So for the past week I have been not able to tap into the internet at home. Meaning... I have not been able to post to my blog... I have felt so disconnected. Since beginning this blog, I have come to enjoy posting my thoughts on different subjects, talking about events and activities I have been learning about and engaging in. And now I'm back.
Fortunately my supervisor has lent me a laptop (mainly for a Women's Writing Retreat I am going on next week at Oceanstone), so now I can reconnect. I'm here... I still have alot to say...
Unfortunately time is not on my side, it's late, I'm tired, I need to relax, sleep and put some thoughts together for tomorrows speech at the Greg Vaughan Women's Leadership Learning Event that I have the honor to chair! More on that this weekend...
There will always be more...
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Women Leading by Example
I had the opportunity today to go to a luncheon with a keynote speaker talking about Public Service Renewal. The speakers name was Karen Ellis, Vice President Public Service Renewal and Diversity Branch of Public Service Human Resource Management Agency of Canada.
I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Karen prior to her talk. I could see they power, spirit, and immense being in her eyes. She is a very experienced woman who held many positions in the Federal Government, and she is a warm, genuine and passionate individual. She spoke with great passion on leadership, diversity and renewal. She seemed genuinely interested in the work I have done in the past year and is interested in reading my articles. Karen’s flight was late so it seemed she jetted in and out in a hurry, yet her presence was so powerful no body really felt she “wasn’t there”.
One of the questions asked at the end of Karen’s speech was about employees feeling they must “suffer in silence” and will end up leaving without ever feeling they had a voice (my interpretation of the question). My solution to this is to create a safe environment for employees to voice their thoughts, ideas and opinions (and environment of respect and value). When people feel they have a safe open space for them to speak their truths and know their voice is not landing on “deaf” ears, it will create an innovated, creative, proactive and motivated workforce filled with employees who are ignited and willing to engage
When you come across someone like Karen, she really ignites the room. She made me personally want to learn more about her initiatives, what she is working on, and who she is working with. The passion and conviction she spoke with were contagious (to me). I intend on learning more about what she does and try to figure out a way to incorporate it in what I intend on doing in my Department.
One thing I have come to know is that regardless of title and position I can make a difference. I hear people talking about it all the time, people like Karen Ellis today. Leaders inspire and ignite people and invite them to engage. It is important for the employees to remain engaged, communicate and interact with each other so the momentum is never lost. Continually evolving, always learning, striving for more, and becoming more.
I pulled this card today to reflect on and see how it would manifest as a metaphor for my day. I feel in retrospect it was very fitting. The contagiousness I felt while listening to this woman, the immense sense of incorporating what I heard and what I will learn into aspects of my life…
Excerpt(s) from the Power Deck – By Lynn Andrews
Quickening
You can never teach a warrior with words about the unknown; you must use experience. But if you look into the eyes of a woman of power, you may catch up with her a little. She has years of truth ahead of you. Her eyes can quicken you like a river heading toward the rapids…. …This is how power works. Don’t learn everything with your mind. Quicken your spirit by letting go of attachments and move to a stronger vibration of power.
I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Karen prior to her talk. I could see they power, spirit, and immense being in her eyes. She is a very experienced woman who held many positions in the Federal Government, and she is a warm, genuine and passionate individual. She spoke with great passion on leadership, diversity and renewal. She seemed genuinely interested in the work I have done in the past year and is interested in reading my articles. Karen’s flight was late so it seemed she jetted in and out in a hurry, yet her presence was so powerful no body really felt she “wasn’t there”.
One of the questions asked at the end of Karen’s speech was about employees feeling they must “suffer in silence” and will end up leaving without ever feeling they had a voice (my interpretation of the question). My solution to this is to create a safe environment for employees to voice their thoughts, ideas and opinions (and environment of respect and value). When people feel they have a safe open space for them to speak their truths and know their voice is not landing on “deaf” ears, it will create an innovated, creative, proactive and motivated workforce filled with employees who are ignited and willing to engage
When you come across someone like Karen, she really ignites the room. She made me personally want to learn more about her initiatives, what she is working on, and who she is working with. The passion and conviction she spoke with were contagious (to me). I intend on learning more about what she does and try to figure out a way to incorporate it in what I intend on doing in my Department.
