What's On My Mind

Time to Replenish...

2009-11-15T10:58:00.012-05:00

I am so grateful that I finally have a full day at home, after 13 days in a row of commuting 45 minutes into "town" each day. I get to stay in my jogging clothes all day, catch up on some recorded movies, get some laundry done, have an afternoon nap, go for a country walk, do some writing, and anything else that I feel like indulging in.

It has been a whirlwind of activity lately, including my daughter being home for several days due to her uncle's death on her Dad's side of the family. Out of a very sad time for her and all of her loved ones came the unplanned opportunity to spend some quality time with her, visits with our family members, being there with her at her first funeral, watching my sister and step-son play their hockey games, a healing nature getaway to our favorite park, shopping, and lots of hugs and cuddles.

The rest of the last couple of weeks was spent working steadily on our renovation house and all of the administration that goes with that, listening to my other sister's band play at a club, handling some small details of my sister's wedding coming up New Year's Eve, planning my 2010 seminar schedule with a couple of new associates, and attempting to keep up on our own kitchen renovation. Things have been busy!

On the bright side, I am eleven pounds and several inches healthier so far and seeing the health benefits of plenty of physical labour in what I am calling my "renovation workout". Some evenings I drag myself in the door, peel off my filthy work clothes, scrub off in the shower, and flop onto the couch under a comforter.

I am learning to be very gentle with myself during this crazy time. It is certainly a transition for me to be working a full-time schedule on our renovation project, in addition to my speaking business; however, I am loving the challenge and tangible results of the before and after of our flip house. Almost every day brings satisfaction of a job well done.

Anyway, after a delicious late sit down breakfast together, my hubby has just left for hockey and then a long shift at work so I am off to enjoy my day alone, replenishing my energy, and pampering myself. The sun is shining through the clouds so I may get in a trail walk on our property, with the crisp autumn air, and cool breeze...

Have a fabulous week ahead and I hope that you are gentle with yourself, replenish your energy, and have some fun, if your schedule and commitments are anything like mine these days. Time to top up our marbles!!

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ~John Muir

Feeling Very Reflective

2009-11-08T12:14:00.006-05:00

So much to think about and so much to do. My head says that I should be doing the dishes piled on our dining room table, since we still don't have a kitchen sink, but my heart says that it's time to sit and do some writing.

This week has been so full of ups and downs. There was a quote that I noticed online earlier this week that sums up my feelings: "A crisis may change your life but it doesn't have to ruin it."

When I get news about something that is upsetting or things don't go as planned, my old tendency is to go to that dark place in my mind that adds up all of the things in life that are complicated and frustrating and sad and confusing. There is that moment of exhaustion and crumbling of the spirit that wants to crawl into a warm cozy place and retreat away from the world.

It is; however, in those same moments that the sun can shine the brightest and small blessings emerge. I have felt more alive this week, more real this week, more in touch this week, because of some difficult issues. I hear my own voice from the DVD program I did this past summer saying that life is like the roller coaster and we are going to have pleasurable times and exciting times and we are going to have times of utter despair and desperation.

I keep reminding myself that out of difficulty comes clarity and out of struggle comes strength. Having the realization that ups and downs are part of life allows me to accept things as they come and know that if I hear the lessons and dig deep into how I am feeling, I will get through it and come out more authentic on the other end.

Identifying and expressing emotions has been key this week. Sentences starting with, "I am feeling..." have been very abundant in my conversations and it allows me to get out what is nagging and eating away at my heart and soul. Now, I feel more peaceful and more in control of my reality.

I hope that as you walk into your week ahead that you get in touch with how you are feeling. Putting your feelings into words can connect you with others in a powerful and loving way, even when the circumstances are difficult. I wish that for you...

How are you feeling????

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T14:20:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone and Happy Halloween! My daughter called all excited that it was Halloween but hoping that the rain would stop in time for trick or treating. Let's all put it out there that the kids will have a dry evening for their big night!

Although I have a ton of other things to do, I am writing because my husband is in the background sanding the old hardwood floors in our kitchen and I can't do anything else because it is too loud. Busy week past but I helped my Dad shingle my first roof. What an accomplishment! I didn't realize I had so many unused muscles in my body!

I also finished putting together the "Healthy Action Steps Checklist" for the TOPS group, that I mentioned at the Sarnia event this past weekend. If you didn't already email me with that request and you want a copy, please email me directly at: makeitwork.julie@gmail.com and I will reply with the attachment.

