12 Days of Consciousness

Join us tomorrow for the 12/12/12 Celebrating Consciousness event.  The OWN Ambassadors are hosting an epic social media event where we are sharing the wisdom and love from some of the greatest thought leaders of today. We will have a variety of ways to connect and be part of this amazing experience. Google Hangouts, Live Meditations, TweetUps, Interviews, Vlogs and Question and Answer sessions.  Each day we will share the work of a thought leader, tweeting, quoting and posting what has touched our lives.

 

 

 

I'm so excited for this to begin.  Each of these leaders that we are featuring have touched my heart in one way or another.  To be able to connect with them and have them help us to being this out to all of you....I am almost at a loss for words....and that doesn't happen very often!

 

Our facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/theownambassadors

 

Some important twitter handles and hastags to know:

 

@Mistys_OWN

@OWNAmbassadors

@OWNViewers

@CDNOWNViewers

 

@pattidigh

@olivianj

@TheUHMethod

@DeepakChopra

@DeVon_Franklin

@spiver

@RevEdBacon

@PosPositive

@MarkNepo

@tinogona

@1GiantMind

 

#OWNAmbassadors

#12DaysofCC

 

Meet up with us on facebook and twitter and be inspired! I promise you, if you open up your heart and allow the love to filter in, you will think differently, walk differently, love differently and breath differently.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you,

 

Misty

xo

 

 

 



My Oprah Moment - LA2012 Pt 2

Myself along with fellow OWN Ambassadors had the pleasure and were so blessed to be invited to have lunch with Oprah while we were in Los Angeles for the OYOU conference.  The moment plans started happening, I began my countdown.  Excitement and joy welled up inside my soul and kept building as the days counted down on my blackberry countdown clock. (Yes, I had a countdown clock on my phone and told everyone as often as I could)

So many times I found myself asking out loud, 'Is this really happening? Who does this happen to?" Well, I can now say, it happens to someone like me! Believe in your dreams and dream big!!

During the lunch break of the OYOU conference (which I will blog about in LA2012 pt3) we were asked to all meet in a designated spot wearing our green OWN Ambassador bracelets and would then be escorted upstairs to a lovely room in the LA Convention Centre.  We all were beside ourselves with Oprah bliss as we were lead to the room where IT was about to happen.  I was about to meet Oprah.

For weeks, I was worried that I would have the same reaction as I did during Lifeclass here in Toronto this past April. When Oprah walked out on that Lifeclass stage, I wept with joy as this was the first time I saw her in person.  This woman who over the years I've grown to respect. I seek out her advice and wisdom, knowing that she gets it.  So, naturally you can imagine my terror of having that same reaction this time, and in such a smaller and much more intimate setting.  For Lifeclass, I was in gigantic room with almost 8500 other people.  For this intimate lunch, I would be in a much cozier room with my fellow Ambassadors, about 35 of us in total.

Walking into this room, with the large buffet type spread on the left hand side, we saw a few tables on the right side where we were encouraged to go to first and I realized they had everyone in a seating plan. Our amazing lovely ladies Maya and Jai from Harpo had seated all of the Canadian Ambassadors at one table which was wonderful!! After finding our table and probably pinching ourselves more then necessary, we noticed that each table had one empty seat at it.  Hmmm, I wonder....

A beautiful lunch spread was put out before us, with delicious salads, tasty sandwiches and delectable desserts. And let me say right here, whoever made the heavenly mouthwatering pumpkin creme brulee...OMG, kudos my friend, well played!! That along with a few bites of some Greek salad was about all I could eat.  Gayle King and Iyanla Vanzant popped in and were so wonderful.  Chatting with us for a bit, thanking us for all of our support and love for OWN and of course Lady O herself! I could feel the anticipation building in the room.  Each time the door would open, myself along with many others would catch our breath and look with expected excitement in the hopes to get the first glimpse of Oprah walking through those doors. Eric Logan also came in to chat with each of us as well.  He is the President of OWN and what an amazing guy! So lovely to speak with and actually sat and chatted with us at the Canadian Ambassadors table.

Maya gave us a quick run down on how our time with Oprah was going to go. Oprah would come in, we would have the opportunity to get a picture taken with her by her very own photographer Geroge Burns. Then she would make her way to each table and have a sit down chat with us...hence the empty seat at each beautifully set rounded table.

This was it, it was really happening! My eyes began to well up with tears as it really started to become a reality to me.  In just moments, Oprah was going to walk through that door.  My mind raced back to her last episode of TOWS, where we can all remember her words to us.  Her love letter to each of us over the last 25 years.  In that show, amongst the countless bits of love and wisdom she bestowed upon us, she said...

"To those of you whose names I'll never know, I learned what love is."
 

Listening to those words from her, standing on that stage welling up with emotion herself in that gorgeous L'Wren Scott dress,  I thought that I would be one of those millions whose names she would never know.  I always knew that I would meet her one day but never to the magnitude that I am meeting her now.  As my reality came back down to my table, and literally moments before she walked into the room, a peace came over me.  Although emotional and with tears in my eyes, I was at peace because I knew that this was exactly how it was suppose to be.  I was meant to be here in this moment, in this time.  I was meant to be part of this group, we were all meant to be here as light carriers for this was already done.  This was already orchestrated behind the scenes and we were just now seeing the script of this chapter in our lives.

Then, as the door opened and chills raced up and down my arms, Oprah walked in. There she was! Right before me, smiling at all of us!! Instant applause erupted from the room and we all cheered for our fearless life teacher who stood before us!

What happened in the next few minutes gave me an incredible full circle moment that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my days. They had us do the pictures first, so table by table went up and got in line to await our picture moment with Oprah.  With each snap of the camera, I got closer and closer to her, anticipating what I would say or would she say anything to me? I was almost patting myself on the back because I was keeping my cool.  Oh yah, I can do this.  I can walk up to Oprah Winfrey and snap a fabulous picture with her.  Of course! Well, as my moment got closer and closer, I felt my palms getting sweaty.  Then I frantically wiped them down my pant leg....I'm pretty sure the last thing Oprah wants to feel are my sweaty hands! *SNAP* That was the camera again and it was now my turn to walk up to her. As I took my steps towards her, she looked at me and said 'Misty! Mistys OWN!' (which is my twitter name) Wait a minute...she just said my name, at least I think that's my name. Is my name Misty?  My knees began to feel a little weak and I recall praying to God right then and there. 'God, please do not let me fall at this woman's feet!' She knew my name! I'm not one of those whose name she'll never know.  She knows it! She knows me! As I reached her, I gave her a hug and then turned for our picture.  I think George snapped a few pictures and then I was on my way and the person behind me was about to have their Oprah moment.  Walking back to my seat, I remember just repeating to myself, she knew me, she knew me!

As I watched each person after me get their pictures taken with Oprah, the pure joy rising on each of their faces was truly a sight to see.  The sparkle on all of our faces really could have lit the entire LA Convention Centre, of this I have no doubt!

After the pictures were finished being snapped, Oprah said a few words to us as a group before going around to each table. She graciously thanked us for our love and support of her and OWN, for standing by her from day one as she has tried to make this amazing network something with sustenance for the soul.  She called us her light carriers.  Ok, I'm good with that!!

As she went around to each table, talking and laughing with her light carriers, we got wind that Entertainment Tonight and Nancy O'Dell were just outside and wanted to pop in.  LOL, are you kidding me?  Sure, come on in Nancy! WOW!

Although quite blurry, this is me in the upper right corner in the yellow top.  And this was a clip they showed on Entertainment Tonight! Nancy O'Dell came into the room with the ET cameras and had a quick chat with Oprah, before they were to meet after to have an interview. Quite a few Ambassadors were shot and shown on ET and we all were just tickled pink by it! But the biggest highlight of that little bonus with ET showing up?? It was that Oprah was able to tell her and show some of the faithful and loving supporters of OWN.  I was really moved by the fact that the Oprah was talking to Nancy and ET about us, the OWN Ambassadors, her light carriers!

After ET left, Oprah continued on to each table, making her way to ours.  'CANADA' she says! 'I LOVE CANADA!!' Standing beside me, with a tap on my shoulder and a squeeze, she chatted with us and laughed along.  How awesome were these moments?!?! She was so gracious and so amazing, putting each person at ease.  After her table chats, she had to leave us for her interview with ET and then for the closing of the OYOU conference.  She affectionately thanked us again and left the room.  Yes, I had to tell myself more than once, that DID just happen!

I tried to take each moment in, soaking it up as to not take even a second of it for granted.  I am truly blessed to have been present for all of this! The one person who I have dreamed of meeting my entire life, I just did! This girl from Niagara Falls Canada, who spent many years telling herself that she wasn't enough, and didn't deserve the happiness she so craved deep inside, that girl is now this woman who is writing these words, knowing that I AM enough, and I deserve more than happiness, I deserve all the joy rising up in my soul. I learned this partly because of Oprah.  She taught me that I am worthy, that I'm deserving of my own love first and foremost! Countless life lessons I have attained from Oprah and for that I am forever grateful. 

This was my first Oprah moment, but I can promise you this, it won't be my last! The awesomeness has just started and I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Thanks for tuning in everyone! Stay tuned for LA2012 Pt 3 coming to a screen near you very soon!  so much more happened at the OYOU Conference, so many other great lessons from some fantastic teachers! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Sending love out to all,

Misty
xo

DeVon Franklin and the OWN Ambassadors - LA2012 Pt 1

Our LA trip finally happened!!  After months and months of planning and prepping, myself along with other OWN Ambassadors made our way to Los Angeles for what proved to be an unforgettable moment in time!

A few months ago, I tweeted DeVon Franklin (@DeVon_Franklin) asking him if her would be interested in joining us for dinner one night while we were in the sunny city.  Graciously, he accepted and so started the excitement for the OWN Ambassadors moment with DeVon!