One thing I have come to know is that regardless of title and position I can make a difference. I hear people talking about it all the time, people like Karen Ellis today. Leaders inspire and ignite people and invite them to engage. It is important for the employees to remain engaged, communicate and interact with each other so the momentum is never lost. Continually evolving, always learning, striving for more, and becoming more.
I pulled this card today to reflect on and see how it would manifest as a metaphor for my day. I feel in retrospect it was very fitting. The contagiousness I felt while listening to this woman, the immense sense of incorporating what I heard and what I will learn into aspects of my life…
Excerpt(s) from the Power Deck – By Lynn Andrews
Quickening
You can never teach a warrior with words about the unknown; you must use experience. But if you look into the eyes of a woman of power, you may catch up with her a little. She has years of truth ahead of you. Her eyes can quicken you like a river heading toward the rapids…. …This is how power works. Don’t learn everything with your mind. Quicken your spirit by letting go of attachments and move to a stronger vibration of power.
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Power of Knowing
What a fantastic 7 days at Oceanstone The weather warmed up considerably for the week (although we were in our course for 12 hours a day) the evenings were fantastic.
On Saturday the 11th of November, at 11 p.m. I was outside on the deck of my cottage writing in my journal, listening to the waves of the ocean crashing on the rocks, looking up in wonder at all of the stars in the sky. Have you ever had the opportunity to look at the sky on a clear night away from city lights? It is truly an amazing sight to see.
The last day I was there (November 17th) the sun was shining around noon. I took some time when we broke for lunch and sat on a rock in the middle of a brook by the ocean, and just enjoyed all the sensations. I managed to catch that place and time in my journal. "Sitting in the middle of the brook, by the ocean, the sun shining, the mild November wind blowing, the bubbling of the brook, the crashing of the waves, the smell of the sea and the sound in the distance of a buoy bell. I took off my shoes to walk through the water. To feel I am alive. I have created all of this for my self. I am home. I am free. I am me."
I came into this course "Resourcefulness in Action", not knowing exactly what to expect. I was sure I had it all figured out. I still knew there was more and that I can learn from experiences daily. And yet I still thought I had it all figured out. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about myself and I most definitely know how to deal with difficult situations. And yet... I should have known better.
What I discovered about me during this past week is more than I expected. I came into it thinking I knew, I left with a deep sense of knowing that all I ever need is me. After all it is all about me, just like for you it is all about you, and you, and you.
When I deal with my kids and they are crying, upset, or even enraged. All I need to do is sit with them, in the same room as them, and look at them. So they know I see them, I recognize they are upset/angry/sad, I am there for them, they are legitimate. How often do we send them off to their room to cry in isolation?
I discovered that although I have Decloaked in the workplace I have not done so with my family. I discovered that it is much harder to reveal myself and the changes I have made in my life to the ones I love most. It is difficult to make a transition from cynic, non-confident, smart ass to this wonderfully, motivated, engaging, and ignited leader.
When your family is worried that you may be overstepping your "bounds". I have discovered that "bounds" only exist if you believe they are there to limit you.
When you are so worried about what people in your life will say, you make up stories about how they will react without even knowing that is in fact the case. How many times in our lives to we assume someone will shut us down before we even open our mouths to ask?
Some other words, labels I discovered I still needed to claim or work through came in and out as the days passed. Words I didn't not think were related to me at all. Yet each time one of these 14 magnificent women spoke, their words would evoke something deep within me that I needed to claim to become whole. Many times during this week I witnessed women claim back the power they once lost sometime in their past. There is nothing more amazing and phenomenal then being witness to that.
I have learned that by claiming every experience for myself, I was claiming back some power to make me whole and more connected with my authentic self. That each person I come in contact with is equally as brilliant and full of potential as I am. I have learned that even people I bump up against hold a huge lesson about me some how. We manifest mirror images of our self in this way.
I have claimed the ability to fully engage on by behalf in whichever way I choose. To create my future and design my own destiny. To know that by being exactly who I am will shape the world I live in. My ability. My future. I can just be. And by being, openly, I become a beacon for others to do so as well.
