What I Learned From Pole Dancing Fitness

Earlier this year a dear friend and I embarked on a new adventure to become in the elite 2% of the population that would attempt pole dancing. Wanting to see what this was about we found a pole dancing fitness class near home and signed up for a 6 week beginner class. 

I am always up for a challenge and eager to attempt anything once for the experience. I have to say I was intimidated walking into a room being the heaviest of the group, one of the oldest and looking at 8 poles just waiting to bust my ass! 

I will spare the details of the mix of fun and frustration I felt but I will share the observations/lessons I took away from my pole dancing adventure:

• It takes incredible core strength its no easy workout
• It made me confront several weaknesses
• I couldn't climb a pole - never could since grade school
• I am not that graceful and finding my sexy walk was simply odd to me
• You have to let go of what others think- focus on mastering your own gig
• Trust yourself and the pole which is a metaphor for opening up to trust on every level so you can be your best self
• In the midst of confronting my weakness I had my dear friend beside me and I felt safe to be me and not be perfect. We shared in each other's frustration,  in some good laughs, and comparing which body part hurt worst and for how long!  
• I have to be OK with not being good at some things because its perfectly OK!  

After 6 weeks , I can't say I would ever get rich making a living as a pole dancer but I can say my friend and I are in the 2% of the population that  had the courage to face the pole. It was a great work out and pole dancing fitness is serious business and the ladies and men who master the pole I salute your strength.

I am grateful for the least expected lessons I took away from having this experience reminding me the value of having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and attempt something new! 

Tiny Wishes

I have discovered when life is at its craziest time that is the precise moment we must remember to take a pause. To often we believe it's normal to be running around at a pace that not only causes us to drain mentally but physically takes a toll on our bodies. Come on now..you know as well as I do what I am talking about! It is in these times , I have found great joy in seeking out what I call the " treasures" of nature. The greatest teacher we have at our disposal 24/7. I invite you to pause and seek out your "treasures" and notice the difference in your energy levels ..notice how a smile will sneak up on you!!

Just a little Something I wrote while enjoying one of those "treasures" :

Tiny Wishes
Little tiny wishes floating in the air
It may be hard to see them but they are surely there
Little tiny wishes catch one in your hand
Release it in the wind upon your dream command
Little Tiny wishes no sound do you make
Blowing around so freely my soul purpose I know make no mistake
Little Tiny wishes I hope others will hold out their hand
Be brave to dream and softly let you land
Close their eyes feel the softness as you stay
Then understand the magic as you swiftly blow away.

Tracey (Copyright Yes You Can )

20 SMILES to Change Lives

Two weeks ago I had the privilege to hear Dr.Zucker from Sick Kids Hospital talk about the work Operation smile does. The story of Habimana was shared and as I watched and listened a lump in my throat grew and tears filled my eyes. Imagine children being judged and outcast? Imagine your own children having to go through something like that? We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have access to wonderful Dr's and support networks. While our society is not perfect and judgement exists I don't believe we can fully grasp what life is like in these places until we have lived a life in such circumstances. 

Habimana's story



I personally have a goal - TO BRING 20 SMILES to children and support the Operation Smile campaign to raise 200 smiles ..and to take part in the next Operation Smile Mission as my company Johnson & Johnson Medical Products will sponsor 2 employees to take part in this life changing journey. I WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT MISSION.

A smile changes everything...and I believe in the power of a smile. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a child smile.

I feel very blessed and fortunate to have a healthy son who is now 20 years old. His smile from the day he was born warms my heart. I feel very blessed to have watched my niece and nephew grow up to be healthy adults and see them smile. I very blessed and grateful to see my great nieces smile. Three beautiful children who when I see them smile it makes me want to smile. Their laugh makes me want to laugh. 

Now...Let me tell you why I have chosen to support Operation Smile, and you’ll see how your contribution can transform a child’s life. Every three minutes it is estimated that somewhere in the world a child is born with a cleft. These children can’t eat or speak properly. They are often socially isolated, don’t play with other children or even attend school. They may never have a chance to reach their full potential.
I think about those children who are judged and outcast by their peers and in some cases their own families and my heart breaks. 

In as few as 45 minutes and for as little as $240, this can all change. A life can be transformed forever with a free surgery that will restore hope – and a beautiful smile.

When my company announced they wanted to be a part of this and I listened to stories I knew this is something I wanted to be a part of as well.

 If I am chosen to be a part of operation smile mission I will  post updates here so I can take along everyone who has supported me on the journey and who can see the difference 20 smiles can make! 

