Writing from the heart

All night I have had this urge to write, no idea what I am going to write about, just this knowing...   so here goes...

Each week I endeavour to spend at least two hours researching and writing for my book, it doesn't always work that way, however it is always interesting that what I need to find appears...  This evening as I was on Facebook I had the pleasure of coming across Lisa Nichols website Motivating the Teen Spirit http://www.motivatingtheteenspirit.com/ all I can say is WOW...  An emotion welled up deep inside as I watched the video on this incredible website and phenomenal program.

My last post I wrote about reading Scott Schilling's book "Talking with Giants", this past week I have had numerous situations where my story has inspired someone... our family is attending the Hitmen game this Friday that supports the Distress Centre http://www.distresscentre.com/ .... the thoughts of an incredible lunch with an amazing Calgary businessman who lost his son to suicide keeps popping into my head & heart...a discussion today that reminded me of the stigma around mental illness and suicide...  hmmm  here's the universe again giving me a good slap upside the head...

How is it, that suicide which takes from us so many people is still so taboo in our society?    Why????  My personal belief is a lack of education, awareness and understanding...  How can we as human beings - parents, siblings, husbands, wives, friends.. best support someone in crisis if we don't know what to look for, who to turn to for support, who you can or cannot speak to (without fear of judgement)    Let me ask you this... if you found a lump in your breast do you know where to go???  If you were experiencing bouts of crying spells, lack of sleep, withdrawing and staying to yourself... do you know where to go???

This needs to change!!!  Our society needs to be open to the TRUTH... I would have to say every time I share my story, at least 90% of people will either say... I have been there, or I lost a loved one to suicide... and on many occasions - I am the first person they are opening up to...  IT IS REAL... and it's not going away, in fact the statistics are climbing higher and higher each year...  

PLEASE... if you are in crisis, reach out for help:  a loved one, your Doctor, in Calgary call the Distress Centre 24 hour Crisis Line 403.266.1605 or 911  there IS support for you... 

I thought I would finish this post with a short story submission I wrote a while back... please feel free to share this with anyone that you feel may benefit...

From Desperation to Passion & Purpose” – A personal journey from Depression & Attempted Suicide.


In the front entrance, I lay on the floor wrapped in the fetal position. I am rocking myself back and forth sobbing uncontrollably and screaming out for someone to help me, to stop the pain, to end this existence. My 5 year old daughter is due home any minute and I am filled with extreme anxiety. My heart is beating so quickly that it feels like it is going to explode through my chest, I am sweating profusely and am now having troubles breathing. My daughter arrives home and it takes every ounce of energy in me to appear remotely normal, however the tears keep coming. Her beautiful blue eyes are filled with fear and panic, she doesn’t know what to do. She embraces me and keeps saying “Mommy it’s going to be Okay, you’re okay.” I call my husband and he comes home early from work yet again.

Anyone who has experienced depression and/or an anxiety attack knows the feeling of such hopelessness, fear and panic. In 2004, I was admitted into a psychiatric ward for depression and anxiety disorder, believed to have stemmed from untreated post partum depression. The desperation I felt on October 31, 2004 led me to make three attempts on my life, the last attempt resulted in my sitting by the reservoir with a broken beer bottle; as I began to draw blood at my wrist, two little birds flew into the lifeless tree beside me. I could see my two precious little girls; my angels, and at that moment I decided I wanted to live.

I made a conscious decision to accept how ill I truly was and to surrender. At that point, I was able to move forward with tiny baby steps, taking a minute at a time, then an hour, slowly rebuilding my life that had seemingly been stripped away.

This past 5 years have been a journey into finding and re-connecting with my inner strength and beauty. Speaking openly about my Depression and Attempted Suicide, at times brings a feeling of discomfort from the person I am speaking to, a reminder that mental illness is still a taboo subject. For the most part, people will open up about their own personal struggle (or someone they love) with mental illness, I listen with empathy and compassion, and am proud to say I have inspired others to choose life instead of death.

Overcoming what I did, proved to me that I have strong character traits: Strength, Courage, Resilience and an un-wavering gratitude for Life! Since that time, I have dedicated myself to personal development and growth, which has brought clarity to my life purpose of inspiring and empowering others. This has led me to fulfilling my dream of running my own company, which through commitment, dedication and passion is proving to be filled with Abundance & Prosperity.  If I can do it.... SO CAN YOU!

