A friend whom I respect tremendously for his passion as a writer and director in Los Angeles posted this on his facebook this morning. It moved my spirit and mind into a place of openness, inspiration, and awe. In fact, I detracted from work for 45 minutes just to really hear IT.  Charlie, is a new model of truth for me. Take some time to listen and experience his movement toward IT.

The last two morning have been different. We’ve been walking down our regular route (in raining Vancity) and hear this remarkable voice singing away at 7am like no one is listening.  Lucy stops cold in her tracks and stares listening to what sounds like an angel belting out her vocals while listening to her ipod. She looks at Lucy, stops singing, greets her with a chuckle, and then continues on her merry way singing like no one’s business. She’s smiling and gives off the energy that she is LOVING life in the moment.

Each time my heart was warmed, I smiled for her, and the same question crosses my mind…”Why don’t more people do this? “

What if more people could be free enough to sing in the rain, belt out their own music to world.

So that afternoon I brought my ipod… I smiled the whole way.

To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.  ~Confucius

It’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged here as life seems to have an abundance of gifts that often have me writing, doing, and being all over the place. But I sit here in San Francisco AIrport on my way back home to Vancouver,BC and thought… What a perfect opportunity to share some insights and ideas by recounting a little of the last two weeks.

A dear friend and coach Jason Sugar invited me into his new world of adventure coaching travels.

First I’ll share a little about Jason. He’s accomplished many inspiring moments in life, from exploring the world, night life entertainment, the tech industry, transformational theatre, and now adventure coaching. For all those that know Jason know he’s a dynamic spirit, a warm heart, and personable human being who cares about the world and the people in it. And he’s a damn good coach!

In September 2010 he moved his life temporarily to Utila, Honduras to become a certified PADI SCUBA instructor and now has seven specialties and assisting in instructing courses at the Utila Dive Center which was voted top in the world for training. Jason in the process of creating an out of this world experience for people looking not only to have a vacation but also wanting to live from a more satisfying place in life. Jason’s key tag, “Joy is the point!”. He’ll be setting up shop somewhere else in the world, so stay tuned to his website!

Jason invited me down to not only take a much needed vacation but also to confront my fear of being in the open water and SCUBA DIVING. Over a 8 day period we coached, we had amazing conversation about the way life provides transformation when we are ready for it and willing to take it on and we dove. I did my first even open water dive course, open ocean snorkel with no anxiety and even got to swim with a pod of 10 dolphins. Talk about an adventure and an exhilarating experience!!!

Oh and not to forget I also confronted my fear of karaoke! You read that right, karaoke.

As a coach and facilitator I’ve talked in front of hundreds of people but can’t sing a note to save me. What a trip! (Punt intended.)

The last two weeks included a few days in Houston, Texas attending a gala and networking event and this transformation trip.

To avoid getting into the nitty griddy of my experiences and get into the purpose of this blog I wanted to share some of my learnings.

When we look at the world from a space of possibilities and richness plugging our mind and heart together and believing that by having a better life we can share more with others we enter into a space of unlimited possibilities. This can only really happen when we are clear what we want for ourselves and our way of being in the world .

Taking time to set my myself straight, I got clear on me wanting to move on in life from this fear of water that I’ve had since a child. I got out of my head and into my heart that this would really open me up to a new level of being and sharing there was nothing stopping me; not my fear, my anxiety, not my “I can’t do this!” mental block. In fact, I was presented with the right people, places, and things to make it the most beautiful experience ever.

When we share from the heart (even when it makes us vulnerable) and connect that to how worthy we are of a full life we draw like minded community people closer.

I connected with Jason that this was a big thing for me. A really BIG thing, and that it really brought up more for me than I expected but that I was willing to look at it he embraced where I was and created a space for me to explore, play, and inspire new ideas within myself. Jason, being a friend and coach, did what he does best. He supported me the way I needed to be supported in that moment. And that created a powered transformation to BE in a different space around my fear. My fear, was from the past of almost drowning as a kid and had nothing to do with my present being and awareness.

