YES. I. CAN. (and will)

YES. I. CAN (and will)

These are also my words for today. Here's what I'm thinking:

I CAN do anything I put my mind to.
I will NOT accept anything less than mediocre and will not settle or compromise my beliefs or what I believe I can achieve.
I WILL be a positive influence and role model.
I WILL be successful (measured by my own definition...not as defined by others)
I WILL be financially independent
I WILL be organized
I WILL be able to manage my time to allow me to volunteer more to those areas that truly allow me to feel my sense of purpose and fulfillment
I WILL spend more time with my partner and family and not feel guilty about it, while not changing the quality of service I offer.
I WILL accept financial responsibility for the things that are happening and ensure things will not be repeated or unnecessary spending & stick to budget.
I WILL dedicate to have one or two vacations a year.
I WILL accept things as a challenge and not defeat. I shall persevere and be a better, strong person for it.

****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****

Outrage At the Treatment of Women (*warning-disturbing Video)

Outrage At the Treatment of Women (*warning-disturbing Video)

I came across this video a few moments ago. It is extremely sad and disturbing to me. I am feeling both grateful and guilty. Really, why am I feeling guilty? Because I was blessed and fortunate enough to be in a Country that I am? I'm not bringing this pain to the women and do they really have any choices to leave?

Anyway, it leaves me to feel, what is my purpose here? It doesn't feel like enough for me to wake up every day do my scheduled daily things and then just come home feeling satisfied that I had a productive day at work, have great clients/friends/family, etc. Something or someone (whatever your beliefs are) is telling me there is more and a greater purpose. I need to leave this world with the satisfaction that I used my voice and words to make a difference.

It's no secret that I too, as Independant as I am, was in an abusive relationship once. Note the word ONCE and that was enough history that I need to have. With every fibre of my being, I will never let that happen again. I had never been in one before so why settle and accept being told what to do by a husband (my first one in my twenties....not the man I'm with now) as a young adult? Anyway, I digress.... What I remember from that experience because it was in another Country, I ran to the police station and they brought me right back home in the back of the pickup truck, for all the neighbours to see, knocked on the door and said to my husband "here's your wife, you need to deal with her and take care of your business". I remember feeling like I was someone's property. If you haven't been in a situation like that can you imagine the humility I felt? Wow. I'm fortunate I had my family here in Canada (most notably my grandmother) to get me out....alive.

Anyway, this blog is not about me. If you're reading this and in any abusive situation verbally, physical or otherwise, evaluate your self-worth and if children involved - don't pass on the pattern of behaviour. You ARE valued and loved. You ARE worth something and a human being. Don't try to argue back and get defensive because it's totally a control thing and the abuser will never get it. They will never change and they're not respecting you. There is a better life for you....there is a LIFE for you. Just GET OUT. Go to another City, Province, whatever! Start over, get a new life and don't believe he/she will ever change no matter how much they promise you.

My heart goes out to all of you. My heart goes out to 22 year-old Fatima, the woman in this video.
Here's an exerpt: 22-y old Fatima who has been abused and injured by her cruel husband in Herat. Her toes were cut off by her husband, she was burnt by hot water, he hair were pulled...

I will not post the photos here. You can google "Rawa Org" if you wish but I warn you, it's extremely disturbing.

So, I will end on this note that as my wonderful man is calling me for dinner that he's lovingly prepared for this Good Friday/Easter (and calling me now so I better run......) I will say a prayer and blessing for all and have my moment of gratitude. I did not mean to post as a matter to make anyone depressed (sorry) or for this to be a dark blog. I hope that it's just for you to realize that no matter what challenge you may be facing today, rise above it and look at it as a challenge to overcome and there are better days and most certainly things could be worse. That's what I will take from this.


More happy blogs later I promise! Have a wonderful Easter, however you celebrate if religious or not!

Some Thoughts for the Day

Some Thoughts for the Day....

'May today there be peace within.. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'

Came Across this Video...inspirational for this Generation...or rather "LOST GENERATION" 


and this one inspired by another girl:

****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****

I'm Back! Hello Fellow Empowering Women - What an eye opener!

Hello fellow empowering women. Did you miss my updates?

Well, what an eyeopener Cuba was. It was a much needed opportunity for r & r and I can honestly say I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I've been back a few days now and as much as stressful situations have come at me, I'm doing my best so my shoulders remain down and not at my ears. That of course, is when the headaches and frustrations start, right ladies?