Knowing, deeply knowing, I am all I will need to make it in this world. Knowing that I can claim it. Knowing that I can shape it. Knowing I am me. The power of knowing.
On Saturday the 11th of November, at 11 p.m. I was outside on the deck of my cottage writing in my journal, listening to the waves of the ocean crashing on the rocks, looking up in wonder at all of the stars in the sky. Have you ever had the opportunity to look at the sky on a clear night away from city lights? It is truly an amazing sight to see.
The last day I was there (November 17th) the sun was shining around noon. I took some time when we broke for lunch and sat on a rock in the middle of a brook by the ocean, and just enjoyed all the sensations. I managed to catch that place and time in my journal. "Sitting in the middle of the brook, by the ocean, the sun shining, the mild November wind blowing, the bubbling of the brook, the crashing of the waves, the smell of the sea and the sound in the distance of a buoy bell. I took off my shoes to walk through the water. To feel I am alive. I have created all of this for my self. I am home. I am free. I am me."
I came into this course "Resourcefulness in Action", not knowing exactly what to expect. I was sure I had it all figured out. I still knew there was more and that I can learn from experiences daily. And yet I still thought I had it all figured out. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about myself and I most definitely know how to deal with difficult situations. And yet... I should have known better.
What I discovered about me during this past week is more than I expected. I came into it thinking I knew, I left with a deep sense of knowing that all I ever need is me. After all it is all about me, just like for you it is all about you, and you, and you.
When I deal with my kids and they are crying, upset, or even enraged. All I need to do is sit with them, in the same room as them, and look at them. So they know I see them, I recognize they are upset/angry/sad, I am there for them, they are legitimate. How often do we send them off to their room to cry in isolation?
I discovered that although I have Decloaked in the workplace I have not done so with my family. I discovered that it is much harder to reveal myself and the changes I have made in my life to the ones I love most. It is difficult to make a transition from cynic, non-confident, smart ass to this wonderfully, motivated, engaging, and ignited leader.
When your family is worried that you may be overstepping your "bounds". I have discovered that "bounds" only exist if you believe they are there to limit you.
When you are so worried about what people in your life will say, you make up stories about how they will react without even knowing that is in fact the case. How many times in our lives to we assume someone will shut us down before we even open our mouths to ask?
Some other words, labels I discovered I still needed to claim or work through came in and out as the days passed. Words I didn't not think were related to me at all. Yet each time one of these 14 magnificent women spoke, their words would evoke something deep within me that I needed to claim to become whole. Many times during this week I witnessed women claim back the power they once lost sometime in their past. There is nothing more amazing and phenomenal then being witness to that.
I have learned that by claiming every experience for myself, I was claiming back some power to make me whole and more connected with my authentic self. That each person I come in contact with is equally as brilliant and full of potential as I am. I have learned that even people I bump up against hold a huge lesson about me some how. We manifest mirror images of our self in this way.
I have claimed the ability to fully engage on by behalf in whichever way I choose. To create my future and design my own destiny. To know that by being exactly who I am will shape the world I live in. My ability. My future. I can just be. And by being, openly, I become a beacon for others to do so as well.
Knowing, deeply knowing, I am all I will need to make it in this world. Knowing that I can claim it. Knowing that I can shape it. Knowing I am me. The power of knowing.
Friday, November 10, 2006
My Journey Part II - Resourcefulness in Action
Tomorrow is my first day of Resourcefulness in Action at Oceanstone, close to Peggy's Cove, NS. I am really looking forward to moving into this next level through the WEL-Systems Institute.
When I did my first level Igniting the Self this past June, I became very clear on the direction I was going to take in my life. I am excited to see what discoveries Resourcefulness in Action will hold for me.
By continuiously learning, I am ever evolving, and will continue to engage fully in life... recognizing there will always be more, the potential is unlimited.
I will be away from this blog for at least 7 days, and I know upon my return there will be many entries and stories to share of my newest discoveries and thoughts.
When I did my first level Igniting the Self this past June, I became very clear on the direction I was going to take in my life. I am excited to see what discoveries Resourcefulness in Action will hold for me.
By continuiously learning, I am ever evolving, and will continue to engage fully in life... recognizing there will always be more, the potential is unlimited.