We were introduced to DeVon when he appeared on an episode of Super Soul Sunday as a guest of Oprah.  He had written a book called Produced By Faith and was discussing it with Lady O.  If any of you have not yet read this book, I suggest it whole-heartedly! What a fantastic insight he has and his words will reach your heart and allow you to see the path you are on, realizing that you just have to be where you are.  God has already mapped it out for you.  All we have to do is be who he has created us to be.  Using his experience in the Hollywood film industry, DeVon's words allow us to see our lives in the form of a movie.  Each step, each process and all the players involved, fitting into certain roles.  I promise you this is a MUST read and you will be forever changed!

After DM'ing (Direct Messaging for all of you non twitter users) with DeVon for a few weeks, trying to plan a meeting, he invited us to a breakfast with him at Sony Studios where he is a Senor VP of Production for Columbia Pictures.  I know right?  WOW!!  We were all so thrilled and beside ourselves with excitement!!! What an amazing opportunity! I was in communication with DeVon's assistant Ryan who was remarkable! He was there to provide me with support and any help I needed to get our Ambassadors there and to have a wonderful time! After providing a list of names for every attendee going to Sony, we were ready to go!

This morning was also going to be the morning were we got to meet each other as well.  The OWN Ambassadors.  My new family of fellow light carriers who show me every day what it is to love unconditionally.  Some of us have already met each other but this was to be the first of many meetings with almost all of us together in one room. The energy and excitement was palpable.  I can still feel the buzz of anticipation inside me!!

When I walked into the room and saw so many faces that I have already grown to love, I was consumed with such gratitude and appreciation for the amazing people that stood before me! It was so great to be face to face with people who I've connected to and formed bonds with. Normally, for people who know me well, I am shy and not a fan of meeting/being is large groups of people.  BUT, this was different and I can see and feel the changes already happening inside me.  When I walked in to that room, it wasn't at all like meeting people for the first time.  Because we've had Twitter and facebook, because we've had those conversations with one another, I really felt like I was coming home after being away for a long time.  Coming home and seeing all my loved ones in one room. 



After we all had some time to chat and do lots of hugging and kissing, in came DeVon and he was absolutely fabulous! So grateful to us for being there, so real and on our level! He allowed us to get pictures with him, signed our copies of his book, which quite a number of us had with us in the hopes that he would! He then gave us a little mini sermon which was so powerful and left many of us in tears.  For me personally, a few things really stuck with me and are still running through my head.

"Change your posture. Take on your reaping position because it's already done."

I learned that God had already chose me to be there in that moment.  He chose me to be part of the OWN Ambassadors even long before the OWN Ambassadors even existed! He chose all of us! He chose DeVon to be an instructor to us and He already knew that we would all meet and be the light and faith Ambassadors that we have become!

This day was remarkable.  Filled with so much love and devotion, privilege and blessings!  This day, Friday October 19th marked a day congregating with fellow brothers and sisters of the light, sharing a part of ourselves with one another.  This day began the shift inside me and I am so thankful!!

Thanks to DeVon and Sony for inviting us for breakfast and fellowship! I will always remember this moment!!

And this is just the start of the amazingness that was LA for me! Look out for LA2012 pt 2, coming soon!

Thanks for tuning in lovies!

Misty
xo

WE Day Toronto 2012

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”     

    ~ Mahatma Gandhi       

          

I had the absolute privilege of volunteering at We Day here in Toronto on Friday September 28^th.  I am someone who volunteers quite often and I have to say, this event has got to be one of the best things I have done in my entire life.  I’m still talking about it, telling friends and fellow co-workers how grand a day it really was.  To be a part of such an extraordinary day, filled with youth of all ages, all their for the same purpose.  It was truly a sight to see! And something I encourage everyone to experience!

I was brought to tears on more than one occasion, taking in the over 18,000+ kids who were there in attendance, raising their voices up with one goal in mind.  Be The Change! We have the POWER! Goosebumps are multiplying on my arms once again just remembering and still feeling the vibrating buzz of the energy that filled the entire Air Canada Centre!! It was a powerful and impactful moment for me. 

We Day allows youth to come together as one, to celebrate the power of each individual to create change both locally in their community and globally around the world.

Free the Children is an International Charity and Educational Partner, that believes in a world where each person, boy or girl at any age can become agents of change and make that difference! Free the Children assists in giving young people a voice, freeing them from the notion that they are powerless to affect positive change in the world. 

http://www.muchmusic.com/events/weday/video/cid/771833/pid/124276/we-day-2012-preshow-we-day-is

From what I saw last Friday, these kids can do anything they put their minds too. 

http://www.freethechildren.com/

There were so many fabulous speakers and entertainers to fill the day with insight, laughter and fun! Al Gore and Martin Sheen to name but a few were phenomenal speakers.  Nelly Furtado and Jennifer Hudson brought down the roof with their fantastic voices! Hedley and  K’Naan were there as well to entertain us all.

