Meet Rosa Linda Cruz | Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosa Linda Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosa Linda, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My journey of life has always drawn me to seek trainings, skills, and techniques that allow us to to bring positive energy into our lives especially in times of challenges and hardships. A few years ago I was attending an annual counselors conference that was offering several sessions including laughter yoga. I gravitated toward the presentation and I discovered the beneficial effects of laughter and participated in interactive laughter exercises. At the end of the session, the 3 major points that impacted me were the following: 1. our brain does not know the difference between genuine and fake laughter 2. there is research that indicates children laugh at least 300 times a day while adults on an average laugh 4 times a day and 3. I could clearly observe elevated enery and smiles on all of the participants including myself. I made the decision to become certified as a laughter yoga leader in this international organization. This has allowed me to introduce laughter yoga to our communities and share the history, concepts, benefits, and engagement of laughter exercises. In addition, laughter yoga elevates mood, increases social connection, reduces stress, helps us during challenging times and creates emotional well being. It positively impacts us mentally, emotionally and physically.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My initial goal was to share skills to increase knowledge on self care and well being. I began the process by providing many pro-bono presentations to non-profit organizations and community events. In the midst of that, a small publishing company contracted me for my first children’s book, My Favorite Bubbles. Then I received an opportunity to work in the evenings to provide counseling services. I met people who shared their personal stories and struggles. I encountered women who became my friends and challenged me with the idea of creating a business and supporting me with their guidance, skills and experience. As I continued to take these steps, I began to see the positive impact and increased requests for these resources. I then found myself not having enough hours to do everything that I loved which included being a dedicated school counselor in a public educational setting. After much reflection, I retired from the school system and I began the process of setting up an official business to devote my time to presentations, book events and a small private practice. Rosa Linda Cruz Counseling and Wellness Services was not created in one day. It was a series of many small steps which included many learning curves. I am proud to provide interactive presentations on The Benefits of Laughter, self care tools and social, emotional and learning skills. I have been invited to agencies, organizations, companies, educational settings and community events to share these research based techniques. My workbooks align with the presentations and my children’s books have an ongoing positive psychology theme. In addition, I have been blessed to be surrounded by family, friends and colleagues who have supported my endeavor.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A favorite go to place is always visiting South Padre Island and soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, going fishing and taking a dip in the ocean, included would be visits to the Sea Turtle Inc and the Port Isabel Light House. A visit to the Gladys Porter Zoo, Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Quinta Mazatlan and Valley Nature Center gives one an opportunity to connect with nature. Yummies Bistro is a favorite for its breakfast, unique sandwiches and melting desserts or if you are craving local fresh seafood visit Tortugos Seafood Market. Antigua’s Bakery & Cafe provide home made quiche, quinoa, an assortment of empanadas and wraps. Tacos and Raspas are a must and our area has a wide array of local businesses catering to those wanting authentic mexican and tex-mex foods.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The steps that I have always taken have been impacted by the many positive aspects and negative challenges in my life. This also includes pursuing the opportunities that have enabled me to grow personally and professionally. It has allowed me to audit myself internally and take steps in a future with handy tools including experience, knowledge, courage, perseverance, faith and most of all caring and supportive family and friends. My continual inspirations always include my mother, daughter, grandchildren and supportive husband. In addition, my dear friends and colleagues, Ledet, Venessa, Dr. Laura and Dr. E who have helped plant the seeds and inspire growth.

Website: https://www.rosalindacruz.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalindacruzauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsRosaLindaCruz