When you are about to be 42 Years Old, Look Out

Best Gal is the best. She calls me on December 1 to remind me of a birthday event she has planned for me that evening. My embarrassment was heard across the phone line as she laughs and realizes I’ve forgotten. I sheepishly remember a discussion we had before I jetted to Montreal on business. I am quickly forgiven and Best Gal asks me to be there as close to 6 pm as possible. A special guest had been invited to the party and for me not to be late.

I drove at a decent pace and dropped kid off with husband. Back out and 20 minutes later I’m arriving and meeting Charles, who is introduced as “my birthday present”. He is mid-20s and something in appearance akin to Kris Angel or a younger less Canadian Great Kreskin. Look out, Best Gal has hired us a Medium, bedecked and bedazzled in jewels, retro hoodie and fabulously thick Egyptian-inspired black eyeliner.

Charles is not just any young channel of the wise ones past, but one who could tell me what my late aunt on my maternal grandmother’s side passed from, my recent part-time professional development subject focus plus how I am surrounded by peace and have a purpose to fundraise for charity. Wow. Humbling, accurate and very uplifting.

He wished me all the best at the end of the reading and emphasized that what he provides is information for people to consider or use to make positive life changes. He was both authentic and mysterious in my estimation. Uses phrases that I’ve heard my parents or relatives use almost exclusively, as if the words flowed through him and were not of him.

We ended the evening with others in the house taking turns at their tour of the universe according to Charles. I hope their whirlwind excursion was as sweeping and useful as mine.

Unpacking for Winter or Optimism101

It was unseasonably warm today and husband, kid and I decided to start donating what we had in storage to friends and family. We moved and shifted the 12’ x 24’ storage locker like chess champions and finally, found the coveted objects to load onto the truck’s trailer. We laughed, tried not to fall into puddles and marvelled as to how a physically taxing task could be so fun.

Optimism is one emotional intelligence trait I covet more than objects. Without it, I would see the world through gloomy eyes and not realize the infinite possibilities for existence. With it, I am equipped to solve problems, find happiness and actualize into my true self. Along with an enlightened companion and six year old, the huffing, puffing and dragging the furniture around became a rollicking dance. Move this here, shift this there, and voila, it somehow fits on the trailer then back in the storage bin goes the rest.

Only snag was my optimism waning when tying jute knots across the trailer’s items. Husband is adept from former truck-driving days. I am confused and express my lack of knowledge as to how to make taut cords happen across expensive furniture and precious appliances. Husband find patience to show me repeatedly and lets me even tie it incorrectly a few times. Experience is a great teacher and again, voila, I found my optimism tucked behind my ego and we were soon on the road. Tea, hugs and joyful expressions were our unexpected reward when these items left our care and possession. Sweeter gifts could not be had or received in my opinion. Peace of the season to all of you reading this, my new blog starting up again (for the 2nd or 3rd time, now that’s optimism!)

Emotional Ninja Part I of Many

Today and for the rest of my working life I'd like to really focus on how to lead from within and help others do so too. My coaching practice and training in psychotherapy are both part of my personal growth by being a helper. I enjoy helping people but realize that working on my own personal issues clears the path for greater service. Leaders in business, volunteer endeavours and in communities throughout Canada fascinate me as to what motivates them to essentially, lead. I want to work with people who want to grow too.