Dear World...A Christmas to Remember

On December 14th the unthinkable occured. A tragedy occured in a little town that touched the hearts of a world. What is supposed to be a magical time of year filled with the joy of children's laughter , excitment of Santa's arrival, hugs and kisses was replaced with tears and sorrow for this little town. For the past week , as news stories begin to settle down and the families directly impacted begin their journey of healing I began to wonder what is becoming of our world. It is up to each of us to keep the spirit alive...to be a little kinder, a little more compassionate..understanding and most of all when these lost souls commit acts of violence that we do not allow ourselves to take on their cynical view of the world that caused their hearts to turn cold. It is up to each of us to keep the magic of Christmas and the magic of everyday alive... So this year I wish you all peace and joy ...and this year enjoy your families and your friends that little bit more...don't be afraid to say I love you..smile a little more and gosh darn it..hug a lot more..all these gifts are free and we all have it within us to give these gifts anytime of the year. 

 I wrote this poem called Dear World as I started to think about what positive could we find in such a terrible action.  

A tragic thing happened to us all today
Innocent lives taken carelessly away
No rhyme or reason for this unthinkable violent act
Saddened to the core that is a somber fact
Little angels and heroic souls their futures now gone
How do we make right this terrible wrong?
Families are grieving their pain all too real as we approach Christmas day
The questions of why are being asked by so many, but what do you say
When someone you love is taken so dreadfully away?
Now is the time for our love and humanity to shine through
Is this too big a prayer to ask of you?
Are you up for the challenge to open your heart and not be lead astray?
Don’t let this steal our peaceful spirits or darken our souls today
Give us courage to find comfort and good will
Support one another and in honor fulfill
What peace on this earth means
As each life held purpose during their time on this earth now angels above
In spirit they share their love

Charlotte, Rachel, Olivia, Dylan, Dawn, Jesse, Ana, Anne, Emilie, Noah
Jessica, Lauren, Mary, Victoria, Daniel, Josephine, Madeleine, Catherine, Chase
James, Jack, Caroline, Avielle, Benjamin, Allison

Dear World
We must not forget the lives that were lost, shed a tear if you must as you remember a name
Then use wisdom and compassion to make changes instead of getting caught up in the circle of blame.
Tracey (Dec 2012)



                                                                                                                       

Keep it Simple Stupid..A message to Remember!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxfHB5wPWeQ

This past week I had the great fortune to attend and MC an Award's gala recognizing Trade Excellence in Canada. During the evening there was a guest speaker who delivered a very engaging one hour  presentation on Leadership Qualities. One sentence Keep It Simple Stupid.That resonated with me.
He shared some interesting stories , and he posed a question. Could you build a successful company transportation company that would compete with FedEx and UPS companies of the world , with no technology, no university degrees? Perhaps a trick question to some, as most people in the room thought impossible. Then he shared a video..the story of the Dabbawalas. Never heard of the Dabbawalas? Check out the link above..impressive and if you think about what makes this system so successful it brings us back to the basic concepts.
On October 14th, Felix Baumgartner makes history. Setting several world records, and daring to do something no body thought possible , a feat I feel is compariable to the first man walking on the moon.
How about Malala Yousafazai, a 14 year old girl shot in the head by the Taliban because she is promoting education for woman in her country?
What do all these examples have in common..everyday people who believe in themselves, who have courage and incredible resolve to make the world a better place and to challenge the age old thinking..it can't be done!
I sit back and I ponder these stories..I think of my own story..and I am excited in the proof that keeps showing itself to me over and over...IF YOU THINK YOU CAN YOU CAN!!

Everyday people..passion...believing...dreaming...courage...risk...love..change..

We complicate the hell out of things..for various personal reasons I leave that for another day...but the message in my opinion and said with love and compassion

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!!  :)

Love and peace!

Thanksgiving...a Different Twist?

During a nice long walk , I discovered myself not thinking about all the things I should be thankful for this year but oddly enough I thought about a variety of things I am thankful I don't have. Sounds strange doesn't it...maybe a bit awful but stick with me for a moment.

As I was thinking of the things I am thankful I don't have, here is what surfaced:
I am thankful I don't :

• have to live in a country where men treat women like property and children are taught to kill.
• have a fancy car or model home because it reminds me that I don't need nice things to make me happy and that I am content with what I do have.
• have to use the services of a food bank but it reminds me how real a problem hunger is and that people close to home do need to rely on these services and I am capable of helping for I never know if one day it may be me or a member of my family needing those very services.
• have a perfect body because I don't think I could keep up with the pressure of trying to maintain it or the vanity that goes along with it. My goal is to remain healthy and simply be happy with the body I have.
• have a perfect life..I have problems, made mistakes, screwed up , fell down and because of it all I learned valuable lessons, learned to accept ownership for my screw ups and make amends , I learned to dust myself off and stand back up..I learned life wasn't meant to be perfect. I learned that every experience was mine to learn something from and that I need to keep an open mind, take risks and not be afraid to screw up.
• have to be silent and that my thoughts and opinions are as valuable as everyone else who has a voice.
• have a serious disease , it helps me stay mindful of all those who do and the courage and strength they have and it makes me want to help in whatever way I can and not to take life for granted. 
• have to say good-bye to a love one today..for a I have watched many over the course of this year have to do that. It keeps me mindful how precious life is and the importance of making the most of time while on earth..it keeps me humble.

