Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve the kids and I drove into Toronto around 9:00am. We had prepared 10 'Care' packages for the homeless, consisting of a Brown bag lunch, a pair of gloves and a wool hat. If you recall in my previous post, when we went ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, the kids saw some homeless people huddled along Bay Street and were quite affected by what they saw.

I decided that it would be a great lesson, and gift, to do something this Christmas to 'give back'. We have so many blessings in our lives to be grateful for, and I wanted my kids to be truly present to what this 'season' is really about....'Giving'.

I have to say, that I have never received a greater gift personally. The feeling I got in the 'giving' was the greatest gift I ever recall 'receiving'. "Thank You"

After the Care Package distribution we saw 'Disney on Ice' at the Rogers Centre. It was a lot of fun and the kids and I had a great time. We went to an open house at a family friends with my sister in the evening, and enjoyed a great evening of Christmas cheer. On the way home we drove by a house that had been decorated for the holidays. It was one of those houses that you see on the news that creates traffic jams. People were gathered in front of the home and enjoyed the 'lights' display. It was really great to see!

Christmas morning Jo Anne came over early before the kids woke up, so we could all be together. The kids, Jo, my parents, sister, and myself, all enjoyed a great Christmas breakfast, and then headed to my Aunt and Uncles for Christmas dinner. During dinner my Uncle Michael announced that my cousin Kelly and her husband Steve are expecting their first baby, due in July 2007. Exciting news for sure!!!

Boxing day was relaxing, and quiet. Most of the family headed back to my Aunt and Uncle's home for dinner and games etc. Being of British decent, Boxing Day is an important part of Christmas, and a celebration unto itself. We play games, and enjoy the day as a family. It was such a busy time this year, I decided to stay close to home on Boxing Day, and just relaxed. It was just what I needed.

We all had a great Christmas, received and gave many great gifts, ate and drank too much, and just enjoyed all being together.

Merry Christmas to all my dear friends and family!!!!.......Tis' the Season~

The Secret

The Secret has existed throughout the history of humankind. It has been discovered, coveted, suppressed, hidden, lost and recovered. It has been hunted down, stolen, and bought for vast sums of money.

Now for the first time in history, The Secret is being revealed to the world over two breathtaking hours. A number of exceptional men and women discovered The Secret, and went on to become known as the greatest people who ever lived. Among them: Plato, Leonardo, Galileo, Napoleon, Hugo, Beethoven, Lincoln, Edison, Einstein and Carnegie, to name but a few.

Fragments of The Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation which will be life transforming for all who experience it.

Some of today's greatest teachers will be presented in The Secret and will impart this special wisdom that has been known by so few. They include some of the world's leaders in the fields of business, economics, medicine, psychology, history, theology and science. Each of these teachers is living proof of The Secret; each of them a walking marvel of achievement and success...

Included are; 'Miracle Man' Morris Goodman, who tells his awe inspiring story of how he recovered from paralysis by using The Secret. Dr. Denis Waitley, who used various aspects of The Secret in training Olympic athletes and Apollo astronauts to reach new heights of human endeavour.

Best selling authors and philosophers including Bob Proctor, John Assaraf, James Ray and Joe Vitale, explain how they have created lives of phenomenal success utilising The Secret. Doctors in the fields of medicine and quantum physics explain the science behind The Secret.

The Secret reveals amazing real life stories and testimonials of regular people who have changed their lives in profound ways. By applying The Secret they present instances of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles and achieving what many would regard as impossible.

Secret reveals how to apply this powerful knowledge to your life in every area from health to wealth, to success and relationships. The Secret is everything you have dreamed of... and is beyond your wildest dreams.

http://thesecret.tv

I just purchased a copy of 'The Secret'. I had heard about it, and WOW, it's all I thought it would be and more!

I had mentioned 'What The Bleep Do We Know?' several posts back, and if you liked 'What The Bleep' you MUST see 'The Secret'.

It gives you the tools to profoundly change the way you live and to 'create' the life you want. A must see!!!!

Cheetah Girls

OK, so tonight I took my daughter Alex, and her girlfriend Natasha to the Cheetah Girls concert at the Air Canada Centre.

Me and thousands of screaming pre-teens. At one point I actually thought my ears were going to bleed, but alas, they didn't and I survived.

Too much leopard print, and bare mid-drifts, and that was just on the 'Mom's' ;)

I locked my car keys in the car, which led to an event filled evening involving CAA, but all in all the girls had a great evening.

I think I get "Father of the Year" for this one! Hope you enjoyed it "Flower"....Kisses!

My Little Volleyball Star

My son Nick made the Volleyball team at his school. I attended his first game today. I was so proud of him, he plays really well. His team won all their games, and they advanced to the next level. YAY NICK!!! Proud of you baby!!!

Nathan Phillips Square

Tonight I took the kids into Toronto to Nathan Phillips Square to go ice skating.

Me, my kids, my Mom, my Aunt and Cousin all loaded in our cars with hot chocolate and drove down town. As we drove up Bay Street my kids noticed some of the cities homeless bundled in their sleeping bags on random street corners, and couldn't quite figure out what was going on?

Living in Burlington, we don't really have a visible homeless population, and my kids were quite profoundly affected by the site they saw. I personally am desensitized to it I guess, as I am in the city quite often. It occurred to me that it's a sight that no one should be comfortable with in 2006.

