RECAP - FALL 2018
November marks the time of year where 'being present' becomes awkward. I am trying to stay in the moment, reflect on the years win's and lessons, while forecasting for the next. I plan, prepare and proceed for each event, and when it's over, I return to the domestic goddess-ness that raising 5 year old twins provides.
Celebrating WINS gives me the momentum I need to finish this year strong, savour Santa and the holiday season, then jump back in the game for 2019!
A mentor once told me, "you don't know what you don't know." This September, I was asked to 'level' with 3500 first year Arts & Science Students from Queens University. Coping with this massive life transition - being away from home, academic pressure - is tough in any generation and this class of 2022 will have resources their alumnae couldn't have dreamed about. Here, Queens University Dean Barbara Crow and I were marvelling at the power of time. I am 20 years older than these students. She is 20 years older than I. I told these anxious 18 year olds, 'I am old enough to be your mother, but I'm going to talk to you like a sister. Life is long. Challenges today are training for tomorrow. Hang on."
Whatever my week looks like, speaking to a thousands of people, or the day-to-day duties that comes with raising 5 year old twin girls, I make a point of 'washing off' anxious energy. Because trees absorb C02, I head to the woods and exhaaaale all my stress and swears and staleness in exchange for fresh, pure oxygen.
I never feel worse after a walk in the woods and this year, I chose to share my 'hiding spot' with others. The Second Sunday of each month I lead a guided mindful walking tour group. Grounding, breath work, setting intentions, sensory isolation, fresh air and meaningful conversations happen along the 4 stops of the 75 minute tour.
Loneliness, isolation and solitude are not the same things. Intentional solitude is carving out the time to think the BIG thoughts, ask the BIG questions. It's making the time to check out in order to check in. Sharing this practice and my sacred space has been a joy this year.
Imagine the United Nations but for the Faiths of the World. That is the Parliament of the World's Religions. The Parliament happens 4 times a year and this year it was in Toronto so when I was asked last minute to facilitate, I JUMPED at this incredible opportunity.
The event was November 6th, the night of the US mid-term elections, and earlier that day I felt as it everything good in the world was on the line, as if society was awaiting a sentencing. I couldn't even look at my phone for updates! When I walked into a session at POWR, the serenity, the peace, the spirit took hold of my fears and silenced them. The conversation I lead was 'Creating Space for MultiGenerational Dialogue' supported by the Charter of Compassion. An incredible experience...
Thankful for the clients and audiences I met this fall and for my agents at the National Speakers Bureau for having my back.
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario Mental Health Summit (Kawartha Lakes), Power of the Purse Conference (London), Verity Club Speed Coaching Night (Toronto), Conestoga College Leadership Summit (Kitchener/Waterloo), College Student Alliance Advocacy Summit (Toronto) and the Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Conference (Ottawa).
December means a soft launch of my #selfcare products and Speak For Impact media training program, I begin drafting the book form of my keynote "Workplace Wellness For A Better Bottom Line", I prep for several talks in January and at some point, Santa Claus will visit my house. Yes, twins...whatever you see me do, know there are also twin girls in the picture...
Grateful for another year of service, of showing up of being supported and of moving forward!
Nova