Last week I talked about the people that inspire me.  There were some great responses, both here and on facebook, and it even inspired a post by my good friend Janice, The Fitness Cheerleader. I hope you’ve had a chance to think about the people who inspire you and to let them know they do!

My sister and I had a great talk a few nights ago about being passionate about what you are doing.  My sister is an amazing teacher, she is dedicated, works very hard and gives all she has to her students – and because of this, makes an impact on their lives.  Yet for some reason, even since she moved to Vancouver, the universe has been making it more and more difficult for her to teach her specialty, English.  We mused about what the universe has in store for her, because she’s being pushed in another direction.  I suggested that maybe it was time for her to develop one of her other passions, such as writing or design.

Developing a passion in life is something that I feel is very important. You might be one of those lucky people who has known since they were a child what their passion is – like being an artist or a designer or taking care of children – whether it be your own or other people’s.  For many people, finding their passion is a lifelong journey.  And you may live out many different passions throughout your lifetime.  The important thing is to find SOMETHING to be passionate about.

Ask yourself this – what am I passionate about? Make a list of all of the things that you are passionate about. And then compare that to what you are doing every day – do the two lists match? This exercise can be life changing for some people.  If you ask any successful person what they are passionate about they will tell it that it’s their job or business that is their passion. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I love what I do so much that it doesn’t even feel like work”? If this phrase sounds nuts to you, chances are you aren’t doing something you are passionate about.

Perhaps you’re thinking wait a minute here, I can’t just quite my job and become a professional horseback rider, I’ve got bills to pay! True enough, so if you job isn’t your passion and you’re not in a position right now where you can change that, find some time to enjoy what you are passionate about on the weekends. Again, who hasn’t heard the story of the Fortune 500 CEO who quit her job to start a cupcake business because she was passionate about baking?

There was a time where I lost my passion, especially over the past year when my daughter was born and we had a rough go for the first few months. Now that she’s a bit older, and we’re sleeping more and having a lot more fun, I’m able to tap into my passions again.  So what I am passionate about? First, I am so passionate about helping other moms to feel great about themselves again through my 30 Days to Optimal Health program. This program has been redeveloped over the past month (I did a version several years ago) and I am loving every minute of it!! I love it when a client tells me they have lost weight, are feeling great, have made lifestyle changes and are happy with their progress. That’s why I’ve set a goal of helping at least 1,000 mommies to feel great about their bodies again in the next 3 years (men and non-moms welcome too!!).

Second, I am passionate about teaching. I have been teaching French since 2004 and still teach private lessons today. In fact I’m running French camp this summer for two weeks. This also ties into why I love the 30 Day program, as there is a live coaching component.

Third, I am passionate about exercise, especially triathlon. Now, this passion has been on the back burner for a while due to my toe injury – but the good news is that with my new orthotics, things are looking up!! Stay tuned for that developing story, I’m hopeful that I may be able to get back to competition shape by next summer.

Life feels so much more amazing when you’re able to do something you’re really passionate about. My wish for you is that you are living a passionate life and if not, that maybe you’ve been inspired to find out what you are passionate about and GO FOR IT!! 

A short post this morning as I prepare for the last day of school.  It’s hard to believe a full school year has gone by! When I first took the role at Willowglen, I was only meant to stay til Christmas.  It turned out to be the full year and I’m so glad that it did.  I am filled with joy, gratitude, a bit of sadness and trepidation about what lies ahead. Since baby girl is due in October, I won’t be going back to school in the fall.  This summer will be spent doing private in-home French lessons and a few weeks of summer camp right here in Burlington. And the other great advantage is that I have the opportunity to spend a bit more time build our team right here in town this summer.  It’s always a great time to become an entrepreneur during the summer, since you’re always outside, connecting with people, playing sports and socializing.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of ladies at school.  From all different backgrounds and ages, it’s been great to get to know them.  And I have learned so much from the kids too – who knew you could learn so much from pre-schoolers? It’s really prepared me for what’s ahead in a few years with our baby girl.  I also really appreciate the exposure to the Montessori method.  I had already been doing a number of things that fit with the methodology, but it’s amazing to see how much the students learn about daily living and being a contributing member to the class and the world at large..

Here’s a little glimpse at the school year:

Have a super summer everyone! I have a few spots left for some of my summer programs, so if you know someone in the Oakville/Burlington/Hamilton area who’s children are in a French immersion program and would like to continue to speak over the summer, just click here for details.