Step UP Find YOUR PLACE

Waking today to the news that Professor Stephen Hawking passed away at the age of 76, I felt sad to hear the world has lost another great mind and agent of change.  At 21 he was diagnosed with ALS and given the prognosis of this disease, he would not live past 23.  Yet he managed to defy all the odds, and lived 55 more years.  During this time his disease didn't seem to stop him from making considerable contributions to our world. He had purpose and his life meaning. He made the most of the time he was given.

In 2006 he won the Copley Medal for Highest Scientific Acheivement sharing the honor with former recipants as Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Louis Pasteur and Capt. James Hook. His thoughts on the honor humbling "This is a very distinguished medal," Hawking said in a statement.  "It was awarded to Darwin, Einstein and (Francis) Crick.  I am honored to be in their company."
In 2009 , President Obama awarded Professor Hawking the Presidential Medal of Freedom , America's highest civilan honor.

Hawking had so many great insights that influenced our world. One quote I am particularly drawn to as it speaks to the craziness that is happening around us.

"We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet."

I wrote a poem a few years back that I pulled out and dusted off to read again. It speaks to the importance of having an open mind. To continue to learn and grow. Investigate and dig deeper into things. Speak up and make the most out of your life. Don' t be afraid to take risks ...If you aren't sure do it anyway!

As Professor Hawking once quoted “However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there's life, there's hope.”

Fear if you must what you cant comprehend

The strongest are those with flexibilty to bend

The future between two souls isnt promised a new day

Time lost when the ego forgets what is important to say

Fear if you must what you cant comprehend

Its all in the message the eyes honestly send

The only part that can never pretend.

Tracey(Aug 2013 copywrite)

Spring Cleaning Your Mind. What a Concept!!!

Spring is such a wonderful time of the year as everything starts to awaken from hibernation. The birds are chirping, the tree buds are waiting to burst, the tulips are poking through the ground and people are itching to get outside to feel the warmth of the sunshine! 

Spring feels like the season that re-energizes us after a long winter ,  as warm breezes replace the cold winds.  Mother nature reawakens and we somehow come alive ready to start Spring cleaning! Windows are washed, closets are cleaned out, yards are raked and gardens prepped for flowers and vegetables..it seems like the thing to do! We spend time focusing on our homes and gardens but what about our minds? Have you ever given thought to Spring cleaning your mind? 
Interesting concept isn't it? It was for me when I first heard it. In fact, I think its a brilliant idea. 

Here are few tips on how to Spring clean your Mind to help put a Spring in your Step and Freshen up your Soul:

• Throw away all the clutter in your mind that does not serve you! 
• How much of what you read, watch on TV, and hear on the news is actually helpful to you and contributes to a healthy state of mind? Unplug for a little while from all those inputs and allow your mind to simply absorb the beauty around you. 
• Take stock of how much negativity you are absorbing and find time in your day to focus on positive inputs.  
• Are you incorporating things into your day that you enjoy and that bring you joy?
•  Find time in your day to be still and reflect! 
• Whether it be first thing in the morning, at lunch or time in the evening, find time to simply sit and be still. Some people enjoy mediating, listening to their favorite tunes, or simply listening to the quiet ..whatever works for you and gives you that time to simply be present in the moment. 
• Daydream...BE CREATIVE!
• Get moving! Movement is such an important part of keeping our mind healthy. 
• Over the winter months its so easy to fall into a routine of sitting on the couch. Get up and get out..go explore your neighbourhood, or local park, find a trail! Call a friend to go with you and allow yourself to get lost in the beauty of nature. 
• Spring is the time to try a new activity that you have always wanted to try..maybe its yoga, or zumba , bike riding, jogging...whatever it is make sure its something you enjoy! There are lots of activities and groups out there- have the courage to explore 
• Do something special for yourself. YOU MATTER! 
• Organize your life , and watch how your mind becomes more organized
• Clean out those closets and get rid of "stuff" you do not use
• Clean out your makeup bag, shoe closet, and that junk drawer!
• Simplify your schedule
• Learn to say "NO" 
• Book yourself a "ME" day and don't feel guilty for it
• Read a book you have been putting off 
• Book time with a friend and do something fun
• Allow your creative side to come out- try something new
• Give up One Bad Habit - we all have them!
• What is one thing that has been bugging you and weighing you down? Over eating , stress eating, smoking, couch potato..now's the time to focus on changing! 
• Bad Habits are not stress relief even though we convince ourselves they are. They cause us more harm in the end. 
• Start with something small. Once you convince yourself you have the power to change and can change nothing will stop you. Notice the difference! 
• Get rid of negative self talk and hang out with Great People! 
• Past hurts, failures can cause us to have low self esteem or negative images of ourselves. We can get into a pattern of negative beliefs and self talk that does not serve us well. Its toxic to our mind, body and soul. 
• When a negative thought enters your mind about yourself - replace it with a positive one. Consider journalling, talk to a friend about how you feel. Ask for help.
• Hang out with great people..people who believe in you , who want the best for you, who encourage you! Find your tribe! Positive support networks are important and you deserve it! Don't be afraid to ask for help and talk about how you feel. 

HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!!!! xo

The Lessons You Teach

The Yellow Hibiscus is a symbol of Happiness, Sunshine

By all accounts my hibiscus plant really should be dead. Seriously, anyone who knows me , knows my history with flowers. In fairness to the flowers, I did forget to water them on occasion. Knowing the right humidity levels, how to treat leaf damage, bugs, I admit were not on the top of my interest level. I love flowers but if I am honest, I  gave up hope of  ever becoming a green thumb and having the most beautiful garden. Then came along my hibiscus..a beautiful gift from my best friend after my gallbladder surgery.

Coming up on 2 years since I received the plant and its STILL ALIVE!

This isn't an ordinary plant, but rather its extraordinary in my eyes!!!

So far since under my watch, I have washed its roots because it ended up with a disease, this process ended up costing me $500 dollars to have a plumber come to my home to unclog my drains, a day long process ( No, I didn't quite think thru that one first) . In winter months cinnamon is sprinkled around the soil to avoid mold. This year, as leaves were dying , I knew something wasn't right, after much trial and error and research, the plant ended up in my shower to rid it of spider mites. I bring it in the house in the summer during heavy rain and wind storms, it sits under the lights during dull days in the fall and in the winter it has a special place in the window. Finding the right watering frequency during each season has been a chore! 

This plant has tested every ounce of my gardening expertise and patience. Quite frankly it is a lot of work but I LOVE IT so I CARE for it! 

Why put in the effort? Well, I guess the lessons drawn from this flower is the simple answer..it's been a journey to say the least:

• If you want something to grow you must nurture and care for it not only in the optimal times but in the challenging times. Seek out the problem and find a solution
• Don't be afraid to ask for advice when you are struggling for answers 
• Don't be afraid to take action even if you make a mistake 
• Each bloom is magnificent and unique in its own right. No two are the same but they can bring so much joy 
• Each bloom stays for a moment in time then it dies. The plant must live without that bloom and find a way to carry on. Enjoy it while it lasts!   
•  With each season you have to adapt to needs. Even if you aren't prepared , if you love something enough you WILL  find a way. Love can grow and bloom once it adapts to the changes
• When it doesn't feel loved or cared for it will slowly die. You are given warning signs and if you chose to ignore don't be surprised by the outcome.
• Take time to bask in the beauty of color and the simple little flower.
• Waking up to a new bloom and watching it as it slowly opens..brings so much joy to this gal's heart.

For every bloom this plant produces that my eyes have witnessed,  I take a picture and each one  shared with my best friend. Its not just my plant anymore , it's our plant. We talk about the beauty,  the lessons and the journey.

Who knew when I received this gift that these lessons would be revealed to me.  It's been an incredible journey . Excited for what this plant has in store in the days, weeks and months to come..! 

Paying attention to the gifts we receive are as important as the gifts we discover inside ourselves..and the gifts that live inside ourselves allow us to give gifts to others! Life is funny like that!

