesn’t make you happy or fulfilled – change it! Life is too short.

What does living fully mean to you?

Funny, I realized recently that I wasn’t living fully. I have been working too much over time and have let go of caring for myself. So when this question came up it was a little ‘holy moly’ moment….

Living fully to me means being in the moment, enjoying nature and life around you. Putting down the technology and getting your hands/feet dirty. It isn’t about the bank balance or the car… it is about moments, it is about being the healthiest version of yourself, it is about JOY.

Favourite quote?

If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree.
Jim Rohn

Pierrette Raymond

Pierrette Raymond is a multi-business owner and philanthropist. She has been running businesses since 1996, and has a background in Psychology, Education, Grief and Bereavement. She is the owner of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Ottawa and Gatineau, and recently became a professional dog trainer with multiple certifications in dog behaviour and training. She is a four-time published author, speaker, facilitator, a community leader and also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She is the recipient of the Ontario Leading Women Building Communities award, given by the Government of Ontario to women in our province "who demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their communities”. And she is a a Forty Under 40 Award Recipient.