My boys have all left for golf. I just finished making the beds. I’m sipping coffee, and instead of going to the gym, or for a walk, I really feel like I have something to say today.
So, sitting surrounded by inspirational sayings in my sweet new office and calm space, here goes.
You may or many not know that today is Womens’ Equality Day. To give you a point of reference, this is it:
Back to School is indeed a thing, and it’s almost upon us! In fact, for many of my American friends, you guys are already there.
I love a new school year. I really do. Fresh binders, crisp loose leaf paper, unmarked notepads, clean pens, unchewed erasers. The organized life! I dig it, ladies.
On Global News this morning, I shared my tips on taking on and tackling the year. Hint: it starts now.
I was teaching an exercise class a few years ago and a rumor popped up that a man coming to my class and I were having an affair. We weren’t. We barely said, “Good morning.” But he was losing weight and feeling better about himself and feeling more confident, and the gossip started.
I was 43 years old at the time.
Because of the rumors, I presume, he started going to another instructor’s class.
She was in her early 30’s.
I heard, “So now he’s going to a YOUNGER instructor! That’s even worse!”
Hello my incredible ladies! It’s been a while…
I missed you.
So… I am working all my jobs (life coaching, weekly Global TV, preparing for fall talks, teaching yoga, brand work).
But I’m not quite back here… yet.
Why?
Because I don’t feel like I can give you what would meet my standards for a lifestyle blog, until school starts.
So, I’m working in my city, but will to come back to you in written form when the kids are off summer break, and when I can declutter my space, my life, and then my brain.
Girls, I am taking my annual July blogging break. As you have come to know, I do this every year for my mental wellbeing, and for the quality of this blog. It has become my gift to myself.
But this year is a little different.
I’ve had requests to bring back my article on why sleepaway camp is good for all parties, so by popular demand, no need to sift through. Here is the rerun from three years ago.
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It’s 9:15am Monday morning. I just finished a great ‘Beat Spin and Abs’ class, and I’m feeling good. A bit lonely, but gooooood.
Last week, I sent my boys off to sleepaway camp, together, for the first time. The people I have bumped into have asked me, “So? How does it feel to have both your kids gone for the first time?”
My answer? “On a scale of 1-10… 1,000,000!”
And they just look at me.
If you recall, last month I was thrilled to announce I am the brand ambassador for Lisette L, AKA named “The world’s most flattering pants.”
But don’t take my word for it! You can take Oprah, Martha, Eugenie Bouchard, Venus Williams and many other’s word. 😉
When I met Lisette Limoges at a charity fashion show in Montreal, and was assigned her brand to grace the runway, it was an instant hit for me. I couldn’t understand why I felt so long and lean, stylish and yet felt SO COMFORTABLE! It sucked everything in and smoothed everything out, and in all the right ways.
I’ve got to be honest. I still cannot stop thinking about the deaths of entrepreneuress Kate Spade followed by the very gifted storyteller, Anthony Bourdain.
I keep asking myself, What is the bigger picture here?
I read this tweet on Twitter, “I just hate the fad vibe of all this. Depression and suicide was just as prevalent yesterday, last week and last year. Why does it always take some celebrity dying, before people really start acknowledging this stuff? Worst part is people will forget again within a week or so.”
And I answered, “I kind of feel the same. And the same goes for gun control– it takes a school shooting to shine the light, but then we forgot ’till the next one. But I am hopeful there are some good people out there fighting the good fight to create change.”
I am coming off a pretty busy few weeks. I spoke a couple of weeks ago at the I Am Her Conference, last week as the keynote speaker here in Montreal for WXN (Women’s Executive Network), and in Toronto yesterday at a health and wellness retreat for women. When I work, and especially when I am speaking to women, I forget the every day chaos that can sometimes keeps me stuck, and I stop dwelling on nonsense and bullshit. In fact, I kind of feel like Sasha Fierce… you know Beyonce’s alter ego when she takes the stage and transforms into something non-questioning, something confident, something fierce and in her own power?
Yah, that’s kind of how I feel when I work. Working keeps me out of trouble.
Heels are packed. Gotta love cozy shoes for travel. Heading to #The6 for the day, home ce soir. Speaking on work life balance and I absolutely love my job. I’m proud my boys see me working at something I’m passionate about.
One time-management life hack I’ll share here: The Ideal Work-To-Break Ratio is 52 minutes of work, followed by 17 minutes of rest. Have you mastered this scientific brain productivity ratio?
People who have mastered this ratio will thrive more because the brain functions well in spurts of approximately one hour of high energy, followed by 15-20 minutes of rest or lower energy expenditure. Share it with your kids too entering the exam period.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