I will be away from this blog for at least 7 days, and I know upon my return there will be many entries and stories to share of my newest discoveries and thoughts.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Beautifully Simple
In recent conversations with a friend we were discussing our vision of the future of our work place. Reflecting on the changes that have already occurred and those that still need to happen.
Recognizing if we were all to be clear about our authentic self and listen to Signal #1 (our personal truth), the work place would be amazing. It would be an organization who created space for all employees to grow and become more. How fantastic would that be?
With so many changes happening and going to happen in our workplace, how smoothly can that transition occur? Imagine how it could be if we are all clear on who we are and supportive of others awakening to their authentic selves?
Some thoughts that came up during our conversation were...
What must we overcome to move to the next level of change? Surely there should be some obstacle, someone/something we have to butt heads with.
Or can it be a simple and smooth transition?
It has been my experience that if you are living authentically, doing what you feel you should be doing, remaining clear on your intention, that change (or life in general) can just be.
You see there is a fantastic thing we each have and it is choice. We can choose how we are going to act or react to every given situation. If in our journeys of leadership, discovery or change we come up against an "obstacle" or someone who thinks we are overstepping our bounds... we can choose to let that stop us, let that deter us from reaching our goal, or allow their opinions to cause us to second guess ourselves... or we can choose not to engage in that way, to remain clear about your intention, and stay true to your authentic self.
If you consciously make your choice, whichever one serves you best at that time, recognize that it is your choice... own it.
No one can stop you from reaching your intention, the only possible obstacles or hurdles in your way are within you.
How do you choose to live your life? Fully authentically you? Or you do still allow others to shape your world?
I know the way I intend on living, I am loving every minute of it... and there is always more.
Recognizing if we were all to be clear about our authentic self and listen to Signal #1 (our personal truth), the work place would be amazing. It would be an organization who created space for all employees to grow and become more. How fantastic would that be?
With so many changes happening and going to happen in our workplace, how smoothly can that transition occur? Imagine how it could be if we are all clear on who we are and supportive of others awakening to their authentic selves?
Some thoughts that came up during our conversation were...
What must we overcome to move to the next level of change? Surely there should be some obstacle, someone/something we have to butt heads with.
Or can it be a simple and smooth transition?
It has been my experience that if you are living authentically, doing what you feel you should be doing, remaining clear on your intention, that change (or life in general) can just be.
You see there is a fantastic thing we each have and it is choice. We can choose how we are going to act or react to every given situation. If in our journeys of leadership, discovery or change we come up against an "obstacle" or someone who thinks we are overstepping our bounds... we can choose to let that stop us, let that deter us from reaching our goal, or allow their opinions to cause us to second guess ourselves... or we can choose not to engage in that way, to remain clear about your intention, and stay true to your authentic self.
If you consciously make your choice, whichever one serves you best at that time, recognize that it is your choice... own it.
No one can stop you from reaching your intention, the only possible obstacles or hurdles in your way are within you.
How do you choose to live your life? Fully authentically you? Or you do still allow others to shape your world?
I know the way I intend on living, I am loving every minute of it... and there is always more.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Countdown to Resourcefulness in Action
3 more sleeps until my next milestone in my journey of self discovery and my personal leadership... Resourcefulness in Action, just what is this going to reveal to me? Who more will I become after this next week? I will be evolving yet again, and as always I am up for the ride.
My article Decloaking is out in my departmental newsletter (Breakers), Choice Points & Spirit Crossings right now. It feels good to know people from each of these audiences are reading and perhaps asking similar questions I had asked myself as I was writing this article. My article Reflections of Self is about my experience having Decloaking published in Breakers. And too, re-reading Decloaking as it is published in these various forums, I can see how much more I know now, than I did when I was writing it. How much more clarity I have on the path & direction of my life.
And there is always more, life is good.
My article Decloaking is out in my departmental newsletter (Breakers), Choice Points & Spirit Crossings right now. It feels good to know people from each of these audiences are reading and perhaps asking similar questions I had asked myself as I was writing this article. My article Reflections of Self is about my experience having Decloaking published in Breakers. And too, re-reading Decloaking as it is published in these various forums, I can see how much more I know now, than I did when I was writing it. How much more clarity I have on the path & direction of my life.