Hugs

Healthy Society.... Giving Back

Just finished a fantastic book by Scott Schilling called "Talking with Giants" http://www.talkingwithgiants.com/  The gift I received from reading this, was the "commitment" of each of the giants Scott interviewed (including Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Cynthia Kersey...) to support philanthropic causes, it has given me even more inspiration to continue on the journey of giving back.  Thank you Scott!

On this note, how wonderful that this months 5 Pillars of Health Event features to incredible young girls who are an inspiration to everyone for giving back.  I have been fortunate and blessed to meet both of these girls and share in their passion and enthusiasm for philanthropy.

Madison Lindstrom is 16 years old, she is a successful international actor, model, dancer and philanthropist for youth around the world. 11 years ago Madison and her Mom were homeless and living on the streets. In October of 2009 Madison was flown to Bucharest, Romania to assist both Mia's Children and the AITC in the "Stop to Sexual Abuse Against Children" campaign. "All people have dreams, and I feel it is extremely important to help youth in being the best they can be. Remember, we have all required a hand-up at some point our lives." says Madison. Madison sells Stesha Tea - Orange Spice Blend, Stesha Cafe - Ethiopian Blend Coffee and Stesha Cafe - Care and Spice Coffee that are Fair Trade Organic to raise funds. View Madisons site to see the organizations she supports www.freewebs.com/madisonlindstrom   

11 Year Old Fiona Fox climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 10 to raise money for the rescue of child soldiers in Africa. Having been inspired by human rights activist Kimmie Weeks, Fiona decided to attempt the mountain to draw attention to the plight of these children. Fiona succeeded in scaling the second highest peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, only to run out of day light and have to turn back less than 700 feet of elevation from the final peak. While in Tanzania, Fiona also spoke with orphan children at St. Patricks School helping her better understand the plight of children left alone in a developing country. Fiona has been featured on the local news 7 times in the past month.  Her climb continues as her goal is to have 1000 people each donate $10 to Youth Action International - enough money to complete a school.  Support Fiona by donating at www.firstgiving.com/fionafox

Going for Gold

As we bid farewell to the inspiration and excitement of the incredible Olympic games, I am reflecting on the Clarity, Focus, Dedication and Determination it takes for an Olympic Athlete to "Go for Gold".  Taking myself back to my days of being an athlete myself - Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Cross Country Running - I remember this determination and dedication.  The exhiliration of winning a game, a medal, an award is part of the recognition of being an athlete, one of the best parts I recall is being part of a Team!  Now transferring those thoughts of being on a sports team and Going for Gold to LIFE!

Every part of my life I am part of a team - family, friends, business, personal development...  Every day I have the choice to Go for Gold in so many aspects: being a Gold Medal Mom, being a Gold Medal Wife, being a Gold Medal Friend, being a Gold Medal Leader with our Nikken Team, being a Gold Medal Vision Coach, being a Gold Medal Philanthropist...

What can you do today to Go for Gold?
Why do you want to Go for Gold?

The ongoing journey of self-discovery...

I must admit, this morning I was feeling much different to what I am feeling now.  After quite a few cancellations for an event I was hosting tonight, I felt helpless and disappointed.  I had this feeling that I was letting down Elisabeth Fayt on not having enough people, however what I was doing was attaching myself to the outcome, when the reality is "let go of the outcome" and "trust".

The 5 Pillars of Health Discovery was a phenomenal success - unexpected and very welcomed guests showed up, the venue Mount Royal Station was absolutely perfect, the energy in the room was wonderful and I truly believe everyone there walked away with a gift.  I will not make any assumptions on what other people took away from tonight, (although the conversation on the drive home with Elizabeth, Becky & myself was thought provoking, reflective and inspiring) I will share what I took away...

The gift that the beautiful Elisabeth Fayt gave me, was the gift of re-aligning with what I really, really want.  Elisabeth I will now always think of you when I listed to the Spice Girls... yes!! I listen to the Spice Girls... The gift of further self-discovery and being true to myself.  What I personally experienced from hearing Elisabeth speak this evening, is a woman who is an expert at "Pre-Paving" and the Law of Attraction, her energy very calming and her story very inspirational.

So I am going to bed (Lynne it's 11.51pm... lol) with this pre-pave...  I am grateful for the love, joy, abundance & prosperity in my life.  And tomorrow morning when I wake up, my first thought...  Today I keep my vibration high and uplift others around me.(This pre-pave is from Elisabeth's book - Paving it Forward - http://www.elisabethfayt.com/)

Thank you Elisabeth and Thank you to all the wonderful people who invested their precious time and energy to be inspired, educated and empowered!!!

