Episode 2  - Working from home maybe your dream job, but listen to these 7 Life Matters tips for successfully working from home to prevent it from becoming a nightmare.

Life Matters at Home - episode 1
Life matters presents tips and tricks for dealing with Covid-19 at home and at work.

Expect Unexpected Storms!

Just about every year in early Spring we have an 'unexpected' winter storm. We say things like, "I can't believe it's Spring and we have snow again...I just put away all of my winter clothes...it was really nice a few days ago...I thought winter was over".

It happens every year.

The previous Ice Storm on December 22nd, 2013 taught 10 life changing lessons:

1. Although we assumed that the older trees could withstand the storm, they had the most difficulty. Because their limbs were not as flexible as the younger trees, they broke under the weight of the ice and snow.

Longevity does not always equal strength.

2. Electricity and gas was cut off, people became immobilized; unable to work, go to school or attend to everyday business.

If you don't Take Time, life will Make time.

3. Some loss could not be repaired. Trees were cut down, buildings demolished and, tragically, some people even lost their lives.

You never truly appreciate what you have until it's gone.

4. It took time to replant and rebuild. Some neighbourhoods looked barren without their trees. It would take seasons before things would be the same again.

Accepting change is sometimes hard.

5.  Roads and neighbourhoods  were blocked in for days because we didn't have the resources or manpower to manage the disaster. 

Preparation is the key to success.

6. Family, friends and neighbours got together to share their homes, food and resources. Strangers helped one another to move cars on roadways.

Family, friends and even strangers will be with you in times of trouble.

7. While the storm was raging, the trees sparkled like ornaments on a Christmas tree as the sunlight poured on them.

There is still beauty in the midst of the storm.

8. The cities were able to plant new hardier trees which can withstand storms. Crisis management protocols were established, methods of communication were enhanced, families began to prepare for potential disasters by purchasing flashlights, storing non-perishable food items and planning ahead.

Crisis can stimulate knowledge and progress.

9. Multiple millions were spent to replant trees, fix buildings and remove debris. Plant nurseries as well as small and large contractors  of various sectors were employed to rectify the results of the storm. Commercial industries made millions of dollars.

There is opportunity in a crisis.

10. After the storm, spring bulbs under the earth sprung up, gardens flourished and summer came. Beaches and parks filled with people walking, barbecuing and having picnics under the sun and stars.

There is life after the storm.

Life is full of ups and downs, it's never a straight line. The tough times create  preparedness, necessary change, knowledge, opportunity, kindness,  thankfullness and appreciation.

There is purpose in every storm.

Live on Purpose!

BYE, FELICIA!

The iconic 1995 movie called Friday staring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker and John Witherspoon coined the phrase, "BYE, FELICIA". Just hearing this, you can imagine someone holding up their hand, saying it and walking away. A friend  introduced me to this phrase and I get it!

Although I don't agree with the profanity in this movie co- written by Ice Cube, I  know where he was coming from.

Aren't you tired of the Crazy?

Crazy people doing Crazy things, and, if that's not bad enough, the part that gets me is that they expect you to go along with the Crazy too, or what? They'll get upset?

Oh, please.

In my book, Awakening to Reinvention, I write about the abnormal becoming the normal; if you do something wrong long enough it seems okay.

How do you define Crazy? Living on the edge when they can't fly, doing what they shouldn't do, and saying what they shouldn't say.

BYE, FELICIA!

Along with the 'Me Too' movement is now,  'NOT ME!'

Mind numbing conversations, Not Me!

Predictable,  unpredictable behaviour, Not Me!

Irrational thinking, Not Me!

I'M OUT!

I'm speaking on behalf of everyone who has a Felicia in their life; Felicia you have 60 days notice to vacate.

I take that back, you've got to go now,  and by the way, leave my stuff!

You see, you have less time ahead of you than behind so pass on the Crazy. You don't have time to waste.

This is not about tearing anyone down, it's about building yourself up.

So.

BYE, FELICIA😊

You Are The Author of Your Life!

What story are you telling about your life right now? Is it a good or bad one? Does your story involve a sense of helplessness, powerless or foreboding?

When you sit down with family or a friend, what is the main essence of your conversation after all of the small talk?

I like to think of our lives as a story in a movie, are you the main actor or the supporting cast? Is there a main actor who is staring in your movie; child, boss, friend, spouse, etc. Do they have all of the major scenes?

Its time to change your story if you don't like it.

You are the author of your life, the main actor, the one who gets paid top dollar, the fancy green room and the specially catered food.

I challenge you to take some time to re-write YOUR story.

You don't have time, you're too busy.

No worries, your life will go on WITHOUT YOU.

Don't forget those main actors in your life still have some dramatic scenes to play out. As the supporting cast in your life,  you will be given a few lines to respond, hopefully you won't get written out.

Hmmmm.

Instead.

Take all of the circumstances that you don't like in your life story and write them from a positive perspective; what you've learned, what you are going to do to fix it, what you will say,  what your future will be like, how good you feel and look.

Don't settle.

Begin to believe it, own your new story now, embrace it!

Live on Purpose!