And there is always more, life is good.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Coffee, Coversations & Catalysts
Had a lovely afternoon with some of my favourite people. Lots messages come up for me to pay attention to.
Celine was talking about something this afternoon and a big wave came up in me. I am being my authentic self at work and this is good. Yet at home I am not fully engaging in my life, not yet fully stepping into my SELF.
And what am I waiting for? What if I wake up tomorrow and my world has completely changed? Will I have regrets that I didn't authentically live my life with my family? Will I regret taking for granted the notion of there is always tomorrow? Why am I waiting?
When I am at home I am still my "culturally conditioned self" to some extent. At work people can really see the changes in me because I have no worries about living it. Why am I still afraid to decloak in front of my family and friends. What is still going on within me that I am not processing, that I feel the need to keep myself small in front of those I claim to love the most?
Many questions for me to consider. And there is always more.
Thank you to those who came to my Coffee event today, your questions, stories and presence has again invited me to become curious about myself.
I have much to reflect on and discover... am I willing to decloak in front of my family? The answer is yes...the question is when...
Celine was talking about something this afternoon and a big wave came up in me. I am being my authentic self at work and this is good. Yet at home I am not fully engaging in my life, not yet fully stepping into my SELF.
And what am I waiting for? What if I wake up tomorrow and my world has completely changed? Will I have regrets that I didn't authentically live my life with my family? Will I regret taking for granted the notion of there is always tomorrow? Why am I waiting?
When I am at home I am still my "culturally conditioned self" to some extent. At work people can really see the changes in me because I have no worries about living it. Why am I still afraid to decloak in front of my family and friends. What is still going on within me that I am not processing, that I feel the need to keep myself small in front of those I claim to love the most?
Many questions for me to consider. And there is always more.
Thank you to those who came to my Coffee event today, your questions, stories and presence has again invited me to become curious about myself.
I have much to reflect on and discover... am I willing to decloak in front of my family? The answer is yes...the question is when...
Friday, November 03, 2006
Witnessing the Power of a Woman
Today I had privilege to witness the power of two different women. How amazing it is to see it from someone else. When they finally stand raw in front of the world to see.
One woman was so clear on her true intention, clear on what she was not willing to put up with anymore and stood in all her magnificent glory to say "I am worth more". And then she acted on it. I was in awe... I still am. It was as if she filled the room when she told me her story. I still have Goosebumps thinking about her absolute power she claimed today, knowing all along it was in her (as it is in each of us) and having the honour of watching her come home to herself. I just can't do it justice with words. And if you are reading this (which I know you will) never again forget the feeling you experienced today... keep it with you for it is your own majesty that is your authentic self.
The other woman whom I had the chance to witness today... she finally found the power of her authentic voice. She had the opportunity to trust herself and voice her authentic voice and experience the brilliance with in her Self. She feels more empowered because of this and I know she is coming to awaken to her own potential and is trusting that her Self, her inner self, signal #1 will not steer her wrong. It is going to be awesome for me to see her fly, and fly she will… she is already unleashing her wings.
Speaking with her later on in the day she talks about how freeing it would be to be a child again... with out any of this culturally conditioned self to have to worry about... how fantastic is that? To feel once again that we can conquer the world, that we are absolutely able to shape our destinies, and be curious about everything again... to play.
And who says we cannot have this again? I know we can, if we choose it, own it and live it.
Quite the powerful day after a draining week. Just being in the presence of these women as they discovered and found their true selves has served as a great recharge for me.
Coffee Conversations & Catalysts is this Sunday (Nov. 5th) at 1p.m. If you are interested in what this might be or if you know what it is and need more details... drop a line and I'll fill you in.
One woman was so clear on her true intention, clear on what she was not willing to put up with anymore and stood in all her magnificent glory to say "I am worth more". And then she acted on it. I was in awe... I still am. It was as if she filled the room when she told me her story. I still have Goosebumps thinking about her absolute power she claimed today, knowing all along it was in her (as it is in each of us) and having the honour of watching her come home to herself. I just can't do it justice with words. And if you are reading this (which I know you will) never again forget the feeling you experienced today... keep it with you for it is your own majesty that is your authentic self.