Finding BALANCE in an “Everybody Wants a Piece o’ Me” World by Elisabeth Fayt

I am very grateful and blessed to have Elisabeth Fayt as the Special Guest Speaker at this weeks 5 Pillars of Health Discovery on Wednesday February 24th.  Here is a very fitting article...

Finding BALANCE in an “Everybody Wants a Piece o’ Me” World

By Elisabeth Fayt

As an international speaker, entrepreneur, and mother of three, I know “busy.” But I also know the Law of Attraction, so here are a few powerful tips for finding balance when you feel like you are being pulled in a hundred different directions.

Balance is a choice. It begins with your thought. You have the ability to talk yourself in and out of balance. It starts with the most frequently asked question, “How are you?”

Most people ask this question out of habit. It has become the automatic salutation of the western world. The fact is, rarely does anyone listen long enough to hear your response. But know for sure that the Universe, on the other hand, is always listening. And how you respond can completely change your day!

If you respond with “I’m so busy; it’s insane!” the Universe takes this as truth and gives you more reasons to feel overwhelmed. The Universe can’t take a joke. It takes you at your word! Respond instead with this: “I am blissfully productive” or “I am working on finding balance today.” Feel the peace as you say the words. Already, the Universe starts to work toward providing you with an experience of balance, joy, and harmony.

Believe me, it is that easy. Your thoughts and words are so powerful, and they are “paving the way.” Your thoughts become your INTENTIONS, and your intentions create your reality. The great thing is this ~ you can choose your thoughts!

People spend more time choosing what they are going to wear in the morning than they do choosing how they will connect with people, how they will feel, or what they will accomplish. Have you asked for balance lately? Have you chosen balance?

If you really want balance in your life, you need to ask for it! Wake up in the morning, and start the day with these thought demands, which I call Pre-Paves: “Today I find balance. I choose peace and harmony in all of my activities. I have plenty of time today to accomplish everything I desire. I feel peaceful. I love my life.” Starting the day off like this will make a significant change in the experiences you attract to yourself. Pre-paving lines up the energy to create what you want. It works like mathematics; it is energy!

Here is one last tip: Once a day or whenever you feel a little out of balance, take a quick time-out in Nature. Nature is in perfect balance, so when you immerse yourself in it, your whole outlook on life changes. Observe the tree. It lives for hundreds of years withstanding storms and insects, without making a sound. Nature grows and survives in perfect balance. When we spend even a few moments in that environment, our own energy finds its natural equilibrium. Even one brief walk down a tree-covered lane or by an ocean or riverbank can change the course of your life.

Life is a journey, not a destination, and your thoughts are at the wheel. You have everything you need to find balance in your life. There is nothing outside of you that you need to acquire. The power lies right within the realm of your own mind. Choose thoughts and words that will take you down the road of Peace and Balance.

About the Author: Elisabeth Fayt is an international speaker, owner of RnR Wellness, and bestselling author of the new book Paving it Forward. One of the featured speakers in the movie The Opus, Elisabeth is both a prominent abundance expert and a successful business woman. Find out more about Elisabeth at www.ElisabethFayt.com or email her at info@ElisabethFayt.com.

A Daughter's Anguish

I remember when I was 11 years old, what my friends thought or said about me could either crush or uplift me.   I remember the name calling, the teasing, the bitchiness and back stabbing that went on.  What crushes me is now my beautiful angel is beginning to experience and feel this pain.

Tonight, she just wanted to be with the adults, she wanted to feel grown up and not be around all the young kids.  She wanted to feel included in the adult conversation and not have to watch a "kid" movie.  Although, deep down, even though she wants to "grow up" she still just wants to play, enjoy her friends and be a kid.  Unfortunately though, the busyness of activities and life affects the time she is able to spend with those she holds dear.

"Mommy, why is it that my two best friends don't have time to play with me?  Why are girls so mean, and say terrible things about others?  Why do kids who are supposed to be my friends say terrible things about me?  When we move, what if all the kids on the street or at our new school don't like me?"

I wish I could protect my little girl from all the pain, from the hurt and sorrow.  Unfortunately, I can't - all I can do as a Mom is listen, guide and support her through her discovery and journey through life - to be authentic and true to who she really is - a caring, generous, kind and loving spirit.

I feel truly blessed, that she feels she can talk to me about her feelings, about her pain and allow herself to show her emotions.  

Our children, need us to listen, they need us to be there at times of need - yet they also need us to allow them to discover and learn through experience.  A few situations that have come up over the past month or so with her, have really tested me in handling a possible crisis in a way that has provided an opportunity for her to learn and grow, and it has brought us closer and created even more of an open relationship.

