It's Amazing what a Weekend can Teach You!

I just spent another amazing weekend traveling with my students.  For four years, I've been privileged to spend a weekend in May with a large group of Grade 9 students.  We spend the weekend attempting new feats, exploring new places, and expanding our horizons.  

This year we changed up the trip to include jet boating, ziplining and exploring two cities.  Aside from the educational experience, there are so many things this weekend offers the students and myself.

This year I was reminded that:

Stepping out of your comfort zone is exhilarating.

Surrounding yourself with positive people is important.

Encouragement and support can come from unexpected sources.

Friendships make things better.

Making a point to learn more about other people increases the strength of your relationships.

We all share the same fears.

Laughter bonds.

Shared experiences create lasting memories.

I'm once again overjoyed and amazed at the important life reminders these students offer to me every year.  The experiences we shared, the fun we had and the memories we made will shape who we are and how we proceed on the path of life.  I'm thankful for times like these!

A Year in Review

Thanks to a new found friendship, some professional reflection and a reminder that I enjoy sharing my thoughts, I just revisited my personal blog I started almost one year ago.  When I started this project, my goal was self reflection and awareness.  To share my story, my struggles and my successes with others.  I completed the 21 day blogging challenge I put on myself, and managed at times throughout the year to revisit what I began.

Upon rereading my posts, I think it is time to get back to it!  If nothing else, sharing my stories, my fears and my accomplishments, serves as a personal reminder of the Journey I have been on the past few years.

I'm currently in the process of examining my future.  My goals are set, my dreams are big and I'm ready for the hard work ahead.  Professional aspirations and personal fitness goals have been recorded and now is the time to make it happen!  It is time to work hard, to focus on the finish line and to have fun along the way. It won't always be fun, it most definitely won't be easy...but it will be worth it!

Pretty lucky, or More to it?

I recently found a financial plan I made 10 years ago, when I was first married and settling into life as I knew it.  The financial goals I wanted to accomplish by the time I was in my 30's, kind of like a wish list 10 year plan.  The list tody makes me laugh.  Somehow I've managed to accomplish every thing I had down...owning a bigger house, affording a 2 child family, health benefits, a job I love that pays well and money for our family to do what we want.  I had specific financial obligations on my list, things like pool maintenance and a golf membership.  I sure had my dreams!

The thing that kind of blows my mind is that I didn't actually set out to accomplish each thing individually so I could check it off the list, they simply happened.  I truly believe that by simply planting the thoughts all those years ago helped to influence how I responded to events as they occurred in my life.  

I'm  actually excited to try my next experiment.  I think I may spend some time imagining my financial goals 10 years from now, to dream big and see what happens.  I'm not going to keep these goals out I'm the open like my dream board, but rather going to tuck them away to explore years from now.  The interesting thing will to see if my goals stayed the same and came true 10 years from now, if by spending time imagining and dreaming about the future subconsciously leads my decisions and choices in the years to come.

I'm a huge believer that we have the power to change and influence the lives we lead.  Positive thoughts, clear goals and the desire to work hard can help us achieve anything.  What would you like  your life to look like 10 years from now?

The Journey

All too often I get wrapped up in my emotions.  Good days, happy events, bring me joy, love and a sense of good in the world.  Bad days, tragic events, bring me anger, sadness, frustration and a desire to hide out from others.  I'd say I'm a perfectly normal human being.  My emotions are controlled by the happenings around me, my interactions with others and my sense of worth in the current moment.

I'm quick to celebrate when celebration is needed.  I'm quick to show affection to those I care about.  I'm quick to offer help when help is required.  On the other hand, I'm easily annoyed when things don't go my way.  I'm quick to judge when situations don't play out as planned.  I'm quick to get frustrated when things take longer than expected.

I'm extremely educated when it comes to matters of the heart and mind.  I read a lot, I search for answers to my questions and I'm constantly searching for ways to improve myself.  I am open to exploring various beliefs concerning life and death.  I respect and enjoy learning about other cultures and religions.  I'm always searching for life lessons that resonate with my ever changing and developing belief system.  I enjoy reading, learning, sharing and discussing my findings with others.

