It has been 40 days since I started counting to my 40th birthday. While it served as a ‘countdown’, the purpose was not to rush to this date (that would be too weird) but to savour every moment on the journey. By counting the days and being mindful how I spent those hours, I maintained a sense of gratitude that filled my days with happiness at a level I have never experienced before.
Now, on the first day of my 40s, I am feeling happier in my own skin than ever before. I am fulfilled at home, at work, at play and at peace. I’m enjoying this road of life and all the wonder each day brings. Today I was fortunate enough to wake up to two healthy and loving children. I spent the day with friends and family. The sun was shining and I was, too. These are the greatest gifts. I cannot express how grateful I am.
To those who have been following the blog, this will be the last post here. Thank you for your feedback. Please tune into my regular blog which will now get more attention. You will find me at http://lisaquinton.blogspot.com.
Here’s to Living in Possibility no matter what your age. God bless.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 1 and I'm Saying Goodbye to my Thirties!
It’s not that I fell off the radar for the past week as I count toward the BIG 4-0, but as I suspected when I wrote on Day 9, I have been up to my eyeballs in excitement! I was blessed with the BEST EVER birthday party on Day 5 and my sleep patterns are still adjusting. My professional career has been in overdrive and I’ve been working until midnight most nights. A gal can only keep that pace going for so long until, like last night, I crashed big time!
On this last day of my 30s, I spent time doing things that are important to me. I do wish there were more hours in this day but I know that tomorrow will bring more wonderful gifts – all of kinds – and I will continue to be full of gratitude.
Goodbye to my THIRTIES! You have been a decade of much change, challenge, beauty, bliss… The main thing is that they are ending just where they are. I am happy to be here, just where I am!
On this last day of my 30s, I spent time doing things that are important to me. I do wish there were more hours in this day but I know that tomorrow will bring more wonderful gifts – all of kinds – and I will continue to be full of gratitude.
Goodbye to my THIRTIES! You have been a decade of much change, challenge, beauty, bliss… The main thing is that they are ending just where they are. I am happy to be here, just where I am!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day 9 and All I can say is "Oh MY!"
As the days move quickly by and the big 4-0 draws nearer, I cannot contain my excitement! This is a full week and I keep exclaiming “Oh My” to myself as I think of what needs to be done, fuelled by the energy of the abundance in my life. So, here’s a glimpse (just in case I’m not able to provide a daily update – it’s THAT kind of week!) of what is in store for the Birthday Girl as she wears her many hats…
• Getting together with fabulous people all week long. I live for connection!!! It is my purpose, and I have got it going on this week. Coffee dates, back adjustments, workshops, committee meetings, conference calls, presentations, volunteer work, keynote speeches, parties, concerts and glamour appointments…
• ME time as I get in a walk in the woods or plunk myself on the beach (or simulated activities at home since we are so weather-dependent).
• Great news from my friends who are all living life on purpose. Man, my facebook account has been blowing up with good vibes. Awesome!
• Trip to Gander which was unexpected. Can I afford the time away from the computer and the cell phone? You bet! I can’t wait for 3 hours of silence each way… or the sound of my own voice and I prepare for upcoming speeches. A night in a hotel is always nice, too.
• Big contract signed today with the provincial government for a speaking engagement THIS Friday!! It is going to be soooo awesome. They are buying Robin Sharma’s book for everyone on my recommendation. So cool.
• Another extremely cool thing… client from next week is purchasing TIARAs for conference participants in honour of the Princess of Possibility. Isn’t that wicked??? Seriously.
• Final night of my 4-week workshop with the fabulous ladies who have become dear friends. We are celebrating in a special way, too, with a potluck at my house on Friday.
• And Friday night… it’s GIRLS NIGHT at the Palace of Possibility. I am kicking the celebration into high gear 5 days early!! Why not? Will be amazing… what a guest list! Love to all my lady friends who spread their love and light into my life daily.
Yikes! My near-40-year-old back is reminding me that it is time to cuddle with Cornflake and get some rest for another fun-filled day tomorrow. Oh my!
• Getting together with fabulous people all week long. I live for connection!!! It is my purpose, and I have got it going on this week. Coffee dates, back adjustments, workshops, committee meetings, conference calls, presentations, volunteer work, keynote speeches, parties, concerts and glamour appointments…
• ME time as I get in a walk in the woods or plunk myself on the beach (or simulated activities at home since we are so weather-dependent).
• Great news from my friends who are all living life on purpose. Man, my facebook account has been blowing up with good vibes. Awesome!
