worriedwomanThe girl who’d listen to everyone’s troubles no matter what. I was that girl who

Believed she’d have to compromise her own boundaries to be liked

Said “yes” to everything to avoid being labelled as difficult or bitchy

Shut herself down to keep everyone happy

Measured her self worth by the amount of overtime hours she worked

 

Hid behind busy

Panicked about losing control

Didn’t see her curves as beautiful

Didn’t know how to open her heart

I was that girl until the day I learned how to play the djembe and finally understood the power of my voice. I understood my value and my gifts. I accepted that I’m imperfectly perfect.

Today, I’m sending some love to the part of that girl which still exists in me and in all of us.

 

PS:  There are only 5 days left before the registration fee for WDDW jumps! If you’re a woman in the GTA who needs a dose of fun, confidence, and clarity, I’ve got a drum with your name on it!

{ 0 comments }

NorthernEdgeRetreatCentreI spent this past weekend outdoors connecting, laughing, and sharing with the staff of Wild Women Expeditions!

I call it the weekend that almost didn’t happen because I almost let my fear get the better of me: The fear of not being accepted for the shy, introverted, pseudo-city girl that I am.

When I’m filled with anxiety, I spend time connecting to nature. Meditating by the water brought me calm. Being mindful of my breath and footsteps relaxed my shoulders.

But, it was playing my djembe that brought me home!

I carried my drum along for the weekend to lead a meditation, and I spent 3 days beforehand planning it in detail. But, when I found out last minute that there were extra djembes available for everyone, I knew Spirit was asking me to change my plan: Unleash your voice and your drum magic.

So, I did!

I immediately remembered my gifts and myself!

We sat in a circle, under the sun next to the water. It was beautiful! I silently set my intention to get the ladies smiling, breathing, and connecting.

As we drummed, I could see the anxiety, tension, and self-conscious thoughts melt away. I could see each of them sway, smile, play confidently, and tap into the spirit of the group. I connected to my inner power and fully expressed self. With that, each person connected with their inner power.

Seeing and feeling this transformation is the reason I do what I do! I live for this in every session I run, from WDDW to weekly courses.

The lesson: It’s the willingness to move forward that opens the door to your inner power. Never underestimate the ripples your power creates!

What do you do, say, or use to connect to your powerful self when trying new things? Share your favourite go-to power source in the comments below!

 

{ 0 comments }

507284458_5254919959

I’ve been thinking about how I define success, and the top item on my list is freedom.

When I’m able to set my own schedule, take the afternoon to exercise or make a new painting, treat others without worrying about my bank account, spend time with friends and family without being glued to my smartphone—I know I’m doing alright!

It’s your turn: Create your Success List

What you focus on regularly will ultimately have more influence on how you think, move, heal, and attract abundance. This fact has been written about by many authors like Louise Hay, Deepak Chopra, and Napolean Hill just to give you a few.

This is also known in the quantum physics community.

What I’m learning is that just thinking of yourself embodying successful traits attracts success into your life!

Keeping the items on your Success List at the forefront of your mind everyday is motivating! It also makes it easier for you to remember when your energy is feeling low or you get stuck playing the comparison game (comparing yourself to others who are “more successful”).

Let’s add 5 things to your Success List

Creating a Success List is a quick way to visualize what you want and help keep the window of opportunities open.

  1. Who are 3 people you consider to be successful?
  2. What do they all have in common? Write the first 4 items that come to mind. This is the beginning of your Success List.
  3. Think about something you’ve achieved that made you really proud. I mean, beam to the heavens! In one word, how did it make you feel? This will become your 5th item to remind you that you’ve been successful in the past and will be successful in the future!

What was your 5th item? I’d love to celebrate with you in the comments below.

PS: If you’d like to be one of 10 ladies at WDDW on June 1st, here’s where you can grab your spot!

{ 0 comments }

A lot of my drumming students are introverts and very passionate about their work. But, one thing I realized the other day was that majority of my students are also perfectionists…just like me!

Watch this video to hear the #1 fear perfectionists have when it comes to drumming in a group. I also reveal three easy tips you can use to overcome perfectionism in any group activity.

Looking to try the Perfectionist’s Guide in a live setting? Join us for the Toronto 2013 Women’s Drum & Dance Weekend (WDDW) on June 1st!

 

 

{ 0 comments }