The Fork

On Easter Sunday, I felt this need to attend morning mass. I was feeling a little guilty for not having confessed, but I felt I'd be partially forgiven if I showed up. Plus I had committed to Lent, so I was prepared to celebrate with the big guy. Showing up, with a humble heart (after all, it is a holiday centered on suffering), was the best decision I had made in a while.
The priest shared some memorable quotes and unforgettable stories. One quote that struck me was the following: "I wish I was the person my dog thinks I am". Let that marinate for a minute. How freakin' true is that?! How often do you wish you could always be this loving, caring, patient human being? I can so relate to that quote, especially as a mom. I spend days working with children in daycare. A child could be having a meltdown over the seating arrangement, and I'm offering comforting hugs. But if that was my child, oh boy, I'd have the look of death paired with flaring nostrils. Don't I wish I was the cool cucumber mom the daycare kids think I am!
After being touched by the priest's monologue, I wake up every day seeing how long I can last without snapping, gossiping, judging, or complaining. Every time I catch myself doing any of the above, I tell myself I can always start over. Most of us spend our entire lives trying to our best selves. We all want to be loved. We all want to succeed. We all want to be happy. But what if the best is yet to come?
When I heard this next story (still in church) I couldn't wait to share it! A woman who attended church regularly was terminally ill and given a 3 month death sentence. As she began making her funeral arrangements, she invited the priest over to her house to discuss the details. From the eulogy, to the music, to her wardrobe - she didn't miss a point. Just as the priest was leaving she stopped him and said, "Hold on, I forgot one thing. When I'm in my casket, I want to be holding a fork." Confused, the priest replied, "A fork?! Why do you want to have a fork in your casket?" She then said that food was such an important part of church events, which she always looked forward to. "My favorite part," she claimed, "was when they'd start picking up the plates and someone would say, "You can keep your fork". I knew that something better was coming. And I was never disappointed." I love the fantasy behind this story. She always believed something better was coming. Whether it was a pie or triple decker chocolate cake, it would be the best part of the whole meal. "So when my friends come to pay their final respects," she said, "I want them to look at the fork and ask you why I have a fork in my hand. That's when I want you to tell them, that something better is coming".
May be in our next life, we'll be a better, kinder, more compassionate version of our present self. Even more promising, is believing that when this life path comes to an end, the next one will be even better! May the church sermon bring you comfort in knowing that we're all perfectly imperfect, and to trust that there's something better coming.

Unlock your Creative Power

*Thanks, Doreen Virtue, for the reminder

What a magnificent day in Montreal. We're finally seeing the pot holes and some pre-grass. After the longest Winter ever, Spring already feels light. The layers start to come off, our attitude shifts, and there's a desire to move. In my case, I'm ready to get my creative juices flowing again!
It's been almost 3 years since I left my job as 'Creative Manager'. I was a glorified research expert who never put my imagination on pause. I'd find inspiration in everything - a hotel room, a song, even at the dog park. My universe was a storybook of emotionally stimulating images. I never wanted to leave. I felt like my brain lived in a fantasy world. Come to think of it, it's as though I lived in the Land of Oz. Every creative concept needed a heart, a brain, and courage. Heart was always at the source, to connect to people's emotions. Influential marketing was the brain, while courage served to create shock-value.
I'm convinced that success is a fusion of heart-brain-courage. I don't think you can ever accomplish a goal by leaving one out. Your heart has to commit first, then you mentally manifest achievement, but you need the guts to kickoff.
We all have the power to unlock our success code. As Spring slowly emerges - get inspired, be vulnerable, rediscover your creativity. Think outta the cardboard box! Set yourself up for success. Register for 'The Color Run' http://ca.thecolorrun.com/montreal/2014-08-16; redecorate a dull white room; produce your own free-spirited music video using Video Star (app); write positive affirmations on your bathroom mirror....let your Spring spirit awaken. Create your own magic; you have the power.

*Magical Moment: I wrote this post without knowing what picture to include. A few hours later, while on Facebook, I see this image of Dorothy from 'Wizard of Oz', posted by the author of my Angel cards, Doreen Virtue. #noticethesigns #angelsrock

Confessions of a Blogger

The Dark vs. The Light....Welcome both!

I must confess. I took a break from writing my blog because I put a lot of energy, time, passion into each post. I'm very selective with every word I type. Though most of my readers know me, I've also attracted a following of strangers. There are many who have no clue who I am, how funny I can be, or that I'm authentic every time I write. Most importantly, however, is that this is my playground where I can freely express my feelings, my knowledge, and my opinions. There are times when I don't feel up to headlining my fears or resistance to any challenges that surface. That's when I take a blog break. Today though, I want to reveal what I've learnt over the past week.
Taking on any project, that's broadcasted virtually, can have its downside. I'm referring to my now "famous" last post. To date, over 5500 people out in cyber world, read that post. Crazy, insane, completely unexpected! I could've been over-the-moon-thrilled, but that's not quite how I felt. All it took was one negative comment, posted on my page, to chip away at my spirit. My feelings dominated that post, but my ego was wounded by a handful of negative comments, amongst a readership of 5000 people. Needless to say, I endured a painful sore throat for 3 days. When I finally discovered how to completely wipe out the 'comments' section on my blog, I began feeling better. I've said this countless times - your body responds to your concealed emotions. I couldn't understand how a single person could claim my post was judgemental or offensive. With every reply on my end, I'd get attacked even more. Suddenly my voice felt powerless. I wanted to say so much more, but I was too emotionally consumed to speak. My throat was so sore because I knew I couldn't swallow the few negative comments I received. Finally I removed the 'comments' section, for the simple reason, that it was overshadowing the essence of my post. I did receive kind, loving comments, but I didn't feel any comments were necessary.
So what does this all me? I had, by far, the most successful post ever (without any intention). Instead of revelling in the fact that so many people shared my story, I was overwhelmed by the impact of my words. It's a humbling feeling to go from thinking you have a talent, to realizing that you truly do. I think I write well. I've submitted stories to wellness magazines that never made the cut. But this experience has taught me that I don't need validation by a magazine, to know that my writing can influence strangers. What matters most is that what I write inspires, guides, or helps someone get through their day. This blog allows me to expose what I know or need to know about myself. Through every post, I discover the sacred truth - mistakes are significant in heightening the relationship we have with ourselves. Always go back to your intention, for if it comes from a place of love, your mission is faultless.