CONDUCT YOURSELF

READ ALL ABOUT IT! The Headline for today is YOU!

We live in an age where much of our lives are shared either willingly or unwillingly via social media or other forms of communication.

Have you ever considered how you conduct yourself on a day to day basis?

What does your moral compass look like?

Do you have solid core values that can carry you through those difficult decisions and moments in life that are not very comfortable?

Someone once asked me if I had the front page headline in a national newspaper what would I want it to say about me?  I have often thought about that question and I would answer it that I would like my life to be of meaning and purpose. Not for the businesses I have built but more for the character of who I am and how I treated people in my life.  Did I make a difference at all in my own unique small way?

Ask yourself the same question?  How could your life be summed up?  What would you want your headline to look like?

THE VIEW AT THE TOP

I have been spending some time hiking and connecting with nature over the last few days.
Some of the terrain has been easy and at other times it has been uneven and challenging to climb.

Life is the same way isn't it?

I love when the path is easy and enjoyable but have come to understand that in order to arrive at the the best view, you have no other choice but to do the work and make the climb to get there.

Most times it is well worth the effort as the view can take your breath away.

Awe and wonder always win out over mundane and easy. 

THE GUIDE

When you start to really understand that who you are as a person is just as powerful if not more than your job title, you will start to recognize the importance that your life is meant for.

You may just be the beacon of hope that someone is watching.  The inspiration that speaks to another and they are secretly using you as their mentor

Shine bright for yourself and in doing so your effort to live your life more fully will cast a brilliance that many will want to follow.

THE SWEET SPOT

You know when life is just groovin'?  I love those times when everything just seems to fall into place and it seems like I have such a great stride happening.

I am constantly seeking to find a balance and a rhythm for life that just makes sense.. for me!  Through my work over the years I have learned that each one of us has a different definition of what success means and the pace in which we pursue those dreams and aspirations.

Awareness is key.  Learning about yourself and what makes you live and work in an optimal way is knowledge that will always be appreciated and valued.

Dig deep and ask yourself key questions about what you want, how you want and why you want it and then start the process of finding the right groove... and don't forget good music too!

LET NOTHING STOP YOU

Shining your light, doesn't have to cost anything.

It is the gift that you have been given to share the beautiful essence of who you are to the world.  It is through your virtues of character that we see you shine.  Through kindness, patience, persistence, faithfulness, empathy, love, helpfulness and the list goes on.

There are many excuses we can dream up so we don't make an effort to make a difference but the fact is you were put on this earth to love and be loved.   No matter the barriers you are facing right now there are always places to shine your light.

Just be the best version of YOU and let the rest fall into place.

THE LESSONS LEARNED

Life sure teaches you some hard lessons sometimes doesn't it?  Some of those lessons are the outcomes of situations we have created ourselves and others are thrust upon us.

I have always admired those people in my life whom I consider wise beyond their years. I know now that most of those people have gained wisdom through their own lessons they have learned through living through incredible odds and interesting situations.

You can't rush wisdom but rather have to live your life and experience those things that bring you all of the emotions, trials and celebrations that make up who you are today. It is through these learnings that knowledge comes.

Taking away those experiences and embracing all of it as a piece of your life that you have been able to learn from is the key.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

In the process of pursuing your dreams, it often requires that you step out of your comfort zone.  This is often a place of the unknown and learning to stand beyond the crowd and forge your own way brings with it a new territory of fear to move through.

The interesting thing about moving through fear though is that once you have made the effort, tried something new and settled into a new normal, it is not the unknown anymore.

IT'S AN ATTITUDE

Throughout my working life, I have been blessed to have positions where creativity was fostered. Where my ideas mattered and no idea was a bad idea...well at the time of dreaming anyway.  I considered that great early training ground, as my years in entrepreneurship, which have been many now, I have found this is both a skill and a necessary attitude to be successful.

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It is a journey of ups and downs and you are always learning something new about your industry, your product and most importantly, yourself.

Understand that you must always evolve.

That is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.  To do that though, means managing change well and to always see possibilities ... and often!

WHERE THE WIND TAKES YOU.

Sometimes we try and control what happens with our life so much, we forget what the adage,
"Let go and let God" means.   It is often in our moments of letting go and allowing things to happen that something beautifully unexpected happens.