A Room With A View

A good friend of mine had a lovely picture window in her Condo. It was large and looked out to a beautiful wooded area and ravine. Often I sat by that window, looking out at the serenity of nature.

When she told me that she planned to move, I immediately thought of that window. She would loose that beautiful view and the beaming sunlight that shone through that window in the morning.

Would she ever find that again?

We took a drive to her new condo. As the door opened I saw not one window but wall to wall windows over looking a beautiful park and woods with a river running through it!  Not a building in sight.

Every window through out her new condo embraced nature, abundantly.

Not just one.

Immediately, I got a life lesson. There is a saying that, "The problem with change is that people often overestimate what they have and underestimate what they may gain by changing".

True.

I was so enthralled by the window in her other condo that I never imagined that another view could be tremendously better, by far.

Change.

What are you looking at in your life right now that you're  afraid of changing? If you stay where you are you'll never know what greatness was on store for you just by jumping and trusting your parachute!

Live on Purpose!

The Royal Wedding..You Go Meagan!

~Happy Monday~

Nex·us
ˈneksəs

"A connection or series of connections linking two or more things."

The continued evolution of  Monarchy ideals established for hundreds of years has come to this inevitable nexus.

This engagement of Prince Harry and Meagan marks a new era.

It represents interacial union, re-marriage after divorce, as well as an older woman marrying a younger man and just plain joy about a possible 'happily ever after'!

As I have had opportunity to discuss the upcoming nuptuals with various women, the excitement is palpable.

As women, during this time an era, we have boundless opportunities, If we see them. Self-awareness of our giftings, strengths, courage and worth can allow us to live full, exiting lives.

I'm sure, at the point of Megan's divorce, she never dreamt that she would meet and become engaged to Prince Harry. Her commitment to her life's passion and moving forward placed her on a journey toward her unexpected future.

As we share in the joy in others life's, let's be committed to also making joy moments in our own too. Embrace your Life!

You go Meagan!

Live on Purpose!

Get Ready For Spring!

~HAPPY MONDAY~

Getting Ready for Spring; Body, Mind and Spirit is here!

Get organized.

Purchase a calendar  or print a March 2018 Calendar; write your Body, Mind and Spirit Goal on March 21st (1st day of Spring), set your goals and targets.

1. Purchase the required food that you will need for 3-5 days.

Be kind to yourself.

A Daniel Diet (no meat, fish, starches, sugar, or wheat, etc.)after you've been eating like Fred Flinstone 🍖may be too much at once.

Begin gradually by omitting certain foods off your menu daily, not returning them,  add in good, healthy foods that you like🥑

Prepare your menu.

Purchase recommended vitamins for your body, hair, nails and skin; set them where you will remember to take them daily.

2. Schedule a Physical with your doctor or naturopath if you have not had one in over a year.

Commit  the days and times that you will be exercising. make it fun...

Don't forget to have your healthy snack prepared so that you don't binge eat when you're done.

3. BELIEVE! Meditate each morning on good things, see yourself achieving your goal for that day!

Plan what will be your reward at the end of the day (joy).

Journal what you are thankful for everyday!

4. Feed your Mind and Spirit! Edit out routines and television programs that are not positive, add inspirational ones.

5. Finally, get to bed on time for the next 21 days; women need 8-10 hours a night.

Set up a relaxing night time routine; candle/dim light, soft music or read a book, aromatherapy- lavender or vanilla or listen to a motivational talk...

YOU CAN DO IT!

Live on Purpose!

Cape Adventures! - Life Matters VLOG

Happy Monday!

How To Get Out of Town Fast: Lessons From The Cape - Life Matters VLOG

Happy Monday!

Forget About It - Life Matters VLOG

Happy Monday!

The Abnormal Becomes The Normal - Life Matters VLOG

Happy Monday!

Who cares! - Life Matters VLOG

Happy Monday-ish!

Awakening to Reinvention Excerpt, Life Lesson Number Two....

HAPPY MONDAY!

EXCERPT FROM AWAKENING TO REINVENTION

Chapter Two:
~When Something Doesn't Seem to Make Sense, it Does; You Just Don't Know All The Facts~

Knowing and Trusting this principle will save you a lot of time, conversation, arguments....

Once you've done your due dillligence- you've thought and prayed, you've surveyed the situation- if the circumstance doesn't make sense, it will in time...

The challenge, of course, is your peace while you wait. My suggestion to you is to get busy; a preoccupied mind cannot think of two things at once...

TO READ MORE PURCHASE AWAKENING TO REINVENTION AT AMAZON.CA OR WWW.MYLIFEMATTERS.CA

Live On Purpose!

Finding Joy!

It's Time to Exhale!

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to do a Road Trip. I love hitting the road, map in one hand, destination in the other. There's something about spending time on the road in great conversation, good music and also in your own thoughts that you just can't get on a plane.

So, I did it. Just like that; I woke up one morning and decided it was time to get back on the road; set the destination  in one day. Got a map, filled my Thermos with Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee,  jumped into the Sahara,  Jazz CD's,  and headed to Cape Cod.

