About feeling blue...

Hello Friends,

Have you ever had a day when you just felt blue?  It's not so much that you truly know why, more just that you know you do.  It could be that at times one just gets overwhelmed by life and just not sure which way to turn.  Those are the most difficult of times when we must reach down to the very core of ourselves and find our strength and resolve.

I've learned that in the midst of feeling blue I need to first and foremost forgive myself and allow myself to rest a while.  Time is a wonderful healer and has a way of giving you perspective.  It doesn't always provide the answers or the outcome you desire, but none the less, time heals all things blue in your life.  Until next time...

Blondie

About being worth it...

Hello Friends,

I often wonder what makes things you hold most important in  your life worth it.  What I mean by that is at times we face making a decision about taking a stand and in the end measuring the value in doing so.  I think what's most critical is in knowing with intuition that it's the right thing and finding the assuredness and self confidence to stand by that which you hold most dear.

It is true that at times others will not embrace your stance and perhaps not understand it but you must find it within yourself to stay true and not waiver.  Towards that end resolve you will find your sense of what is right and of utmost importance to you and the rest you will learn to let go.  Ultimately being seen as a professional and a confidant to those who are part of my life are at the core of what's worth it to me.  That I am absolutely sure of.   Until next time...

Blondie

About relationships...

Hello Friends,

At the heart of what's imost important to me is building and sustaining relationships.  A colleague of mine once surprised me by saying 'it's like you build it into your day'.  While I'd never really thought about it that way I just inherently have always known its value.  It really doesn't seem like work to me, rather I approach it as so important I just make time for it.

In discovering how to partner with others and include them as fundamentally part of my success I've discovered how readily others are to share with me what they know.  I've often returned that favour and in the process have realized how mutually valuing each other , there is a world of knowledge along with unbelievable admiration and respect.  Until next time...

Blondie

Rose coloured glasses...

Hello Friends,

My colleague recently shared with me that in the time he has known me I have always seen through rose coloured glasses. It’s inherent in my nature to see the positive in every situation and rose coloured glasses have been a constant frame of reference my entire career. Thinking that this indeed was a compliment, I listened as he pressed on to explain what he meant.

He said ‘sometimes you must take off your rose coloured glasses in order to completely see the picture of what is all around you, not altered in any way by colour’. I realized what he was saying was so true. It is in these moments we pause and reflect to ensure we are moving towards reality, not merely dreaming. Good advice, and now that I have done that today, I’m off to don my rose coloured glasses once again and continue on towards enabling my goals to become reality. Until next time…

Blondie

About what it takes...

Hello Friends,

A few  years ago I delivered a presentation to a group who were interested in achieving a particular certification.  My message was clear and simple;  to achieve the goal you must be prepared to do whatever it takes.  That might seem a bit puzzling to know what that means but essentially whatever it takes is what it takes.  It's an unrelenting determination to go after that which you desire with amazing belief that no matter the work effort required, you will achieve it.

It isn't the way we need to approach every goal in our life yet it is profound for reaching the ones that truly matter most.  Some goals require a sure and steady approach, daily working through the tasks, and never losing sight of the end.  Other goals require a more passionate approach and we desire them to be realized sooner than later.  My minds naturally kicks into overdrive when I have this kind of goal in mind.   On a mission to achieve that very goal and embracing the attitude of whatever it takes is what it takes, I know I will achieve it.  Until next time...

Blondie

About celebrating...

Hello Friends,

Everyday it's important to find moments to celebrate. What I mean by that, is learning to reflect on all that is good verses focusing on that which is negative, drains your energy, and takes away your focus. If that means writing down what you are celebrating or connecting with someone to tell them, then perhaps it’s the very thing that is needed to set a positive tone to each day.

Today I am celebrating my 60th post on my journey of 365 days of inspiration. As I think about what I am going to write each day as a message it inspires me to press on towards that end goal. As importantly it creates a sense of accomplishment in achieving these milestone moments. It may not be realistic to say that we can throw open our arms each day and shout ‘yippee’, however I know for sure when we focus our mind on that which is inherently good, we find those moments to celebrate, no matter how small they are. Until next time...

