Category: Life is good

1 Down 29 to Go

Published on by Christine16 Comments

Today my Dad started his Radiation treatments at the Cross Cancer Institute. I was so thankful that I was able to spend the day with him.

First up was a group information “Radiation Class” as I called it. We gathered in a private room to learn all there is to know about the process of undergoing Radiation treatments (complete with a slide show).  She was very thorough and informative.

After “class” we grabbed a bite to eat in the cafeteria and wouldn’t you know it, we bumped into a Couple who are Dad’s neighbours and they joined us for lunch.  Dad and Mr. W. (I will call him) traded prostate cancer war stories, and I chatted with Mrs. W. who I recognized from my days growing up in Vermilion. As I talked she scanned my face for a bit, and then said “You must have lost a lot of weight, I can notice a huge difference in your face.” Mr. W. interjected with “I remember you back when you were a brat!” I burst out laughing, cause you can’t argue with the truth, yup I was a brat! ha ha 😉

We wandered down the halls, and into a coffee shop to waste some time before Dad’s first Radiation appointment.

Along our walk we appreciated the artwork displayed  in the hallways, drawn by cancer patients.

These art pieces in particular really caught my eye…

I instantly thought of my dear friend Hope Walls when I saw this one…

We talked and waited.  There’s a lot of waiting involved during the process of treatment.

I realized as we sat and waited, there are very few times that I’m able to visit with my Dad alone, face-to-face.  We are a large family, and we travel in groups. I loved spending that time with him…just the two of us. He told me he bought a mini-van to conserve on gas so he could travel the 4 hour round-trip to and from Vermilion for his daily treatments.  That is for now anyway, as he has cattle to feed.

His appointment was drawing near, so we took the escalator down a level.  As we travelled down on the escalator, this painting slowly panned down out of sight, first the field, then the fluffy clouds, and finally the vibrant blue sky.

We arrived at the third waiting room of the day.

There was another gentleman waiting.  My Dad loves to visit, so they struck up conversation before Dad even sat down.  Dad explained that this was his first of 30 sessions, to which the gentleman commented “Ahhhh, you’re a newbie”. Dad smiled and replied “Tomorrow I won’t be.”

We waited, chatted, and waited some more until finally Dad was taken into the room marked with a Radiation placard on the door.

As I sat in the waiting room, two more gentlemen joined me. They had gotten to know one another through the course of their treatment. “How are you? Are they backed up today?”

I felt out-of-place, like I didn’t have a right to sit among these brave men. I was just the family member of a cancer patient.  I looked down and fiddled with my chipped nails. When I looked up, I met the kind eyes of a stranger…a gentleman who through the course of our chat, described to me how they discovered his cancer, and his agonizing course of treatment to date: surgery, skin grafts, medication, and now Radiation.  I sympathized with him, he smiled and warmly said “What’s a person to do? You just have to deal with it and make the most of it.”

Twenty minutes later, my Dad walked out of the room.  He stopped at the waiting room, waved, and said “1 down, 29 to go”.

At the end of the day, my cell buzzed in my pocket as I received an e-mail informing me that my friend Carmen had just made a generous donation to our Team for the Leduc Relay for Life. With her donation I reached my $4,000 fundraising goal (thank you!!!!!)

I took this time to tell Dad about every person who donated towards my pledge page (it took awhile too, because I had to tell him who everyone’s parents are if they are from the Vermilion area).  He was blown away by your support and generosity.  He just shook his head in amazement and smiled bigger than he had all day.  Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support.

There’s still a few days before the Relay on June 3rd. To date, Team Hope has raised $11,020!!!  Today, more than any other day, I realized how important it is to continue to fundraise in order to make  cancer history.

Click HERE to Pledge your Support. Every donation no matter how big or small makes a difference.

My Dad spent his day encouraging others who share a common bond. People just like him who walk through the doors of the Cross Cancer Institute to wage war against cancer in their own private fight.

As my Dad left the waiting room he will sit in for the next 6 weeks, he waved at those still there, and along with his customary Ralph grin he said “See you tomorrow!”

From my heart to yours,

Chrissy (as my Dad calls me)

6 years ago today

Published on by Christine4 Comments

Six years ago today, I reached my goal weight.  Back then I was part of an amazing healthy living support group called “Journey to the Heart” (JTTH), led by my dear friend Ginette. There was a reunion week-end planned the year I reached my goal, and during the celebrations, I received my key chain which signified all the work I put into reach my goal.  I carry that treasured key chain with me today.

