Passion Power

I watched someone check Facebook during a business meeting the other day.  I felt so insignificant and unimportant I wanted to throw my hands up in the air.  We’re acting like a bunch of teenagers; drunk on cell phone drama convinced it’s more important than the people right in front of us.  If I’m standing with someone using their device I don’t automatically assume they`re being rude.  Something really important has to be happening on their phone.  I don’t think it’s anti-social or socially awkward or impolite.  They could be running a huge multi-national business or helping a friend off the ledge or maybe their house is on fire.  It`s lovely to remain in touch with people we don`t see but are we talking to the people who live in the same house or sleep in the same bed.  Cell phones don’t belong in the boardroom at the dinner table or in the classroom yet it`s the new normal.  I think society is moving in the wrong direction with v...

J.K. Rowling’s was one of us. She didn’t have any special circumstances. She was a single mom who was broke and living on social assistance. She had a vision and an inner knowing and the courage to hang on to it. 12 Publishers rejected her book. A small house called Bloomsbury Press eventually agreed to publish it. But even then J.K. Rowling was told, “You’ll never make any money on children’s books.” 400,000,000 books later, she is one of the richest women in the world and all because she had the courage, despite obstacles, rejection and financial barriers to do the only work that ever matter to her which was to write. There was no light at the end of the tunnel but she did it anyway. That is taking fear by the arm and saying, “come on we’re doing this.” The world would not know Harry Potter had she listened to the voice of her critics.  She puts it eloquently in this quote. “If you’re holding out for universal popularity I’m afraid you’ll be in this cabin for a very l...

There’s a pharmaceutical solution for every problem.  But not every problem needs a pharmaceutical solution.    What’s wrong with being a little crazy?  Pills are a quick fix.  Our fast pace society doesn’t value or support the kind of deep work that’s necessary to help people navigate through turbulent waters.  It’s more convenient to give a prescription.  There are huge multi-national drug companies behind these solutions.  Pills should be the last resort but are often the only resort.  I can see where it’s difficult for a Doctor to know what the best course of action should be and isn`t it better to be safe than sorry?  Mental illness exists and such drugs can be life-saving. Antidepressants are helpful and good for some people.    Depression is nothing to be ashamed of.  It’s the waiting list for support that people can’t access or afford that’s shameful.  It’s the stigma around it that’s shamefu...

I appreciate podcasts and the deep dive into subjects that interest me.  I seek podcasts that reflect my mood or enhance an activity I’m doing.  Once in awhile I come across a Podcast that has turned me off.  Unfortunately they don’t get me back. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts if you are thinking about starting your own podcast and what I listen for. 1.         Short and Sweet Introductions - I believe hyping up a guest too much is just asking for trouble. I'm yawning or fast forwarding.  Believe me, if we like the interview we’ll be looking them up. 2.        Be Sincere – Shows like The School of Greatness by Lewis Howe .   I feel his generosity and strong desire to serve.  Every question he asks is for the listener.  The humility of guests and hosts is what I listen for.  3.        Preparation – I’m uncomfortable ...

It takes discipline and practice to create a mindset where inspiration thrives. Most of us have been hardwired for struggle.  Life can be discouraging at times and we allow ourselves to get depleted by these bad mental states. We need good habits and routines that keep us on track.  Here are 5 strategies to create an inspired life.  Create a daily ritual.   It seems quirky, but without my daily ritual I just react all day long and do whatever comes up. I’m like a flag in the wind. I’m never as effective as I want to be and nothing seems very meaningful.  Find that sacred space and time to unwrap the day gently.  It sets the tone for the rest of your day. Replenish with silence.   Let silence marinate into your bones and soften your orientation to life.  A calm mind connects to your body and feeds your soul. Silence will rebalance your energy and is absolutely essential for inspired living. Frantic inside equals frantic out...

If we took the shopping out of Christmas, the holiday might be a bit more relaxing and enjoyable. A friend of mine goes into the stores at the end of November and gathers all her supplies and groceries for the month of December. She doesn’t re-enter the buildings until after the New Year. With her as my inspiration, I accepted the backlash I got over my decision to stop Christmas shopping three years ago. I broke the cycle of insanity in my family. The first year my daughters growled and sneered like pit bulls chained to a junkyard fence as I quietly stood my ground. Christmas isn’t about gift giving or gift getting. Exchanging gifts was just something the department stores made up to stir the economy. I was getting all stressed out fighting for parking spaces and standing in line ups with overpriced gifts. Is it good enough, is it thoughtful enough, did I spend too much or not enough, will it fit, will she like it and on and on it goes. Combing the crowded stores to ...

Tell 5 stories, tell them everyday and you will be a master at work life and play Tell them to your neighbour, Tell them to your friend Be sure to tell them to yourself over and over again The stories are about you, what matters to you most The essence of who you really are,the elements that you toast. Anchor yourself in wisdom and what is true for you, Creates harmony and balance, it’s all you need to do.  Establish deep connections and all the flow you need, To harness personal power by planting all the seeds.  Remind yourself of stories and believing what you say, Helps you feel more powerful even on a stressful day.  True identity will never leave you, it’s there until the end So stay in touch with who you are and remind yourself again. The values you’ve excelled at,the accomplishments you’ve made,  Will only serve to help you when confidence begins to fade. To feel more personally powerful it all comes down to this, What are your core ...