Was so happy to see a female police officer in Cuba & times of change

I know you know what I mean. We wear so many hats don't we? I was reflecting on that while I was away and trying to figure out how I can keep this sense of peace with me upon return to this thing we call life. When did it become necessary for us to become overscheduled and crazy? How many times have you said to your friends you can't make something because career,activity or family had to be the priority. I know that I can say I feel a tremendous personal guilt to disappoint someone but it's just the way our lives have become. So, to my friends, I'm sorry that I just can't be everywhere at once and if I've disappointed you, it's not that I love or respect you any less. We should try one big summer thing and maybe that will solve that :)

Anyway, Cuba was wonderful. Thank goodness I spoke Spanish as I don't know how some people get by. My suggestion, if you go in with lower expectations, you won't be disappointed...especially with the customer service aspect of it. I'm glad we chose the hotel we did as it seemed to be one of the better ones and though rated 5 star, I'd give it a 3 1/2 to 4. Also grateful we did a google search to find out food is, on average, "bland" so we brought along a mixture of spices & condiments. (Don't worry about bringing back in the Country, we left them for the locals & gifted to staff).

We went to Varadero & Havana. Between Jay and I we brought a suitcase each of gifts and presents. It's such a different world there. They're so exclusive and because of the embargo, just really don't have anything. Their gratitude was amazing. We brought them skipping ropes, bubbles, soap, antibacterial soap, baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, tissues, deodorant, eyeshadows, lipsticks, gum, toilet paper. Sounds odd I know but they're things they either can't get there or really, really expensive. It was very rewarding to outside some of the children's classes and give them gifts. We'd also be walking down the street and give them to unsuspecting people playing at their homes or waiting for buses.

Question for you and it's going to be really, really personal....have you ever tried to go #2 while squatting because you don't sit on the toilet seat? Okay, so usually if there's no toilet seat cover you'd cover with toilet paper right? Okay well there, they don't supply toilet paper NOR were there any toilet seats in public places (only in the hotel). So what else would you suggest? Yeah, can we say awkward? Check out the hand dryer in the bathroom stall I included as a photo. It was hilarious but again, a luxury item. Boy do we take things for granted!

Canada, I may complain at times, but thank you. I love my Country and grateful for our luxuries.

I also must say that I was impressed (I included a photo) to see a female officer. I took a photo and glad she was able to accomodate me. She was the only one I saw and in a Communist Country was impressed to see it's progression of a woman in the field :)

More later. I must run to get ready for the Ballroom Blitz. Our dress give-away is going well. I met a very lovely girl whom stood out and overcoming many obstacles. I was so happy I was assigned to be her personal shopper and was in tears by the time she left. I fell in love with her and if she ever wanted me to be her big sister or mentor, she can call on me anytime for support.

Well, I'm happy to be back and hope you all have a very successful and blessed day. I will update more later!

Could This Be You?

Public Service Announcement - Could This Be You?

I came across this interesting video that is a Public Service announcement. I have to caution you that it is a little disturbing but it's an account of what happened that night (from Police records) between Chris Brown and Rihanna. Like I said in my earlier post, she needs to set an example and I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in this thinking. They're in the spotlight and A new video by the teen organization DoSomething.org features actors recreating the pop star's grim, highly publicized confrontation with her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.
A young man and woman re-enact details from a Los Angeles police affidavit alleging that on Feb. 8, Brown punched, bit and choked Rihanna until she nearly lost consciousness.
A narrator describes the scene in a deadpan voice.

Below is an quote from Nancy Lublin, chief executive officer of DoSomething.org. :

"The brief clip can be viewed on YouTube. It closes with the statistic that one in three teenagers is abused in a relationship, and promotes free bracelets _ one blue, two black _ that spread awareness about dating abuse.
Lublin said the goal is to make people think and change their behavior. The organization used white actors on purpose to shift the conversation away from the celebrity singers."

"The public is very focused right now on Chris and Rihanna," she said. "I think people need to realize that this is an issue that goes beyond those particular people, and it affects everybody of every race. And so we wanted this to not be an exact re-enactment. We wanted instead to say: Could this be you?" (trigger warning)

Last Post then...Vacation!

Everyone needs a little r & r. What's your favourite thing to do?