There was a moment, when J Hud was singing Hallelujah, one of my all time favorite songs of all time by the way, when she asked the kids to sing it back to her.  All of a sudden, 18,000+  kids in unison began to sing the words of Hallelujah back to her in a harmonic beauty and it literally took my breath away. (yup, goosebumps again) Tears flowing in hot streaks down my face as I looked around the massive crowd to realize that tears were flowing down their cheeks as well.  We were all connected together by love and mutual understanding of one another.

Little 9 year old Sydney gave her ‘PM in 40 years’ speech.  Utterly amazing!!! You have to see the clip below of her speech at We Day!! I promise you will be moved beyond words like I was!

http://www.muchmusic.com/events/weday/video/cid/771903/pid/124276/we-day-2012-sydneys-speech-pm-in-40-years

If these youth can come together with one goal in mind, there is absolutely no reason why us as adults can’t do the same.  If I learned anything from We Day, it was that no matter your age, race, gender or the obstacles you face is not a hinderance or reason to disallow yourself to be part of any movement that can change the world to make this world a world where we can all live in peace and at peace.  It can be done.  These children taught me that at We Day!

The link below are more clips from We Day.  Check them out.  You will be blown away at the magnitude of what a day like this can unleash.  Stating the word POWERFUL doesn’t even begin to cover it!

http://www.muchmusic.com/events/weday/video

Be the Change!!

Misty

xo

Lean On Me

Hi friends!  I know it’s been awhile but as many of you out there, summer was crazy for me too.  But, the Fall is upon us, with the leaves already changing colors and dropping to the ground.  I know I’m not alone in being happy that the hot is gone.  Bring on the sweater weather!!

I’ve been wanting to write  a post for a few weeks now.  There is so much to talk about, I was at a loss as to where to start. But then last night happened and I then knew exactly what I wanted to say. 

First, give this a listen to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZR4cVE0Htw&noredirect=1

This song says it all doesn’t it? No matter the trials and tribulations we face I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that I have people in my life who will stand beside me offering their strength and love to help me make it through the dark and into the light again.  I have placed these people in my life for reasons that I may not even fully understand yet.  Man am I smart or what?

And just as I have placed these amazing spirits where I need them, they have done the same with me.  They have me just where they need me. Whenever and wherever, I am there!!

No judgments. No snide remarks. No phoniness. Real life. Real friends. Real hearts.

There is one catch though.  You have to be willing and open to accept the help.  Let that person help you carry on.  Don’t push them away. You need them.  This is a lesson I had to learn.  I felt that if I gave in and admitted I needed help I was a failure.  Failure was and still can be sometimes one of my biggest fears.  I felt like I was claiming defeat, like I had no power.  As a child, I had no power, so naturally,  as I got older I had to have the power always. I had to be the one in control no matter what.  While other areas of my life suffered, I was determined to make it seem like I had it all together.  It thought I was ok with hurting on the inside as long as people thought I was strong and happy on the outside.  Boy was I foolish.  As Iyanla would say, ‘Let’s call a thing a thing people!!’

After I finally admitted to myself what was really going on and finally allowed the true healing to begin, I was able to welcome the love and support from others.  I knew I wasn’t alone.  Being alone can be so completely debilitating.  No one should have to live like that.

Be honest.  Speak the truth.  Be the light.

Once you release all that tension and let go of the barriers you insist on carrying with you, I promise it be so freeing.  You will free your mind, free your soul and free your future.  All of the possibilities can unfold right in front of you just by swallowing some of that pride!!

Have a great day lovies!!

Misty

xo

Deserving of Happiness

The last few months have brought me so many ups and downs it has been hard to catch my breath at times.  Still reeling with the sadness over losing my step dad and seeing my mom in pain has been difficult but knowing that she will survive this, get stronger every day and live her life with fulfillment and purpose makes me feel at ease in my soul.  Yes times will be tough, moments will be hard to accept, memories are sad to make knowing that someone is missing, but never forgotten. Each day is proving to be a lesson and I am striving to learn what each one is trying to tell me.

Amongst the sadness and loss, there was a beam of the brightest light I have ever seen.  First it was Lifeclass here in Toronto and the amazing Tea Party with OWN Canada and of course meeting some of my fantastic Canadian OWN Ambassadors.  And now…..not only were we talking about going to LA in October for the O You event, but to top that already cherry topped sundae, we are now going to have lunch with Oprah herself! How many people can say that? When I say a dream come true, those words somehow don’t even begin to explain the full extent of the overwhelming excitement I feel all the way down to my orange painted toes! I am having lunch with some amazing friends and OPRAH!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! Sometimes I have to say it out loud just so I can hear it!! LOL

This LA trip will allow me to cross 2, count them 2 things, maybe more off my Bucket List.  WOOHOO!!