The JTTH reunion week-end is a time I will never forget and I’ve made some incredible friendships thanks to the creation of that group.  The women I’ve met through JTTH touched my heart and taught me so much about life…to persevere, to keep going when I wanted to quit, and the power that comes along with a community of understanding and supportive friends.  Thank you!

Ginette handing me my goal weight keychain

I love when an anniversary rolls around for all dates that mark a change in life. These milestones remind one to look back to the beginning and reflect on the changes and growth that’s transpired through the years.

Today, I want to thank to all those amazing people in my life that were my inspirations, my reasons for moving forward, my teachers of life lessons. One of the most amazing lessons I’ve learned over the last few years is that when you finally figure out who you are and put it out there, you will draw in the most amazing like-minded individuals.  I can’t begin to explain how thankful I am for my friends and family.  You are most definitely food for my soul.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Collectively, you have changed my life.

I wasted many years…living in fear.  Fear of the unknown, of change, and of failure.  But you know what?  I’m thankful for those years because I would have never appreciated the goodness of life if I hadn’t once taken it for granted.

I remember a time about 8 years ago, my son Ty wanted me to go swimming with him.  I just couldn’t bring myself to put on a swim suit. I avoided facing the reality that I had packed on over 90 pounds in a period of just a few years.  I avoided friends whom I hadn’t seen in a while, social situations, and getting my photo taken (I have very few pictures with me and my kids when I was at my heaviest).  My fear, anxiety, and remorse not only held me back from living life, but it also held my kids back from being active.  I wish I loved myself at that time in my life, I lost out on building relationships with those I loved.

I used to believe that being proud of your accomplishments was being boastful and arrogant. But let me tell you my friends, I need to be proud of changing my lifestyle because it’s directly tied to my body image.  I’ve had a few friends joke to me over the years that I’m too wrapped up in the calorie/fat content in foods, and in my need to stay active.

The only way I’ve managed to stay at my goal weight is by staying focussed on what I’m eating, but more importantly, on the correlation between food and activity.  It’s necessary for me.  If I’m not diligent in that area, I WILL gain the weight back. I’m at a healthy weight today, and I plan to stay that way because it’s the place I physically feel the best.

Our bodies are designed to eat whole natural foods and to move!  As long as I’m physically able to be active, I believe I should be and I’ve learned that lesson from those who are not physically able to be active.  There’s so many ways to add physical activity to one’s daily life.  Walking instead of driving, biking with the kids, dancing like an idiot, anything that gets that heart rate up for a bit…it makes me feel alive inside.

I forget sometimes that people who just meet me have no idea of where I started, and because of my tendency to be socially awkward, it takes some time to “get” me. 😛  I’m working on the whole “I won’t be awkward in public situations”, although awkwardness is just a part of who I am I’ve decided!  I’ve become OK with being misjudged on many occasions.

I do hope I never portray that I think I have all the answers in this area, because I can assure you that I don’t! I can only attest to what works for me, but everyone is different. I believe life is a continual learning curve…all one can do is their best and their best changes as life changes.  I didn’t start running for 30 minutes, I started running for 30 seconds.  Seriously a few years ago, I was physically unable to sustain a running pace for more than 30 seconds.  BUT…the body adapts quickly, and within two weeks I was able to run 1 minute, then 5, then 10, then 20, and so on.

Photo on Right: Taken by my beautiful friend Amy Alexander.

This is how I view things today, feeling pride is actually a bi-product of gratitude.  I am so grateful for a life where I recognize all the blessings around our family.  I’m grateful for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. I’m grateful that I am able to pass on what I learned….if it touches another’s heart.  A circle of support is something to treasure, and it’s built up through sharing and connecting on a genuine level.

So today, I look back with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.

The photo below from 2002 was one of the rare instances that I went swimming with my kids.  Today, we spend much of our time on the beach and in the water when we go to the lake. 🙂

I finally feel like I’m home within my own life and there’s so much more life to live.

I want to show my kids that life is meant to be actively lived when I was once a side-line Mom, scared to try new things. You can only do the best you can in each stage of your life.

Music is one of those gifts that mark life events, and when you hear a song tied to a memory, you are taken right back there again. This piece from the film “The Piano”, was one I used to listen to over and over again (on cassette tape!) It reminds me of a difficult place in my life; however I’ve learned so much going through those difficult times so I’m just grateful.

