We had the good fortune of connecting with Arvat McClaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arvat, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
There was a time in my life when I believed that hard work=success. With that being the case, I literally worked around the clock, doing everything in my power to ensure the success of my business. In the process, I lost myself. I had no life outside of work–no family time, no time with friends, no fun, and, ultimately, no real joy. After 10 years of that, I found myself to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually bankrupt.

Luckily, I came across a book that I still credit with changing my life–The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. I distinctly remember one of the laws being The Law of Least Effort–do less and achieve more. At that time, I thought it was a cute law, but it made no sense in my logical brain. I wanted Deepak to come live my life for a day and then talk to me about doing less and achieving more.

Nevertheless, this little book intrigued me enough that I decided to make it a part of the training for all employees. As a result, every time we hired a new employee, I reviewed the book, yet again. And, like magic, the principals began to become a part of me and my understanding began to move from my mind-level into my heart level. And, everything changed for me!

I now understand that relying on the human part of me to get things done is limiting. I now understand that there is more to me than my mirror-image and that I am connected to a Source that is much greater than me. I can tap into the Mind of the Infinite at will.

Now, I don’t have to figure out HOW to get things done. I also understand that we create our own realities with our very thoughts. So, when I used to think that success equals hard work, that was the reality that I created for myself. Now, I think that life is supposed to be enjoyed and that my creations are easy and effortless. As a result, I do less and achieve more, just as Deepak Chopra promised. So, I am free to create and enjoy life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I never seriously considered being an author, writing my first book, When Black Women Speak, the Universe Listens, unexpectedly changed the course of my life. I wrote the book because, in a moment of clarity, I realized that I had successfully moved from a life of struggle and sadness to one where all of my dreams come true! What was even better was that I knew HOW I made that shift! So, I wanted to share with others how to make this shift, as well.

As a result, I began speaking nationally and internationally. As the interest grew, I began a podcast (Speak, the Universe Listens) as well as created courses (Do, Be, Have MORE and How You Think, You Are) all designed to share the gems that I am learning to help people to create the lives that they LOVE! Most recently, I published the first of a series of children’s books designed to share this information to youths. Imagine learning this life-changing information at a young age! Whew! And, my children’s book, Through Her Own Eyes: Tavra’s Journey to Self-Love, hit the best-selling list!

Key lessons that have helped to change my life include:
1. Understanding that we are connected to the Source of all that exists. This connection gives us access to everything our heart desires.
2. Understanding that we create our own realities with our thoughts and feelings. So, it is important that we monitor our thoughts and feelings and to make sure that we are having high-quality, feel-good thoughts.
3. Understanding that we can always love ourselves more. Loving ourselves is the key that opens every door. It is also the greatest gift that we can give to the world, because the more you love yourself, the more you, automatically, love everyone else in the world, too!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For dining, for great coffee and wine, for a little jazz, and even a little history: Bateau: Coffee and Wine Experience

Riverfront Canal Cruises: learn about our historic city while cruising the canal

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Harry Watkins, and I have built several successful companies together in the areas of mental health, education, real estate, and in the restaurant industry. Harry taught me what it means to dream, and I feel like he mixes everything that he does with love and a sprinkle of magic. He makes me feel like I am living in a perpetual fairy-tale.

Website: www.ArvatMcClaine.com

Instagram: @ArvatMcClaine

Facebook: Arvat McClaine

Youtube: Speak, the Universe Listens

Other: Books found on www.amazon.com or wherever books are sold

Image Credits
Saraellen Bagby of JBella Photography took photo of me holding my children’s book.

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