Blondie

About questions...

Hello Friends,

I recently purchased a book written by a colleague of mine entitled 'Making Questions Work'.  Intrigued by the title and interested to know more about the principles I read on.  I discovered while the specific question you ask is important, it's more important how you ask the right question that gets you the information you desire.  It occured to me that along our journey of life we ask many questions but I wonder how many actually yield us the answers are are searching for.

It could be we are just not asking the right ones.  Sometimes we know with certainty the outcome we want to achieve and that might make the process of asking the right questions an easier task.  Often we go day  by day and just keep searching and expecting that it will all come together for us.  What I know for sure is one must have a destination in mind and an action plan.  Perhaps that very thing is what creates the desire to then ask all the right questions.  Until next time...

Blondie

About sharpening the saw...

Hello Friends,

I am a true believer and embrace the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I’ve been refreshing my mind of late to the foundational principles. While all are important to the difference they make in your life when you follow and live them, my favourite one is ‘sharpen the saw’. When I first heard the words I was a bit baffled, yet I was drawn to understand its meaning.

'Sharpen the saw' is the very habit that enables all others to be engrained as part of your life. What I understand most about ‘sharpen the saw’ is the mental picture of sawing and sawing while becoming more tired yet not accomplishing the task. I love the concept that if we spend more time sharpening the saw, we can spend less time to realize the outcome. It’s a very simple yet profound principle. Until next time...

Blondie

About disappointment...

Hello Friends,

There are times that simply overwhelm us and call into question its fairness in our life.  These are moments that test our resolve and determination to move past that which disappoints us most.  Perhaps it's the unfairness that we restle with or in wondering if there was anything we could have changed in reflecting about the outcome.

What I have come to know and understand with great certainty and belief is life happens all around us and there are no predictions.  Our happiness and joy are only truly realized when we learn to embrace all that happens to us.  The future is yet unknown and for just this moment we must find a way to move past the disappointment and onto the next part of our journey.  Accepting that is just part of the journey.   Until next time...

Blondie

About exercise...

Hello Friends,

I have never really enjoyed exercising. While I am passionate about many things, exercise in not one of them. I must admit it seems more like work to me than any type of pleasure. Since I know many people who swear by its value and would never go a day without some form of exercise I’ve decided to be inspired and invest some time to give it a fair try. To make the venture easier though, I’ve decided to put some rules in place.

First and most importantly I don’t want to do anything that will hurt afterwards so I’ll have to take it easy. Second and equally important to me, there must be a favourite episode of Boston Legal playing while I walk on the treadmill. That I am sure will secure my success. I would suppose you might consider it as somewhat of a bribe, but that is one show I love and perhaps that's what it will take to keep me exercising.   While at times the show is both outrageous and absurd,  it none the less relaxes my mind and I can focus on the task at hand. Yes I am sure it will work and I am now off to motivate myself to start exercising. Until next time...

Blondie

About holding on...

Hello Friends,

There are certain people you meet in your life that simply renew your spirit. It’s not so much that they are around you for a long time, more that their words leave a lasting impression. I remember one such person and these words he shared with me; ‘you have to hold onto that which lifts up and embrace that which gives you hope’. For awhile I simply let the words roam around in my mind not truly understanding what they meant.  I didn't know those words would become the very motivation in how to hold on.

I came to discover he was talking about having those times in your life that challenge us most and call upon us to find the internal reserves to hold on. By focusing our efforts on that which supports us and on those things that lift our spirit we renew our resolve, refuse to be defeated,and find within ourself all that is valuable.  It is the very thing that moves you forward and provides both the energy and determination to believe you will make it. Your find your strength to hold on. Until next time...

Blondie

About feeling important...