To my supportive friends and family, I love you!  You amaze me with each passing day. As life flies by, you continue to prove that there are no limits to your strength, wisdom, and acceptance.

From my grateful heart to yours,

Christine, 6 years at goal weight 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mother-in-law

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To my Mother-in-law who is like a second mother to me on Mother’s Day.

Let me tell you a bit about my Mother-in-law. She has a big heart…a huge heart actually. When I first joined the family, I quickly learned that she gives unto others without condition. She worked in the nursing home for years, and for a while she worked with my sister Janice who has MS. She’s most definitely a care-taker.

She has a killer sense of humour, and her laugh is infectious.  My hubby got his story-telling abilities from his Mom for sure.

I not only consider her a second Mom, but she is also my friend…I’m so thankful for that. She makes me laugh! She’s the woman who taught me how to bake buns, a fact my children are very grateful for.  🙂

The thing I’m most thankful for, is that she raised her amazing son to be my hubby. She is an incredible Grandma to our children. She spoils them with her baking and her love and affection.

Thank you for all you do for our family with such generosity and love. Happy Mother’s Day.

From our heart to yours,

Chrissy, Jamie, Tyler, Lucas, and Tessa

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom

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To my Mom who is always there for me when I need her most.

Let me tell you a bit about my Mom.  She’s the woman who taught me the importance of independence, hard-work, and commitment.  She has the heart of an entrepreneur, and passed that along to us girls…her 6 daughters. When I was growing up, I watched her build her business from selling books and wicker decor in our home, to opening up her own craft/gift store “Dicke’s Wicker and Cottage Crafts”, which three decades later she continues to run.

She is one of the strongest women I know. she blazes her own trails and stands up for what she believes in with unyielding tenacity.  There was an unspoken truth in our home that us girls could achieve our life goals if we worked hard for it and never gave up.

My Mom taught me to never give up. When things get hard, you persevere with even more diligence.  In fact, the harder things get, the greater the reward when you achieve your goals.

Growing up, I used to complain when she tasked us to work in her store; however today, I couldn’t be more thankful for that, because she taught me how to be an independent woman. I learned early on that it takes a lot of dedication to sustain a successful business.

Some of my most treasured early childhood memories of my Mom happened at the lake.  We still go to the same lake every year. It’s where we as a large family drop everything and spend a week together sitting on the beach, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and enjoying our nightly home-cooked meals that we each take a turn preparing.  When we get together, there are 30 of us, so it’s not a quiet week that’s for sure! This is when I see my Mom relax and enjoy family the most, and it’s a yearly tradition that I’m so grateful for.

Happy Mother’s Day to my amazingly strong Mother.  Thank you for all the life lessons you have passed on to me and all of us girls and for all you gave up so we could have a bright future.  I love you so much and I’m thankful today that God picked you as my Mom. xoxoxo

From my heart to yours,

Chrissy

Kindness Breeds Kindness

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“Kindness Breeds Kindness”

It’s my new motto.  Well, it’s not new, but it’s reaffirmed to me with each precious passing year. Yes, kindness matters.  The other day, I was discouraged after watching 1 hour of the national news.  What’s happening to our society?

You see, I grew up on a farm, and there was the power of community in our farming area.  If someone needed help with harvest, their neighbour was sure to show up with a big smile and a helping hand.  We all pulled together to ensure each harvest was completed, in whatever capacity you could in order to help.

This is not our barn. Who's barn is this? Family do you know?

In my case (along with my sisters), I was the shoveler of grain, the guarder of gates when we moved cattle, and the deliverer of home-cooked meals to the field.  And when a neighbour showed up to lend their support, there was no exchanging of money, just the unspoken truth that you would do the same for your neighbour.

My Dad and my Brother-in-law 🙂

I moved to Leduc 5 years ago, and I feel the sense of community within Leduc as well.  However, I had some moments in a bigger city where I have said “Good Morning” to a passer-by, which was returned with a look of shock…like “what do you want?!”

Not everyone shares the same sentiment. Not everyone will say thank you when you hold open a door, or return your smile when you give up your seat on a crowded LRT.  One just has to be OK with that, and just keep passing on the kindness.

Because, I believe with every fibre of my being, that Kindness Breeds Kindness.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. –Leo Buscaglia

I was so touched by a poem written by Jonathan Reed entitled “Lost Generation”.