Looking at it from all angles in a positive way, acknowledging that I was supported by the Universe and wanting to experience freedom brought me closer to my authentic self and this experience.

When we step into a space of authenticity and experience everything in life with that awareness and gratitude we create not only an experience but also a significant shift at a subconscious level.

Authenticity is a space that is REAL… we are present in each moment to our thoughts, attitudes, and reactions to people, places, and things. When we’re real and get comfortable with who we are and make a decision to shift on the inside our outside shifts as well.

Fears really are not who we are. We are only born with two fears: loud noises and falling. (Thanks Jason for reminding me of that!) The rest are based on experiences. So if we get authentic, acknowledge our thoughts, attitudes, and reactions and know that almost all were created we can shift them in a big and sustainable way.

I am consistently creating space to be more present and shifting to a more authentic space in my life. It’s not always easy but the results are profound. The re-programming of our subconscious and conscious beliefs open the doors to so many more opportunities and levels of joy that would not be possible without that awareness.

With that I invite you into a space of bringing more joy into your life.

Taking it all in!

The last few weeks have been challenging for me to say in one place within myself.. So many amazing things are going on it’s hard to keep up and stay grounded. I found myself a few times telling myself to “SLOW DOWN”… Making mental note of my physical well being and mental stamina.

Stillness and balance is something I practice normally on a daily basis but life somehow over the last little while has gotten a hold of me instead of vice versa.

In North America we live in a place that is go, go, go. Especially A type personalities like me. As some framework for people who have never met me, my personality suits a little more like a Torontonian than a Vancouverite.

I was reminded of this last weekend. A friend and I were walking around in downtown Vancouver around my office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and when he pointed up to a building and said, “Hey, what’s that sign all about?” He was pointing at a BIG sign on a side of a building two blocks from my office. I’ve walk by it about 2 times a week for over a year… “Dunno”, I said, “strange I’ve never seen it before.” By looking at the old red and blue sign I could tell it had been there for some time but in my busy self had never seen it.

“It’s amazing what we miss when we are caught in thinking what’s next rather than being present to our surroundings isn’t it?”, he said (with a smirk on his face)

Normally I’m the one talking about paying attention to your surroundings, breath, focus, observe… I’m always saying how many people just aren’t present to their surroundings and here I am completely caught up and taking my own medicine.

I’ve been seeing the world a little unclearly as of late. Focused on the go, go, go and not the present moment. And as a result I’m not paying attention to everyone and everything that I need to. I’ve been wondering why people seem so rushed all the time… when actually.. it has been me. Go figure

We see the world through our own eyes… Tomorrow, I start the day with new eyes: Not to achieve but to be present.

How are you going to choose to see the world?

Media? Culture? Our parents? Our religion? the Government?

What makes the difference between the decisions we make and the ones we just “go with”?

My life has been on this roll lately. Things are moving and shaking with such a beautiful stream of ups and downs, twists and turns and I have to say that for the first time in my entire life I’ve decided I call most of my shots from here on in.

Not in a controlling way coming from my ego or a place of POWER NOW but in a way that comes from my heart.. I’m really listening. I’m taking some serious risks that takes me away from the way I was brought up, but unlike those of my adolescence. This time the power is in what makes me most passionate and what brings a smile when I think of it .

Most of my life I’ve challenged people, places, and things in an indirect way. I’ve removed myself from situations that were uncomfortable instead of facing them, I’ve hide my feelings instead of voicing them, I’ve built relationships based on what others want challenging every need I have ever wanted. Over the last few years I have learnt this doesnt work.

Today I realized that I’ve falling on a new path, after much trial and error, that allows me to be within my own journey. Regardless of what others say I’m in my own beautiful place. How others feel still matters, what media presents is still valid, what the government states is still powerful within my choices BUT I do what matters most for my own well being.

I am conscious of the environment and how the earth needs to live in order for our future to be bright, I am aware that my work changes peoples lives and I need to take that to heart but not personally. I am reflective of how my family has their own level of consciousness that is often different that mine and that does not make me or them any less valuable.  I am also aware that ALL of US have values that are so deeply ingrained that if we don’t listen to them we end up in an unhappy life.