Whether there are things in life to be thankful you have or don't have..perhaps its all a matter of how you choose to look at it and I suppose taking something from a negative perspective you can still  find the good in it..the choice is always ours to make!  Now there is something to be thankful for..CHOICES!!

So I think I choose to go and enjoy a glass of red wine! Bottom's up!
Happy Thanksgiving
With love
xo

How do You view the world?

As I was sitting enjoying my java last evening I of course allowed my mind to wander . What else is new!! Last evening my mind wandered to a joyful place.
Have you ever watched a child's face as they embark on a new adventure? Whether it be finding that magical rock or stick that instantly becomes a magic wand or sword that will fight dragons or transform them into a super hero.  How about the look on their  face when they hear the sound of the ice cream truck soon approaching?
Fast forward a few generations and have you watched a senior's face as they hold the hand of their grandchild? How about when they open a card from a family member or simply look outside and gaze at the beauty mother nature has blessed us with?
I think to myself ..as a child  the world is viewed with innocent curiosity with the joy of a lifetime ahead..as we age we leave the world returning to that innocent wonder but through a more mature eye.... What happens to us in between?....
Maybe when life seems rough remembering to view the world through the eyes of a child or senior isnt so bad! How do you view the world?
Tough times won't last forever yet it can be tough to remember that...as I was thinking about this the following words came to me.... here it is..something to ponder:

Forever
Forever is not what we perceive
If only they would believe
Hardships will pass like scorn lovers in the night
Each new day brings hope and all will be alright
Forever is not what we perceive
Joy is in your heart
Waiting to be received

Tracey (June 2012)Copyright

Just Something I Wrote

I was watching an interview with the Mayor of Newark, Cory Booker and I was drawn by his comment when said what we needed was more poets in this world. When asked why he felt that way he explained that poets have a way of simply bringing to life meaningful topics that we need to think about in order to help make a difference in our soceity.  Poets don't get caught up in the filters..that cloud..they simply express feeling on important issues. Often things we are afaid to contemplate.

His words gave me goosebumps.

When I read poems by Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Browning, Kipling, Emily Dickenson, Emerson etc..I am reminded of the wisdom these creative souls were leaving for the future. During their life many endured  hardships, some not well liked or seen as too out there..yet the wrote.

 Not all people "get" poetry or can relate but each and everyone one of us is a poet. Every song is a poem.

What I realized from Mayor Booker 's observation was poets have the courage to feel..and from that deep feeling leave a message for all those who are brave enough to open up and feel. Those that relate to one song, poem..the message has hit a cord.

I remember reading a quote by Maya Angelou that went like this "Poetry puts starch in your backbone so you can stand, so you can compose your life".  I couldn't imagine my world if I lived without feeling or having the freedom to express what that means.  It is through feeling..I have learned and I have grown...and I continue to dream!

To those poets before me..now..and into the future..thank you for your courage!

Imagining

Imagining my world when my sight was gone

To relinquish control in that moment didn’t feel wrong

Abandon one sense to discover another

Alert, a feeling best described when I became a mother

In this new world of darkness its learn as you go

Things took for granted and done with ease, now thoughtfully slow

With careful wonder you learn to trust

Opening your heart and mind a must

All of the color as it disappears

No time to dwell on your deepest fears

Imagining my world when my sight was gone

It didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the tranquility of a song

Take pleasure in hearing the voice of a friend

Imagining their smiling face divinely a heart can mend

Or remember the sound of my son’s sweet voice

How we choose to live our life we all have a choice

Imagining my world when my sight was gone

It helped me to see just where I belong

With each adventure you have courage to embrace

You realize how much it contributes to the smile on your face!

Tracey(May2012)Copywrite.