• Trip to Gander which was unexpected. Can I afford the time away from the computer and the cell phone? You bet! I can’t wait for 3 hours of silence each way… or the sound of my own voice and I prepare for upcoming speeches. A night in a hotel is always nice, too.
• Big contract signed today with the provincial government for a speaking engagement THIS Friday!! It is going to be soooo awesome. They are buying Robin Sharma’s book for everyone on my recommendation. So cool.
• Another extremely cool thing… client from next week is purchasing TIARAs for conference participants in honour of the Princess of Possibility. Isn’t that wicked??? Seriously.
• Final night of my 4-week workshop with the fabulous ladies who have become dear friends. We are celebrating in a special way, too, with a potluck at my house on Friday.
• And Friday night… it’s GIRLS NIGHT at the Palace of Possibility. I am kicking the celebration into high gear 5 days early!! Why not? Will be amazing… what a guest list! Love to all my lady friends who spread their love and light into my life daily.
Yikes! My near-40-year-old back is reminding me that it is time to cuddle with Cornflake and get some rest for another fun-filled day tomorrow. Oh my!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Day 10 and I am Mommy, Hear me Roar!
I’ve heard talk about Mothers’ Day being this dream-like day where Moms everywhere sit back and relax and don’t have to lift a finger. I’ve heard talk that Moms are taken out for dinner and given presents like flowers and spa certificates and such. I’ve even heard that, if there’s a man around, that she might even get a little extra-special attention, if you know what I mean… Hmm.
It’s 10 days before my 40th birthday and Mothers’ Day to boot. My day didn’t look like any of the above. No relaxing. Lots of fingers lifted – cooking, cleaning, caring, working, reading, writing. No restaurant meals. No flowers. No spa. And, alas, no extra-special attention… Sigh.
[Sound of needle scratching a record] Wow! For a moment, you thought you were reading someone else’s blog; not one belonging to a Professional Motivator. I even had to shake my head as I re-read what I wrote. It’s really not like me to focus on what I don’t have… especially on days of celebration. But I do have my moments, like everyone. Luckily, I drop-kicked that ego as quickly as she dared raised her voice inside my head. I am Mommy, Here me Roar!
As a Mommy, I love unconditionally. And I am grateful to be reminded every day of my capacity to love and be loved. It started on August 4, 1998 – or maybe even before when my belly was growing exponentially and I couldn’t eat enough peanut butter Purity crackers at 10PM each night during my pregnancy on Joel Anthony. Of course, if that wasn’t enough to turn my world upside down, Sydney Jade comes along June 8, 2001 so that I could actually feel my heart expand. The really cool things is that, when I hop off the Treadmill of Life and PAUSE (that is, when I get present), I can feel my heart expand EVERY time I look at them. THIS is the only gift I could ever want and it is mine every day, not just on Mothers’ Day.
I did enjoy a wonderful day with my children. We went to church together (I sort of forced them, but they are kind-of liking it), made and ate brunch together (well, three different meals and ate in three different parts of the house), hung out at Chapters (I worked, they read), and THEN… we all worked together to clean the house, cook dinner and entertain Mom and Dad (Nanny and Poppy). It was wonderful!! They hugged me goodbye and wished me a Happy Mothers’ Day and told me how much they love me, before going back to their Dad’s house for the week. They know what Mom needs and they know that happy Mommies make for happy families. Smart kids. I wonder where they get that??
Happy Mothers’ Day everyone! Enjoy the children in your lives. Revel in their unconditional love and return it. They are a gift.
It’s 10 days before my 40th birthday and Mothers’ Day to boot. My day didn’t look like any of the above. No relaxing. Lots of fingers lifted – cooking, cleaning, caring, working, reading, writing. No restaurant meals. No flowers. No spa. And, alas, no extra-special attention… Sigh.
[Sound of needle scratching a record] Wow! For a moment, you thought you were reading someone else’s blog; not one belonging to a Professional Motivator. I even had to shake my head as I re-read what I wrote. It’s really not like me to focus on what I don’t have… especially on days of celebration. But I do have my moments, like everyone. Luckily, I drop-kicked that ego as quickly as she dared raised her voice inside my head. I am Mommy, Here me Roar!