Also, I am still delivering seminars and workshops across Ontario and also very much looking forward to heading to Halifax, Nova Scotia to speak next July! Just get in touch with me by email at: makeitwork.julie@gmail.com or see my website at www.MakeItWorkSeminars.com to book or discuss speaking engagements.

This week I also painted our new kitchen and open concept walls in on our main floor - twice. I didn't like the first colour I picked because it was too dark, so I figured that the $26 new paint can was worth the investment. We have to take action to make ourselves happy, so I that's what I did! (And yes, my husband thinks I'm crazy...)

Anyway, I am getting a headache from the noise in here and plan to head out for a walk while the rain has slowed down here. I hope that your evening of laughter, and smiling children, prior to the sugar high crash, goes well! Have a great one and Happy Day to celebrate the joy of childhood and injecting pleasure and candy into our daily adventure of life... Julie

(P.S. - Our power went out last evening during a rain storm and it was so quiet and peaceful with the candles burning and the lantern glowing, snuggled in a cozy blanket. I highly recommend candlelight and silence as often as possible, even when the power is working! I hope that you try it soon...)

REFRAME. REFOCUS. RESPOND. REPLENISH.

2009-10-27T08:06:00.002-04:00

Welcome to everyone from Sarnia this past weekend!! It was so great to meet and spend time with all of you. I hope that you are remembering all about reframe, refocus, respond, replenish!!

Just a couple of seconds to write as I am busy painting our own home, putting new shingles on our flip property with my Dad, shopping for wedding accessories with my two sisters and my Mom and tons more. I hope that you have a fantastic week ahead and I will get on that form we talked about by the end of the week... Bye for now! Julie

Reno This House!

2009-10-21T17:57:00.008-04:00

Amazing how time flies when you are having fun! My Dad and I have taken on a house renovation project together and I have been elbow deep over the last few weeks in one of my other passions - buying and flipping houses.

This project will be house number fourteen that I have done in my lifetime. After a five year break, I am back at it in full force. It is already paying off as here are the photos after only a couple of days of outside work cleaning garbage, weeds, and mess in the gorgeous fall weather. I love before and afters and there is still months of work to do!

Anyway, I am off to Sarnia and London this weekend to do another seminar and then to visit my girlfriend and her family. I am very much looking forward to the break from all of this work. I haven't done this much physical labour in years! I am loving this renovation workout.

I hope that you are doing fantastic and enjoying the autumn colours. We need to be sure to catch them before they are all gone. Have a great one!

"Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves." ~Dale Carnegie

Recovering from Celebrations...

2009-10-05T17:11:00.008-04:00

As I write, I am sitting in my cozy jogging clothes, with dishes piled around me, my journal out, and laundry upstairs begging to be washed. I am attempting to tell myself to get outside for a walk and fresh air and yet my body wants to rest. Although the word "lazy" keeps coming to mind, I need to be gentle on myself. I need to heed the voice inside that says, "give yourself a break!"

Celebrating my sister's Stag & Doe this past weekend, with over two hundred other people, and the preparations that went into that, I am feeling a bit wiped out. Absolutely out of marbles... We had such a wonderful time and I am soooooo happy for the bride and groom to be (pictured here from Saturday). Congratulations Claudia and Andre!!!!

As I am inclined to force myself off of the couch, I am recalling something that speaker and author, Wayne Dyer, said in one of his PBS programs. Although I am paraphrasing here, it was something like, "Stress is not the problem. It is the failure to recover from stress that is the problem."

Celebrations like stag & does, weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties would hardly be classified as stress right? Well, one definition of stress is "any outside force or event that has an effect on our body or mind". Parties and happy celebrations therefore, do fall under the definition. Certainly the sore feet from my high heeled boots qualify as stress, at the very least!

Right up there with all of the usual forms of stress like: moving, job loss, illness, divorce, end of a relationship, death of a loved one, etc. are all of those great, fun, and wonderful forms of stress like new babies, new jobs, life celebrations, new businesses, and vacations that also impact our lives. Since life consists of all of these forms of "stress", we realize that there is no getting around it - stress is an inevitable part of our lives!

When I heard Wayne Dyer say that statement about "failing to recover from stress being the problem", it made so much sense to me. For years I had been trying to avoid stress and stay positive during stress and see the bright side of stress. Although I still attempt to do all of those things, I no longer feel like a failure when I am exhausted, drained, out of energy, and out of commission after a "stressful" event.