Fear is something that may not be fully conquered but can be managed.

Choose your battles as to what you feel hostage to and start making choices about what can allow yourself to release.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

The right conditions are about surrounding yourself with those things that fill your life with the best fertile ground to make things happen.

It is about deepening your faith in what is unseen than what is currently being seen. It is about seeking knowledge, wisdom and skills so that you can continue to mature and learn new things about yourself.

The right conditions are allowing positive caring people into your life.

It's about learning to say "no" to the people and things that are getting in your way.

The right conditions are giving yourself permission to finally step into the path of a life that you dream of and making the decision that you are worthy and deserving of a life of joy.

WILLING TO TRY

In the world of work there are often frustrations with schedule, pay, co-workers or even finding the right employment. If you are an entrepreneur it is always about generating more revenue, finding great team and making the right decisions and the right connections.

If you want to thrive at what you do, then it comes down to your willingness to try.   If external issues are getting in the way, then find another way.

My whole career has been about helping people move beyond barriers and find a straighter path. I have seen thousands of success stories. Those that have been really at their perceived rock bottom and then some time later their confidence is high, they are happy and they are thriving!

Why?  It all comes down to the fact that they didn't give up, they continued to try and they finally realized their efforts mattered and paid off.

THE WINNING COMBINATION

You know those times in life when nothing seems to be coming together?

Then, all of a sudden, one day you find yourself in the midst of breakthrough and it all seems to come into alignment.

Hold fast to that thought and know that every step you make either allows you to move into right place or it gives you the opportunity to try another move. 

FEATURED SPEAKER: JOYCE DIAS

Joyce Dias to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Joyce Dias is Founder of Success by Heart, whose mission is to help empower professionals to discover their unique style of achieving success in life, career and Business through training workshops, Mastermind Study groups, Webinar series and Keynote Speeches. She specializes in Developing Leaders and Optimizing Teams and Businesses to achieve outstanding Results.

Joyce's story is entitled "It's All Greek To Me!"  Joyce will share a lighthearted account of how obeying the siren call of your heart can lead to even greater blessings in unexpected ways!

For more info on Joyce, find her at http://successbyheart.com or on Facebook @successbyheart

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!

Moving through fear and uncertainty is a journey. One that is very personal and can fall anywhere on the spectrum of comfort level. For those that are risk averse, the idea of being courageous and maybe moving yourself out of your comfort zone can feel like the biggest leap of your life.

Who inspires you?   What is it about that person that does? How have they shown courage in their life?

Everything starts with making a decision. The next time you feel fear, who cares?   Just be courageous.  It really is as simple as that!

FEATURED SPEAKER: TONY ESTEVES

Tony Esteves to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Tony Esteves has traveled to a few places and shared stories and experiences with people along the way. He believes that the best way to journey is to be open to the abundant opportunities that we are constantly surrounded by. These unexpected connections shape lives and realize dreams. Tony delivers workshops and talks and when not presenting, he's usually playing in the Canadian Rockies.

Tony's story is entitled "Misplaced Or In Place?"  Through his moStory, Tony shares that even in the most difficult of situations that life offers, there is way to recognize them as learning experiences as they occur. If you can shift your focus away from the anger, frustration or anxiety to what is possible in that unique scenario, these challenges can create beautiful opportunities.

For more info on Tony, find him at www.iontheball.ca 

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: BILL PAUL

Bill Paul to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Bill Paul is a familiar face in London. For the past 38 years, he has been London's Town Crier having been a part of thousands of events as well as the Founder of the London Laffguards, a reputable entertainment company with several hundred performers under its banner. Bill continues to be the radio host of Straight Talk, Canada’s longest running weekly interview show on 106.9 FM.  

Bill's story is entitled "What My Grandmother Taught Me." Through his 38 years of being in the entertainment industry, Bill Paul's greatest inspiration has always come from his Grandmother Esther a true entertainer and a survivor of WW11, a Japanese prisoner war camp and faced down her captives to get better food for her fellow captives

For more info on Bill, you can find him at www.laffguards.com

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

FEATURED SPEAKER: SAIDAT

Saidat to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Saidat is a singer, songwriter and motivational entertainer who speaks and empowers individuals to build a better world one community at a time. Her program Music, Movement and Motivation has been seen by thousands of young people across North America and on a weekly basis she inspires people to believe in their ability to make a difference.

