Women Moving Forward: Woman of the Week: Auramarina Sawyer

Auramarina Sawyer

Auramarina Sawyer has had to overcome many challenges in her life. Despite the adversity, she continues to move forward in a way that inspires her family and others in her community. She is a beautiful, thoughtful and caring woman who is always ready to give extra encouragement and love to those who need it most. She is a woman who does her best every day to live fully and you will love getting to know her better.

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Auramarina Sawyer and I am married to a wonderful man. His name is Aaron and we have 2 beautiful children. Isabella is 8 years old and our son is 5 years old. I was born in Trujillo, Venezuela but both my parents are Colombian. I never lived in Colombia. We lived in Venezuela, Honduras and then Canada.

We arrived in Ottawa, Canada in 1984. I was 7 years old. My parents did not have a good marriage and after many separations, my Dad left in 1986. In 2015, I re-connected with my biological Dad – 29 years after my parents separation. 2015 was an AMAZING year for me. Not only did I reconnected with my Dad, I reconnected with aunts/uncles /cousins. They are phenomenal human beings full of love and compassion and kindness. I feel like I am home!

Who inspires you in your life? Who do you look up to? And why?

I would have to say that my husband and my Dad’s side of the family inspire me. These wonderful human beings are SO full of LOVE – only LOVE

My family inspires me because their intention is always filled with compassion and love. I did not grow up like that (more on that after).

I have learned SO much from my Dad’s side of the family. They are truly helping me to be a better human being. I have healed SO much by reaching out to them. It makes me a better wife (good for my husband) and a better mom (good for my children) but importantly, it makes me a better woman. 🙂

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life (you can share an example from different stages of your life, if you’d like)? What did you do to move through them? What did you learn? What do you wish to share with others?

My biggest challenge in life has been my relationship with some of my family members. I know I’m not alone as many struggle with relationships that are dear to us.
I am working on healing and moving forward. I have found that working with my Shaman practices is of great help to me. With the wonderful help of these amazing healers, I have healed a lot BUT I still have a long way to go. It’s a journey this thing we call life.

I really believe that healing oneself is crucial on this path of life. The Shaman has helped me and my family a lot. It’s not always easy. I say this as I will start studying with the Shaman this Friday evening for the 2 year Shaman program. I have to tell you that I am terrified – because I will have to keep digging deep to continue in my journey of healing…..that makes me nervous (and excited).

As far as career, I have worked for the Canada Revenue Agency for almost 15 years. I am curious about doing something else entirely. I have provided over 7 years of breastfeeding support to new Moms and I LOVE this.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my children! and that my husband and I are still married. LOL. WOW! marriage, kids, a house, a job – trying to keep it all together is HARD. I ADORE my children.

What do you want your older self to know?

I would tell my older self to be proud and happy and content. I have done my best in my life. Let’s smile about that!

Favourite quote

“We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us, and make us kinder. We always have the choice.”
Dalai Lama

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.