I've discovered the benefits of intense physical activity.  I've improved my body and my mind through daily activity.  I've learned to challenge my boundaries and to push past my pre conceived limitations to do things I never thought I could.  I'm frequently pleased by  my accomplishments but just as easily frustrated by my shortcomings.  I know the benefits of healthy eating but struggle with the willpower to adapt my eating habits to a diet I know will benefit my body.

Based on my description of myself...I'm a perfectly confused woman.  I've come a long way over the years, learning more about myself as the days go on.  As pointed out by a very smart friend, life is a Journey, a chance to experience, learn and improve.   The fact I keep trying new things, knowing things can always get better and not stopping or giving up means my Journey continues on. 

Enjoying all the journey has to offer, the celebrations, the setbacks and the fact it never really ends will keep me working hard.  If you happen to find me stuck in a rut on the road, please remind me a smoother path lies ahead.  I promise to do the same for you, you only need to ask.

Take the chance to embrace all life has to offer, good and bad....enjoy your Journey!

A Step Back in Time

Today I started something I never thought I'd do again...I began a university course.  I'm stepping back into the world of textbook reading, study notes, and test anxiety!  Plagued with health problems during my original university days, the prospect of heading back into the classroom wasn't one of my top priorities.  I've managed to survive my first online post, two chapters of the textbook and the thought of a multiple choice final exam.

 The only thing scarier than the prospect of completing the course itself is the topic: The Psychology of Death and Dying.  Wish me luck...this may be one of the scariest things I've tackled in the last few years ;)

Step 4: Surround yourself with Inspirational People

There is no better feeling in the world than being surrounded by people who make you feel good.  Kind words, smiling faces and emotional support can do wonders for a bad mood, a crappy attitude or a stressful situation.  What is even more amazing is that these inspirational people can be found right beside you or even online.

I've learned to surround myself with people I admire, who I respect and who I can learn a lot from. On top of my personal and professional relationships I've worked hard to expand my social circle.  My lifestyle change has not only given me a healthier body and mind, I've found a group of like minded people who push me and support me all day long, seven days a week.  Between time spent at Bootcamp and friendships via social media, I know a mood changer or inspiration is a smile or post away.  I've also developed a wonderful group of professional supports via social media as well.  I look forward to the things I learn, the interactions I have and the new friends I have made over the past few years.  

One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone is simply to surround yourself with people who make you feel good and inspire you to be a better person.  Give back by spending time encouraging and appreciating those around you too, pay attention to how it makes you feel...I bet you will be amazed by how such a small thing can change your world for the better. 

What can you do to become that person who inspires someone else?

Step 3: Listen to your Body

Even as I sit here beginning to type this, I'm embarrassed to admit that I struggle with this step!  After a wonderful run a week ago, I'm still feeling the effects of my bad decision making.  I went too far, unprepared and stubborn.  Then, to make mattes worse, instead of admitting I made a mistake, I went hard the next day to try and work out the kinks and pain I was dealing with.  

I'm always wanting more from myself.  I want to run further, last longer, try harder. I'm never fully satisfied with my accomplishments.  I have flaws!  Unfortunately it has taken a few days of cutting back, of listening to my achy body and to admitting my mistakes before I'm ready to accept the fact that listening to my body is one of the most important things I need to do.

I have big dreams, good goals and a long time to work on them.  I need to constantly remind myself that I can't accomplish any of them if I don't reward my hard work with relaxation, water and sleep!  That being said...I look forward to taking tomorrow off, to mediate, to hydrate, to spend with myself, my ice pack, a good book and the couch!  

I'm pretty sure I may need to be reminded of this step quite frequently.  Feel free to inquire about, and if necessary, to criticize my faults in this area as needed.  If you ask me how I feel and I deny or get defensive, chances are I'm guilty...I'm also smart enough to know this is the case!   Despite my apparent anger or frustration, I will secretly be thanking you for your concern and the reminder to listen to my body.  

I'm heading into the least active week I have had in a long time.  I look forward to coming back stronger and more determined then ever.  Given a chance to refresh, refocus and listen to your body...what are you going to do to make you a better version of yourself?