Saidat's story  is entitled "Is That Your Real Hair?" Saidat will share her hilarious story of the woes of going through high school and college years trying to hide the fact that she wore extensions. Fearing that the truth would bring rejection she went to great lengths to hide her secret until a joke on television changed her perspective.

For more info on Saidat, you can find her at www.saidat.ca

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

LET YOUR HEART BE INVINCIBLE.

Resiliency is a skill only learned by experiencing life... and yes, that includes obstacles and hardships.

Once learned though, it can give you the tenacity you need to move through the challenges and opportunities that life hands you.  Never underestimate your power to overcome. The power you have to pursue your greatest passion and your biggest dreams.  Fear is just a byproduct of dreaming big!
It does not define you but instead of deterring you, let it drive you.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

FEATURED SPEAKER: RICK EZEKIEL

Rick Ezekiel to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Rick is passionate about helping students learn, from birth through to post-secondary education. Rick strives to engage himself in activities that help him, and others reach their full potential. He currently works at Western University as the Experiential Learning Team Coordinator, and is pursuing a PhD in Education from The University of Toronto.

Rick's story  is entitled "Do What Makes You Happy, Stupid!"   Rick will share his journey on shifting his perspective on the choices he makes and things he does. Rather than pursuing a career title, degree, or status,  he focuses on filling his days with things he finds interesting and things that make him happy - which in and of itself has led to way more success than previous strategies have!

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

BE THE ONE

Take a moment to think about something.

Think of a time where your nerves were shot and you were completely anxious about trying something new.  You could have quit but you didn't. You stuck with it and got through and what happened?  You were EXHILARATED!  You tackled it, conquered it and just plain won the brass ring for getting through it.

I often think of those moments in my life when I am pressed with new decisions to press through fear or challenges.   Would I like to live my life on the sidelines hearing about someone else's adventures? OR..... Would I like to create my own experiences?

I think you know the answer.

FEATURED SPEAKER: MICHELLE EMSON

Michelle Emson to be Speaker at MoMondays London         
July 14th, The Western Fair District on the Yuk Yuk's Stage at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:
Michelle is a keynote speaker, educator, and advocate working to ‘End The Stigma’ of gender dysphoria and mental illness. Physically declared male at birth, she transitioned to her authentic female self in 2011 following a 45 year identity struggle, surviving the depths of a deep depression, and an intensive three years of soul searching, development, and personal loss. 

Michelle's story is entitled "Love from Loss".  Finally accepting one’s true self requires incredible strength and courage. It’s hard to imagine that finally celebrating one’s true-self will result in such loss; that revealing that authentic self can have such a significant impact on yourself and those around you.

For more info on Michelle, check her out at www.michelleemson.com

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

THE PILOT

Time really does go quickly doesn't it?

We really see it in how fast our children seem to grow up or when all of a sudden you look in the mirror and realize that you have aged seemingly overnight.   There are so many days that I dream of times past and wish that I could relive some of those moments.

Stay grounded in the present and create moments that are memorable.  It is far better to live a life well lived than a life of regrets of not having lived the way you wanted to.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig.

PRECIOUS ARE THE DAYS

I was very blessed to have a wonderful childhood. We spent many a day riding our bikes and playing with friends and just enjoying our days.   I love thinking back to those days of cloud watching, playing and dreaming.   I still take time to do that today.

I love clouds!  Taking time to watch the sky and the cloud formations are one of things I do to add peace and wonder to my day. There is always something to new to be seen, a daydream to be had or just a time out while pondering on an expansive God given view.

We need more days like that.  I am cognizant of the fact that no matter the age, we should never forget to daydream ... even a little...every day.

To take those moments and just lie on the ground with our eyes up and just "be in the moment".

WRESTLING IN MY DOUBTS

Oh my goodness.  I am so tired of seeing so many people hurting with life. It seems that so many wear a mask of happiness, but the reality is that there is a lot of sadness and feelings of disengagement with work and with life.