Now, I give myself permission to take the time I need to feel rested, nap when the urge hits, leave the non-urgent items to do for another time, and allow my energy stores to replenish on their own time. In this case, it has been a day and a half of recuperating and I am still not fully replenished.

What I realize is that I am useless and grumpy when I am tired, so it makes sense to put some things on hold to recover from the stress that I have experienced, even when the stress is full of joy, happiness, fun, and blessings.

I am very much looking forward to this family wedding New Year's eve and the other celebrations and family time that will be involved in it. Tomorrow we are starting invitations while my Mom cooks us one of her delicious meals. I need to be fully replenished to digest all of that food!

Anyway, I am off to shower, pamper my feet with special cream, get cozy with a comforter, and watch a chick flick... Top that off with a good night's sleep and I should be good to go! Have a great week ahead and I hope that you make time to recover from all of your pleasurable and challenging stressors. Recovery is now a ritual that keeps me sane - well, sort of... Have a great one! Julie

Thank You TOPS Participants!!!

2009-09-28T11:09:00.010-04:00

I hope that each and every one of you are having a great start to your week. I am back home and blessed for the emails that I have been receiving from the fantastic T.O.P.S. members from Northern Ontario at the South Porcupine event yesterday. I have included a few photos that I snapped while walking on the waterfront this weekend.

It is always a pleasure to be in the company of so many individuals who are on the path to getting healthier. Welcome to new readers of the blog from the T.O.P.S. organization. Thank you so much for the hospitality, warm welcome, food, and gifts. I am so grateful to have spent time with you and look forward to seeing many of you again.

Just before I head out for the day I wanted to respond to a comment I received... Thank you so much Jo-Anne for your comment yesterday on this blog. I wasn't sure if you wanted it posted publicly because it contained some personal information so I decided not to. Since I don't have your personal email I will respond here. I truly appreciate hearing your story. It is reminding me of some great skills that I learned in a social skills program that I used to facilitate.

Although we never have any control over what others say or do, we can decide if we will accept or reject their statement internally. Once we decide that it is in our best interest not to believe or buy into hurtful comments or actions of others, we can chose to express our feelings in a loving and respectfully way by starting with, "I feel _______________" (hurt, upset, frustrated, concerned, etc.) because ______________." We can then follow with something like, "As a result, I was hoping that ___________________." I have used this format many times and it quite helpful to me.

With regards to communication, I was taught that there are three ways to handle stress: AVOID, CHANGE, or ACCEPT AND COPE. Sometimes, we want to simply stay away from the person. Other times we may chose to say something in hopes that they will understand and see our perspective. And yet, other times we may chose not to say anything, especially if we know that it is nothing personal and the individual is generally like this with everyone, due to their own pain and struggles.

If the individual is someone close to us, who we spend a lot of time with, it can be a bit tricky because once we express our feelings, the individual may get defensive and chose not to accept our take on the situation. We have absolutely no control over how another person will react or what they will do with our feedback to them. If you are acting in a loving and caring way, that is expressing your feelings, then there is nothing more you can do.

In the best case scenario, it opens up a caring dialogue where both individuals can discuss their feelings and move forward. Some situations take time to come around. In other cases, the relationship comes to an end. I often ask myself this question: "If I were on my death bed and had unresolved issues with someone I loved, what would I do?" It has been a helpful approach for me. All the best Jo-Anne and thank you to everyone for reading today...

It is exciting that so many people are taking the action steps necessary to take care of themselves...

REFRAME Perspective
REFOCUS Intention
RESPOND with Action
REPLENISH Energy

Have a fantastic week ahead! Julie

"Deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker. When someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits expand." Sue Patton Thoele

Simple Pleasures...

2009-09-26T12:02:00.006-04:00

It is remarkable how such simple pleasures can make such a difference in our days. Following five hours of driving for a seminar this weekend, I checked into the inn, had a much needed short nap, and then headed out on foot, aimlessly looking for a walking path. Much to my amazement, I stumbled upon a lake and waterfront nature path only steps away!

If you would have been a fly nearby upon the discovery, you would have heard me utter the word, "unbelievable". I had been feeling a bit sorry for myself because the accommodations I booked were located on a busy street. I never expected to find such beauty and splendor so close, but I should have known better. Whatever we are looking for, we will find...

Yes, when we are looking for reasons to complain about something, we will always find them. Just ask someone who is in the middle of relationship break-up and they will list all of the horrible qualities of their "ex". On the other hand, if you would have asked them during the blooming phase of the relationship, they would have listed dozens of fantastic qualities of the person. Life is like that, we get more of whatever we decide to focus on.