You can support me by

•  making a donation and entering my name in the JJMC employee field at  www.operationsmile.ca/ca-jj 

Courage

Its a bright yet chilly March Monday morning. To the eye gazing out at all the white mounds of snow and to the face that greets the cold breeze as you open the front door it might feel like spring is never going to come this year. Yet , standing in front of my living room window the heat from the sun's ray that shines down on one little area that I squeeze my body into and share with the dog ...I am reminded that yes spring is on its way.
I suppose it's Mother Natures way of teaching us patience. We have become a generation accustomed to everything being instantaneous that we to believe mother nature should change seasons at our beck and call once we have had enough.
I was listening to Dr. Maya Angelou speak yesterday, and I swear that is one lady I could listen to all day long and never grow tired of the wisdom that flows from her lips. As she spoke of Courage and her belief that it is the "most important of all the virtues" my ears perked and I began to think....

When asked how does one practice courage, she simply said and I am going to paraphrase here .. you practice little by little..do one thing with courage and it feels good..do another and it feels good..do more and it feels better..eventually you will do all things with courage.  How powerful is that? 
This resonates with me because from my own personal experience I know this is true.
One particular experience I will share is conquering my fear of heights. I started by climbing ladders, then made it to the top of my roof..from there it was the extreme flyer at Wonderland..then it was to challenge myself a little more..I went hang gliding..and last year it was the CN Tower Edge Walk. Little by little I found the courage to challenge myself and let myself be afraid..more importantly I allowed myself to feel the wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride in doing something I didn't think I could!

I never made the connection of Courage to our ability to practice other virtues consistently until yesterday...and until this morning as I thought about Mother Nature's courage ..so many lessons to teach us humans and its up us if we pay attention.
In fact I bet if we take the time to think about it...there are so many Courageous people in our world right now that have so much to teach!

In my opinion this video is just one example that reflects such courage!

Olympic Attitude Lives in Us All

Getting caught up in the Olympic spirit I watched a few events since the opening ceremonies,  each time I watch I am in awe of these men and women. Regardless of who wins the medal , I find myself  teary eyed each time they stand on the podium and their national anthem is played. The look of pride in their eyes , the realization that the dream they visioned and worked so hard for has final materialized into reality. WOW!
I read a blog post by Jian Ghomesh that started me thinking! Q Essay - Jian Ghomeshi
I watched and read the many "disappointing" comments made by people around Patrick Chan's silver medal finish. I say disappointing because ,  I guess they figured he should have won Gold and made no bones expressing their opinions without thinking about what it takes to get that far. Shame on these people for judging so harshly. Unless you are an Olympic Athlete I am not sure you have any right to judge in such a critical way. Let's not forget the courage, incredible character and love these athletes have for their sport. The kindness they show to one another , how they represent their country outside of their sport.  No one will judge them any more harshly than they will themselves. That is my opinion.

As I was thinking, I thought about the characteristics of such an athlete and came up with my top 5 :

1. Focus - the ability to stay true to what you believe in and dedicate your life for a moment in time to achieving the end state goal you have set for yourself is remarkable. The ability to work/perfect  the process of performance and not the final outcome
2. Confidence - the ability to believe in yourself, that you can learn new skills, that you can do anything you set your mind to. 
3. Perseverance- the ability to not give up. On the days when it may not be optimal , days when you are down, days when there are critics. The days when you figure it out and you want to get better or do better. 
4. Fatigue/Recovery- the ability to recognize when your body , mind and spirit need rest. Taking the time and realizing it isn't a weakness but rather a necessity to restore the balance so performance can improve. Utilizing support and resources when needed.
5. Optimism- the ability to know that even when the bad hours , days , weeks creep in and life throws those unexpected curve balls that it is a temporary state. Using mistakes as learning platforms to get better and not dwell it. 

The inspiring thing as I was thinking through my top five (I'm sure there are many more I have missed) I realized how we all have the ability within us to develop these characteristics. In fact, I believe they all live within us , it's a matter of whether or not we choose to recognize them and develop them.

The Olympic attitude lives in us all...ponder that for moment. Enjoy the final week of the 2014 Olympics and please permit me to show my Canadian pride and say how proud I am of all our Athletes in Sochi.

I also want to express a special shout out Joann Greeley. A high school friend of mine who has recognized these characteristics in herself and as a result of her hard work and dedication has been nominated to participate in the Bold Vision 2014  Conference Panel. She is an electrician by trade and believes that women can do whatever they put their mind to. I am very excited for her and wish her luck as I know she would be an excellent addition to the panel setting a collaborative vision for Women in Canada.  Check out her story at A Bold Vision to learn more.

www.aboldvision.ca