LIFESTYLE

Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy felled a mighty warrior with nothing more than a stone and a sling, and ever since then, the names of David and Goliath have stood for battles between underdogs and giants. David’s victory was improbable and miraculous. He shouldn’t have won.

Or should he have?

In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell challenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages, offering a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or attend a mediocre school, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks.

So, did you see it? Write what you see below…

The lesson from today’s WordlessY Wednesday: Not everything in life is as we see it, and the way in which you see something changes, if you change your angle.

And if you truly get this exercise in perception, you will understand how it relates to your happiness. We often see our glass as half empty, when in reality, that is only a matter of perception. We aren’t grateful for what we DO have, and we lose sight of the fact that the grass is always greener where we water it.

I am still so inspired from an incredible evening last night with Leigh Anne Tuohy. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps you might remember Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy in the movie The Blindside. Leigh Anne came to Montreal to speak to 800 Jewish women for our yearly event called Choices. I was fortunate enough to chair this event a few years ago, and it’s one of my favorite evenings of the year. Each year, we bring in a different woman who has had to make brave choices in her life… we have seen Marlee Matlin, and many other inspirational women.

So, I experienced star-struckness (okay I know that’s not a word) this morning. But we LOVE music artist Jason Derulo in our house. We play his songs all the time (especially Ridin’ Solo, Don’t Wanna Go Home, and In My Head), and my kids know all the words. So when I got word last night that his live TV segment was going to air right after mine, I admit, I got excited!

Happy Hump Day! As a Certified Women’s Life and Success Coach, I have worked with hundreds of women as a coach, consultant and mentor for almost 15 years. I have always been fascinated by success – you know, what makes someone successful, and I don’t just mean from a financial standpoint. I have studied success for thousands of hours, and have spoken on the topic many times. Based on my research, and based upon my own personal experience as a thriving mom, wife with career woman, here are my Top 10 Secrets to Success in Life and Womanhood. There are many more, but I tried to cover the ones that meant the most. I’d love to know yours, and I’d love you to share them below.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

I have been counting down the days. Yes, I will wake up at 3:30am tomorrow morning for a 6:30am flight to New York City to attend MY Superbowl. Truth is, I die for events where rockstar women bring their A-game and discuss what makes them thrive, successful, happy and fulfilled. This is MY Superbowl – The WIE Symposium.

Here is why I decided to go– below is only a taste of this year’s speaker lineup. When I saw Lee Woodruff tweet about it just four weeks ago, it took me 20 minutes to get my conference ticket and book my flight to New York. For real. Check out all the speakers: https://www.wienetwork.org/nyc2013/speakers/

Nearly six months ago, I discovered some news that made my heart very full. I had a permanent grin on my face knowing that what my husband and I had hoped for, had finally come true—we would be extending our family by one more.

Today we celebrate the 4th anniversary of a blog that was born out of feeling stuck, on the fence, alone, confused, and wanting to create a space for women to get inspired, get off the fence, grow, succeed and thrive. You have made that happen. I am grateful for this community who has stood by me in my darkest hours, my greatest triumphs, and given me a safe place to be authentic myself. You have also helped each other, and inspired each other into action.

Never underestimate the power of a few simple words on a page.

When the cat is away, the mouse will play sleep.

When the cat is away, the mouse will be sad happy.

When the cat is away, the mouse will be lonely fine.

This week’s Global TV parenting segment was again in honor of back to school. Making the transition from summertime (and those late nights, no homework) to back to school (early wake-ups, homework to contend with), can be difficult. Yesterday I shared some strategies for making your mornings calmer with your children, and run smoother.