In darkness you find light

This past week I had an opportunity to experience what it feels like to be visually impaired. This experience was through a unique dinner event at O'Noir. A neat little restaurant that was established to allow people to feel what life would be like blind. The concept was created by a gentleman who was blind, and he would blindfold guests who came to his home for dinner .He wanted them to  appreciate his world. It was his way of inviting them to learn what his life was like now that he had lost his sight. What better way to teach someone, allow them to walk in your shoes for a even a brief moment in time.
 You are lead into a completely pitch dark room, by your waiter. I do mean pitch dark, there wasn't an ounce of light to be found, at one point I put my hand in front of my face and couldn't see it. I have to say that was a little freaky deaky!!! The waiter I should also mention is blind. Your waiter talks you through how the evening is going to unfold and from the moment you enter the dining room until you leave , you relinquish control to the unknown.
You have no idea who is in the room with you, other than the people you came with, you have no idea what anyone looks like, what your food looks like, the dishes, table, floor. The environment in which you are in is completely unknown.
For me, it didn't take long to realize when you lose one sense how quickly another becomes intensified. My sense of hearing was one that I had to rely on for two reasons, to listen to the waiters instructions and secondly, to enjoy the company of the people I was with. The same feelings were felt as everyone had to quickly learn to get over the anxiety of being in the dark and surrender to the change that was before us.
The other unique thing that struck me was, I am a left handed person but when it came to eat, my right hand took over as I felt the need to touch my food and feel my way around the table. It became important to remember the placement of everything on the table and you had to rely on the company you were with to help you.
Our waiter was patient, funny and he graciously talked us thru every step of the way helping to remove any anxiety people were feeling.
I knew going into the evening there was going to be something for me to learn, and learn I did.

• Be grateful for and value the beauty that surrounds us each and every day
• Remember the importance of tolerance and patience
• Everyone has something to learn from someone
• We rely on each other more than we realize 
• We can adapt to change 
• The unknown if we have the courage to face it, can bring about many wonderful experiences
• Its fun eating chocolate mousse cake with your hands!!!
• Sight is one sense...listening and touch are two senses this world needs more of..it allows you to see with your heart and not your eyes and that can make a world of difference!!

If you have an opportunity to take in a new experience....GO FOR IT!!! 

EASTER Reflection

Happy Easter Everyone. I have to confess I am not an overly religious person in the sense I go to church and follow the formal teachings of the bible but I do believe I am a spirtual person who believes greatly in a higher power. Today, for most kids its about the Easter Bunny , easter treats and having dinner with family it is important to remember the spirit of what this day is about.

While I was sitting outside in my comfy chair , chillaxin and reading I came across a poem that inspired me to write and share.

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of they friends or thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee"

This piece was written by John Donne an English poet, known as one of the finest metaphysical poets so they say. I still haven't figured out who "they" are but they must be important.

What I found inspiring about reading this was the explanation that followed from Dr. Wayne Dwyer. To sum up in the coles notes version : Our ego often insists that we are separate from others. Boy that is true. I hear it all the time.

To state the case that to acheive greater awareness and bliss in our lives we have to understand we are all connected, and to do this we must first look at our own body. Our body's do not exist as a separate organism but rather all of our organs, fluids, bacteria etc are all working together to form our body and keep us healthy. No cell in our body works alone. Cells in your liver never meet the cells in your mouth, yet they are connected and important to your entire body function. True isn't it? I have to say up to this day I never looked at this way.

Think about a drop of water as it comes out of your tap..not that powerful but put that drop into the ocean and see how it returns to its powerful state when joined with other water molecules.

This is where I was hooked. I have always listened to the teachings the ocean can bring.

The native americans also understand the importance of oneness by the saying" No tree has branches so foolish as to fight among themselves"

Seeing ourselves as islands that are not part of the whole stops us from experiencing the richest and fullest experiences in our lives. Based on my own life experiences I would tend to agree wit this. If you can see yourself connected to humanity , you begin to stop judging others and see people as an extention of yourself. You become kinder, compassionate.

Having the ablity to view all others as family members rather than competitors or enemies, we start to reach out with love, and compassion rather then out of defensive. Think about that for a moment!

Pretty deep for a Sunday morning..however relevant to this day I believe. We are all family and when you find it in your heart to begin to see life this way you start to look at things differently. The homeless person on the street ..where you once may have passed judgement or thought just go get a job..in a mystical way you are connected with them and look at their poverty , poor health etc as impacting yourself..you can vow to use your own gifts to help end such conditions that exist.

I know I for when..when I see this It reminds me how we all need each other and we are more connected than we even know.