Hello Friends,

We all have days when we pause to wonder just how important we are and what difference we are truly making in our own life and in the lives of others we touch. How do we know for sure our presence is making an impact and how do we measure it? A young colleague of mine asked me a few months ago how to know for sure that her work was realizing her success and that she was meeting the expectation of others. I told her the answer was simple. You must in part learn how to self realize it and when that search does not provide all you want to know, simply reach out and ask others; therein you will find the answers.

Perhaps what’s really important is the effort expended in trying. It’s not so much that everything you do can be measured on a scale of importance; rather it’s more important to measure the goal of aspiring to be all you can be and in reaching forward to fulfill your potential. In the end I believe the measure of our importance is discovered each day in the difference we know we are making and in remembering that success is never achieved alone. In understanding and embracing that key message you will find your importance. Until next time...

Blondie

About dressing up...

Hello Friends,

I have always loved dressing up. I think it's the feeling of being prepared, energized, and motivated as I get ready to face the day that makes it special to me. If I were to be honest I'd say it's mostly the self confidence it brings and the sense of empowerment that enables me to take on the challenges all the while celebrating success.

When I young I had a special aunt who bought me a new dress every Easter. Since I seldom if ever had anything new I treasured those times and that new dress. For those few moments in time it made all the difference in how I felt. To this day dressing up has stayed with me along with the power and the magic in the feeling it gives to me. Until next time...

Blondie

About the power within...

Hello Friends...

Sometimes it surprises me the power we hold within ourselves. What I mean by that is the kind of strength and determination we find within to make it to the finish line. Perhaps I’m thinking more of it today because of the Olympics and seeing the expression on the face of those pressing on to finish the race.

What’s most important to remember is we do not have to be an athlete to go for the gold. We can aspire every single day to believe in our capability and that we will make it. No one can ever take away all that we have acquired and the person we have become on our journey. That is the true power within and the strength and conviction we are reminded of that enable us to realize our dreams. Until next time...

Blondie

About perspective...

Hello Friends,

Perspective is something we all aspire to internalize and keep right in our lives.  It's not always easy to keep it front and center yet it calls on us to constantly figure it out.  Sometimes in the face of adversity we lose our perspective and are forced to just take a break or simply ask others to help us regain it.  

At times we must find it within ourselves to open up our heart and mind and it is in taking that risk we find our perspective again. I love this quote by T.S. Eliot 'only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go'.  What I have learned in the process of regaining my perspective is in trusting that which is intuitive within me.  If I feel it, then I believe it, and that belief in itself gives me perspective I can count on.  Until next time...

Blondie

About friendship...

Hello Friends,

Today I am celebrating the joy of friendship. It's always been clear to me that at the time when I need my friends the most they are always there for me. No matter the circumstances, whether good or bad, they are my constant source of strength and inspiration.  They remind me of my value when I am struggling and on the ordinary days they reflect and embrace all I do. 

I am not sure how it is I have been so fortunate to know and have them in my life, I just know I am. One of my friends said to me recently that 'she didn't love me for what I did, who I worked for or my job title'.  She said 'I love you for who you are, period, full stop'. Knowing that makes me happy and inspired to believe that too. Until next time... 

Blondie

About the gift of a hug...

Hello Friends,

There are days like today when I close my eyes and think about the warmth of a hug. There is something encouraging and motivating simply being embraced by another person in this way. I think it's the ability when words escape you to simply reach out and pull another person in close and hug them with warmth and understanding that makes it special. That's why I think of it as a gift.

What amazes me most is how natural and effortless is the act when given with genuine love and care and how wonderful the feeling it brings. Whether it is moments of sadness you are going through or moments of happiness and boundless joy, find a way to reach out and share the gift of a hug. Until next time...

Blondie

About being grateful...

Hello Friends,

I have always been a person who finds a sense of gratefulness even in the midst of overwhelming odds. While at times I find myself discouraged I seldom ever feel defeated. I believe it is within each one of us to find our strength and motivation to carry on. While others can support us, it is ultimately our choice in how we choose to react and deal with each event in our lives.