Don’t be discouraged my friends if your kindness is not returned.  It will be returned in the long run, although sometimes in the unlikeliest of places (which is amazing). Positive out, positive in.  You never know when an act of kindness will meet another’s heart when they need it most.  This is something I’ve been so thankful for since my father was diagnosed with cancer.  Every comment, e-mail, phone call, smile, and donation toward the Leduc Relay for Life
…has made a difference in my life, and in my family’s life.  Thank you so much.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Little Drops of Joy

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As I wrote yesterday, I’m looking at life a little differently lately. I’ve been missing out on little pieces of incredible that live within the everyday.

This winter was a long one, and then this morning while I was enjoying my first cup of coffee, I noticed green grass with delicate drops of morning dew. How long have you been there green grass? I haven’t noticed you until now. A bright patch of wispy green grass surrounded by dead leaves and bits of lefts over snow.  The new pushing its way through the old.

As I sat there staring with fascination at the dew drops, I inwardly wished I had a macro lens to capture what I was finally seeing.

And then…a picture of a lens came into my mind with a macro switch on it. Wait, did I already have a lens?  I ran to my old camera bag and there it was. A 70-300mm third-party lens that my hubby had given me for my birthday back in 2002.  The lens was still mounted on my old film SLR, my very first SLR camera I ever owned. The very camera that opened a door to looking at the world in a whole new way.  There it was, a little nugget of joy in my morning.

There’s beauty all around us, one just has to open their eyes to see it. And sometimes you realize the very things you want in life, you already have. You just didn’t notice.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

On Purpose

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On Purpose.

There are times in life that remind me that life is meant to be savoured. Life’s a gift and each day is fresh and brand new. It’s meant to be lived with purpose.

I often think about what my purpose is in life, because without purpose, there is no direction.  I get caught up in the hectic pace of life, and forget to enjoy the little moments full of pure joy that are there right before me. If only I would stop, listen, and live consciously. Soak it all in.  These little nuggets of joy are all around us my friends.

You see, kids know when these moments happen, they live within the joy of a moment and they don’t need to be reminded to live consciously.  They aren’t aware of insecurities. They love and live without condition.

You know the saying “Dance like no one’s watching”?  Have you ever watched a little girl dance? She always dances like no one’s watching. She isn’t yet burdened with outside influences.  She just is exactly who she is. Purely authentic.

And then we loose pieces of that as we grow older.  We lose our ability to just be.

I was thinking about Purpose today, and what it is that I want to achieve in life.  It’s easy in today’s society to get caught up in the “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality. We work so hard for “stuff”, and no matter how much one makes, there is always more “stuff” to buy.  Love doesn’t live within “things”.  Surely my purpose isn’t to be successful in terms of monetary possessions.  What’s unique or purposeful about that?

I do know where there is no purpose in my life, and it’s taken me a long time to come to this place and accept that it’s just not a healthy reality.  There is no purpose found within negativity, judgments, insecurities, jealousy, and lack of forgiveness.  All these things weigh on a person’s soul. They are a burden on the heart. There is true freedom to just. let it. go.

How do you do that? You focus on the good, the now, the present, the positive, the gratitude. Perception, perception, perception.

Friendship and the ability to give unto others without expectation is a gift.

I was reminded these past couple of weeks that life is too short, and life is meant to be LIVED. Lived with purpose and pride.  If I get to the core of it, I know that’s why I love to stay active, because it’s when I feel the most alive.  It’s a gift.  Yes, health is a gift.

There is no comparison to how I feel now versus how I felt when I first started the path to reclaim my life. I’m not only speaking about the changes physically, but more importantly the changes within my heart and mind. I took so much for granted. I didn’t feel the responsibility to take care of myself. I gave up in many ways. I’ve changed my lifestyle because there is no going back to that space I lived in for many years. It fills no purpose in my life today because I didn’t like who I was then.

I should clarify in case you haven’t read other posts, that I don’t believe happiness comes based on the physical body. I can only speak from my own personal experiences. For me, self-acceptance and pride happened when I found ways to feel alive inside again. Those amazing bits of life that kids just inherently know to experience.  A big part of that was getting active and to stop watching life go by from the side-lines.  Happiness is a choice, and a big part of feeling gratitude and joy lives within how one perceives life.

My goal is to live consciously, be reverent of the amazing moments life dishes out when one least expects it (and often in the most unlikely of places), and to live a life full of purpose and gratitude.  Change can only occur when action is taken.

I know I’ve shared this quote a few times, but it’s one of those amazing life quotes that has to be read a few times to truly sink in!