I realized something this morning when I was on my way to the office.  This place I am in right now, although I am still making changes in my life and still learning, striving to live authentically, aside from all of that, I am the best me I can be right now.  Always a student of life, accepting that I really can’t do it all but I can have all my dreams if I work at it! To have been able to connect with great people, being given the opportunities for Lifeclass and now O You and lunch with Oprah….I am deserving of happiness.  Really and truly.  I already knew this however the meaning really reflected something different in my heart today.  It’s so easy for me to get down on myself, always pointing out my flaws, what I need to change, what I do wrong.  But this morning, I thought…Hmm, I’m really deserving of all of this! When it comes to others, I have no problem in feeling confident in that I love hard and forever.  I take care of my loved ones, doing whatever needs to be done.  I put them first, ensuring they have what they need and I love doing that! Knowing that I helped in making them happy, putting a smile on their face and making my love and presence felt is something I will forever do.  What I lack is focusing that same passion onto myself.  But why?  I obviously have the capability, so why not love me and do whatever it takes for me?  I am deserving, so incredibly deserving!  We all are! We each have setbacks and flaws and things that we aren’t necessarily proud of.  But that doesn’t matter at all!  Good things can still happen and we have to accept it and enjoy it.  Don’t waste your time asking why this is happening or thinking that something will go wrong.  Just let it be.  Let it be something wonderful that you can enjoy because you have earned it!

Have a great day friends!!  More to come soon…I have a feeling my soul has much more to say!!!

Take care

Misty

xoxo

You Never Know the Beauty Inside

We just had a long weekend here in Canada and I went down to the Falls to spend it with family.  With the weather being as beautiful as it was, my mom and I decided to do her gardens.  That being the job of my step dad up until now, we took it on, in the hopes that we would make him proud.  Although we really didn't have the green thumbs, well, if I'm being honest, I don't think I even have a green fingernail, we did alright.  Her gardens look gorgeous and we had fun doing them.  We got some sun, had some laughs and yes, I even got dirty.  The city girl that I am and proud of it, got down in the dirt.  And I was absolutely ok with that!

While at the greenhouse earlier that morning to pick up the flats of flowers to plant, we stopped and admired the most beautiful flower I think I have ever seen.  This flower literally filled me with happiness and is the inspiration for this blog post.  The Fuschia flower with all its glory is something to see. 
I began to reflect back on so many of the lessons I have learned over the years and one of the many is 'Never judge a book by its cover'. We all know this and have said it at least one time in our lives.

Much like the fuschia flower, we begin our lives as a small little bud.  Delicate, new and with an unexplainable desire to blossom.

Some people grow and flourish into exactly what they knew they would.  Some are in a place right from the start, following their voice inside, their dreams guiding them.  For others it can be a struggle.  They falter and lose their way.  Something happens that they can't quite understand and all of a sudden their plans, or what they thought they wanted go right out the window. When we see someone who is struggling, who appears to not care about themselves or whats happening around them, we can either judge them or accept them for the spirit they have inside.  You just never know by looking at the shell of someone what is truly inside them.  What they are made up of, what holds them all together.  You can't pry open someone either.  They have to blossom all on their own.  When the time is right for them, when they have mustered up the divine strength they have within, and always did have but never realized it, then they can bloom into the radiant and exquisite being they were always destined to become.  Some people just need a few extra moments.

And when they blossom into the beauty they were always meant to be, it is breathtaking.  It's like the perfect secret.  Kept locked down until the right moment, then magic!

 Looking at this pink bud on this fuschia plant does it no justice.  Its just regular.  You probably wouldn't even give it another moments thought.  It's easy to forget, doesn't really leave an impression on you.  But, when it's ready and the moment to open up and become what it was made to become is reached, it's striking beauty makes you stop in your tracks.  What a shame it would have been to chastise or judge something of such beauty.  What a waste it would have been.  Works the same way for people.  What a shame, what a waste it would be if we kept right on walking by.  Sad for the person who was left behind, and sad for the person who does the leaving. I think about what this exceptional soul can add to my life and how much I'd love for it to know my heart. 

This week, let's all try to reach out to one person.  Someone who you can admit might have something special inside but its not being shown to the world yet.  Let them know when they're ready, you will gladly be there to see the transformation.

Blessings to you all and thanks for tuning in my friends!

Warm hugs

Misty
xo

Thank You Letter to my Mother

A daughter is a mother’s gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters’ role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships. – Victoria Secunda

 Happy Mothers Day to each and every mom out there.  You have the weight of the world on your shoulders yet you love your children more then life itself.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Dear Mama,

Today is the day of the year that is marked to make a special mention to our moms. To say thanks for all you do.  To tell you that we love you.
If it was only that simple.  I'm great with words but not even I can find the right ones to tell you exactly what you mean to me.  There are no words to describe fully just how much I love and adore you. You've been there through most of it.  Sometimes you stepped right in and other times you stood back, letting me spread my wings.  Mistakes were made....oh were there mistakes.  But you knew those mistakes were nessecary for me to make.   In all of my stubbornness, in every moment I dug my heels in and refused to budge, you were still there.