It occurred to me that my kids and I are so lucky for all we have, and it made me think how I could give something back?, and in the process teach my kids about giving back, and to be grateful for all the blessing in our lives.

Anyway, we got to Nathan Phillips Square, and enjoyed an evening of ice skating. There was an outdoor concert featuring Devine Brown, and a grand finale of fire works over City Hall.

After the fireworks, we walked along Queen Street and looked at the Christmas window displays at the Bay. It was a really fun evening~

".....AND ALL THAT JAZZ"

Saturday night I enjoyed Garden City Productions version of "Chicago", performed at The Mandeville Theatre, located on the campus of Ridley College in St. Catherine's.

My friend Darryl was in the production, and was really amazing. The cast was a varied group from all walks of life. The one thing they all had in common was a love of theatre.

I was really impressed with the calibre of the performance. The singing and dance numbers were really professionally done. It made for a great evening.

After the show, we went out for drinks with the cast, and had a chance to get to know each of them on a more personal level. What a great bunch of people.

Thanks to everyone in the Cast for a great show and a great evening. Great job Darryl, can't wait to see you in your next show.

Trimming the Tree

Tonight the kids and I helped my Mom trim her Christmas Tree.

We played Christmas carol's and as always, reminisced about Christmas' past and all the good times we have shared over the years.

I find this time of year particularly moving, and tend to be more sentimental than usual (if that's possible) . I will pretty much have a 'lump in my throat' now, through Boxing day~

Hanging the ornaments with memories attached to each, brings me to remember those who are no longer with us. Equally moving, is watching my son Nick get excited as he hangs ornaments, for which he has already created his own attachments to. Good for a few more tears, rest assured!

My mom has tried over the years to convert to the 'Martha Stewart' designer Christmas tree, but she says "It's just not my tree!". So we hang all the decorations that my sister and I made as kids, new ones that my kids have made, in addition to those my Mom as received as gifts throughout the years.

When all is said and done, it's the tree I have known my whole life. And to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way.

Enjoy the season everyone!!!

Happy Birthday Eva!!!

Last night I attended my friend Eva's 30th birthday party. The party was hosted by Eva's husband Matt, in a private room at the Panorama Restaurant at the top of the Manulife Centre in Toronto.

They served a variety of Tapas, that kept coming out in courses throughout the evening, coupled with great cocktails, and a spectacular view of the city. Needless to say a good time was had by all.

As always Eva looked stunning. She was surrounded by her family and friends, and truly was the Belle of the Ball.

Eva and I met at our coaching courses. We were sitting on opposing sides of the learning circle, but were instantly connected, and chose to coach one and other in the very first coaching exercise. There is an odd familiarity I feel when I am with Eva, a connection that I have only felt a few other times in my entire life.

I believe that we 'call' people into our lives, when we most need them. Whether it's for a reason, season, or lifetime, all is revealed in due time. Eva came in to my life so seamlessly I can't recall her not being there. It's as if I have known her all my life~ Strange and yet comforting....

Eva, I love you honey, and hope you have the best birthday on the 29th....make sure you are treated royally on your special day....you deserve it!!!

Process Coaching

This weekend past, I attended the 'Process' coaching course with The Coaches Training Institute.

The participants are like family now, and the bonds that have been formed are ones that could potentially last a lifetime. The weekend was an emotional roller coaster, as always, but the learning is powerful and has a profound impact on not only myself, but my fellow participants.

The premise of 'Process' coaching involves two main components. The first being "Down the Tube", the second being "Up the Tube".

We did an exercise, where we had to identify something that we cannot 'be' with. What came up for me is 'Disrespect'. Once you identify what it is you can't 'be' with in your life, it invariably represents a much larger issue for you, and as it resonates, you end up being with some pretty intense issues and the emotions that surround them. As these things surface within you, the only thing to do is be with them FULLY. What we 'resist', 'persists' and although emotionally charged, a great catharsis in the long run. As I am sure you have already realised, this is "Down the Tube".

The opposing direction is "Up the Tube" and identifies your individual 'strengths', and 'qualities'. This is a much more positive exercise, and celebrates the individual being coached. Potential and goals are created, and possibilities are revealed. It really leaves you on a high.

My heartfelt thanks to all the participants who make it safe to be vulnerable and for their willingness to truly share all of themselves. It's truly Magic!

Caroline, Lorry and Barb.....your leadership inspires me, and If I am half the coach that all of you are, I will be more successful that I could ever imagine.

Love you all..........NAMASTE!

The Awakening

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...
When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you
stop dead in your tracks and somewhere, the voice
inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying, or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes, you begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening...

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world, there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process, a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process, a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process, a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process, a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you, is a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh, what you should wear and where you should shop and what you should drive, how and where you should live and what you should do for a living, who you should marry and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process, you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive and that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a by gone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything; it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name.

You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love; and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms, just to make you happy.

You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right, to want things and to ask for the things that you want and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. You allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you, to glorify you with his touch and in the process, you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. Just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul; so you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part in life, you get what you believe you deserve and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen, is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time; FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears, because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear, is to give away the right to live life on your terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers; it's just life happening.

You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state; the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted; things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about; a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself, by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind, and you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Sonny Carroll