As a Mommy, I love unconditionally. And I am grateful to be reminded every day of my capacity to love and be loved. It started on August 4, 1998 – or maybe even before when my belly was growing exponentially and I couldn’t eat enough peanut butter Purity crackers at 10PM each night during my pregnancy on Joel Anthony. Of course, if that wasn’t enough to turn my world upside down, Sydney Jade comes along June 8, 2001 so that I could actually feel my heart expand. The really cool things is that, when I hop off the Treadmill of Life and PAUSE (that is, when I get present), I can feel my heart expand EVERY time I look at them. THIS is the only gift I could ever want and it is mine every day, not just on Mothers’ Day.
I did enjoy a wonderful day with my children. We went to church together (I sort of forced them, but they are kind-of liking it), made and ate brunch together (well, three different meals and ate in three different parts of the house), hung out at Chapters (I worked, they read), and THEN… we all worked together to clean the house, cook dinner and entertain Mom and Dad (Nanny and Poppy). It was wonderful!! They hugged me goodbye and wished me a Happy Mothers’ Day and told me how much they love me, before going back to their Dad’s house for the week. They know what Mom needs and they know that happy Mommies make for happy families. Smart kids. I wonder where they get that??
Happy Mothers’ Day everyone! Enjoy the children in your lives. Revel in their unconditional love and return it. They are a gift.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 12 and I'm Quoting the Greats
I’ve spent much of this 12th day before my 40th birthday reading and writing. I am LOVING Robin Sharma’s new book, “The Leader Who Had No Title”. I particularly love the way he uses a fable to inform and inspire the reader. His use of appropriately placed quotes to support his points is useful to me as I prepare my own client presentations.
I have been working late each night this week and usually read a bit from the book throughout the day as a reprieve from the computer and mounds of proposals I have to scrutinize. It provides me with the boost that I need to keep working when I’d rather play or sleep. It’s all about tapping into your greatness no matter who you are, and making a difference in your world. I find the message incredibly inspiring and relevant, personally and professionally.
Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us of our need to make the most of every moment that we are blessed to live. So whether you are working late, hanging with the family, or enjoying some alone time, remember to appreciate the gift that is the present: "This time, like all times, is a good time, if we know what to do with it."
I have been working late each night this week and usually read a bit from the book throughout the day as a reprieve from the computer and mounds of proposals I have to scrutinize. It provides me with the boost that I need to keep working when I’d rather play or sleep. It’s all about tapping into your greatness no matter who you are, and making a difference in your world. I find the message incredibly inspiring and relevant, personally and professionally.
Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us of our need to make the most of every moment that we are blessed to live. So whether you are working late, hanging with the family, or enjoying some alone time, remember to appreciate the gift that is the present: "This time, like all times, is a good time, if we know what to do with it."
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 13 and I'm Caring and Compassionate
When life throws you lemons, what do you do? [Considering my anaphylactic allergy to all things citrus, I RUN LIKE HELL.] The ‘correct’ answer is: you make lemonade! Isn’t that sweet? The fact is, sometime life presents you with stuff that seems like it will crush you and turn you into a pulp. You have a choice in how you respond.
So when someone you care about is facing a serious healthy issue – completely out of your control – KNOW that there is a way to contribute to that person’s well being. You can BE caring and compassionate. Offer up whatever you can to help. Offer a shoulder, an ear. Offer two arms for a hug. Offer your love and support. Offer your strength.
That’s what I did today. With only 13 days left to my 40th birthday, I recognized that I have a gift to offer to others in their time of need. It doesn’t have to consume or deplete me. I don’t have to put my life on hold to be there to lend a hand. I just have to be me.
Sending healing energy your way!
So when someone you care about is facing a serious healthy issue – completely out of your control – KNOW that there is a way to contribute to that person’s well being. You can BE caring and compassionate. Offer up whatever you can to help. Offer a shoulder, an ear. Offer two arms for a hug. Offer your love and support. Offer your strength.
That’s what I did today. With only 13 days left to my 40th birthday, I recognized that I have a gift to offer to others in their time of need. It doesn’t have to consume or deplete me. I don’t have to put my life on hold to be there to lend a hand. I just have to be me.
Sending healing energy your way!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 14 and I'm Working Smart
It may not seem ‘smart’ to some to know that I’m spending the 14th evening before I turn 40, propped up in bed with my laptop, working at 11:00PM. But, in fact, it is! When I embarked on this ‘countdown’ I declared that I would be letting go of plans and going more with the flow. One of the things I have discovered is that I am more productive at certain times of the day.
There is scientific evidence out there (somewhere – I’m not looking it up at this hour so you can feel free to do so) that supports my findings. While I have known intellectually that there are times of day when I am more creative, focused, distracted, peppy, etc., I have still tried to ‘force’ myself to produce according to a schedule. THIS is what I have been learning… to let go and listen to my body. Rest when I need to rest. Work at peak focus and creativity times, regardless of the time of day or night.