After two hours of walking on the nature trail, sitting overlooking the water and a lone fishing boat from strategically placed park benches along the path, I felt refreshed and renewed. I felt blessed for such a pleasant surprise of finding bliss so close to a highway and was reminded that all situations bring with them, positive and negative realities. I was also reminded that our experience of life is very much about our state of mind.

Today, as I head out for another nature excursion, prior to setting up for the seminar, I am in awe of how life unfolds in the most unexpected ways. I will keep my eyes and ears open for further blessings that await. I may as well expect the best! Have a fabulous weekend and I hope that you get some fresh air and adventure time carved out in your schedule to look for such blessings. There is so much out there to see...

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment." Jane Austin

Welcome Seminar Participants from Timmins!!!

2009-09-20T08:56:00.005-04:00

Photo by D Sharon Pruitt

Hello Everyone and welcome back! Following a long time away for summer holidays and time to reflect, I am back to blogging land. I would especially like to welcome each and every one of the participants from the two Timmins seminars that took place this past week. I am back to our little home on the range on St. Joseph Island and in the process of replenishing my marbles!! I hope you are too.

I would like to invite you to browse through many of the entries below. Archives for the previous couple of years are also included here. Many of the books and programs I recommend are also listed on the right side of this blog. One of the books in particular that I mentioned this week was: "Take Time for Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson, which is quite relevant to our topics.

I am off today, on this gorgeous September day, to celebrate in the wedding shower for my sister, who is getting married this New Year's Eve. We are all so excited! May you take time for yourself this week and schedule in a few minutes of whatever it is that brings you the most joy. You deserve it. Besides, there is still some beautiful weather to indulge in, with the colours starting to change on the trees and the crisp air. We are getting into my two favorite seasons of the year and I am so grateful! Bye for now... Julie

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book."
- Irish Proverb

Some Flowers for You...

2009-08-03T17:10:00.010-04:00

I hope that you are enjoying your summer. In my neck of the woods the weather has been cloudy and rainy much of the time, so people around here are feeling pretty grumpy. I realize the power that sunshine has to lift our spirits and I am missing it as well. As a result, I decided to send you some flowers...

The good news about this dingy weather is that we haven't had to worry about getting fans out to keep us cool, there haven't been any sunburns lately, my husband hasn't had the chance to wallow about having to work on such a beautiful day, and there have been glimpses of rainbows after the rain.

Since my own laptop is down for repairs and I am temporarily using my sister's computer, I am quickly posting some colourful summer flowers that I captured along my summer journey. Some of these beautiful images may be able to brighten your day, whenever you're feeling low.

This summer, my daughter and I spent time with family at camp and then we headed to Toronto, where we were able to enjoy visits with family and friends, swimming, walks, the Sound of Music performance, cuddles, Wonderland, birds, flowers, critters, and lots of ice cream!

With my daughter now enjoying camp with her Dad and my husband working a lot, I have had some dingy days as well. My remedy is taking in plenty of library movies, doing some decluttering and home renovations, talking to loved ones, staying busy with business bookwork, reading, journalling, napping, and taking time to think.

I hope that you make the best of your summer, regardless of what is happening around you. Even when our lives seem confusing or frustrating, there is always something to learn about ourselves. Us 101! Never a dull moment in life, especially when we contemplate the quote I have included below. Easy for Ralph to say!

Take care of yourself and I hope that you find something beautiful to focus on, even when things are looking dingy...Julie

"Nothing external to you has any power over you." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Still On Summer Vacation

2009-07-24T15:12:00.005-04:00

Still on summer vacation and taking a break from writing. Hope your summer is going wonderful. Take care! Julie

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T09:58:00.003-04:00

Quick note to wish you a Happy Canada Day! I had snapped this photo at the Blue Jays game last week during the National anthem. I love holidays, especially since I picked up my daughter yesterday for summer holidays! Life is good. Hope your day is filled with family, food, fun, and fireworks! Have a great one...

Creatures Great & Small...

2009-06-29T14:46:00.011-04:00

I just wanted to share some of the adorable creatures that my husband and I have snapped photos of in the last couple of weeks. There is something about seeing a bunny in the yard, a robin perching on a fence post, coming across a turtle near a pond, happening upon a deer on the side of the road, or enjoying the neighbouring horses, that makes my heart full. In times of deep reflection I have a tendency to get lost in the perplexity of the world and how best to navigate my way through. Identifying things I am grateful for, like the creatures that grace my path, is one way that I reframe my perspective.

