I think I can speak for many that a number of good intentions arise with New Years. I'll drop 10 pounds… I'll start to exercise more… I'll commit to meditation.... Stop drinking for a month... We’ve certainly heard them, perhaps made some and for some of us perhaps missed our target and fallen off the commitment by January 7th. I've never been a great fan of New Years resolutions because I think we commit to them at a poor time. Life is super busy, kids are at home for a few more days, friends are around, holiday cleanup starts and many of us are tired from the deviation of usual … [Read more...]
Your Roadmap
Whenever I'm confused it's usually because I am in the place of indecision. The future or my next step is unclear. Perhaps you've had a similar experience? Do I go forward or hold, turn left or right, go up or down. Argh. I combat my confusion a couple of ways which get me results. The first helps with gathering more data and information which can often be the missing piece in moving forward. The second is to tune in. Using my inner GPS to get in touch with my feelings, get grounded and look at where I want to go. Often when I am off course, my next step becomes hazy, my radar goes up, … [Read more...]
Shhh. Are you listening?
If you're reading this, your awareness is currently or partly at least, on this blog post. Can you commit to yourself TODAY, to spend 3-5 minutes where you direct your awareness inward? Close your eyes, tune-in, stop the mind chatter. Turn off that active mind, just for 3-5 minutes. Set your phone timer if you must. Sit upright, breathe through your nose focusing on the in-and-out motion coming deeply from the diaphragm. Or get outside in nature. Listen to her. Perhaps go to a park or a patch of green grass. Remove your shoes and get grounded. Stretch. Move into postures that extend … [Read more...]
Feeling. Deeply.
A couple of weeks ago I was told I didn’t feel things deeply. (Wow, didn’t see that one coming.) It came from someone who promotes being self-actualized to the public and because of who it was, I was unprepared, it struck a chord with me. Initially hurt, I realized that this person thought they knew me. They certainly don’t. It said more about them I think than me. I remember thinking at the time, “Just because I do not express my emotions like you, doesn’t mean I don’t have them.” It's not a competition is it? They're working on the assumption that if I acted the way they did and wanted to … [Read more...]
Paris in the Spring
Feeling quite privileged as just arrived in Paris with my hubby and there's that classic feeling of "Spring in the Air". We travel well together and connect on a deeper level when we have shared experiences. We're in France for both a holiday and a ceremony that my husband and his group has been working on for close to a year now. Taking place is a ceremony for the repatriation of soil from the Vimy Memorial near Arras, France. I'll explain the significance. In our home city of Barrie, there is revitalization of the downtown core and in it, a statue honouring the service made by … [Read more...]
A Day in Your Pajamas
Ever had a day where you stayed in your PJ's ALL day long? Not because you're sick, not because you're lazy but just because you can? It’s cathartic and akin to taking a day to pause - to regroup, regenerate, "chillax". A day to make a connection - with yourself. Not long ago, one of my gal pals asked me if I had done that as an adult. Nope not EVER. After all who had time to do that? This is the same gal pal who has out lived her cancer prognosis by over 20 years. The thought remained in the back of my mind. Maybe she's got a lesson for me behind the question. Then my inner … [Read more...]
Shhh…listen within.
In the era of extreme everything, remember the body is not a simple machine. Well, it is and it isn't. We’re seeing a new kind of injury through what I'd call extreme fitness. Those are the activities that make you feel guilty if you don't push out one more rep, extend that stretch into and through a lot of pain, complete one more cycle of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), or get in one more mile. While there are best practices for all sorts of training, I believe we need to bring awareness to where we are today, right now, because each day can be different. Yes, we want to push … [Read more...]
Sharing Stories and a Butterfly.
Dovetailing from last week, I'm going to ask for an action from you this week. I find other people are really fascinating, especially when we give them the opportunity to share their stories. I was recently in Dallas and after giving a 12 hour workshop I connected with a few friends with whom I spent some time in a transformational leadership program back in 2012. One of them mentioned an experience with a disabled butterfly whose wing was broken. By the time he was done sharing his story, in my mind, there was no mistake why the butterfly arrived at this time in his life. The most … [Read more...]
Selfless Server
In March, I attended an event in Barrie supporting Camphill Communities Ontario. What Camphill does in our community for raising the self-respect, and creating independence and community for challenged individuals is quite remarkable! While I could write much more about this group, today my focus is on the honouree for that evening: That honouree is Donna. Donna is an accomplished journalist, editor, author, community activist, organizer and facilitator of over 1000 self-employed business owners. She has a tremendous track record! More important is her life as a wife, mother and … [Read more...]
Keep the Focus on What you Want!
Last week, I wrote to you about not taking “No” for an answer. “No” was simply not an option! It was such a powerful reminder to "stay calm and carry on". It was remarkable how fast an alternate solution came to mind when I became present in the moment, was clear with “my ask”, and then waited to receive an answer. I remained calm when I realized the person in front of me was not going to be in any way helpful. No point wasting my energy on something that she is unable to change, so it was best to keep moving forward. While waiting at the attendant’s desk, I did what I teach: I practiced … [Read more...]