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” George Bernard Shaw

I’ve lived far too much of my life waiting for life to start. I didn’t realize that life actually starts when I say so and I simply had to get out there and start living it!   Not all of life is supposed to be “sunshine” and “rainbows”. How would we truly know how to appreciate life if it was always good? Adversity is what brings about reflection, change, and gratitude.

I have so much to be grateful for.

Thankful…

From my heart to yours,

Christine

On Strength

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For my dear friend who is dealing with so much. This is what I need you to know.

Sometimes strength comes in the most unusual ways. It takes courage and strength to stand up with a quiet assurance that comes by taking action towards securing your own future.  So much in life is out of your control. The things you DO control in life are your actions and the way your perceive your circumstances.

Take the steps you need for a life of peace and respect. Let go of the things that are out of your control.  You only have one life to live. Your future is bright and you alone have the power to create the life you wish. Remind yourself often of your life-goals and align your actions with those goals.

In the moments when self-doubt creeps in, please remember that life is meant to be lived with joy and pride. You are strong, powerful, and so very wise. You have given your time and wisdom to so many others, now it’s time to internalize that inner-wisdom for yourself.

You know who you are within. Take the time to listen to that quiet inner voice that speaks loudest when you actually stop and listen.

Wishing you Strength, Courage, and Wisdom.

But most of all I wish you peace of heart.

This song says everything I wish for you.

Sometimes in life you just have to let it be…

I love you, I miss you and I’m always here for you,

Christine

Ignore the Judgments

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One will stop casting judgements on others when they focus on bettering themselves. When you focus on your own heart, the state of another’s is not your concern. Surround yourself with people who support & love you. You will figure out who these people are when you are struggling, because they are the ones that will stand by you without doubt or question.

I posted the above collection of thoughts the other day on my facebook status and I want to explain where it comes from!  I have always believed that if I don’t judge other people, then I will not be on the receiving end of judgements! Guess what my friends? This is not the case sometimes!  Judgements directed my way have caused me to stop and think about who I am as a person, and it has also caused me to doubt who I am as well!  I’m actually thankful for it today, because it has solidified even more my own inner-truth about the woman I am today.

At this point in my life I have learned that there will always be haters unfortunately…even if you put your best foot forward and treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Here’s the shift in my thinking that I want to share with you!  Yes, there will be negative thrown my way, and sometimes it hurts coming from people who I care about; however, why does the negativity seem to hold more stock inwardly than the positivity from others?  The positive support should outweigh the negative judgements.  To focus on one negative rather than many positives is ridiculous I tell ya!

I used to be a judgmental person. My life was filled with “shoulds”, but often directed at other people.  I deflected so much of what I needed to deal with personally by wasting time on what others were doing. It was my own issues, and often the things I couldn’t handle about others, were the exact things I needed to change within myself.

It wasn’t until I focussed on bettering myself that I moved forward through that way of thinking.  I worried solely about my own heart rather than the state of another’s. It gave way to a state of true acceptance of all kinds of people.  People of all different ways of thinking!

I have to tell you that the acceptance of others has been one of the greatest blessings I have come across.  It actually makes me giddy! I love meeting new people, and hearing other points of views that are so different from my own.  Rather than make judgments, I now internalize so much of it and just figure out which path is actually right for me.  It helps me to figure out who I am even more!  Yes, that’s fantastic!!! 🙂  Seriously amazing news my friends!!! (do you feel my enthusiasm in this area?! lol)  I have learned there are many different roads one can take, and just because it’s right for them, doesn’t mean it’s right for me (and vise-versa)

Also, I had another revelation today!  The best things happen when you give and expect nothing in return. You actually receive so much when you least expect it. It blows my mind sometimes! Positive out, positive in!  Thank you to all the people in my life that give so much of themselves to me! I’m so very thankful for you. I woke up this morning with so much gratitude for the amazing people I have met along the way.

Giving is so good for the soul. Whenever I feel discouraged, I just need to remember there is always someone else dealing with more than I am.  We are blessed simply for the fact we live in a free-country!  I have taken so much for granted. Sometimes it just takes a shift in perspective to realize that.  Just tune into the National news for an hour, and one is reminded!  We are spoiled my friends. There are a few sayings that I remind myself of and this is one: “Always give more than you take.”  

Change your focus: when you are down…focus on the good, the positive, the uplifting.  Before you know it, your outlook changes. Gratitude is a gift.