Most of the people in my life that I look up to the most operate from a heart and then mind decision. What makes them feel good and is that the best option for my life and our community. They don’t operate from ” he said” “she said” place or a “but so and so said….” place, they take the time to be quiet and listen to their own truth and then act from that place.

Who or what makes the decision for you? Are your decisions from a place of being spiteful or loathing? Or are your decisions based on from a place within your own truth and what is good for your community

Today I reflected on that conversation and the dialogue we shared and asked myself “If my life was a book, would I read it?”

What a powerful space to be in I must say.

The answer… YES!

I’ve had so many amazing journeys and “awakening” moments in my life; many challenging my character, my attitude, my relationships-Not just with others but with myself. And, I continue to have them daily.

Through those experiences and through sharing many with others I came to a place where it was important for me to leave a story of gratitude behind. This is in part of why I created the Passion Foundation in 2007. I felt I had something more to give than what I was giving; something that I could pass on to the world around me.

And through these experiences I developed the idea and stance of “leaving an imprint”. Every where we go we leave an imprint just like others leave imprints on us. That is where the idea and practice of my legacy coaching was born. Born from a place of what from my story can I leave that will assist others in some way. From a smile to a teaching.

Many of my clients come to a cross road in life- “Do I continue going as I am or do I discover and redirect for greater fulfillment?” Its a BIG question where simple gentle tapping of inner resources can lead to answers.

How you might ask- do you get aligned with this? The answer… be quiet for a moment and listen.. ask yourself ‘If YOUR life was a book would YOU read it?”

If the answer is an absolute “YES!”… I take my hat off to you and say.. What might I know about you at the end of the book? If the answer is “hmmm…. There are some parts that I’d need to fine tune”  …Well.. What are they? What would it look like for you to do that? What would feel like to make the next chapter rich and full of life?

The reality is that most people I work with forget or ignore that inner voice that says “Hey… There is something in this that is of value to you!”

I had a conversation with a manager this morning about the recent decision to make a change of course with their employment.  The manager was presented with two opportunities, equally what he thought valuable, and had a very hard time with choosing. It was categorized as one of the hardest decisions of his adult… How did he get to the answer?

He listened to that little voice that moved him in one direction. It wasnt logical for him, it wasnt a normal course of action but he felt it was important although it was new territory.

That inner spirit has far more wisdom than your reptillion brain. If you take careful note in your life often the universe will bring opportunity that is needed for your well being.

Sometimes that situation or choice is mighty uncomfortable but when you hone in on listening there is a natural flow.

When your spirit is moved… move with it… see what happens.

The term “coach” has been so over populated in the last few years in Vancouver that people are really starting to feel overwhelmed and unappreciative of people who coach. I, myself, have run into so many people who tell me they are a coach and have never really had any formal training or experience… So how do you tell a good coach from a faux coach in Vancouver?

Well there are a few things you can check out:

1) Ask where they got their training from. Any well trained life coach or solution focused coach has either attended CTI, Erickson Intl Institute, or another training institution who has been recognized by the ICF

2) When you ask them how they coach people they should answer something along the lines of “Well.. it depends on what the client needs but I use a methodology that is based on creating a space for solutions and change using questioning that ignites the inner resources that a person already has.” Bonus points if they say they use “powerful questions”

3) If one and two check out, ask them for a free consultation. Any great coach knows that entering into a coaching relationship when you aren’t sure isn’t a good thing. The free consultation or discovery session is there for you to find out if it’s a good fit for you, for the coach, and if coaching is the right choice in providing you with life enhancing motion.

If you are looking for an experienced coach or someone who has a specialty ask them their background, how long they have been coaching for or how many hours of coaching they hold.

Another great indicator of a quality coach can be found out by asking them why they coach, what do they feel they have to offer a client and how you could benefit having them in your corner. If the answer brings you intrigue or curiosity you may have a winner.