I'm Not Perfect

It feels like forever since I've felt like writing or painting.  This happens on occasion and the words simply aren't there or I can't be bothered to pick up a brush.
 To be honest, I simply get jammed up in my own head. I don't know if this happens to other people or not but I know for me..it happens a lot..getting jammed in my own head that is!!! I think far too much at times,  it hijacks my brain and robs me of my creativity. I can't help it..I'm a thinker.
Its frustrating because the very thing I know that brings me joy I can't tap into. The level of frustration I  equate it to is,  sitting with a rubicks cube , attempting for days to put that sucker together, ok who am I kidding , attempting for months with no success! Arrgh..FU@K!!
The most famous writers experience "writer's block" and painters don't feel like touching the canvas, it happens.
The more you fight it, the less it comes.  I don't fight it. I know it will come back because I trust my gift. I don't take it for granted.  I do feel pressure when the words don't come. I can't even begin to explain how the words come to me ..all I can say is when they come I have to stop everything.
I recently spent 5 wonderful  days back home with my best friend ,  exploring and sharing the culture in which I grew up. Sharing memories,  time at the ocean , in nature , moments with family and old friends , my heart was overflowing with joy.

Thankfully, my gift came back and shortly upon returning my heart was flooded with the following words:

I'm not perfect and that's ok
I've got people who love me 
Anyway
I'm not perfect and neither are you
Let's stop judging and shine on 
Thru
I'm not perfect and neither is my life
Ups and downs like a yo-yo guaranteed happiness throw in a little
Strife
I'm not perfect and neither is the world
Forever changing
Filled with hope
Tainted with badness
Glowing with desire
Edged in crazy
Embraced in hugs
Surrounded by beauty
I'm not perfect and that's ok 
I've got people who love me
Anyway
I'm not perfect 
But I love deeply thru it all.
Tracey ( August 2015)
Copywrite Yes You Can Coaching

Sometimes all we need to do is relax.  To step outside of our heads and let our hearts lead. Stop for a moment and breathe..slow the pace. Its not easy when every day life pressures want to keep you tied to the pace at which society thinks you should move. That's when you need to stop..remember your pace..remember what is important to you.
We all have a gift to share with the world..our purpose is to find it, embrace it , and allow it to bring us joy so that we can share it with others.

I hope you find your gift and share it with the world if you haven't already. Remember , when it gets lost , and believe me it will from time to time..hang in there..you will find it again. For those still searching to find their gift..if something brings you joy..keep exploring it.

Its one poem..I am grateful.

Next ..time to pick up the paint brush and see what comes.

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
― Rumi

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! 

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! 

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 

Dancing keeps you young at heart?

I am amazed at the things people are posting on utube these days. In fact, if I think about it too much its a scary thing as I see how people are using the technology to bully, embarass and do harm to other humans. What good comes from that?
Then there are those few video's  I come across that inspire me and restore my hope that technology can be a tool used to inspire and bring happiness into the lives of others. A viral video like the one I am sharing today. I hope it is ok that I am sharing this, it is everywhere on the internet so I like to think I can. I take no credit for it, just want to share the joy.
This 88 year old Nana who loves to dance as she gets into her granddaughter's car. I won't say anymore because I think the video really says it all about how young at heart this lovely lady is and how inspiring she is to her family.
I've always believed music is the conduit to joining people together,  to keeping ourselves young at heart whether we are singing loud in the car to the tunes or dancing around the kitchen with our kids or if you are single , the trusting broom that is always there when you are ready to whip around the floor!
In fact, music is so powerful it can alter any mood and is one of the greatest gifts we are blessed to have available to us!

On this fine Saturday morning as I sit and watch Nana and listen to the oldies I am inspired to get my mojo moving and do my own little shake rattle and roll routine as I head out to my car!

What do I have to lose except for a few extra pounds ?

Life is stressful at times  and guess what ,we all need to lighten up every now and then.
Take a few deep breathes ..let yourself go and then pause for a moment and check in with yourself and see how you feel!

Peace..and remember " if you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way" Nichiren Daishonin

Hey Parents - check out a few great resources for nutrition, savings, and for parents to share comments!

I am a firm believer in sharing information. When we have new information available to us it makes us more knowledgeable and informed! Don't be afraid to share a new idea, book, website, recipe, health tip etc etc.!

http://kidshealth.org/parent/

http://smartcanucks.ca/

http://www.canadianparents.com/


Have a great day friends!