Power of Voice

It never ceases to amaze me; the profound changes that happen in the body when we find our voice.

When we no longer are willing to remain silent, when we are freed by the bounds that we put ourselves in and can express the words that are our authentic truth.

In that moment, in that declaration of your story, your truth; Power Resides.

As I've had the opportunity to hear women in the past year form words to their truth, they claim part of their power back.

As I listen to women tell the stories of where they have come from, about what the believe in, and how they choose to live, I see the light shining in their eyes.

As I see a woman brazenly stand before an audience of many and unabashedly tell her truth, her story, in a way that is deeply meaningful to her, unashamed of the tears, demanding to be seen.... I am profoundly moved, the power in that is felt by the room.

Eyes open up. People awaken. The world changes.

Remaining True to MySELF

Did I make the right decision?

In the past few weeks I was getting curious on my involvement with the Union and if I continue to serve as President of my local with out bias in all situations.

I was wondering within myself if I would be able to stand by and keep silent about a persons choice to stand on the victim side of the equation.

I choose in my life to live at cause. No longer willing to stay on the victim side for more that a moment. I choose to take ownership for my actions, my voice and my emotions and choose to engage from that side. If the situation ever arose... would I be able to stay true to myself... and still act on behalf of the members wishes?

I met with a my Regional Vice President today to discuss a number of things and he asked me how if I was happy with my choice to take on the presidency in the fall. I talked about some of the things I was disillusioned with, some things I wanted to do differently, then I went big. I talked about my values and authentic self and how I was questioning if I would be able to "serve" a member... no, it was more would I stay silent in order to serve as president.

We had a really big conversation about who he is and holds himself to be, his values and how he still chooses to serve at times when it is not agreeing with his values (i.e. integrity). I spoke about how I was not willing to enable people to remain on the victim side of life (the why me side).

And the outcome of our discussion was... I don't have to remain silent. I need not put myself in any situation where my body is telling me not to go.

So here is my declaration.

By being my authentic self and not compromising or keeping myself small, I will be a BIGGER invitation for these people to step into themselves and not to compromise their power (i.e. to also stand at cause).

This works for me, I choose to remain President of my local, and serve differently. By simply inviting them to consider something more, perhaps that they didn't see or realize before, life changes once again.

Tomorrow is another day... there is always more.

Leaders on Leading ~ My Summer Project

This morning I engaged in a conversation with Cheryl Flemming about my week at Emerging Futures and Women - Redefining Leadership Reclaimed and her week at the PWGSC Leadership event in Cape Breton. Something different happened during our conversation, one of my Emerging Futures... I opened my mouth and talked about my summer project.

I apparently have given myself a summer project. The words just fell out of my mouth in the the air. Over the next month or so I plan on interviewing the "leaders" in our organization about their views on leadership.

I plan on asking the following questions:

• What do you thing being a leader is.
• What is leadership?
• As leaders what is the one thing they would like to be remembered for?
• If you had the freedom to be a leader, however you wanted without fear of judgment, would you do things differently?

Participants will remain anonymous and at the end of the project I will write an article on what I found.

The Regional Director General has already agreed to participate. I am confident that I will be able to interview everyone I approach.

Life is indeed good, another future is unfolding.

Tomorrow is a new day, and there is always more.

Meaningful Conversations

It was nice to come home after my time last week at Oceanstone for the Emerging Futures experience. More than a few thoughts and insights entered my consciousness during these 3 days with a few surprises for me.

When considering the WEL-Systems Catalyst and CODE Model Coaching programs for my future growth, I felt a bubbling up of excitement from my solarplex up through my chest to my throat. I also experienced a small sense of fear... am I capable of this?

Yes I am. I am more than capable of standing alone, decloaked for all to see. I have expressed this time and time again in the past year at work, in workshops and facilitation workshops or speeches. I am up for my SELF.

Jessica and I went to the salon early on Saturday morning then picked up Sara and ventured forth to a community barbecue at her school. It struck me that for the amount of children that were there, only a handful of adults were on hand. It definitely saddened me to see that parents are too busy to come down with their children to a FREE BBQ and enjoy 2 hours as a family with others in the community.

For me that speaks loudly of the need for parenting workshops and family events. There is a definite need for families to reconnect with one another. Parents need to make a commitment to take some time out to make time for their families away from the TV and computer, interacting, talking, growing together.

I had a challenge with Jessica on Saturday night. It was a big one which I will not discuss the details (in order to respect my daughter). However the consequences to her actions had to be discussed and understood.