Wishing you a warm and peaceful Easter!

xo

Love Letter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhiKS5fhyqQ&feature=youtu.be

I started my day pretty much the same way I attempt to do most days, reading positive articles, and watching inspirational videos to help set the tone for my day when the video Love Letter came across in my facebook feed.
This caught my attention,such a simple act that has the potential to make a difference. For the courage of someone to have an idea , show the world how simple it can be and to act upon it... INSPIRING! To continue to encourage our society to do more of this stuff in my opinion is what makes a difference each and every day.
It feels like people are so quick to get wrapped up in ideas that promote technology, quick ways on how to make more money, how to lose weight fast but when it comes to matters of the heart..people shy away.
I began to wonder what it would feel like if I came across one of these letters randomly and read it, I began to reflect on how nice it is to hear someone say they love you, how good it feels to you yourself say those words. Words that have the power to heal, to express you care, to make you smile. Three little words..not difficult to spell, not hard to pronounce..yet so often the hardest for people to share, to say. Love is a tricky thing..we have all had our hearts broken and have been so overwhelmed by the joy of the feeling we understand the power it has.
What if we all wrote one letter a week and placed it in a shopping cart, on the bus, on a park bench?
What if we did indeed have the power to change the dynamics of thought through these simple acts of kindness?
There is one thing I know for certain, for as silly as this may seem to some, for those who don't believe a difference can be made....each of us has a choice.

I know the choice I am making..and for that reason my pen, paper and envelop will be coming out today and my first letter will be passed along this week.

Yes You Can ...make a difference!!

Some Days.........

It feels like forever since I felt like writing. Writing something that expresses positive emotion, add value or at the very least spark a new perspective.
If the truth be known, lately It feels like there are cobwebs forming in my brain and the inspiration has all but packed its bags and vacated this body. It would be great if someone invented a giant straw that you could stick in your ear and if you blew hard enough, those cobwebs would blow right out the other side and take with it the emptiness. I suppose that kind of simplistic invention is meant for fictional cartoon movies.
On many occasions of late, I sit to write a poem and nothing comes....not one stinking thing. It's as if my ablity to express how feel from all that experience has vanished. There was a time not so long ago, the words would come so fast and furious , I couldn't wait to capture it . I made sure I had paper and pen all around me.
I have to admit, it is very frustrating and even down right embarrasing for someone like me to feel uninspired and blah. The one kind of party I hate to hold and be the guest of honor at is a pity party. Gosh, I of all people should know better. Then again, I never admitted to being perfect, not once. I'm human, maybe this blankness is my sign to stop thinking, writing or come up with anything inspirational. It's ok to take a step back from everything and remove the pressure. I'm sure I am not the first person to feel this, and I won't be the last.
I do put a lot of pressure on myself to be upbeat, inspirational, the optimist many say..we all do that don't we at times? Put pressure on ourselves..lesson to be learned there.

Still the reality remains..
Some days.......I am caught off guard by the negativity that exists
Some days............I wonder what life has in store for me
Some days......... ......I dream of all there is to experience while on this earth
Some days ................. I hope rebuilding isn't simply a term used in construction
Some days .......................I pray for peace and good health for so many
Some days .........................I forget that I am not super woman but just a woman
Some days ............................I remember all the beautiful feelings and relationships I hold dear
Some days........I lose my inspiration

In the end I know that ONE DAY..this too shall pass ...and the dust won't have time to settle on the keyboard and those cobwebs in my brain will be replaced with creativity and spark.

2012 A New Year !!!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .Another year to live!To banish worry, doubt, and fear,To love and laugh and give!This bright new year is given meTo live each day with zest . . .To daily grow and try to beMy highest and my best! I have the opportunityOnce more to right some wrongs,To pray for peace, to plant a tree,And sing more joyful songs!” William A. W.

As I begin to jot down my personal goals for the new year , I must spend time to reflect upon 2011. The experiences, the people, the tears, the laughter, the lessons..together the good and bad have for another year brought me to today. I am grateful for the opportunity to begin a New Year.

It is interesting to listen to the different opinions around the need to set goals. It's been my experience those who don't believe in them are typically the people who have set goals but didn't see them through. We have all gone thru that at different points in our life. Have the best of intentions then life gets in the way and before you know it..the goal drifts out of site. Don't believe me..take a look at how many people will flood the gym this month with the goal of losing weight and be healthier;by March their 4 days a week at the gym dwindles to 1 and by April they are luckly to make it once a month. How do I know this..I've done it!

There is no right or wrong answer about whether you should set goals as long as you are happy with how your life is going, you do what makes you happy.

I happen to be one of those people who believe in setting goals. I also believe in the magic it creates inside when you achieve your goals.

It's hard to imagine when I sit back and reflect upon my career, for 23 years I have been setting goals both in a professional setting and personally. I love teaching people the skill of goal setting..for once you learn it , you have that skill forever! It brings me great joy watching people set a goal and achieve it.

The trick with setting goals is commitment , realistic objectives , perservance , having and keeping a positive attitude. (that last one can be tough)

The other secret incredient...being grateful for what you have, what you have been given, the people in your life and the opportunity year after year to learn and grow.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankfulthat thorns have roses." Alphonse Karr

Wishing all that read this , good health and an abundance of success in 2012.