The Power of Authenticity

Hello my fellow followers,


How have you been? I have been fabulous, as always. ( I know, my optimistic, happy personality nerves me too sometimes, but it is who I am)

While I have a measure to clarify things a bit, I thought I'd pop in and speak about the power of authenticity. People have often called me weird. I LOVE it! :) To them I say: "what is your measure of weirdness? If it's coming from you...I have nothing to worry about!"

In all honesty, I have always been regarded as 'weird'. So it's nothing new for me. Growing-up, I always felt like I didn't belong. I knew at an early age, what direction I wanted my life to go...and how I wanted to live it. I felt my purpose. I lived through my values and with passion. I understood my strengths, and always tried to share the best with others. I always (at most times) followed my instincts. I tried always to live as an example. I have often been criticized for being 'too nice'.

Living with the power of authenticity meant that I have always been unique, and I don't follow the flow of others. I choose not to wear a mask. I listen to my heart and I am myself. People love me or hate me...like anybody else. Then I best be myself, and be authentic, real and true.

Being authentic is showing the world what and whom you are. It is letting your soul shine brilliantly. Living happily, and going about your business. It is being joyful, and living your life the way you were meant to live life. It is doing things you love, and things that reflect YOU.

It is being you, even if it rattles others.It's not always an easy task. I am just as guilty as the next for averting this cause, and trying to fit in the mold of others. The end result is being something you are not, having low self-esteem, and continuous self-doubt. You have to be strong, and live what you believe: your way.

In the end, being true to myself, means I am happy and light, and...may mean I am "weird" to some. Living authentically in my own power; means that I am free to be me! And that is a gracious gift to give yourself, your heart and your soul! After all, we are on earth to live our life, and not the way another thinks we should live, and behave. We are all different, and that is in my authentic beliefs - amazingly wondrous!

Accept yourself for who you are. Live in authenticity. Unleash the power within - even if it means naysayers will find you 'weird'.


I may be weird to some - but to me and those who truly love and accept me - I am authentic!

Still Alive...just iPadliscious!

Wow, it's been awhile again. So much as though, I forgot my password. BLAH!

Anyhow, I've been focusing on my novel in any of my spare time. For Christmas I received an iPad, it's a the invention of the century. I absolutely LOVE it! I carry it with me everywhere, and any spare moment I have...I have been writing.

Side note; the iPad is so neat...I have downloaded books with the ibooks app. That is addicting, as I've already spent over one hundred and fifty dollars in iTunes cards. Something so simple, as pressing a button and voila! a book in your tablet ready to read. I have my iPod set-up with all my favourite songs. I have apps that will read Antonio a story, when I'm busy. I even have an app to look at the stars in my hemisphere. I could go on and on...and I sound like an advertisement. Seriously, it's awesome. I don't know how I ever lived without it! ;)

Moving on, and back to my subject at hand...

The other day, I was thinking 'how dumb' of an idea it was to be 'writing' a novel. So it had me a little down, since I've been so passionate about the entire idea. The story has played out in my mind for about ten years. It has only been in the last year that I finally decided to pen it on paper, and see where it takes me. I never realized how much work, time and effort actually goes into writing such a novel. It's so easy when it plays in my head like a movie...

So with my recent second guessing, I decided to finish writing the novel....if for anything just for myself to say that "I DID IT"! I remember as a young girl at the age of 7 or so, sitting in front of my mother's typewriter, and wanting to just type and write a story. Even so I could barely type my name and such, I found solace in the fact that a blank sheet of paper is a journey to the healing of my soul.

One day, perhaps I will find that courage within to take that leap of faith and finally be the published author that I've always dreamed I could be.

Until then...be well, be happy, and journey in faith...

The Universal Hammer

Have you ever been touched by an angel? Have you ever been given a message by a complete stranger, just when you needed it most? Have you ever been taught an important "Aha" moment by someone you don't even know? I've always known the Universe works in mysterious ways. I'm also a firm believer that when you need a pat on the back, a kind reminder or a hammer on the head - the Universe will find a way to deliver that message to you. More importantly, it comes as a whisper at first, then a gentle reminder, repeating and repeating, until finally - a hammer on the head!

The other day it happened to me; and it was a whopper, head banging message.

One of my best friend's and I set out shopping. As usual, we shared stories about our kids, and husbands. I found myself complaining, and venting mostly about my husband, and my kids. I was also feeling overwhelmed on the inside about the upcoming holiday season, and the demands it puts on the household; in particular me. As we chatted back and forth, we found comfort in each other, and managed to laugh our way through it.

As we arrived in the Christmas aisle at Costco, I came upon their Nativity set. Every year, I stare, hesitate and keep walking. Every year, I say the same thing: "I love that set, it's the most beautiful one, and I'm going to buy it." Every year, I don't buy it, and spend the one hundred dollars on a gift instead. This year was certainly no exception. As I admired it, I spoke out loud; "...it's so beautiful. I love it!" A woman beside me, agreed. I silently stared for a while longer, debating in my mind back and forth. Finally, I exclaimed; "...well guess I will call hubby, see what mood he is in, and ask for purchase approval." My friend and I both laughed out loud.

As I took my cell phone out of my purse, I felt a warm hand on my arm. It was the woman who had admired the Nativity set with me. "I would be calling my husband also right now for purchase approval, however my hubby died a few days before Christmas last year, so appreciate that you can call. I wish I could call my husband right now." Foot in my mouth. We all stood mouth agape. I choked back tears at her pain, and that of her family. "I'm sorry to hear that..." as I gently touched her arm back. She half-smiled and proceeded to speak of the fact that she was debating whether to buy the Nativity set in order to make a Christmas for her kids, despite the sorrow that surrounded them, and the fact that her mother-in-law felt it unnecessary to celebrate Christmas again this year. I cannot fathom the anguish, and the sadness that surrounds this family, especially during what is supposed to be the most magical time of the year.