I’m so often humbled when I meet others who are dealing with so much more than I am: health struggles for one. Because I’ve witnessed what my sister has gone through battling MS, I see the ability to run as a privilege. When I go for a run, I am so thankful that I’m able to run. I run because I can. Thank you God for that privilege!

Have a great day, and remember for those in the Edmonton area…the snow will melt! It only makes a person appreciate the sun that much more! 🙂

And a song  that makes me smile for your TGIF (you will have to click to watch on You Tube)

Yes, it’s a Good Life!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

What I Want my Daughter to Know

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For many years, I chose not to have a voice.  I held my opinions within. Through my teen years, I wasn’t always treated with respect, and I didn’t realize I held the key to demand respect. I started off my tender teen years as a victim survivor of a sexual assault and it shaped my perspective on what it is to be a woman in a different way. In a way, that I wasn’t ready for. I feel like I’ve overcome the shame and the pain that is carried over from my past…along with other traumas that I will never share here.

And then,

out of nowhere,

it rears it’s ugly head…

starting out so innocently at first,

but inwardly spiralling out of control.

So, how do I teach my daughter what it is to love and respect herself so much that she treasures the woman she is and accepts nothing less? How do I convey to her the importance of living life authentically where she is true to who she is within and isn’t afraid to let her light shine?  How do I explain the life lessons I learned the hard way and will she listen?  I am passionate about helping women move forward for a reason, and it’s very close to my heart.  I want to scream it from the roof tops now all that I’ve learned, and I’m so thankful for continuing to learn from some pretty amazingly strong women in my life. Thank you all you strong women with a powerful voice!

I’m also sick-to-death of the stereotype of strong women as “feminists”, like it’s a foul word. We are all just people. Equally deserving of respect.

Ok, I got off track! My daughter is not a teenager yet, so thankfully I have some time to teach and build on all I wish for her to know. But in thinking about it today, this is what I want my daughter to know.

~You teach people how to treat you.

~Stand up for what you believe in with passion and speak from your heart.

~If you are respectful, kind, supportive, accepting, and giving…it will come back to you ten-fold and you have every right to demand what you freely give to others.

~Give yourself permission to honour the path that is right for you.  It may not be a path that is right for someone else, but if it’s right for you…continue on it and make no apologies for it.

~Forgiveness is a choice.

~You ARE enough. Surround yourself with people that lift you up and believe in you.

~Shoulders back, head held high.

~Committ yourself to life-long learning. We are never done learning. There is no finish line. Just more life to be lived, and more amazing life lessons to be learned.

~Pass on what you’ve learned, don’t keep it in. If you can share and help someone move forward then do it, but do so with respect because belief systems are sacred to another.  Don’t push your beliefs on another person. Just live out your reality.

~People know authenticity when they see it. When you share in an authentic way, you will attract like-minded people into your life, and that’s a blessing!

~Never ever give up your power to another person (there are not too many “never ever’s” in this world, but I believe this is one of them!)

~Don’t silence your strengths for the benefit of another’s weaknesses.

~Just because you have other roles “Mom, Wife, Business Women, insert role here” doesn’t mean you have to lose who you are.  It’s OK to be carefree, to have fun, to take time for yourself. Your needs are not last.  To be a good Mom, you need to have a life aside from your children to grow as a woman. Your children are watching you.

~You are the property of no one.

~You are not defined by what you look like, the clothes you wear, or the shape and size of your body.

~Smile often.

~Love others. Love yourself just as much.

~Mean girls are also filled with jealousy and insecurity. Just smile and move on.

~Invest in your future, find a career you love. Because when you love what you do, it just doesn’t feel like work.

~You will make mistakes, everyone does. Just be sure to learn from each mistake you make and move forward.

~It’s OK to show weakness. You don’t have to be strong all the time.

~Sincere appreciation. It’s a gift you can give to others.

~You are stronger than you even realize.

~Do not forget the things that fuel your passion. Don’t give those up for anyone.

My extraordinary daughter, I will always attempt to teach you all that I’ve learned, but I know that many things you need to learn for yourself. If you learn anything from something that once caused me pain, then there is purpose to it. All I can hope for is that you feel comfortable to talk to me about anything. I hope you realize what an amazing gift you are, how loved and cherished you are, and that you are worthy. Life is meant to be lived with passion. Live it with pride, because you my darling daughter are simply amazing just the way you are.

And when you do find someone to give your heart to, may they also realize just how amazing you are.

From my heart to your heart,

Mom