NOT EVERYONE WILL UNDERSTAND

You can never please everyone.

As a people pleaser for most of my life this has been a hard lesson for me to learn.   Becoming confident in yourself and learning to love who you are is an important journey.  Your story is exactly that. YOURS!

It is unique and there is not another one like it.  Get yourself to a place where you don't worry about what others think.   Face it. They will often not understand you anyway.  That doesn't mean you are heartless and don't care. It does mean however, that you respect and love yourself enough to live your life the way you feel led to and to allow the opinions of only the people you choose to matter.

DON'T JUST BE ORDINARY

It is so hard to stand out from the crowd.   It's a weird feeling of being proud of succeeded or leading something but at the same time feeling vulnerable to scrutiny and judgement.  There are so many incredible people I have met thus far in my journey of life.  From skills, to experiences to just plain life wisdom or those with resiliency and the ability to overcome situations that seem so daunting an unimaginable to others. I am constantly in awe of the really interesting people that I meet.  So much more than myself I must say.  

I love being able to see the extraordinary in people.

Do you have people around you that see how extraordinary you are?  You should.  It may not even be viewed as extraordinary in your mind but to others they see it differently.  We just need to believe it...and well that is often the hardest part of journey.

NO ONE EVER SAID

"Happy Dance".   Just saying those two words conjures up positivity and light heartedness. In fact I am not sure you can even be in a bad mood in saying "happy dance". Which leads me to thinking that who needs music to dance?   Really you just need to move, be silly and just release some energy for a moment and it is amazing how much better you feel.

Years ago in my office we used to have a moment to be silly in our weekly team meeting and it really lightened the tone of the office and of our team.  We all have fond memories even today of moments we when could laugh together.  We all know the work we have to do and deadlines in which we need to do them in. Most teams today have very little time to connect with one another let alone notice one another even if they work in the same office as their workloads are so heavy.  It is not hard to find time to stay positive as it will make an impact, even if you don't think.

So go ahead and do your own happy dance and do it often!   You might just inspire someone else to do the same. And who knows.... you might just start a flash mob with your enthusiasm!

Have a dance filled day!

CHIN UP!

There are some days when everyone needs a cheerleader.  That person to help lift you up, cheer you on and just pull you through those darker moments in life.   I appreciate all of my dear family and friends and who are just there when I need them.

If you need a cheerleader today, let it be me!  

Keep your chin up, dear friend. Keep the faith that there are people who are thinking of you and want the best for you.  And remember....you never have to be perfect. All you have to do is try!

FOCUS ON ONE

When life feels cluttered and chaotic and everything seems out of control, take hope that not all is lost.  Focus your energies on one thing that can bring confidence and success and then go onto the next.

Just one thing at a time and watch how slowly but surely it all starts to even out again.

Keep your head up, take heart and focus on what is going right.

THERE IS NO COST TO KINDNESS

How often do we go through life in our own little world and not notice the needs of others?  

If, just for a moment, you could see others struggling around you, you might understand that even the smallest gesture could make a big impact in someone's life. What you think is easy may be very difficult to someone else.

Take a moment to be kind to someone today.  It costs nothing but it's value is immeasureable.

THE SUMMER STORM

I love the sound of a really good rain storm especially this time of year as it rolls in off the lake.  

I was thinking about the life of a business and it's relation to a summer storm.  Starting and running a business is exciting and also difficult many times.   It takes time to get your vision off the ground and a lot of hard work.

As with many leaders and entrepreneurs, you may think you are not making gains, but just like the brewing of a good storm, your ideas need time to form, grow and mature before it is unleashed.

The beauty of a great storm is that there is calm after the storm and often a rainbow ... and you know the old adage of the rainbow.  There is said to be the pot of gold waiting.

Don't give up when it seems all you are getting is rumblings from your hard work.   It just may be part of the process of creating an even bigger impact that what you currently imagine.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

It's so easy to slide into the realm of regret isn't it?  

Thinking of what went wrong and internalizing it so much that it holds you hostage in the place of regret, bitterness, failure and despair. The only way through a situation like this is to simply make the decision to move forward.  To let go of whatever punishment you feel you need to give yourself and make the decision to do life better going forward.

What to do next?  Well, it starts with seeing what is possible, ask a lot of questions and start making decisions.  Even if you aren't totally sure, start in a place of doing things that builds your confidence, joy and hope.  Hope always wins in the end.

REGROUP AND TRY AGAIN

There is no doubt about it. Life can be a real uphill challenge at times. More than we can handle it seems.  It swings us, throws us and packs quite a wallop.  Resilience is born out of living through things that we seemingly don't think we can muster through but then one day we realize we have overcome and are on the other side.

Sometimes I a little worse for wear and a little bruised and bumped but on the other side of it nonetheless.

Getting back up is the hard part but one step at a time you can always try again.