Especially following closure of a project or the end of the seminar season, I get a bit antsy about the fact that it will be a couple of months before I will have the opportunity to address another group for a speaking engagement. With the reality of summer and knowing this has always been my one of my quiet times, I explained to my husband last night that I feel like a passionate musician who doesn't get to play their instrument in the summer time.

I long to be of service and use my gifts and skills, and once I have replenished my energy, I am ready to get back at it. That being said, I am truly grateful that I have the opportunity to spend time with family during the holidays. I will take in many of life's beautiful pleasures this summer and use my time wisely. On the other hand, I am open to ways that I can continue my passions through the summer.

As such, if you would like to arrange a free screening of my new "Whole Living with Julie" DVD with clients of your non-profit group or social service organization, and you are located in the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario area, please let me know by email (makeitwork.julie@gmail.com). I would be blessed to be able to contribute to the lives of others, in some way, over the summer.

Also, in your travels this week, may you keep your eyes peeled for the creatures that grace your path. Awareness of natural blessings is such a powerful healer. It can be the difference between despair and bliss or grumpiness and joy... Even on a rainy day like today, the images are comforting. Have a great one!

'Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.' Author Unknown

You can watch a short preview of "Whole Living with Julie" at www.MakeItWorkSeminars.com...

Morning Glory

2009-06-27T11:40:00.013-04:00

Okay, this waking up at five something in the morning is getting to be quite a habit! The morning summer sky has been luring me out of bed to capture images of the sunrise I guess. Before six, I was out and about and spent the next two-and-a-half hours indulging in my new camera and enjoying the colours and sights of the morning glory.

Two hundred and sixty-four photos later of flowers along the side of our road, a bunny rabbit, a deer, the neighbouring horses, a bumble bee pollinating the orange flowers, lily pads, the rhubarb patch, trees, rocks, and our pond, I finally wandered inside with wet running shoes and soaking wet socks and jogging pants from the knees down. It's hard work trekking through the long grass!

Since my husband was getting tired of me asking him to take photos of everything in nature that interested me, he finally picked me up a simple and inexpensive digital camera. I think I am addicted now! Out of so many photos, there were many that were blurry and trial shots, but that is the beauty of digital. I kept snapping away and learning the settings, until the batteries needed charging and the mosquitoes become too bothersome.

What a feeling though, to start the day with a country walk, watching the sunrise, sitting overlooking our property, and creating lifelong memories of the morning glory. I think every child and adult should have a digital camera and make an adventure out of it. It was so fun!

Now though, just before lunch, and after all those photos and visiting the local farmer's market and a few yard sales, I am ready for an afternoon nap. I love Saturdays! Considering we are headed to a 25th Anniversary waterfront BBQ later this afternoon, I think that's exactly what I will do.

Here's wishing you a fantastic weekend to replenish your energy and indulge in your enjoyment activities, even if it's only for a few minutes. If you can't think of anything else to do, I highly recommend wandering outside with a camera. There are a ton of beautiful images in nature that can keep you busy for hours. Trust me...

'I myself am quite absorbed by the delicate yellow, delicate soft green, delicate violet of a ploughed and weeded piece of soil.' Vincent van Gogh

What a Wonderful Week!

2009-06-26T13:52:00.030-04:00

Just back last night from a four-day whirlwind of a trip to the big T.O. and Simcoe area and working on getting settled at home and replenishing my energy. Since sharing photographs is one of my energy boosters and favorite things to do, I have included some snapshots of my trip here.

I hope that you all had a great week so far. Welcome to new readers who I met at my two speaking engagements in Townsend and Simcoe, Ontario area Wednesday for the "Self-Care for Professionals" and Haldimand Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. annual general meeting. Absolute pleasure to have spent time with all of you. By the way, I love the pond in Townsend...

Between my Uncle's birthday celebration and visit with family and friends in Toronto and the excitement of watching a winning Blue Jays game with my Mom and her achieving her goal of manifesting Scott Rolen's autograph on her baseball, we sure started off our week on the right foot.

That autograph is a story in itself as she went into the Blue Jays game with the intention of getting at least one of her two favorite players to sign her baseball. She managed one of only a few signatures from any Blue Jays player that night.