What I also decided to do was to post a few posters on her wall in her room. I have invited her over the next 2 weeks to add to the posters as she sees fit, then at the end of two weeks I will help her for a pledge to honour her SELF.

There are 4 posters on her wall. I can't remember the exact words but they are as follows.

1. What are some words or feelings that describe who the "real" Jessica is?
2. What are some of the things you want to be remembered by? (things you have already done and/or things you will do in your future)
3. What are some things you can do to contribute (or offer) to our community?
4. What are some ways you can make our family have more fun together?

When discussing this with her I told her I don't want anything negative on the wall, I want everything that is positive about her, things that make her feel good, things that may make those around her feel good. I explained to her how we will create a pledge (her emerging future of sorts) afterwards so she can have a nice reminder of the brilliant person she is full of love and compassion to look at on those days where she may not remember it.

Life is good... tomorrow is a new day... there is always more.

Reconnection Retreat ~ November

Need a weekend to reconnect with yourself and have meaningful conversations with others?

This weekend experience will be an invitation for you to slow down, breathe and reflect on just who you are in this world you have created.

Begin your experience with a fine dining experience at Rhubarbs, followed by conversations and entertainment in the Great Room at Oceanstone. Engage in a day of guided conversations with plenty of time for self guided reconnection time, if you choose.

This is a space for you to feel comfortable bringing in those aspects of your self that you are passionate about, bring your art, your song, your practice, your passion... the space will be made for you to display or engage in these things with the others who have gathered.

On the second evening you will experience something you may have only held curiosity about. This experience will be an invitation for someone else to come in and share their passion and knowledge with the participants and will be different for each retreat experience.

On your final morning as you awaken in the comfort of your room, take the time to breath in and allow the energy that is prevalent to flow through you. This final morning we will come together for a final guided conversation and sharing of insights. A buffet lunch and a fond farewell.

Reconnection Retreat

Date: November 23rd to 25th, 2007
Location: Oceanstone Inn and Cottages, Indian Harbour, NS
Registration Fee: $600.00 + tax

Price includes: 2 nights accommodations* and all meals; The book Sekhment Rising ~ The Restlessness of Women's Genius; A 3 hr Introduction to Shamanism experience (participation optional)

* accommodations = room in the inn. If you wish an upgrade it will be reflected in the price

To Register: Contact Lori at potential@eastlink.ca or call 1-902-461-9169 with payment details for your non-refundable deposit of $250. Full payment due 2 weeks before the program begins.

Exploring Our Potential Consulting 2007

Happy Feet...Sheer Joy Being

Tonight we gathered in the great room to watch the movie Happy Feet.

What a HUGE metaphor this movie is for showing up and being the unique expressions we all individually are.

The "brethren" represented for me both dogma and as well the pressure from society to conform to the status quo. If you do not you are not normal, if you are not like us, you are different and in society different is deemed a bad thing.

This talks very much to me, to my journey through WEL-Systems in choosing to stand alone, as my authentic self, decloaking and standing raw for all to see, as I really do believe we all have our unique stories to tell and by each of us gathering the courage to actually speak our truths, to put sound to our unique signal... the world changes.

This also is represented in my belief that celebration our diversity is the pathway to growth, understanding and being able to live in harmony. I'll refer you to my past post entitled Diversity & Respect. There are so many people still out there who think Diversity has nothing to do with them. Yet they just don't understand the terminology.

The definition of Diversity is:
1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness.
2. variety; multiformity.
3. a point of difference

This is each and every one of us. We are all completely different as it is our histories, life experiences, upbringings, current lives, hopes, dreams and intentions for our futures that make us so different.

So it is time to really celebrate this in us all. The sheer joy of being yourself, unique and unabashed. Celebrating in your own sound and rejoicing in the sound of others.

Today in the program room, to hear the voice of other unique signals as they spoke of their vision enlivened me... it is a contagion. The excitement of hearing a woman form words and declare what is meaningful to her and feeling the excitement within yourself knowing that you too are going to have this same impact on those around you when you speak of your vision.

It creates a sacred space for others to make declarations of their own and for others to ponder the bigger pictures within themselves. What if I choose to live my dreams and manifest them into reality? If I dare to allow myself to go big, stay big and see what unfolds?

I'll tell you it is my experience when you do this... even within the quite stillness of yourself... your soul will absolutely sing with the joyousness of the unlimited potential you hold. Go ahead and let it infect your thoughts... become giddy with the sheer joy of knowing you are much more that you were taught to believe...