The other woman whom I had the chance to witness today... she finally found the power of her authentic voice. She had the opportunity to trust herself and voice her authentic voice and experience the brilliance with in her Self. She feels more empowered because of this and I know she is coming to awaken to her own potential and is trusting that her Self, her inner self, signal #1 will not steer her wrong. It is going to be awesome for me to see her fly, and fly she will… she is already unleashing her wings.
Speaking with her later on in the day she talks about how freeing it would be to be a child again... with out any of this culturally conditioned self to have to worry about... how fantastic is that? To feel once again that we can conquer the world, that we are absolutely able to shape our destinies, and be curious about everything again... to play.
And who says we cannot have this again? I know we can, if we choose it, own it and live it.
Quite the powerful day after a draining week. Just being in the presence of these women as they discovered and found their true selves has served as a great recharge for me.
Coffee Conversations & Catalysts is this Sunday (Nov. 5th) at 1p.m. If you are interested in what this might be or if you know what it is and need more details... drop a line and I'll fill you in.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Hats off to Teachers
Wow, I just spent the day with a group of Grade 9 students at my work. I was originally scheduled to give a brief presentation this morning, and it evolved into a full day event for me as co-facilitator with Andrew Al-Khouri, friend, co-worker and Chair of the Avant Guarde Youth Network at work.
Each student I met today had their own thing that they were interested in and passionate about. There was one who really enjoyed babysitting because she loved children; a young man who really enjoyed writing songs; a few young ladies who enjoyed writing & reading poetry; soccer; wake boarding; snow boarding; playing music; one young lady played a slew of sports... basketball, soccer, football, just to name a few. They were really quite amazing.
One of the activities they had to accomplish during the day was to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks, glue, and paperclips. Each group had such a different approach and the group who had felt their bridge wasn't completed at the end of the day was the group that built the strongest bridge. Just goes to show that you never know unless you try.
It was a pretty amazing day for me to see the energy these students had. And I only spent 5 hours with them. My hats off to teachers because I'm not sure I'd have it in me (I'm am ready for bed now!)
My presentation went well considering I was the first "presentation". Some of the children enjoyed it, some actively participated in it, others just listened, or not. As always it's not about reaching everyone, for me it is about speaking my truth and if I inspire just one person, I have moved one step closer to my intention. I haven't asked for feedback yet on my speech, I think I will ask Andrew tomorrow what he though (he heard me speak before a group in June... I spoke fast & my voice shook then). I know he will give me a good critique on my "presence" during my presentation. I know I did it differently today, and it will be interesting to hear how it appears from another party.
As soon as I can get my kids off to bed I'm going to be sawing logs.
And there is always tomorrow.
Each student I met today had their own thing that they were interested in and passionate about. There was one who really enjoyed babysitting because she loved children; a young man who really enjoyed writing songs; a few young ladies who enjoyed writing & reading poetry; soccer; wake boarding; snow boarding; playing music; one young lady played a slew of sports... basketball, soccer, football, just to name a few. They were really quite amazing.
One of the activities they had to accomplish during the day was to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks, glue, and paperclips. Each group had such a different approach and the group who had felt their bridge wasn't completed at the end of the day was the group that built the strongest bridge. Just goes to show that you never know unless you try.
It was a pretty amazing day for me to see the energy these students had. And I only spent 5 hours with them. My hats off to teachers because I'm not sure I'd have it in me (I'm am ready for bed now!)
My presentation went well considering I was the first "presentation". Some of the children enjoyed it, some actively participated in it, others just listened, or not. As always it's not about reaching everyone, for me it is about speaking my truth and if I inspire just one person, I have moved one step closer to my intention. I haven't asked for feedback yet on my speech, I think I will ask Andrew tomorrow what he though (he heard me speak before a group in June... I spoke fast & my voice shook then). I know he will give me a good critique on my "presence" during my presentation. I know I did it differently today, and it will be interesting to hear how it appears from another party.
As soon as I can get my kids off to bed I'm going to be sawing logs.
And there is always tomorrow.
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