At some point we all need to get rejuvenated and refreshed. It's been seven (7) long years and looking forward to reconnecting with my loved one. We seem to give 100% to everything that unfortunately we can inadvertantly take advantage of those closest to us.

I'm looking forward to it and as always, looking forward to a new, fresh perspective. I absolutely love what I do, love my friends, clients, family but have to love me more. Not in a selfish way and if you're a women reading this, there's nothing wrong with that. We give so much to everyone else, there's nothing wrong taking time for ourselves. We're not super woman/man and need to know our limits.

So, I'd like to leave you with a challenge. Write daily at least three things you're grateful for. Even if you're having a really rotten day, look inside really deep and force yourself to write down three things. Hopefully as you look outside at the sunshine, you'll have a smile on your face and gain a different perspective on things. Challenge yourself, love yourself and you'll be able to find the inner strength to get you through.

Love and be loved. Hope you have a wonderful, life altering week!

Kids, Money & Our Responsibility

**this is a re-post and credit to Heather Locus** I share the EXACT same view on this which is part of my emphasis and reason for "EMPOWERING WOMEN * INSPIRING CHANGE"

Credit cards, college debt, a sense of entitlement… These issues are considered to be large contributors in why Generation Y has become our least financially fit generation to date. An interview in the Journal of Financial Planning with Elisabeth Donati, Founder and Executive of Creative Wealth International, offered the following insights about younger generations and their growing money troubles. 

Young adults under 25 are now the fastest growing age group filing bankruptcies. Less than 10% of high school graduates are taking any courses on personal finance. College suicides are thought to be on the rise in large part due to financial struggles. As parents or role models of younger generations, it is our responsibility to lead by example in our own financial lives. It is also important that we take steps to educate and communicate with our children to set them up for their own successful financial futures. This initiative yields several questions. 

When? When do we begin talking to our kids about money? Experiences have shown that in general, the earlier the better. An individual’s emotions and subconscious outlook on wealth are formed within the first twelve years of a person’s life. Feelings of scarcity or abundance and thriftiness or generosity are generally established at a young age and will continue to exist in the underlying foundation of a person’s attitude towards money regardless of future life changing events. 

What? What information do we share with our children? This question is not as difficult when dealing with younger kids, but becomes more complicated as they grow older. With younger children, it may be sufficient to teach them the value of a dollar, emphasize the importance of saving, and maybe share the significance of monetary gifting. 

These values should continue to be reinforced as children grow older, but with young adults the question arises as to how much should be shared about the family’s financial situation. Many people these days are more comfortable talking with their children about the birds and the bees than they are discussing personal financial issues. While each family’s answer to the question of what information should be shared will be different, the important point is to make sure that you do not avoid addressing real-world, adult financial topics. College planning may be a stimulus for discussion. Negotiating for a child’s first real job or first home purchase could spark conversation. Regardless, it is imperative that you share your experiences and at least lay the groundwork for serious discussions about your family’s wealth management plan. 

How? How do you effectively instill in your children appropriate values and education about money? My best advice: be proactive and be creative. Do not wait for your children to make mistakes before addressing financial concerns. If you do not feel qualified to discuss an issue, work with your financial advisor to plan the best approach or message. Creatively teach the concept of budgeting to your children at an early age. If they have $3 of spending money left at the water park they can either have a hot dog or another ride on the slide – but they cannot afford both. You can help your newly driving children build good credit by having them open a credit card solely for gas purchases (and then of course ensuring that they are paying it off in full each month). For older children who move back home, you could charge “rent” to help them adjust to paying monthly expenses, put that money into an appreciating savings account and then allow them to use that money towards their first month’s payment when they are ready to move out on their own. 

Ultimately there are no definitive right or wrong answers when it comes to teaching our younger generations about money. Without a doubt, our biggest mistake would be to disregard Generation Y’s growing financial problems. When just setting a good example is not enough, it is important that we take the time and energy to educate and communicate with the kids in our life to help foster healthier financial futures for everyone.


Bloggers note: If you click on the title it will take you to "Kids' Money" . org which provides various links, info and more suggestions. I do not maintain that site and it's only a suggestion. I also found "Ways to Teach Kids About Money" and "Money Instructor"(which had some cool printables & games), "Top Things to Know" -from CNN and "Getting Started" - From Marketwatch Feel free to Google and more suggestions appreciated. Feel free to post them here!
****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****