I learned a long time ago that when one door closes, if I but give it time, almost always another door will open for me. If I continually keep my mind and heart believing I will see it through and find my sense of gratefulness at the heart of what challenges me the most. What I've learned more than anything else in my life is to never lose sight nor hope of better days to come because they almost always do. Until next time...

Blondie

About the storm...

Hello Friends,

I must admit whenever I am in the middle of a storm, or see one approaching, I get nervous. No matter how often I've driven through the snow all I can think of is safely arriving. I suppose this is very normal or perhaps I just approach it with more apprehension and caution than others. It's inherent in my nature to surround myself with safe travels but sometimes it is the very storms we encounter in our lives that enable us to reach inside and find what it takes to make it through.

Storms come in many different ways and while we most always align it with the weather, the truth is it happens more often through the various situations we face. The key in safely arriving is found by constantly adjusting our attitude. It is in discovering our personal confidence and self worth that we find the strength and insight to realize our happiness and sense of fulfillment. We find success having made it through the storm. Until next time...

Blondie

About questions...

Hello Friends,

Hardly a day goes by that my mind doesn’t seem tasked with addressing many questions. It seems as though I just get one thing solved when another comes into view, posing questions and wanting answers. It’s true there are many types of questions. Some just require a yes or no and these seem the easiest to answer while others must be qualified and explained within the context of the question. Sometimes questions must simply be set aside when an answer can't be found. We decide in that moment to just ignore it as that seems like the best solution and requiring the least amount of effort and in the end easier.

Whatever is the case, the reality is questions are part of life. I think at times the questions which are the hardest to answer are those we simply do not have the answer for. Try as we might we can’t rationalize it in our head nor find an answer from within our heart. I read this quote recently which I think perfectly explains this whole dilemma about questions; ‘be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves’. (Rainer Maria Rilke). Now that seems fitting and a perfect answer to my question 'what should I do'? Until next time…

Blondie

About being overwhelmed...

Hello Friends,

I had the pleasure this week of spending time with two young colleagues of mine. As I listened to their story and the journey of opening their own business I was captured both by the passion and the commitment they had towards their success. They understood with unwavering belief that it would take hard work and determination to realize their goals but they were prepared to do what ever it takes. I shared with them that I believed the real key to success is in focusing on the outcomes you want to realize and then moving forward to identify the tasks that will make those outcomes a reality.

One comment that stayed with me was this; ‘sometimes I just get overwhelmed by it all’. I must admit I couldn’t help but smile and agree that I knew all too well that feeling. How true that it in the midst of pressing on towards our goals we find moments when we are simply forced to remind ourselves that in our effort to achieve all things we simply at times run out of steam and get overwhelmed. How normal that is and how forgiving we must be when our energies fail us and we must find a way to rest awhile. Therein we find the moments that renew both our mind and body and find once again the strength that is inherent in us to reach our goals. Until next time…

Blondie

About going places...

Hello Friends,

Do you often reflect on where you are going or spend time focused on what truly motivates you? I find myself often thinking about that. In fact, at times, I overwhelm myself with all the places I want to go, and all the things I want to accomplish, but I can’t help myself. It just inspires me to possibilities so I press on towards my destination.

I have moments when I visualize myself in the place I want to be most and the vision of how to get there comes into view. If I believe and want it enough my mind thinks of everything I need to do to make it reality. Sometimes I have to give myself a reality check and realize I can’t possibly get to all the places I aspire to go but it challenges me to think of what is most important. The message is clear to me. In order to arrive at my destination I must know for sure the direction and place of where I am going. Until next time…

Blondie

About memories...

Hello Friends,

If you are a fan of American Idol as I am you will remember this one contestant when she said 'when I was growing up we were poor, but I didn't know we were poor'. That struck a cord with me as I listened to her story and it reminded me how sheer determination sometimes is the very thing that helps you beat the odds and find success. As much as anything else she was simply honest and humble about her struggles and I found myself hoping she would make it through which she did.