Love & Listen....

Real, Raw and Relevant

As I lay here in bed, and reflect on two incredible days at Shawne Duperon's Media Mastery Bootcamp, I feel a deep gratitude.  I feel grateful for being surrounded by real people, for seeing the raw beauty of people in their vulnerability and for the relevant topic - Dissolving Fear!

It doesn't matter who you are, what you do or where you come from, whatever your life story is - you have fears!  Even though this 2 day workshop is focused on being "exquisite" on camera, Shawne taught us skills on how to master our fears in every day life.  How to dance in your fear, how to embrace and step into your authenticity and most of all to be consciously present in the moment - honoring every person and where they are at!  I have a new found understanding and respect for the media and how as a society WE contribute to the news.

The calibre of people drawn to this event was remarkable - such a wide variety of incredible human beings, from many different walks of life, professions and in different stages of their personal growth.  This is a testament to the type of people Shawne attracts.

I am especially grateful for the authenticity that I witnessed and experienced.  Through the honesty of 3 wonderful ladies including Shawne, I had yet another opportunity to dig deep, be honest with myself and dissolve fear!  Thank you to everyone there, I look forward to seeing you on camera!

Shawne's next Media Mastery Bootcamp in Calgary is in November.  I strongly encourage and highly recommend you check it out - you will not be disappointed!  http://www.shawnetv.com/cmd.php?af=1087850

Put Your Dream to the Test

Last week I had the absolute honor of being part of the Nelson Leadership Summit in Las Vegas with some of the top leaders in Nikken.  Our focus was the book "Put Your Dream to the Test" by John C. Maxwell.

In Human's Being More (Nikken University Program) you learn about the Law of Attraction and how to manifest your dreams.  The workshop in Vegas really put my dreams to the test, and how to firmly plant them. 

Part of my role as a Vision Coach is to empower you to discover their purpose and passion, by identifying and discovering their values, vision, purpose and goals.  One of the topics I do with Workshops are Manfiestation Boards (Dream Boards) with the permission of Reid Nelson I will be incorporating this incredible workshop with the SimpLee Serene touch!  Look forward to a great opportunity to get know your Why in upcoming months.  This incredible book, will be the book study - I encourage you to check it out and as Dennis Estes said study the book, don't just read it!

http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/

Authenticity & Transparency: Phony is out - Real is In...

This evening I had the opportunity to attend an event "The Pendulum" by Michael Drew. Micheal's presentation was filled with knowledge and wisdom and another opportunity to learn and grow. The Pendulum is about a cycle of generations (in Michael's words: the predominant world view of society today). I personally found this to be a very educational and inspiring evening - I came away with an even more concrete belief in being Authentic. If you are in Edmonton and would like to attend this event tomorrow evening (Thursday January 14) watch www.facebook.com/simpleeserene1 for details...

Since 2007 I have blogged, sharing some of my most inner challenges and triumphs. Just last week I read all my posts from 2007, and have seen how I have not only grown personally, but also how much my intention & authenticity with writing has grown. Putting myself out there with honesty, through my blog has caused some chaos for myself and others, yet as I sit here and write now I know, that I have always spoken my truth. Michael shared this "We want the truth, even if it's ugly" I find this to be such a difficult statement to hear, even though I know it is true - yes I want the truth, and yes it is sometimes very ugly, however I more and more I believe that sometimes even though the truth hurts it opens up the channels for opportunity should you choose - Crisis OR Opportunity... the choice is yours.

This evening, Michael talked about our society craving Authenticity & Transparency - about community, groups of people working together, volunteerism being on the rise - a need for this generation to engage - one of the most incredible youtube videos that Michael shared this evening and that also impacted me when I first watched it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA be sure to watch this powerful video...

There are times that I have not been fully authentic - a coping mechanism I have is to withdraw when I am hurt or frustrated, to clam up and deal with my frustration internally. A clearing of air just last week with a friend has showed me that withdrawing is not the answer, that even though both of our truths were painful to share and receive, it has paved the way for a deep and meaningful honest relationship moving forward.

In the last SimpLee Serene E-zine I shared in my opening Message from Lee: 2010 is about inspiring creativity and PEOPLE... Start 2010 with a clean canvas, create the life you want to lead and find innovative ways to make healthy changes in your life and create your own Masterpiece.....

I encourage you to find a way to be Authentic, allow people the chance to see the magnificence of the REAL YOU!

Hugs

May today there be Peace within...

Elizabeth thank you for sharing this beautiful quote with me... "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 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. Author unknown...