Working from home as I have for the past 13 years, I have become quite accustomed to monitoring my own output and managing my daily routine but only lately have I stopped putting pressure on myself to work and play according to societal norms. These days I pick up groceries at 2PM, walk at 4PM, have meetings in the morning, write after the kids go to bed, spending Sundays writing speeches… wait… that sounds scheduled!!! Argh! Seriously, this NEW schedule is one that finds me in balance – in tune with the universal flow of energy and the results speak for themselves.
As I embrace my potential, I am in flow… I am doing what works for me and that means working smart!
There is scientific evidence out there (somewhere – I’m not looking it up at this hour so you can feel free to do so) that supports my findings. While I have known intellectually that there are times of day when I am more creative, focused, distracted, peppy, etc., I have still tried to ‘force’ myself to produce according to a schedule. THIS is what I have been learning… to let go and listen to my body. Rest when I need to rest. Work at peak focus and creativity times, regardless of the time of day or night.
Working from home as I have for the past 13 years, I have become quite accustomed to monitoring my own output and managing my daily routine but only lately have I stopped putting pressure on myself to work and play according to societal norms. These days I pick up groceries at 2PM, walk at 4PM, have meetings in the morning, write after the kids go to bed, spending Sundays writing speeches… wait… that sounds scheduled!!! Argh! Seriously, this NEW schedule is one that finds me in balance – in tune with the universal flow of energy and the results speak for themselves.
As I embrace my potential, I am in flow… I am doing what works for me and that means working smart!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 15 and I'm Making Deals
I started my day finalizing details for an upcoming speaking engagement with the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador. The amount of adrenaline surging through my body as I reviewed the client’s expectations and envisioned the execution of my work was so intense, I’m sure it fuelled my whole day which continued to be fantastic and full of negotiations, contracts, and rewards.
Most days at home with my children, I am master negotiator, mediator, and referee. Today was different as I had the pleasure of one-on-one time with my daughter who was home from school. We enjoyed our own form of ‘take your daughter to work’ day. While I was making deals and managing projects, she was enjoying ‘working’ alongside me – playing with dolls, drawing pictures, and making me smile. We were present, even during the negotiations about homework and treats at Starbucks. Our day together was about gratitude and appreciation.
With this foundation, I marched off full of vim and vigour to deliver my third in a four-week series of workshops. The energy from this group was so amazing. The curriculum was about Seeing What is Possible and boy, did we ever! The courage and commitment that these ladies are showing as they embrace their potential is incredibly inspiring. I don’t mind giving them homework either, because the results they will reveal next week will blow me away – that’s part of the deal – even though they don’t know it.
Lastly, I didn’t forget the deal I made with myself: to reward myself regularly for embracing my potential. A late-night shopping spree for something sweet to wear and eat (two separate things – not one and the same) and the first bit of television I’ve seen in two weeks. Ah… what a sweet deal as I mark the 15th day before my 40th birthday!
Most days at home with my children, I am master negotiator, mediator, and referee. Today was different as I had the pleasure of one-on-one time with my daughter who was home from school. We enjoyed our own form of ‘take your daughter to work’ day. While I was making deals and managing projects, she was enjoying ‘working’ alongside me – playing with dolls, drawing pictures, and making me smile. We were present, even during the negotiations about homework and treats at Starbucks. Our day together was about gratitude and appreciation.
With this foundation, I marched off full of vim and vigour to deliver my third in a four-week series of workshops. The energy from this group was so amazing. The curriculum was about Seeing What is Possible and boy, did we ever! The courage and commitment that these ladies are showing as they embrace their potential is incredibly inspiring. I don’t mind giving them homework either, because the results they will reveal next week will blow me away – that’s part of the deal – even though they don’t know it.
Lastly, I didn’t forget the deal I made with myself: to reward myself regularly for embracing my potential. A late-night shopping spree for something sweet to wear and eat (two separate things – not one and the same) and the first bit of television I’ve seen in two weeks. Ah… what a sweet deal as I mark the 15th day before my 40th birthday!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 16 and I'm Wide Open!
There are just 16 days before I turn 40 and I’m wide open! Yup. I’ve realized that in order to receive all the abundance that is mine, I need to first open myself up. It is futile to make wish lists and set goals and create vision boards if, deep down, I do not feel I deserve the gifts that the Universe has to offer.