Life is good and tomorrow is a new day. There is always more...

Exploring Nominalizations of Leadership

It is almost time to go... there is still a half a day left for growth, conversations, and discoveries.

This week we were invited to redefine leadership. That leadership as we know it (for the most part) does not work. That as women step into "leadership" roles, often times they lose themselves.

How each of us have our very own notions and definitions (as we each have are own unique
view of reality).

When you ponder the notions of leader and leadership what comes to mind for you? Does it imply that a leader demands followers? That only one person or a select group of people can have a voice, a valid voice that people actually listen to? Or is your notion of leadership something very different?

When I think of a leader and leadership, women in leadership, I think of a woman who is very clear on her intention and vision. A woman who is strong in herself, in her truth and is quite willing to stand in that, brazenly, unapologeticly. A woman who recognizes this in every person and who encourages and values growth, not only in herself but in those around her.

Leaders are every where, they are in every facet of society. Leaders can work, or not work, can be entrepreneurs or directors, they can be "wet behind the ears" or the can be "long in the tooth".

You see it isn't time and experience that makes a leader. You don't have to pay your dues or be high on the totem pole, you just have to be willing to be. To be and to be seen. To speak and to be willing to allow others to hear your voice, of your truth. To move forward, not to keep regurgitating to past. To stand in the moment and engage in an unfolding future... and Emerging Future.

I have learned that Emerging Futures can happen simply by choosing in the now to engage in a way that is very meaningful to me. Already intentions and ideas for Exploring Our Potential Consulting have formed into time and space. All that it required of me was to talk about my vision... and engage... as it crossed paths with the unique intention and vision of others new opportunities are forged for co-creation. It just is, as I just am.

Not losing myself, my sight, my vision, my voice. Never settling for less that the huge big intention I hold for myself and Exploring Our Potential Consulting.

And in my J-O-B, I see how this conversation of Emerging Futures - Redefining Leadership will make a real impact on the women I work with who are in these "official leadership" positions. How quite simply our world as we know it will shift, once again... creating space to allow for the unique expression we all are to shine as brilliantly as our selves.

Emerging Futures... Women & Leadership

I wonder what this week will bring? Another program with Louise and a group of fantastic women (who knows who will be there?).

I am absolutely bubbling inside as I know that each time I step into a program with Louise, I step more and more into my SELF.

I am thrilled to be a part of this program this week. Emerging Futures... who knows what I will create for myself tomorrow?

Life is good, there is always tomorrow (and it's only 1 more sleep away!).

Family Visits

Since the 4th of the month I have had family visiting in one way or another.

My uncle came to visit from the 4th to the 12th. We had a really nice visit, spent alot of nice time together, he stayed at my sisters, it was nice.

My father came down on the 13th and will be leaving early morning on the 20th. Also a nice visit but much different when the guests are staying at your house.

I've discovered alot of things about me so far with his visit.

There is also a lesson for me here that is out of my awareness. My lower back is KILLING me, I have had to take Advil a few times... which is not normal for me. I have been very emotional these past few days as well, Mike says I'm cranky. I agree. I am tired, I am on an emotional roller coaster, and I have back pain. Very interesting and not surprising if I look at this from a Code Model perspective.

The good thing about all of this is that on Tuesday I'm off to Oceanstone for an Emerging Futures program experience with Louise. I think I'll take some time this afternoon (while my father has taken Jessica out for a movie, mini golf & dinner) to relax, breath and create space within myself for my upcoming week.

Emerging once again in an accelerated fashion to my next destination in my journey of self.

Tomorrow is another day... there is always more.

Vacation... tomorrow

Breath...

In and out...

Half day of the finance conference left, by 1 p.m. tomorrow I will officially be on vacation.

A volunteer appreciation tea at my daughters school tomorrow. My father arrives from Florida tomorrow evening.

My plan for the next few days that I have off? Get my posters out to advertise my upcoming Parenting Workshop . Work on different advertising ideas, officially book a great space, and devote some time to nurturing my business... and visiting with my dad!

Again I'm ending this with a deep breath in... and out...

Tomorrow is a new day, and there is always more.

Celebration of Life...

What a beautiful celebration we had today in memory of Norman Smythe.

Pictures, stories, memories, wishes were shared and laughter was readily exchanged (as well as tears).

It strikes me that one man, who passed away at 52, could hold such an impact on so many.