THE BEST WAY TO SOLVE A PROBLEM

The best way to solve problems is to learn to be flexible. Many times we can make our situation worse from either ignoring the circumstances or being so stubborn and set in our ways that we actually make the problem worse.  Take a moment to stop, look at the situation rationally and then consider various ways in which you could address and bring resolution to the problem.

You might just discover that in your ability to be flexible in your thinking and in your decisions, you just might solve that problem sooner than you think.

FEATURED SPEAKER: HELEN WILKIE

Helen Wilkie to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop leader and author of eight books, the latest of which is "Life Is a Bike Ride: keep your feet on the pedals!" She speaks to audiences across North America on communication at work, as well as the power of perseverance in getting what you want out of life. She is also the publisher of Suddenly Single Woman (http://www.suddenlysinglewoman.com)

Helen's story is entitled "Rare Steak, Red Wine and the Tango"  Helen Wilkie had no idea how Buenos Aires got into her soul, but she definitely knew it was there! In this lively, fun presentation she'll share how she discovered and fell in love with the three top things people remember about Buenos Aires: the steaks, the wine and the tango.

For more info on Helen, find her at www.mhwcom.com or on twitter at HelenW35

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: ANNE MINER

Anne Miner to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Anne Miner is a visionary, entrepreneur, author, professional mentor and international speaker. She is the founder of The Dunvegan Group, a company specializing in customer care and retention. Anne is a Director of the Public Speakers Association, television host of Women of Courage. Her most recent book, titled "Soar 2 Success with Customer Care" was released in May 2014.

Anne's story is entitled "The Platinum Rule"  Who doesn’t want to live a peaceful life in which we all get along with one another, support, praise and encourage one another to realize our full potential? Anne Miner shows you how you can identify, understand and adapt to the behaviors and preferences of the people closest to you, as well as those with whom you don’t seem to connect too well, to improve all your relationships.

For more info on Anne, find her at www.anneminer.com 

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: DI RISEBOROUGH

Di Riseborough to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Di Riseborough is a transformational speaker & Intuitive Life Strategist, featured on OWN. As the founder of Find your Courage, she has helped thousands of people use the "F-word" more effectively in their lives, learn to face unresolved, unconscious fears & discover how to forgive themselves and others. She is the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller Forgiveness: How to let go when it still hurts.

Di's story is entitled "Curiosity Saved The Cat"  As a survivor of a number of challenges, including chasing car hijackers, adjusting alone to a new country, new business and ultimately forgiving the man who brutally murdered her Grandmother, she turned her traumatic experiences into an action plan, faced her fear and reclaimed her personal power.

For more info on Di, find her at www.diriseborough.com or on Twitter @diriseborough

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: MICHEL NERAY

Michel Neray to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Michel is the founder of MoMondays. For his ‘day job’, he is a professional speaker, M.C. and branding consultant who helps his clients dig down to their ‘Essential Message’. That’s the key to stronger branding, better sales, employee engagement, personal confidence… and world peace. He’s married with three children, two dogs, three snowboards, a whitewater canoe and a black belt in Karate.

Michel's story is entitled "The Puzzle Pieces Of Life"  Life truly is a game of self-discovery -- like putting together a great puzzle called 'Me'. Every once in a while, you pick up a piece and know immediately where it fits. For Michel, that happened when his mother was in palliative care, and he knew there wasn’t much time left to ask her the really important questions. So he asked her, ‘Mom, what’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?’

Find Michel on Twitter @essentialmichel

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: LAURIE HAWKINS

Laurie Hawkins to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
As a certified business coach, success strategist, speaker, facilitator and founder of Hawk Inspired, Laurie inspires business leaders and teams toward peak performance and achievement. Through the process people and companies gain perspective, power, passion, productivity and profitability.  Laurie is a high energy, “make it happen” person who loves to work with high achieving people and teams.

Laurie's story is entitled "You Call It Chaos. We Call It Family"  Laurie asks the question, "When everything changes - where do you turn? In the course of three months, what Laurie knew as her traditional family and career, all shifted...and that lead to some incredible challenges and/or opportunities. In the face of chaos, Laurie shares how her passion came alive, in business and life!

For more info on Laurie, find her at www.hawkinspired.com 

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: CONNOR MORAND

Connor Morand to be Featured Speaker at momondays London         
August 11th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:

Connor Morand is a proud Canadian recording artist and entrepreneur. In 2011 he showcased his talent at the East Coast Music Awards along with a speaking tour to hundreds of youth on the topic of Pursuing Your Passion. The same year his first studio album Matter of Fiction made it into the Top 100 on iTunes.  Connor plays numerous conferences and events and is entrenched in the music scene when he is not studying business at UNB in Fredericton, NB.  Connor has lived and worked throughout Canada and is honoured to be a guest artist for Fusion 2014. 