The Enroute Gas, food stops and Cracker Barrels became like Light House Beacons, calling drivers of the Interstate highways to fill up, stretch and grab a fresh cup of hot coffee for the journey ahead!

This was living the dream for me. Although I loved road trips I had given them up, but that day I realized that I  had made up my mind that my life was mine to live.

Hyannis, Province Town,  Martha's Vineyard, sand dunes, cedar houses, lobster and crab cakes, mmmmm.

Life Lesson; enjoy your life, it is a Blessing!

Live On Purpose!

Travelling Music

HAPPY MONDAY

It's Time To Exhale!

Whenever I travel on a long Road Trip I like to have a few things along; a Thermos, a map and good music. It seems that when I'm travelling on those long roads, certain songs permeate my journey. I just know that in the future, when I hear that particular music, I'll remember exactly where I was when I was listening to it and the joy it brought me. Whether on the I-90, 407, 401....where ever! 

Music  compells the senses and crystallizes memories.

Another great thing to listen to are audio  books and stories. On a few trips we took old radio shows like The Flash, Alfred Hitchcock, The Twilight Zone....amazing! They bring out your imagination through sound and dialog.

Finding Your Joy is a self discovery  journey unique to you. It's not about your parents, spouse, child, or friends. It's essential to good emotional and physical  health.

If you like to drive, then plan a trip now and go for it. Visit a friend, family, re-visit or find someplace new that you always wanted to go to.  Take someone along and enjoy wonderful conversations.  The act of planning will bring you joy, excitement and increase those feel good endorphins!

Live  On Purpose!

Isn't It Time You Exhaled?

Happy Monday!

In every life there comes a moment when you have to make a decision to  EXHALE...

Exhaling is the choice to Let go and move forward in your own life.

The 1995 iconic movie, Waiting To Exhale based on a book by Terry McMillan exemplified this term.

Four friends; Savannah (Whitney Houston), Robin (Lela Rochon), Bernardino (Angela Bassett) and Gloria (Loretta Devine) each had differing perspectives on relationships. All begin their stories New Year's Eve. We follow them through one year; ending the subsequent New Year's Eve.

All friends seeking love eventually come to the realization, over that year, that they must truly love themselves in order to find the right man for their life.

Whether it's a relationship, career or any other major decision in your life, it's important to know who you are first  to make a choice that's best for you. You will have various opinions and thoughts from others but ultimately you must do it alone.

By doing this you will truly know what's best FOR YOU.

Isn't it time you EXHALED?

Live on Purpose!

Empathy vs. Sympathy

I had the opportunity to research on the topic of Empathy vs. Sympathy.

I would like to share this clip with you by Brent Brown...It's short, sweet and life changing.

Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

Live on Purpose!

That Trial is The key to Your Destiny

I remember watching a story of a woman who was incarcerated for a crime. She was so distraught because she believed that she had ruined the rest of her life. In this despair she asked if there was any hope for her.

The answer was profound. She was advised that it was this adversity that would be the foundation to her greatness.

Only she could speak to others who had committed a crime and needed a second chance.

Only she could relate to those in despair because of a crime they committed.

Only she could show that you can rise above that particular circumstance.

There were steps she had to do first though:
1. Recognize what she had done; be honest
2. Apologize to those who she had hurt if possible and if they would allow it
3. Forgive herself
4. Attempt restitution if possible
5. Be open and honest about her life going forward, within reason...no big secrets
6. Look for the Life Lessons from her experience and learn from them
7. Begin to help others; be intentional
8. Despite and in spite, be determined to live a great life!

There would be no easy way around it; she had to go through it one day at a time.

This is a lesson for all of us. We all have trials and circumstances that we would love to change but there are no 'do-overs'.

Work through 1 to 7 and then embrace number 8!

Live On Purpose!

🎵You're Gonna Make It After All🎶

HAPPY MONDAY!

If you're old enough you'll remember this T. V. Theme song...it's actually called Love is All Round by Sonny Curtis. 

Can you guess the show?

Yes, it's the Mary Tyler Moore Show!  For those of you who don't remember or never knew,  the program, named after its name sake, MTM is about a thirty-ish young woman named Mary Richards. She moved to Minneapolis after a break up and begins working at WJM-TV as an associate producer.

Unlike today's sitcom which focus primarily on sex and relationships, this 1970s program was a significant show of its era due to its female lead. It depicted an independent woman who strove for career significance  in a male dominated news room. Although she had male interests from time to time, she appeared to enjoy her singleness in her Studio apartment.

Louis Grant, Murray Slaughter, Ted Baxter, Sue Anne Nivens, all co-workers at one time or another needing direction and sage advice from Mary. Who can forget Rhoda Morgenstern her beloved friend upstairs.

Life is not a sitcom but, as a woman you may be able to relate to her character; single, a lost love, a new job, a major life change, no mister right, financially making it on your own..... it's tough but, you're resilliant, smart, courageous and cute too!

Dont give up! Dont quit, your best days are ahead!

🎵"Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it's you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can never tell, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all
You're gonna make it after all

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone
But it's time you started living
It's time you let someone else do some giving

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can never tell, why don't you take it

You might just make it after all
You might just make it after all"🎶

Live on Purpose!