As I count the days to my birthday I am consciously allowing goodness into my life – in all its forms. I am blocking any negative thoughts that tell me I am not worthy, not good enough, not entitled to have the success I desire. The truth is that happiness is the birthright of everyone. It is there for the ‘taking’ so to speak. It is time for me (and everyone else) to step up and claim what is mine.
From this day forward, I declare myself open to receive all the beauty, goodness, fortune, love, kindness, happiness, success, (and so on) that the Universe sends my way. I deserve it. Psst… so do you!
As I count the days to my birthday I am consciously allowing goodness into my life – in all its forms. I am blocking any negative thoughts that tell me I am not worthy, not good enough, not entitled to have the success I desire. The truth is that happiness is the birthright of everyone. It is there for the ‘taking’ so to speak. It is time for me (and everyone else) to step up and claim what is mine.
From this day forward, I declare myself open to receive all the beauty, goodness, fortune, love, kindness, happiness, success, (and so on) that the Universe sends my way. I deserve it. Psst… so do you!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Day 17 and I'm Responding with Love
One of the hardest things to do, it seems, is to respond with love. But it IS our natural response, in fact. When you think about how babies respond… it is our nature, before we become conditioned with messages of fear. For too long, I responded out of fear – fear, wrapped in judgment and blame. There is no possibility in that life and I choose to learn from the past and create a present and future that serves me through love.
What does responding with love look like?
• Meditating in the morning and setting my intention for the day.
• Attending church with my two children.
• Passing along a gift in recognition of a good deed.
• Preparing a meal.
• Playing.
• Smiling at everyone I see.
• Listening with judgment.
• Expressing gratitude.
• Respecting people’s need for space.
• Being kind to myself.
• Telling someone that I care.
These are just a few things that have happened today. It seems like a regular Sunday… wouldn’t it be nice if every Sunday – every day for that matter – was full of evidence of how we respond with love? It can be. You can choose it to be. That is my intention as I head toward 40 and beyond.
What does responding with love look like?
• Meditating in the morning and setting my intention for the day.
• Attending church with my two children.
• Passing along a gift in recognition of a good deed.
• Preparing a meal.
• Playing.
• Smiling at everyone I see.
• Listening with judgment.
• Expressing gratitude.
• Respecting people’s need for space.
• Being kind to myself.
• Telling someone that I care.
These are just a few things that have happened today. It seems like a regular Sunday… wouldn’t it be nice if every Sunday – every day for that matter – was full of evidence of how we respond with love? It can be. You can choose it to be. That is my intention as I head toward 40 and beyond.
Day 18 and I'm Lucky!
Cornflake, my cat, found a ladybug in the bathroom this morning. This might not seems unusual for the month of May but given that there was an inch of snow on the ground at the same time, it really added to the sense of divine intervention! Ladybugs are known to be a symbol of luck so I took it to be an excellent sign of how the day would progress, despite having to wear my winter coat on the first day of May – the 18th day before my 40th birthday.
When you expect that your day will be lucky, it affects the mindset that you carry into everything you do. It changes the way you are BEING. That, in turn, changes what you are DOING and, by extension, changes what you HAVE. Believing in your fortune helps to create it. That is what I experienced throughout the day but perhaps not as you would expect to define fortune.
I didn’t win the lottery or even a free coffee. I didn’t receive any presents or proposals. But with my heart wide open to receive fortune, I received the following: the love of my children, the kind words of a stranger, the praise of a client, the encouragement of a friend, and much, much more. I felt a glow rise within me that took away the back pain that has plagued me for a few days; it took away the slight anxiety I had regarding a new relationship; it took away any doubt I had in my ability to create my own fortune.
Changing my thoughts – my way of being – changed everything for me yesterday. Imagine! Thanks Cornflake!
When you expect that your day will be lucky, it affects the mindset that you carry into everything you do. It changes the way you are BEING. That, in turn, changes what you are DOING and, by extension, changes what you HAVE. Believing in your fortune helps to create it. That is what I experienced throughout the day but perhaps not as you would expect to define fortune.
I didn’t win the lottery or even a free coffee. I didn’t receive any presents or proposals. But with my heart wide open to receive fortune, I received the following: the love of my children, the kind words of a stranger, the praise of a client, the encouragement of a friend, and much, much more. I felt a glow rise within me that took away the back pain that has plagued me for a few days; it took away the slight anxiety I had regarding a new relationship; it took away any doubt I had in my ability to create my own fortune.
Changing my thoughts – my way of being – changed everything for me yesterday. Imagine! Thanks Cornflake!
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