It was a reminder once again that the true success of our life is not measured by our work success; rather it is measured by the person we become and those who love us. While it’s important we reach for our goals it should never be at the expense of our health or with lack of time available to us for the things that matter most. It’s important to continually focus on our priorities and know with certainty we will not be remembered for the job we held but more on how we lived our life and the difference we made in the lives of others. It’s been a memorable week. Until next time…

Blondie

About sunshine...

Hello Friends,

On the coldest of days in the midst of winter, sunshine has a way of warming the heart and making the cold more bearable. The sun’s rays rejuvenate and provide energy to keep us going. Sunshine brings with it hope of warmer days to come and joy in knowing for sure winter will end. A few years ago I listened to a moving motivational talk by W Mitchell. His is a story of overcoming great adversity in his life and finding strength and amazing determination within himself to survive.

In the midst of overwhelming odds he finds his success and coins the phrase ‘it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it’ that makes the difference. In an article he wrote he includes a quote by Albert Camus ; ‘In the midst of my winter, I found there was in me an invincible summer’. Those very words represent hope. With an internal drive and belief we too can rise above that which challenges us most and find our ray of sunshine. Until next time…

Blondie

About the fluff...

Hello Friends,

I am often challenged to remove the fluff from my conversation and just get to the point. It’s not inherent in my nature to be that way; rather I like to accompany messages with great detail and passion. I used to believe that’s what others valued and wanted in a conversation. A few years ago a colleague of mine enlightened me when he smiled and said in the midst of my detailed explanation ‘you are going to get to the point, aren’t you’?

Apparently he just wasn’t that interested in all the fluff. Not undaunted in my quest to figure all things out I practiced the skill of getting to the point with him during many subsequent meetings. While at times I would find myself sliding back and still admittedly doing the same today, I aspire to keep working on it and get it right. What he taught me was valuable and true. I still find occasions now and again where I don't need to be so direct and it is in those moments I relish in adding in the fluff. Until next time…

Blondie

About resting a while...

Hello Friends,

We all have moments when we wish for time to rest and reenergize our mind and body. It’s interesting how we feel we always have so much to do and can’t stop. After all who would do it for us if we don’t? I often wonder if we allowed others to help us if that would enable us to rest a while. Perhaps it’s as simple as asking for help but that is not inherent in our nature to do.

One of my favorite speakers is Loretta LaRoche. She is a stress management consultant and uses humor to help others realize how absurd their behavior can be. She says ‘we need to find moments to ta-da, meaning celebrate our successes, but we can’t ta-da because we have too much to do’. I giggle every time I hear her say that all the while thinking of how wonderful it would be to throw my arms wide open and say those words ‘ta-da’! That would feel amazing so I’m going to try it to do it more often and take time when the rare moments allow to just rest a while. Until next time…

Blondie

About being crazy brave...

Hello Friends,

A few days ago I heard the words ‘crazy brave’. As you may know from previous notes I am intrigued by words that instantly challenge my mind to understand their meaning. So what does it mean to be crazy brave? Well I suppose the connotation of the words might lead you to believe its more than ordinary braveness which in itself takes great courage. But does that really make sense?

I remember a few times in my career being asked 'are you a chicken or are you a warrior'? While at time I felt somewhat like a chicken I summoned up the courage and convinced myself I was really a warrior. If I think of crazy brave in that context, I would have to guess it means finding the strength within yourself to reach out and take a risk, believing in your talents and goals and finding a way to rise above challenges. Perhaps that is the essence of crazy brave. Until next time...

Blondie

About brilliant at the basics...

Hello Friends,

I have a pretty basic approach to many things. I just see things in an uncomplicated way even if others perceive it as complex. I like to break things down into manageable pieces and share them as uncomplicated thus helping others learn how to become brilliant at the basics. It doesn’t come about without great focus and effort along with practice on the principle.

Whether I am trying to understand a difficult situation or wondering how to cope through an overwhelming time, I just stretch my mind to break it down so it can be managed and not so much to bear at one time. In becoming brilliant at the basics you can train my mind to manage stress and most importantly to handle that which is within your control and learn to let go of that which is not. Until next time…

Blondie