The best gifts given. Reflection, gratitude and humanity.

I have had some really deep heartfelt conversations with people close to me recently. Some stopped me in my tracks. More on this in a moment.

When I started writing this blog almost a year ago, it came from a deep rooted desire to figure out a few things for myself and find like minds to explore how to embrace the next chapter in life, how to be more inclusive and break down some stereotypes. Perhaps finally accepting that the beauty in all things is being different. Not conforming to expectations. A big agenda perhaps but it certainly struck a chord with many.

Recently, I was asked if I had seen Madonna on Jimmy Kimmel and what did I think. Madonna is the same age(ish) as me. I always thought she embodied a woman of strength and confidence. She talks with strength and has never seemed to care what others thought and dances to her own beat.

I did what anyone would do and googled Madonna on Kimmel. I was humbled when I saw her image. The fact is, even Madonna cares what we think. Who knew, like the rest of us, we struggle with what time looks like on our bodies and face. Yes, even Madonna is trying to adjust her appearance and it’s not that it matters at all. It is just a point to say, we are all vulnerable to wanting to fit in. To be accepted. It makes us all human and really truly wanting the same thing, to be loved.

I bring this up in December, when we usually are busy seeing each other, I try to take time to reflect on life.

What I see is that we really are all more the same than we are different.

Which brings me to the conversation I had. I was told, “when I see you happy, it just makes me aware of how I am not.” My heart ached. The intention of sharing my happiness and not shrinking to fit in, is to open doors to share the good. To show by example. As Helen Keller wrote, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”

I have said all along, I am looking for role models. How to live a life well lived.



I just watched an emotional speech given by Jim Carrey. He spoke of his father and the lesson he learned growing up. His father could have been a comedian, but gave up his dream to take a safe and secure job. When Jim was 12, his father lost his job and later his family became homeless. Jim said he learned then that you can fail at what you don't love, so you may as well take a chance at doing what you love.

Denzel Washington just gave a speech, “When you fall down seven times, get up eight.” If you don’t fail, you won’t succeed. There is a reason all these quotes are so popular.

I will leave you with my latest favourite quote. It serves me well for this month of reflection and giving gratitude.

“Focus on what you have, not on what you don’t.“

Let’s take this time now to be there for each other. Lift each other up if we can. We all have our moments and times of not feeling shiny and new, but I know if we have just one person in our corner, the edges don't see as sharp.

Love and gratitude

Xo

Vita

Nothing happens until YOU decide

Nothing happens until YOU decide.

Repeat.

I am just re-reading something I wrote years ago. Perhaps you have also read “The Secret.”

It really is about the power of manifesting. That what you think, you become. So if you are going to dream, dream BIG! What you ask for is what you get, so be careful what you ask for.

I am simplifying it, but that is what I walked away thinking to be true.

Reflecting on the last year’s events, I am convinced that I manifested exactly what I wanted and I wanted to share my story with you. I also have a tool and practice for you to try on your own - so read on for more!

I started my “passion project” when COVID-19 lockdown hit in March 2020. The world was taking a deep breath and for some reason I thought I had some new found time to start off on my own path, with a fire in my belly, to see if I could uncover what I was searching for.

I did not and still do not have a clear picture, but I decided to jump.

Head first. In the deep end. All in.

With a website, Instagram and Facebook to get a conversation going with like-minded women of all stages and walks of life. Women approaching 45+ who wanted to discuss what that stage of life looks like and what new role models we can uncover to get some much needed excitement in maturing, not “aging” - read this blog if you haven’t already!

Well, well, well …. I didn’t know then that what I was looking for, was looking for me.

Manifesting, if you believe in something or want something, you maneuver your thoughts to make it happen. Once you decide what you want, “unforeseen forces will come to your rescue.”

But you have to decide.

I had a secret. When I was 20 I had wanted to be a model. I only told one person. I went to an agency and was told, “too short, not thin enough, not the right look. NEXT.” I walked away thinking, ‘they are right.”

The dream stopped there. I tucked it away and created another dream. But as life would have it, my desire returned by accident, or perhaps not! I manifested my dream again, this time my 59 year old self said, “Hell no, go for it. Life is too short. Do what you want.”

And ta-dah - it happened!

I was in my favourite clothing store, Cora Couture in Collingwood. I started a conversation with a like-minded woman, the owner, and we had so much in common. During one of our chats she asked if I would model a few outfits for a photoshoot. My jaw dropped and I said, “YES, YES, YES.” One thing led to another and I am excited that I was part of the Collingwood Fashion Week line up.

This is a dream becoming my reality. This is my play time. I put it out in the universe and I asked for it - another chance to do something I always wanted to do. Play dress up and not take myself too seriously.

This is the gift of each day.

Do you have a secret dream or desire but somewhere along the way abandoned your passion? Did someone tell you that you can’t? I am here to say, please revisit your dream, your hopes, what you love to do. Do not let someone or something stand in your way. When you feel the tap-tap-tap on your shoulder, that is your inner voice speaking. Sit with yourself and listen.

It’s never too late!!!

Next stop …. ZOOMER Magazine!

Now, something for you to try on your own.

Place your hand gently over your heart and repeat an affirmation, something that you are working towards and want in your life such as, “I am willing to do what I love.” Repeat this affirmation and practice. Harvest and nurture your energy and actions towards this goal. Nothing happens until YOU decide. Make it happen.

Love and gratitude

Xo

Vita