Did you know? That almost 80% of our workforce in North America is not happy and disengaged?  That is truly of epidemic proportions.   How do we start to turn the tide?  It is a big problem with many contributing factors including health, stress, economic, socio-economic and general fear about the future.

I hate to say it but I too can relate.  I have also had a year of tremendous change, upheaval and although incredibly exciting moments have transpired, there have also been moments that have been quite challenging.

I found this video and I love the words and meaning behind it.

As a woman of faith, I must admit that there are many times in my life that I have struggled to trust God to work everything out for good.  I try and lean on my own understanding and take control and, well often times that has backfired as well.

Here are some of the words that speak to me. I hope they speak to you as well.

In my wrestling and in my doubts
In my failures You won’t walk out
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

My Lighthouse, my lighthouse

Shining in the darkness, I will follow You

My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse

I will trust the promise,

You will carry me safe to shore

Knowing that I have the capacity to love and to be loved by those family and friends around me, makes life easier.   Maybe a little more love is all that we need to start the process of finding more joy in who we are and what we do.

THE VERY ACT OF KINDNESS

To me, there is nothing more deflating than not be listened to.

Taking the time to share your heart, your ideas, your views, whatever it may be and having it fall on deaf ears.  I realize that I am guilty of this as well. Talking incessantly and forgetting that someone else may need an opportunity to be a part of the conversation.

One of the greatest gifts each one of us has to give is the art of listening. I mean, really listening.  Not being distracted but rather being in the moment with someone, whether it be your kids, your partner, your clients, your friends.   For me, I know that I have built the best and most trusted relationships in my life and my work from being one who genuinely wants to listen.  To understand the cares, concerns and the dreams of others.

These are the opportunities that we miss. The opportunities to make a difference in someone's life. The only cost to do this is time.

Who are you willing to sit with today?

It is often what we don't say that makes the biggest impact.

A NEW DAY DAWNS

Life can be so challenging.

Our emotions frayed and our confidence compromised. Even in the darkest of times, hope can be restored. Believing for better days can be a challenge but knowing that tomorrow comes somehow allows for the opportunity to try to again.

If today you are feeling pressed and life is too heavy,  just give yourself permission to breathe.

Find something that sparks a moment of beauty or peace and just be still and know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.

WHEN THE SPIRIT LIVES ON

My life has been so blessed for over a decade to have lived and worked out of Moncton, New Brunswick.   The people are some of the friendliest in the world and the quality of life and the vibrancy in the business community are ones that I cherish.

The tragic events of June 4th have resonated far and wide throughout the country.   It has been heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch those I care about suffer and my heart breaks for everyone affected.

Today marks the day where final goodbyes and heartfelt respect will be paid to our brave RCMP and those in law enforcement that work hard to protect our communities.  We take for granted that when we say goodbye to our loved ones int the morning that we will see them when they return home.

Today, I pay my respects not only to the RCMP who protected beautiful Moncton but also the citizens of this city who stand proud, resilient and have taken back their city with hope for a brighter future ahead. #monctonspirit

God Bless all.

Visual Designed by: Jocelyn Saulnier

LET FAITH BE YOUR GUIDE

There are times in life when it's really hard to make sense of things that unexpectedly happen.
The pain of grief and suffering run deep and there are no answers to be found.

It is during those times,  that we often question what kind of God can allow such things to happen.
It is human nature to do this, to want to direct our anger and grief to something in order to find a way through our frayed emotions.

Learning to trust in the process of life, even when we don't understand it, is most certainly a very personal and painful journey.  We were never promised a perfect, easy life but we were promised that if we put our trust and faith in a living God that He will direct our path and make things right.

More and more people are struggling with loneliness, fear, grief, stress and increasing mental health issues.  Life is tiring and feeling as though you are going it alone and having to survive another day is even more tiring.

Cling to your faith, even if it is so weak you question if you have any strength to get you through.
Let your faith be the waves that move you to more peaceful waters and not drown you in the storm.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

BE UNIQUE. YOU'RE ONE OF A KIND.

You are beautifully and wonderfully made.  You are someone who is so unique that there is no one like you anywhere else in the world.  It's true. Each one of us are different from another in many different ways.

Never be afraid to be yourself.

