I Gotta A Feeling...

Waking up to an outdoor temperature registering -27 degrees C , the typical feeling would be damn it's cold out there. Yes even for a Canadian who really should be use to cold winter temperatures. In fact, I won't lie as soon as I opened the door to let my poor dog outside to pee, the thought was holy F$#k its cold. How crazy am I to think my little min pin who is all of 8 lbs would even consider wanting to cock his leg for natures calling. Poor little guy by the time he finishes, he can't decide which paw to hold up from touching the coldness of the snow. I can't even get mad at him for the odd accident inside, I wouldn't want to pee outside in this weather. That's a different story altogether!

In the midst of winter the gift of the blooming hibiscus warms my soul

 While the exterior might be projecting damn its cold out there.. on the inside the feeling of warmth brings comfort like a pair of warm long johns . Yes I GOTTA A FEELING...

I read this morning a beautiful piece from a book called Immortal Diamond that resonated so deeply with me. As Oprah declares the infamous "Ah Ha" moment.

It goes like this " Within us there is an inner, natural dignity. An inherent worthiness that already knows and enjoys. It is an immortal diamond waiting to be mined and is never discovered undesired. It is a reverence humming within you that must be honored." The finisher for me " Once in a while, this True Self becomes radiant and highly visible in one lovely place or person" 

When you experience that feeling, you know there is no turning back. How can you and why would you want to go back? How you see the world and everything in it changes. Its a gripping addictive feeling of the best kind.

Life is a reflection of what we believe, it determines what we can or cannot do. I think I've always known this to be true somewhere inside.

I am a firm believer that if we set our minds to something, there are no limits to what we can achieve. 

It may not be perfect. Why do we need perfection? It may not even be what others think it should be perhaps all that matters is that it is exactly what we believe it to be!! 

Honor yourself..honor what you know to be your true self, I promise you will know it when you feel it! 

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 

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)