I nodded, and realized an important lesson. I immediately grabbed the Nativity set, plopped it in my cart. We both smiled at each other, as she followed suit. Now every year, my Nativity set will be the first Christmas decor out. I will remember the important lesson this human angel taught me in the aisle of Costco on this fateful day. I will always cherish the holiday season, and it's true meaning, surrounded by my children and my husband. I will honour, cherish my hubby as much as I can despite my annoyances. I'm lucky to have my husband, and my children. We are fortunate to have each other...we must never take that for granted-ever!

This year, as we prepare for our busiest time of year - let us not forget this lesson. Cherishing those we love and honouring our time together always.

I know I will....

Remembrance Day

Today we remember, today we pay homage, today and everyday we say "thank you".

With gratitude to our Canadian soldiers past and present.

Let us never forget their sacrifices for our freedom.

"I always knew I was destined for greatness."

- Oprah Winfrey

I remember when I was a young girl, my brother went through a nasty divorce. It was an extremely difficult time for my family. The fighting, hostility and negative controversy that surrounded this entire situation, still affects my family to this day. The negative impact of lies can last generations.

Nevertheless, I recall a specific occasion where I became a potential victim in the web of venom. I was maybe 13 years old. On my own in the grocery isle, I walked passed my brother's former mother-in-law. Knowing almost everything she had said and done to degrade my parents, brother and siblings...I simply pretended she was not there, after all her mere presence beseeched her. Not missing a beat, and my presence obviously too juicy to pass-up, she felt the up most need to strike. She glared down at me and snickered under her breath; " Ugh...! I feel bad for you...you're a "Leacock" and you'll never amount to anything, like the rest of your family. A bunch of no good for nothing, french... LOSERS!"

I didn't even give her the satisfaction of her knowing that I had heard her. For her evil words fell on deaf ears, and my heart told me that...I was destined for greatness!

My Baby Rides a Bike

A Great Saturday Run With My Boys

Running. I love running...

The last little while with Carmelo in competitive soccer, and Diodato and myself wanting to be fit, I've been meaning to take my boys running. Real running on a real track.

We tried doing the running on the street with Carmelo. However, being close to home...never seemed to pan out, Carmelo would soon be back on our step with a 'no freakin' way I'm doing this." Trust me, he's no piece of cake when it comes to fitness.

A few times, the kids in our neighbourhood have attempted to work with Carmy. Hamooda had the great idea to build Carmy's leg muscles...jump ups on our steps. "I have no clue what this has to do with soccer, so...no thanks!" Fine, twenty sit-ups would be the punishment. Hill side up. "I'm only doing 2...I did not sign up for this." ARGH!!!! The only kid who remotely got close to training him was Massimo, and soon afterwards Carmelo sweaty, was at the patio door with a look of an imprisoned, abused child on his face. Let's not get into RUNNING. "What does soccer have ANYTHING to do with running? eh?! Tell me...that one!" We tell him everything, but he's a stubborn as they come. The only successful trainer he's had is Mark Hatfield of Hatfield's, and my hat goes out to him!

So, the other day I had an "AHA" moment. "Boys, how about we go to the track, do a run then I will take you to "Booster Juice". It was a great idea. But, would it work? Would I have a whiny four year old, and a crusty Carmelo? I had to chance it. I had to walk (or in this case) run the talk. We all geared up with running shoes, water bottles and i-touches.

It was a clear, cool sunny day. The weather was perfect for a run around the track. No excuses. The first run around the track, I thought for sure, I was going to die right there. I have to say, running on the real thing as opposed to a treadmill is way harder. When I finally reached the the starting point again, my lungs felt like they were bleeding. Seriously! I thought for sure, if I spit...there would be blood. Every breath hurt like my lungs were being stabbed over and over! However, Diodato (my 14 year old) ran by, and continued on. "umm, I thought...this was my idea, and here I am panting like a hot cow in July!". So, I pumped up my i-pod, and sprinted on.

There is something mysteriously motivating and enlivening about running on a track. I cannot explain fully into words the energy that one spans from the track. Whether it be the energy of the moment, or the aura of the runners past who have ran this very track too. With every new breathe, with every step forward and push forth of my arms, my body got into a running groove. Soon, my lungs settled down, and my legs worked hard on the track underneath it. The wind blew a gentle breeze amongst the trees around us. Even the clouds above seemed in sync with our run. It felt wonderful to be training outdoors. I let go, and felt free as I jogged on. Even Carmelo ran and loved it! Now that is a huge milestone.

During our run, Tony (my hubby) came by and watched us. The kids treasured it. I realized that this was the most fun (believe it or not) that my family and I had had in a long time. It was just us, no stress, no mess, the track and a familial achievement. We all did approximately 3k together. We all jogged at our own paces. Even my four year old Antonio ran with us. At one point he held my hand as we jogged around the track together, it was priceless. Nevertheless, there is never a dull moment in my household, and today was no exception. While running Carmelo turned to me: "Mom, when we are done burning fat, how about we go to Dairy Queen and celebrate!" That child!!! After their run, the boys and Tony then played a soccer scrimmage, while I did a few more sprint/walks around the track. It was wonderful.

It really is exhilarating to get moving as a family. I felt motivated by Diodato, inspired by Carmelo and joyful by Antonio. I felt loved by Tony who watched us run around the track with awe and pride.

I hope time will allow us to continue this running journey we have embarked on. Our goal as a family (Diodato, Carmelo and I) is to be able to easily run 5k, so that we can run the CIBC Run for the Cure, Breast Cancer Run in October in honour of my two mother-in-law's who have passed from the disease.

Be well and run on,