You were born into this world with your own specific DNA. Even your fingers have their own prints that do not match anyone else.  Think about it. Out of billions of people you have your own set of prints.

You may believe you have nothing to offer but I know that is completely wrong.  You were not made to be exceptional.   Start living that way and don't worry. You will discover what you are good at and if you don't, take a change and try something new. You just might happen upon something so unexpected it brings a whole new perspective to you.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

WAITING FOR IT TO COME TOGETHER

Doesn't it just feel uncomfortable when you have disorganization somewhere in your life and you have no idea how to pull it all together? From the clutter of stuff, to making key business decisions, to life frustrations, to grief and loss and the list goes on.  There are times in life when it feels a little chaotic; a maze of confusion that just seems like it will never work itself out.

It always works out ... as in life always moves forward and you change and move with it.

The difference being is how involved are you in the situation you wish to change?

Many times we need to learn much needed lessons before our journey is able to move to the next level.  Never underestimate the power in the journey that you are living right now and that every piece of the puzzle means something.

Eventually it will come to together and you will look back and it will somehow make sense and the journey has developed you into who you are supposed to become.

In the meantime, surround yourself with great, caring people. Ask questions, get help or simply take the time to share with others and do the same for them.   They are most likely waiting to figure something out in their life as well.

WHAT WAS ONCE QUIET

I have been waiting to write all day as I have been at a loss for words over the ongoing tragedy in Moncton.

This is a city where I have spent 10 years raising my family and running a business.  A place my children consider their hometown and a community of kind and loving people.

Moncton is a beautiful and vibrant city.  The people are caring, considerate and it is a genuinely great place to live.

To see the disruption and fear that one man has caused makes me realize how temporary and precious our time is.

My heart is heavy, my prayers are unceasing and my hope is resilient that our fair city will heal from this moment in time.

GROWTH NEEDS TIME TO ESTABLISH

How often do we wish that success could happen right away?

Whether it is for personal or business initiatives, brand building or just community impact, I believe that many times people give up to soon.  It takes time to build your brand and to share your vision.   It is rare to come out of the gate and be an instant success story.  More often than not, it is a series of ideas tried, figuring out what works and what doesn't work and what can be built upon.

Establishing the foundation for growth is a process.

Take the time to really understand your offering and what impact you can make.  How you as the leader can further drive that vision and articulate it clearly; and what tactics/ initiatives can you do, do better do this?

There are so many variables to growing anything.  The one variable that never changes is your passion, your stick-to-it-tiveness and your resiliency to keep pressing on.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

LEADING WITH ALIGNMENT

Strategies for smarter leadership are key topics for navigating organizational growth in today's competitive environment.  Trying to find the best ways to "engage" your employees is not the only thing that should be top of mind. Employee engagement may have an impact but planning for long term growth and lasting cultural change should include strategies around organizational alignment.

Not only do your employees want to be better satisfied with their job by feeling validated for good work effort and having a way to make a meaningful contribution through feedback and suggestions; they also want to understand "why" they are there. What does their role have to do with the overall success of the company, and   does their contribution tie into the key areas of importance for their organization?

As a leader, the best way to start building better trust is to increase communication and bring better understanding to your team.   From the top down, articulating what the goal is for everyone to understand in a meaningful and actionable way is the first step to getting momentum happening with action from the bottom up.   Build synergy between employee engagement goals and organizational alignment goals and you will starting building a winning combination.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

MARCHING TO YOUR OWN DRUM

I met the cutest couple today as I was leaving an event. Not afraid to march to their own drum, 
this couple made their own creative hats and proudly told me they wear them all the time. 

Inspiration comes in many forms and learning to be comfortable in your own skin is a feat that 
take many a lifetime to learn.

TAKE TIME TO UNWIND

Learning how to truly rest is a gift that that if not practiced can easily escape you.

I have always considered myself a hard working person who really wants to make a difference with my life. Because of this, I have the tendency to keep myself too busy and run myself ragged, forgetting the importance of keeping myself well rested.

Make your own health a priority and make sure when you take the time to unwind, that you also give your brain a break as well.   Learning to meditate, sleep deeply, pray and anything else that might help to just slow down will make a world of difference to you and others around you.

Enjoy today and do something nice for yourself.