Janet
“I always try to remind myself of the notion that ‘life is like a rollercoaster, you might as well put your hands up and enjoy the ride.’”
Janet is open-minded and inviting; she is someone who constantly nurtures her relationships, allowing them to flourish. She believes that the small things in life matter most, and that you should always look for ways to fill your bucket every single day — whether it’s reading the New York Times or going for a long walk. She is a realist but always roots for the underdog. Meet Janet. This is her story.
Janet in her happy place (traveling the world).
K: Please introduce yourself!
J: My name is Janet Burns. I am a mother to three grown children, a grandmother to one grandson, a sister to two brothers, and a dual citizen of Canada and the US.
I grew up in Canada and moved to the United States almost 24 years ago with my family. In my free time I like to walk the beach with my husband, garden, and laugh. I spend my mornings reading the New York Times and my evenings watching Southern Charm. I love to kayak in the summer, and travel to Québec to ski in the winter.
I am a special needs paraprofessional at an elementary school, which has been a rewarding career path.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
J: I am open-minded, with a curiosity of people and places. I am well-traveled and always look forward to my next adventure.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
J: My favorite thing about myself is that I’m inquisitive, which leads me to learn new things and be excited about meeting and getting to know new people.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
J: Moving to the United States with young children was certainly a challenge for my husband and I. Not knowing anyone to begin with and not having family close by to rely on for childcare took some getting used to. We also did not know if our move would be short term, or if we might head back to Canada in a year or two. It was tough for my husband and I to only see our parents and extended family twice a year. Luckily, we moved into a neighborhood that was close-knit and inviting, allowing us to build friendships that we still cherish today.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
J: Enjoy the moment. It will all work out. I always try to remind myself of the notion that “life is like a rollercoaster, you might as well put your hands up and enjoy the ride.”
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
J: Being a woman comes with so many wonderful aspects, but also so many challenges. I think it is a harder burden to balance a career for women. It’s certainly a pull – you want to be with your kids but you also want to financially provide for them. I think there is a lot of guilt women feel trying to keep this balance.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
J: My mom has inspired me in a range of ways – from her parenting skills to her outlook on life. She was so well-rounded. Family and friends lived by the philosophy: “What Would Joan Do?” My mom lived life to the fullest and that is something that I try to incorporate into my decision making. I would tell her that she was a trailblazer for her time, and a wonderful mentor.