Scott Rolen had been warming up, right before the singing of the National anthems, and waved when he noticed us taking photos of him. He then ran over to us and gave some spur of the moment autographs. Rolen also hit a home run his first visit up to bat. He was so gracious and made some of his hard core fans very, very happy; including my Mom! The power of the law of attraction at work.

That night after the game, we also headed to the top of the CN tower to see the city lights and the view of the Rogers Centre baseball stadium from 1800 feet up, where I also indulged in a hug from an R.C.M.P. bear at the CN Tower gift shop.

Considering my Mom said she was afraid of heights, she was sure a trooper at the CN Tower. The only thing she wouldn't do was stand on the glass floor with me or look through the window on the floor of the elevator. I was so proud of her. It was fun to watch her manifest and we had a great time.

Driving to Port Dover on Lake Erie for some sunshine and scenery photographs, before my speaking engagements near Simcoe, was also a treat and it was wonderful to address two groups of new faces that day.

Realizing how well I didn't handle the 32 degree heat throughout the day, I was sure grateful for the relief of air conditioning and ice water. Watching the gorgeous sunset on my way back to Toronto,and a midnight dip in my Aunt and Uncle's pool under the warm night sky, I was feeling very grateful. Exhausted, but grateful...

As I am safely back home now and indulging in a few days of replenishment and hibernation with my husband, I am feeling blessed for all of my life adventures. I am also feeling blessed for the opportunity to do the work that I am passionate about, to enjoy places I have never been, to experience fun and recreation with loved ones, and come home to the tranquility of our surroundings.

Here is wishing you a weekend filled with many of your own simple pleasures. What are you going to do to feel joy this weekend? You deserve to put that on your "To Do" list...

Actually Up Before the Sun!

2009-06-22T06:08:00.007-04:00

"Good Day" is certainly an appropriate term that is coming to mind at 6:12am this beautiful morning. I was up, ready to take on the world at 4:50am, two hours before the alarm. Wow, that doesn't happen very often! What was great about this circumstance is that I got to enjoy the sunrise this morning, despite the mosquitoes who were out fast and furious.

Venturing out into the wet grass, clad in my house coat, and my husband's boat shoes and camera, here are some of the views that I witnessed. I just wanted to share them with you before I hit the road, with my Mom in tow. Spending some quality time with the early morning air and beauty sure topped off my energy this morning. Mind you, mid-day energy dip may be a bit of a problem with only a few quality hours sleep last night. Regardless, it was worth it to welcome this new day and week ahead.

Hope you have a great one this week. We are going to be visiting family and taking in a Blue Jays game, before I deliver an afternoon seminar and after dinner keynote in Southern Ontario this week. Feeling very blessed and thinking that I am liking Mondays. Fresh start, clean slate, new beginning to the week. It's all good! For you, I am wishing that you get to enjoy the serenity of the sunrise, if you don't already. I might even make a point to take it in more often. Bye for now my friends...

'The morning of life is like the dawn of a day, full of purity, visions, and harmony.' Chateubriand

Blessing in Disguise...

2009-06-21T21:51:00.010-04:00

'Lose yourself in nature and find peace.' Author Unknown

Likely procrastinating finishing laundry and packing, I decided to bike to the library tonight, to return some click flick movies I had signed out. Four kms into the beautiful ride, I realized that my bike was in dire straights. Thinking that lending it out to one of our younger teenage family members for a joy ride was probably the culprit, I pulled into the local gas station to check it out.

Needless to say, I discovered that the tire was bent, rubbing on the frame, and causing the brakes to malfunction. With a few kicks to remove the tire slightly off the rim and some air, I decided to head back home and cut my bike ride short. Just as I rounded the last thirty seconds of the ride, the tire blew like a gun shot under my foot, and I coasted into the driveway.

Initially feeling frustrated that the bike was obviously on it's last legs (or wheels), I then realized what a blessing it was. I was grateful that the tire blew so close to home instead of several kms from home. If I had biked to the library as planned, it was twenty kms in total for the return trip. Considering that we live on a lonely country road with very little traffic, I could have still been walking right now! Instead, I hopped into the car and returned the movies as scheduled.

It was then that I noticed the sun setting on the horizon and was guided to the Richards Landing marina nearby. To be honest, I was also hoping to find a vending machine with chocolate bars, to no avail! Instead, I locked up the car, wondered down the long dock, and found a picnic table overlooking the water. I sat for twenty minutes, taking in the beautiful sunset... Although this photo was taken a couple of weeks ago from the St. Joseph Island bridge, the scene was very similar and in the same vicinity.

