Gratitude Comes First
with Madison MacGregor
Introduce yourself! Who are you?
I’m Madison MacGregor and I am new to the 20 year old club. I enjoy hanging out with my twin sisters Ava and Elle, they’re also my co-writers for our projects. I co-authored a young adult novel with them, they’re turning 17 years old. You can find me spending most of my days working online outside in my backyard looking over Lake Ontario, either from my phone or computer, networking, writing or producing content. When I’m not working I’m reading, sleeping, or talking. Most days I spend treating my Cystic Fibrosis symptoms and working from home. I’m a part of Generation Z, but I feel much older (not wiser or more mature but I’m working on it) than my age. My goal right now is to return to the state of childhood as a mature adult, and figuring out what that takes and really means. It’s been an interesting process so far! I’m grateful for the genius philosophers and writers and thinkers and doers that came before me who’ve paved the way for the kind of life I have today.
What is one thing no one really knows about you?
I have my black belt in karate😏
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my mom, which was from her dad, is that change is the only constant in life. From my dad, it’s been to never give up on yourself. No matter what.
I struggled with my mental health in my teen years a lot and this got me through some dark times.
What would you say to 16 year old you?
I would tell her to relax. I was a very uptight teenager. Relaxation has been my greatest ally.
Have you ever had anyone doubt you? How did that make you feel?
I haven’t been directly affected by someone “saying” they doubt me, it was more by the things they wouldn’t say. It made me feel sick. It was difficult for me to operate in an environment where people didn’t believe in me or didn’t care whether I failed or succeeded. It’s taught me to work on not comparing myself to others and not to put someone else’s opinion on a pedestal.
What is it like to be a businesswoman?
The best feeling in the entire world. I am in control of something in my life and that is a great feeling. The reason I started my own business was because I wanted to be able to bear that kind of responsibility. I knew it would push me to become better. It’s improved my people skills and connected me to incredible people all over the world who share the desires I have. It’s pretty cool!
What motivates you most?
Recently my motivation has been to be aware of my dark side. Everybody has one. I can have a real edge sometimes and I’m trying to sort that out and be a better person. Especially to my loved ones.
What is your favorite meal?
Sushi! Nothing like fresh sushi. One of my earliest experiences eating out was learning how to use chopsticks at a Japanese restaurant.
What do you do on a daily basis to grow and move forward?
I read my top 3 goals everyday and reconnect with where I am going. I have a private Instagram that’s like a vision board that I try to post on everyday. It’s a really fun exercise. I also write in my gratitude journal and review some affirmations that get me through the challenges of the day. If I’m in a pinch for time, gratitude comes first. I try to have more gratitude than entitlement. I’m not always in that headspace but I’m getting there more often.
Do you have a mentor? If so, what did they teach you?
My mom has been a great mentor. So has my dad. Both for different reasons. I’m lucky to have a masculine and feminine influence in my life daily.
My dad is able to push me to move forward. He’s been extremely passionate, supportive and involved with everything I do, at every stage of my life.
My mom has been the best listener. I talk to her about everything and she never interferes with the process of talking things out. She’s always been there for me.
Were you scared to start your business?
Yes. I was afraid I would lose respect. It’s really given me more ways to reflect and think about why I do what I do.
I started my biz because I wanted to be healthier. I saw it as a way to help myself and others.
If you weren’t doing the job you have now, what would you be doing?
I would go into studying law and psychology, biology and how individuals impact the law and visce versa. I’m fascinated by the individual and how we relate to each other on a micro to macro scale. Right now researching that is a fun hobby I enjoy very much!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in de-stimulating myself. Some days I just shut down and sit outside. Play some music and focus on my breathing. It’s the source of creativity for me often.
