Hailing from Winnipeg, Lisa Bell is a singer, actress and songwriter who first came to prominence when she placed in the Top 20 of Canadian Idol. She’s opened for reggae stars Luciano and Sean Paul and will take on her first starring role in Robert Adetuyi’s upcoming movie musical Stand! Lisa is the featured vocalist and actress in the Stand! single/video from the movie, dropping now.

We caught up with her this week.

SDTC: Describe your dream vacation/getaway scenario:

LB: Bora Bora looks lovely and magical! Relaxing in a hut on the ocean sounds like a dream.

Who/what is commanding a lot of attention in your life lately?

My adorable and precocious nine-year-old son, my 9 to 5 and, of course, movies and music!

What have you learned about yourself in the past year?

Resilience is something that I have an abundance of and have never given myself credit for.

One fun little-known fact about you?

I once had an addiction to cross-stitching and other grandma-esque activities.

What book/film/show have you really connected with recently, and what about it appeals to you?

Super Soul Sundays on OWN. The show is uplifting, spiritual and gives you perspective on subjects you would not otherwise think about. The guests on the show are masterminds at their craft. One of my favourites was Brené Brown.

What’s the worst piece of career/life advice you’ve been given?

To remain complacent in a dead-end job—even if you’re unhappy—because that is what adults do.

What is your motto at the moment?

Life is short. Live in the moment.

Any goals/plans for fall?

Attending the screening in Toronto for Stand! Also, I am learning French, and classes commence in September!

Who would you love to spend a day with, and why?

My mother. She has now passed; however, she always had the best advice and I miss her warm laugh and hugs.

Rewind five years. What advice would you give yourself?

Don’t second-guess your gut. Follow your passion and everything else will fall into place.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Besides childbirth and single mom-ing it? I would say every time I take the stage. Anyone who puts themselves out there in a vulnerable, open arena is courageous to me.

What childhood memory makes you laugh out loud?

A raccoon stealing a hot dog out of my hand right before I was about to take a bite in Bemidji. I was eight.

What unnecessary object would you love to own?

A Fabergé egg.

What tip, technique or hack has made your life better in the past year?

Time management is key to lowering stress levels! I set reminders and schedules for everything and sync them to my apple watch.

Which issue do you wish people took more seriously?

Climate change.

What outfit makes you feel the most you?

Black high-waisted Fabletics yoga pants with a cute crop-top sweater.

Who/what has surprised you lately, and how?

My son! He won a hula-hooping contest in Kenora! Super random.

When you look back on your life, are you at where you thought you’d be by now?

No. Everything happening in my life right now I expected (and worked at) to happen a long time ago. However, I also believe you are always where you are supposed to be at any given moment in your life. I believe there were setbacks and lessons that needed to be learned to get me to the point where I am today.