It turns out that the bike mishap was a blessing in disguise and I ended up getting eight kms on a bike as exercise, fresh air, returned the movies, and took in some of nature's beauty, all in the same night. Besides, my birthday is around the bend and it seems like a good time to ask for a new bike! You see, there is almost always a silver lining.

Okay, now I am cutting the laundry and packing really close and must get on it. Enough procrastinating for one evening! Have a great fresh new week ahead. I'm off to the big T.O. in the A.M... Will write soon.

'Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.' Author Unknown

By the way, Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there, including my own Dad and hubby... It's always a good day when we get to give our loved ones some extra special attention...

(Photos by Tim Hache)

HUCKSTER: Designed for Real Life CD Coming Soon!

2009-06-20T19:44:00.014-04:00

How does a new band make time write, practice, perform, and record their music, put together their first CD, raise families, and hold down full-time jobs and businesses? That's what I asked my sister, who is the lead singer of the band, during an interview with three of the band members of a new emerging group called "Huckster", during the final online talk show of the season.

Lead singer, Krista Nolan, and guitarists and songwriters, Chris Aslett, and Sean Halliday, from Huckster, (pictured with other band members here) discuss Sean's Scottish accent, how their original music developed, and their vision for the band, now that this dream of theirs is coming true.

Releasing their CD - "Huckster: Designed for Real Life", is on their agenda this summer and you can hear a sneak preview of some of their songs here:

LISTEN TO SOME HUCKSTER SONGS

You can watch the interview by visiting: www.SoonewsScoop.blogspot.com.

To book Huckster to play or assist them in expanding their talent as a group, Email: Sean.Halliday@shaw.ca

Look for Huckster's new CD "Huckster: Designed for Real Life" online and on shelves this summer as plans are in the works to have the new CD available at CD Plus in Cambrian Mall and likely at The Rad Zone in Wellington Square Mall, and Krista's business, Mane Street Salon & Spa, located at 626 Queen Street East, all in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada:

Unable to Sleep

2009-06-19T06:44:00.008-04:00

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Lao Tzu

Five something A.M. and I was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Although I am rarely up that early, I realized that it was happening for a reason. When our mind is filled with stuff to process or things to think about, we get distracted from sleep, focus, and attention on other matters.

I was watching a program the other day about the connection between emotional and physical health, that was quite interesting.

What researchers did was create a series of blisters on a person's arm during stressful and non-stressful times in their lives, and measured how quickly the blisters healed. Results, time and time again, demonstrated that individuals who were under stress from exams or life circumstances, for instance, took longer to heal.

Furthermore, studies showed that when an individual was engaged in a complex or stressful conversation, their body physiologically responded accordingly. When they were guided through a relaxation technique immediately following the stressful period, their body also responded accordingly.

The bottom line was that stress on the mind, lead to stress in the body, affecting the body's ability to heal, as well as the ability to fight off illness and disease. Therefore, less stress means healthier bodies.

This morning as I was tossing and turning in bed, wishing that I could fall back to sleep, I realized that I was thinking about all of the things I had to do over the next several days, including getting ready for a four day trip for two seminars in Southern Ontario next week. When my mind kept racing with the list of things to do, I was consumed by chaos. No wonder I couldn't sleep!

I recalled what the television program demonstrated during the relaxation technique portion, where the researcher asked the subject to think of the word, "Calm" and then when stressful thoughts entered the mind to say, "Oh, well", and let them float away. I did this exercise and relaxed quite a bit. Just then, the sun peaked through the window and I decided that getting up and writing down all of the things in my head was probably the best remedy.

From my little de-stressing time this morning, I was able to confirm tangibly that my stress stemmed from my thoughts. When I decided to purposely change what I was thinking, I began to feel better. When we have thoughts that are overwhelming, our body feels stress. When we feel stress, we create dis-ease.

As I write this now, at 7:00am, I recognize how healthy I feel when I get my thoughts down in my journal or on the computer. I suppose that is why I have over 120 journals full to date and over 200 entries in my blog! Well, I am off to write down my action steps for the next couple of days to get it out of my head and then go for an early morning walk. I hope that you have a wonderful day ahead! "Calm" and "Oh, well" are now my new relaxation terms. We will see how that goes...

(Photo by Tim Hache)

Such Glorious Colours...