Thank you Mom for making me breakfast every morning

Thank you for laughing with me in the card isles

Thank you Mom for teaching me the tune of life

Thanks for letting me love you

 We have an abundance of good memories, happy times shared together.  We have pockets of time where things were a rough road for us.  There were moments in time that are difficult to look back on without feeling pangs of hurt.  But I believe that each memory, each glimpse of past mistakes, things that were rough, they happened for this very specific reason.  It brought you and I to this point right here, right in this time.  I think we are in the best place we have ever been in, growing together, learning from each other.  We have said it before.  We have a kind of bond that is unbreakable.  We know this because it has been tested many times.  And here we still stand, hand in hand, side by side, holding the other up when times are unforgiving and relentless.

Thank you Mom for letting me be your person, because you are mine

Thank you for playing with my hair, for comforting me

Thank you Mom for loving me even when I made it difficult to

Thanks Mom for not giving up on me

Thank you Mom for loving me even when I pushed you away

In case I haven't told you enough, showed you enough, I hope that me telling you now will forever stay in your mind and in your heart.  Hold on to this today and every day after.  Remember that I'm your person and you're mine.  No matter the distance, no matter what is going on in our lives you will always be in my heart.

Thanks for playing games with me even though I'm so competitive

Thank you Mom for being patient with me

Thank you for encouraging me

Enjoy today Mama.  Celebrate yourself along with Joey and I as we show you just how significant you are in our lives.  I've needed you, need you now and will need you in the future.  Please know that in your heart.  As long as I'm living, my Mama you'll be.

My mom is a never-ending song in my heart
Of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words
But I always remember the tune.
- Graycie Harmon

 All my heart now and forever,
Your Daughter
xoxo



Lesson Put to the Test

I love being in a position where I can call to action any one of the life changing lessons I have learned over the course of my life.  Although I always have been open to learn new things, it can be difficult for me.  I do have control issues, I can admit that.  I hate not being the one who is in complete control of what is going on around me.  I've said before, we are all a work in progress.  We all have our own journey that we are taking.  Do I turn left or right? Do I keep going straight ahead or should I look back to make sure I'm in the right place?  We never know until we have taken that next step if we should keep going in that direction or take a different course.

I talked in my last post about being at the ultimate classroom in the world. Oprah's Lifeclass here in Toronto.  There, with the lesson being Forgiveness, I had a big Aha moment.  I realized that I hadn't forgiven my father.  I hadn't seen him in nearly 5 years.  We did speak on the one briefly back in 2009, but that was it.  After Lifeclass I figured I would do much reflection about what I had learned.  Sadly, with the passing of my step dad there wasn't really time for that.  But, the good thing about lessons learned is that there isn't any time limit.  No expiry date.  I can reflect now, I can understand it more now.  However, like I mentioned, with the passing of Dougie just a few days after Lifeclass, the next two weeks were filled with pain, anguish and being the best support I could to my mom.  Little did I know, that the very day after the memorial for my step dad, I would see my father. 

My brother just bought a house, his first house. My mom and I were there with him along with my niece as he took his first steps inside of his new home.  While I was washing a few things in the sink for him, I happened to look outside and there he was, walking towards the house.  My father.  I  felt my stomach begin to turn.  Panic was flowing through me so instantaneously I barely got out the words, 'Dad's here' to my brother.  As he walked in, he paid condolences to my mother, as he should have, and then walked over to me wanting to give me a hug. A frustrating trait of my father's is and always has been, pretending that everything is okay when it so evidently is not.  He hugged, I let him, honestly not knowing what to do.  Panic was still coursing through me and all I could do was smile.  I continued washing dishes in the sink as my brother took our father on a tour of the house.  My brother, being extremely considerate, ushered him through the house as quickly as he could and brought him outside to chat, knowing how I and my mother both feel about him.  Before leaving, he came back into the house to say goodbye, telling me to 'be good'.  Without looking up I told him to take care.  Then he left.  As I saw him walking down the driveway, hearing my brother apologize to us for him showing up there, tears began to stream down my cheeks.  I just wasn't prepared.  After already having a draining few weeks and a particularly difficult day the day before I just wasn't ready.

Despite the fact that I was crying, that I was riddled with panic, I did hear that little voice inside my heart.  Telling me it was ok.  I was allowed to feel this way.  I was absolutely entitled to acknowledging my damaged heart over this broken relationship. And even though I did have some anger towards myself because I was getting upset, I still knew it was ok because I have been equipped with some amazing life lessons.  My head knows that I need to forgive, but my heart just isn't there yet.  In time it will be, but not yet.  There is so much anger and hurt that I am working through still.  I know it will come, all in due time.  My heart will replenish itself, I will forgive.  Something else to be grateful for from Lifeclass.  I'm not sure how I would have reacted seeing him without having my Oprah Armor on.  I really do consider the teachings that Oprah and all of her Life Coaches have given me is my armor.  As long as I wear it properly it will protect me, allowing me to fight off anything that stands in my way.  Anything that comes against me, tries to hurt me, take me down.  This armor is my best defense!