Connor's story is entitled "Selling Out". As a musician, a salesperson and a student, Connor shares his experience as a young adult in the world of work.  His moStory is based on his travels to Alberta selling home security systems and how he has learned the lesson of integrity and the impact that happens when faced with having to compromise it. 

For more info on Connor, find him at connormorand.com or check out his debut album "Matter of Fiction" on iTunes. 

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

GO AFTER IT

When I was a teenager one of the most profound messages I had heard was a visiting speaker named Mark Sharenbroich who came to my high school.  His whole message was about "These are the best days of your life so far.. so make them count."

Now, over 30 years later, that message still resonates with me, and not that high school was the best days of my life....(although I did love my high school years).  It resonates because, right now, the present are the best years. Right here, right now, where I am. No matter the situation, this day has the potential to be a part of the best years of my life.

 I often ask myself "What can I do not to waste this precious time given to me?"

The answer is to always check in to your heart.  Dream big, feel more and follow your heart as it always knows the way.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING

In my book your success, image, network and reputation mean nothing unless you can show compassion to others.  Compassion is a virtue that is meaningful and impactful.  The more that you can serve others and give to this world in a meaningful way, the more you will bless others and in return be blessed by it.

Feeling a void in your present life?

Trying showing compassion to another and watch how life changes for you.

EVERY WOMAN

That's right!  Maybe I should rephrase this. Every woman should have the confidence to stand tall and live life like you are wearing that boa.  The boa signifies playfulness and fun. It also signifies to me strength and courage and also a little bit of mischievous.

Years ago I wrote a book called Undeniably Diva completely focused on women and their lack of confidence in themselves and ways to overcome the degrading ways we attach our self worth.

Affirmations: The way you talk to yourself matters.  Start speaking positively.
Circle of Influence:  The people you have around you either lift you up or tear you down ....  choose wisely.
Action:  Start doing things that are for your good and benefit. Eating right, exercise, laughter, playfulness and find work that you love.

These are just a few things that will set you on the road to stepping into the woman that you so deservedly are meant to be.

Give yourself a confidence boost and remind yourself how awesome you are today.

HITTING A HOME RUN

So many times you hear stories of the hard climb that people have made to achieve success. Before hearing those stories though, there is often times the perception that every came so easy for that individual.

I remembered an old friend of mine hit it big in a well known television series that lasted for years. When she got her big break, she was written about that this was her first big break into the industry and that she made it big...by chance or luck. We often talked about that perception as the 12 years she had put in by doing commercials, off Broadway style theatre productions and voice over work didn't much matter in the story except for her. She had a big sigh of relief, knowing that she stuck it out long enough for her dream to happen.

Just because you don't feel like you have arrived at the big win, doesn't mean your efforts are not working toward it.

Keep going. Hang in there. You are just perfecting your swing!

WITHIN YOU

Resolve is an interesting thing.

Each one of us has the capacity to make the commitment and decide we are worthy of everything we have ever dreamed of. The problem is this irritating lack of confidence that gets in the way. This affliction causes one to have fear, insecurity and doubt,  when really the only thing one should be feeling is exhilaration and excitement about the future.

Tap into your calling.

The feeling that you can overcome, conquer and achieve success and also seeing the results of that success.   Don't get stuck in the cycle of regrets when you have the opportunity right now to take hold of what you have always dreamed of.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED

There are days when I do my best creating when I am outside in the fresh air and nature.

There is something about walking in bare feet and feeling the grass between my toes and the sun on my face that allows me to get focused and be present in the moment.

Giving yourself the time to create, innovate and be curious about the potential of what you could be doing is essential to growing.   Don't apologize for it.  Don't make excuses. Just take the time and do it and wait and see what transpires! You might just surprise yourself with the results.

SELF RESPECT AND THE ART OF REFLECTING

Respecting yourself is a something that people don't do enough of.  It requires you to be comfortable in your own skin, to be proud of your gifts and abilities no matter what, and it requires that you stop speaking negatively about yourself.  That's a big one!   Most people have trouble accepting compliments and feel they have to minimize themselves in some way shape or form.

Learning to believe in yourself is a journey.

To believe that you are worthy of greatness, love and kindness.  Worthy of pursuing your dreams and achieving them.  The greatest success along that journey is to embrace who you are.  

Maybe it is time we start celebrating who we are more often.  To become wholly authentic with who with are and not afraid to share it with the world and ourselves.  I think we all deserve a little bit of respect, don't you?

JUST BE YOURSELF

There is nothing more refreshing than meeting people who are comfortable in their own skin.             Those people who like who they are and just love life.  These are the people that make me smile.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being yourself.   And besides, it takes a lot of work and energy trying to be someone that you aren't anyway.

Shoulders back, chin up, eyes bright and go have an awesome day! Confidence comes easiest when you give yourself permission to just be yourself.