There were people there who worked with Norm back in 1977 (When I wasn't even 2 yrs old) and there were people like my friend Kim who is in her 20's whom send words of the impact Norm had on her life and what his friendship meant to her.

Those who knew him, loved him... (unless of course he didn't like you then you were screwed... LOL)

Betty and Olive who tended to this wonderful man throughout his illness, taking him to appointments so he wouldn't have to be alone, co-workers be damned... they were defiantly family to Norman.

Donna who made a point to come see him on a regular basis, along with other of the "retired" group who kept in contact.

The "Boys" his co-workers, friends, brothers. The back corner of the office who always kept him in the loop of what was going on at work. Who kept him in their coffee club, who would lunch with him, who stood by him.

All those in the office who would invite this man time and time again to join them in the holidays because the loved him and wanted him to be a part of their table.

Rhéa who loved this man for the goodness she always saw in him... whom he held love for after many many years.

My dear friend Laura... who is always there for us all. Who loved this man with all her heart, whom tries to keep strong for those around her... who needs to remember to honor herself and her own hurts.

There are so many who were there whom Norm impacted in such a strong way. For me Norm taught me loyalty, friendship, and loving ferociously.

He appointed himself my protector at my first work Christmas party in 2001, he defended me to someone he perceived had done me wrong and that endeared me to him.

Norm was well respected in the office, and to know that he though highly of me and my work ethic made me so proud.

Getting to know Norm more personally through his friendship with Kim and during his illness I saw a man who loved deeply, who had fears, who had tears and who appreciated the friends he had in his life.

Here is to you Norman. I will remember you with fondness. I will think of you often. My heart is filled with thoughts of your voice, I will not forget holding your hand in the hospital the day before you left us.

And I will remember you each Sunday morning when I watch Coronation Street, it was you after all who let me know about Tracy killing Charlie (and it hasn't even happened in Canada yet).

Tomorrow is a new day... your light will keep moving on.

Passing of a Friend

Just recieved the phone call.

Norm passed away this morning... age 52.

Nothing else to be said.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Until next time.

Lori

The last days...

How do you act when someone you know and love is dying?

What do you do? What do you say?

I received a call today that my friend Norman was being moved into palliative care. I was told that if I wanted to see him I should really go and do it soon, within the next few days.

Somewhere deep down I knew it was going to come to this... eventually. Terminal cancer was always the diagnosis... yet Norm kept holding on, he kept persevering, not giving up, and the cancer moved from place to place, and it spread from organ to organ, eventually tumors in the brain... but still he was not giving up. Until now.

I went this afternoon to visit Norm, he is definitely done his battle, I can sense it (I'm sure others can too). He has fought so masterfully up until now... but fighting drains the energy. He is exhausted. He is in pain. I can't do anything to help him.

I simply went to his room. I held his hand. I asked if there was anything I could do for him. And I was there. That was all that was needed. Simply to be there. Offer some comfort by way of love and compassion.

And now the tears will come to me. Finally. I'm angry, I'm sad, I'm wanting to help, to comfort more... yet I know I can only do what I can... simply be there.

I hope my day allows me to visit tomorrow. It's a choice on my part I know. Will I be brave enough to choose it?

Tomorrow is a new day... there is always more.

Have Self Will Travel

I’ve been getting into the swing of creating things that are meaningful for me. As I create a selection of programs and services I can offer through my new business, travel continues to enter my awareness.

Have Self will Travel.

Creating a staple set of workshops, programs, retreats and other services for me here in Nova Scotia is one thing, but I am not going to limit myself to that. If someone is interested in having me come to their community, city or province, whatever the case might be, I will go to them.

And why not?

In the past I have not made much movement in my own evolution because I did think I had anything to offer. I kept myself so small. Now as I move through my world I do so respectful to others yet unapologetic. I am not small, I am not quiet, I am not worthless and I am not meek. I am huge, I am loud, I have so much potential and I have a voice to talk about it.

Each time I trust in myself and what I have learned and discovered about who I am and what I can offer, I am truly amazed at the resonance it has in the women I am working with. 2 years ago I wouldn’t have imagined that I would be able to have an impact like I have in these woman’s lives. And all I have done was show up, get curious and become that invitation for their brilliance to come flooding back into their awareness.

These words are not said with any ego involved, these words are said with awe and amazement.

I have what I need and the beauty of it is that I can carry it all with me.

Have Self Will Travel… that resonates with me.

Keeping me boundless, no opportunity will be wasted.

Tomorrow is a new day… and there is always more.