So the journey continues ladies and gentlemen! I'm excited to see what is around the corner! 

Until next time lovies..

Misty
xo

Saying Goodbye

This post is dedicated to my step dad, Doug 'Dougie' Read who was taken from us far too soon.

We've all lost someone close to us.  A parent, a child, a spouse, cousin, friend.  There are no limitations to the pain and grief we all feel when a loved one is taken away from us.  But there are different ways to navigate through the grief for each person. 

It's so curious: one can resist tears and 'behave' very well in the hardest hours of grief. But then someone makes you a friendly sign behind a window, or one notices that a flower that was in bud only yesterday has suddenly blossomed, or a letter slips from a drawer... and everything collapses. ~Colette

I received a call from my mom on April 18th. The call. The one that I knew would come eventually but not this soon.  Too soon.  We had found out just 5 weeks prior that my step dad was sick, with stage 4 cancer and things did not look good.  We did however try out best to remain positive, wishing, hoping and praying that time would be good to us and we would have plenty of time to spend with him before the end came.  So many things still left to do, left to say.
I couldn't help but wonder to myself.  What thoughts go through your mind when you're sitting in front of your doctor as they tell you such dreadful news?  News that must feel like echoing torture in your ears. 
In the next 5 weeks, my parents were busy with doctors appointments, going here, going there, trying to get final preparations done and out of the way so they could just focus on their time together, getting ready for that final goodbye.  Little did we all know that time itself was going to knock us down without any warning at all.
After being admitted into the hospital a few days after Easter with full blown pneumonia, things looked grim but I still had the notion of hope on the horizon that he would pull through.  Maybe a little worse for wear, but he would fight this pneumonia and be out of the hospital in a week, two weeks tops.
However, on April 18th, when I got the call, I knew things had reached critical matter and there was no turning back. No waking up from the coma he had slipped into and no leaving the hosiptal with him, bringing him home.  Hearing my mothers trembling voice on the other end of the phone saying, 'You have to come now baby. It's time to say goodbye' I slumped back into my couch, clutching my chest, feeling my heart pounding.  Is this really happening, I thought? Is my mother, really having to call me and tell me to get home, is she really telling me to prepare myself to say that final goodbye?  My heart broke right then and there, thinking about my mom and Dougie.  About their relationship, not having enough time.  Not yet, this couldn't be happening yet. 

I was there bright and early the next morning.  I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around my mom and squeeze her tight, letting her know she wasn't going to go through this alone. 
Walking into the hospital room with my mom and Kim, my step sister, I was taken back at the sight. I knew he wasn't awake and had tubes coming out from all over. But nothing can prepare you for actually seeing it.  Seeing this strong, full of life man biker man lying before me, looking frail.  No, this isn't right I thought.  This isn't fair.  When I had some time alone with Dougie, holding his hand, wiping his forehead, I got close down to his ear and whispered the things that I knew he needed to hear from me because I needed to say them to him.  I told him that it was ok.  I told him that she would be ok.  I thanked him for being the amazing man he was and for loving my mother beyond any boundries. I saw true happiness in her eyes the moment he entered her life and for that I am now and forever truly grateful.

With family coming in and out throughout the day, it was decided that the life support machines would be turned off around 4pm.  It was expected that it would happen quickly. Little did these doctor know how strong Dougies heart really was. He was a fighter right until the end.  After 10 hours of breathing on his own, his heart began to fail him.  With my mom, Kim and me by his side, he took his last breath at 2:30am.
I think it was meant to be that the 3 of us were the ones with him at the end.  We were Dougie's girls after all.  Everything was just as it should have been. Although hard to grasp and seemingly unjustifiable, this was how it was suppose to happen.  I was meant to be there, helping Dougie let go, and also being their to offer my strength and support to my mom and my sister.

The next week was a bit of a blur. Final preps for the visitation and family memorial dinner were being tended to.  After coming back home to Toronto for a few days to get things cleared up for work and grab more clothes, I headed back down to Niagara for a week to be there for my mom, helping wherever I could.  Feelings of helplessness were overwhleming at times, but I made a conscious effort to think back over the amazing LifeClass I just attended, and all the other life changing lessons I have learned over the years from my top Life Coach! It's so easy to question at times the big 'WHY' Why was this happeneing now? Why did I have to watch Dougie's parents, his daughter, his entire family go through such terrible pain? Why did I have to see my mom suffer with this unbearable greif when there was nothing I could do to make it better for her. Then it hit me. I was there to offer my strength for each one of them.  Yes, I was hurting too, and I was just as entitled to grieve along side each person.  But, I'm also equipped with a specail armor.  When you reach the acceptance to be proud of our scars, be proud of your wounds, be proud of your battles, each experience offers us the opportunity to learn. (Thank you Master Class)  Just when we all thought this final goodbye was reaching the top of the mountain, I realized that there was another mountain before us to climb. This wasn't the end, this was not a time to give up because he wouldn't want that.  We had to keep fighting.  And if I was there in that moment, being given that purpose of helping my family see just what it was I was seeing, then I was ready to take that on.  It was important to allow myself to be sad, let the tears flow, but I felt such a sense of purpose, needing to be that source of comfort for my loved ones.  We all have our roles.