Alot of people ask me how much is a good price for a coach and what are the going rates.

There is no set pricing for coaching to be honest and just cause a coach charges more doesn’t mean they are good coach. Shop around.

A new coach will charge anywhere from $200-300 a month and an experienced coach charges from $400+ a month some as high as $2000 per month.

Some of you might be thinking HOLY! That’s ridiculous. Look at it this way… You are investing into your present and future. Most successful people in the world have a mentor or coach on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The reason for this is because it works. Within a minimum 10-20 minutes, normally 30-40 minutes, a great coach can assist you into a place of creating some powerful results or solutions both internally and externally.

Having hired masterful coaches in the past, being someone who has worked with thousands of people over the years and coached for three years formally, I know how powerful it can be.  Having someone in your corner who has the tools to help you access your own inner knowledge can truly be one of the exciting and enriching things you will ever experience.

Over the past 11 years I have had the privilege to work with so many amazing people, young and old, and have had so many amazing teachers along the way. I have gained so much informal knowledge and some very formal education in what people refer to as “my young life” through many life experiences, challenges, and successes as well as money in schools and institutions.

What I’ve come to realize is that success is very personal and for someone like me who is always got something on the go it’s important to stop every once in a while and reassess why I’m always on the go. and if I don’t, the universe will provide the space for me.

Having recently injured myself playing softball I’ve had physically stop going and in some ways force my mind to stop moving. This has been both frustrating and enriching on so many levels. Even as someone who is trained to enhance my life on all levels some time I forget how important this is.

If you are like me, you have to do things a few times to really get the message that the universe is sending out.

When it comes to working with the Passion Foundation and as a mentor and coach I always ask clients what the value is in their actions; what are they getting out of what they are doing. And regularly stop myself to evaluate my own direction.

What I’ve come to realize is how powerful an individual can be when they stop to look at what’s important, what’s not important, and how important it is to keep moving in the direction we are moving in.

So I have a question tonight for those of you who are continuously searching for something or moving so fast you are forgetting why:

If you took a few moments every day to check with yourself and evaluate your happiness, what would you notice?

Would you notice that you are clear on your goals and purpose and everything is aligned with your intended journey?

Or would you see that there are areas in your life that if you took a deeper care in addressing things would align so much easier that you are feeling more passionate and excited about life?

After all this is your life, your journey and you have a community around that needs you at your highest level of integrity.

For more information happiness check out some great articles on happiness

Suite 101 Happiness

What Makes Us Happy

Or how about a little TED talking

Maybe some quotes on Happiness

In 2008 I entered my first African adventure of working with a non profit organization developing gender specific programming for young women. 30 days in Nairobi where I met amazing people, developed, created, and provided workshops, and was deeply moved and inspired.

In that experience I met and trained a phenomenal young woman in her early 20s named Brenda who has now trained over 80 young women on leadership and goal setting skills. She is passionate and ready to change the world around her.

In 2009 I met Maughan Mariani, ED of Bavubuka who I connected with instantly on one of my projects here in Vancouver, BC.  Maughan indicated that she needed some innovative and creative gender leadership programs for the young women at their community house in Kampala. The universe aligned and we are leaving in February.

Since I completed my book Phenomenal Women last year we are using the coaching series for girls to connect to who they are, what they want, where they want to go and then create a community project that will assist other young women.  We will be travelling to Gulu to educate there as well and then moving to Kenya again to connect and train Brenda so she can continue her work.

This process is absolutely exciting for a number of reasons…

Not only have amazing group of individuals come and supported our work but more people are asking what they can do to help and be part of after hearing Brenda’s story of success.

Brenda inspires me daily; she meets her daily internal and external challenges on a daily basis by focusing on providing more to others who are like her. She reaches for the stars and does not give up even under her current circumstances is for this reason why we continue the work we do and it is for this reason that we will be filming Brenda’s story.. my goal is to get Brenda on Oprah because no one deserves more props and no one can provide more inspiration than her to the girls she works with. No money, all heart and spirit.

Want to know more? Send me an email!!!