2009-06-18T10:53:00.004-04:00

How quickly the blossoms come and go! Only days ago, this was the view from our front yard, with purple, pink, and white flowers blooming from the trees and bushes. I am so grateful that we were around to catch them this year, as last year I was out of town for the few weeks of the spring colours. The trees have already changed so dramatically, in preparation for next stages and the bees are busy with activity pollinating the flowers.

It is remarkable to me how things around us change so rapidly. When we realize that everything around us in nature is alive and flourishing, and on a mission to achieve their purpose, it is quite comforting. The trick is to key our eyes peeled to watch the transformation before us and realize that the same Power who created all of these beautiful images in nature, also created us...

"Each season has its joys to treasure, to lift one's spirits and bring us pleasure." Author Unknown

Reason, Season, or Lifetime...

2009-06-16T10:24:00.006-04:00

Thank you Judy for forwarding this email to me. I may have posted this previously on my blog; however, it was likely some time ago. I do not know the author of this piece of writing; however, it is well worth the read. Thank you all for being a part of my life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime...

~
"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person...
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime." Author Unknown

(Photo by Tim Hache)

It's A New Day...

2009-06-15T06:06:00.011-04:00

Amazing what two days of sleep-ins, afternoon naps, country walks, basking in the sun, a house-warming party with friends, chick flick movies, sitting overlooking our property from our Muskoka chairs, unpacking luggage, leisurely laundry catch-up, straightening the house while listening to my favorite music, writing, nature photos, good food, Dutch chocolate ice cream, time with my husband, and lots of quiet reflection can do to replenish one's energy.

Here it is 6am on a Monday morning and I am wide eyed and bushy tailed, awake with the sunrise (which usually doesn't happen very often!) Leaving the curtain and window open for fresh air last night certainly helped to spur an early morning, as the sunrise beamed through our window and nudged me awake. As I opened my eyes to the sun peaking over the horizon, I noticed my husband outside with his camera, taking these photos. I am feeling so blessed.

As I am about to head for an early morning walk, I am wishing you a beautiful and productive day ahead. In your travels today may you be filled with joy in your step, peace in your heart, gratitude for your blessings, and a confident knowing that no matter what troubles may face you, each and every morning a new day begins, to press reset and start fresh... Have a great one!

"Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can." Douglas Pagels

(Photos by Tim Hache)

Out of Marbles!!!

2009-06-12T18:59:00.008-04:00

"Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important." Natalie Goldberg

I am so out of energy marbles right now that I am running on fumes! Exhausted, drained, grumpy, and tired... my poor husband! That about wraps it up and describes my current state of being. Too many commitments, terrible sleep, and not enough nature! Mind you, I find it difficult to drive away from my daughter after an awesome visit together and usually spend the first two hours of my drive working on reframing my perspective. This time, I could barely drive 20 minutes without having to pull over to rest!

In an effort to get through the five hour drive, I did seek out some gorgeous nature views to add a few marbles to my energy container. After arriving home and finishing some work that I had to take care of, I am officially out of order and down for servicing. The next couple of days are designated for replenishing only. Sometimes we just have to be firm about our need for energy replenishment, because no one else will do it for us. When we are out of steam, we are of no use to anyone.

Looking forward to the next two days and enjoying the gorgeous purple and white blossoms outside of our window. My husband snapped a photo a few minutes ago of a visitor on our lilac bush. Hopefully you can do some energy replenishment this weekend as well. Have a great one!Julie

"We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal thinking. We move along the surface of things [but] there are times when we stop. We sit still. We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper." James Carroll

What It's All About...

2009-06-11T13:58:00.006-04:00

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." George Moore

Feeling blessed that changes in my schedule have allowed me celebrate my husband's birthday with him and hang out with my daughter this week during a badminton tournament, guitar lesson, soccer game, and track & field meet! Soaking in all of life's true joys...

Loving all of the feedback from the T.O.P.S. seminar at the Essar Centre. Thank you all so much! Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful weekend ahead. Hopefully the weather is inviting and you are able to get outside and explore. Have fun!

Welcome T.O.P.S. PRD Participants!!!!

2009-06-07T13:49:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to welcome the almost one thousand T.O.P.S. participants from our session on Friday!!! It was fantastic to spend time with all of you and I trust that you had a fabulous rest of the conference. For any of you road runners, I am grateful that your travels have been safe!

In the midst of some massive REPLENISHING myself. I hope that you are able to do the same as well. Welcome aboard my blog and may you find some further inspiration here. Stay tuned for new additions on a regular basis. Have a fantastic week ahead! Julie