Saying the final goodbye, seeing freinds and family paying their last respects and sharing laughs and tears, comprised the day for us on Monday April 30th.  Although mentally exhasusting, we made it through and I truly believe that Dougie would have been proud.  Now is a time to honor him, keep his memory alive is everything we do. 

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand." – Irish Blessing

Be sure to tell a loved one how much they mean to you today.  No day is promised to us so lets take today and make it count!

Until next time friends, thanks for tuning in.

Misty
xo

Oprah's LifeClass in Toronto 2012

Again, apologies for being so late with this post, but I know I'm already forgiven! I promise I am getting back on track and will be more on the ball in the days to come!

Now, on to the main event! OPRAH'S LIFECLASS IN TORONTO!!  Need I say more?! I can still channel all the emotions I felt that day. Waking up way before my alarm that morning, like I could sleep.  The moment my eyes opened I shot up and out of bed, hopping into the shower to begin a day that I already knew would go down in my history books as one of the best, one of the most memorable!

After meeting some friends at their hotel, it was decided we would head down to the convention centre earlier then planned, to get into line.  After all, we were but a few people amongst thousands and thousands waiting in the same line, to feel and experience the same things.  We were about to see Oprah and her expert life coaches all wrapped up in the most life changing classroom in the world! The excitement was palpable.  I made a mental note while in that line, looking ahead and behind me at the vast number of people waiting with me.  All I could do was smile. My cheeks were sore before the class even began but I wouldn't have had it any other way!  I knew that each one of us was about to experience something magnificent and better yet, life changing.  I was so happy for all of us, so thrilled that we were about to embark on a day that legends are made of!

Once we were able to get into the building, after waiting for hours outside (so thankful that it was sunny and not cold and rainy) we were guided into the waiting area for another hour or so until we were able to take our seats. As the huge sliding doors began to move and we were able to navigate our way inside, I could feel my very perceptions begin to go into overdrive. This was it. I was about to be in the ultimate classroom of all classrooms.
Those of us who have had the honor to be amongst such wise individuals, soaking in the immense energy was mind boggling. I can still feel the room itself, almost vibrating with excitement, joy and gratitude. Love for this woman, her Lifeclass and each and every person involved.

Taking our fabulous seats, we waited with such intense anticipation.  Sitting 5 rows from the front, with an aisle seat was awesome!  The stage was so close and more than a few times I had to restrain myself from jumping up on it! I literally had to tell myself to keep my butt in that chair..Seriously!

Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Tony Robbins and Bishop TD Jakes came out to speak individually first.  Then Oprah was to come out, to be joined again by her fantastic team of life coaches for the live taping.

Being in the presence of these four electrifying coaches was in itself almost too much to take.  My heart was full and I was overwhelmed with such gratitude and love.

But, as her name was being announced, seeing her walk out onto that stage, words can't even describe the emotions I had going on inside of me. To be honest, I almost peed myself.  I was overcome with wrought emotions, hot tears streaming down my cheeks, heart beating out of my chest, jumping up and down with laughter mixed in with the crying. Can you just picture it now? LOL, I can totally see me and my crazy ugly cry!! The woman whom I have learned so many life lessons from, who changed my life with her wisdom, sharing with so many of us the power of these life lesson was right in front of me! Oprah Winfrey, who I grew up watching, admiring and dreamt of the day where I could be in her audience, it was all happening. At this very moment, along with some my amazing OWN Ambassadors and the rest of the 8500 people there in attendance, taking this journey with me. Even as I write this, I am filled with the utter joy that consumed my body that very night!

So many valuable lessons learned while at Lifeclass in Toronto. To name a few….I had some great AHA moments.

With the theme of forgiveness, I realized something powerful. I was able to forgive my childhood abuser. I was able to do that and really feel that in my soul last year. You would think that would be the hardest person for me to forgive. If I can forgave that horrible man, that horrible neighbor who took the innocence away from that little girl, you’d think, or at least I thought, that I could forgive anyone. Not true. I realized at LifeClass that I have not forgiven my father. My father who was a large part of my life, but as I got older, he was absent. Him and I had a rocky road in my early twenties, finally coming together again in my early thirties. I had gone through some therapy, to help deal with the abuse I endured as a child from that neighbor. I had to tell my father in a family session what had happened to me. And that was the last time we have really spoken. I had so much anger inside me when that happened I didn’t know how to express it. I mean, how could I forgave my abuser but not my own father? I realized at Lifeclass the grudge I was holding towards my father was really holding me. I had a preconceived notion on how my father should be. How he should act with me, treat me and love me. I’ve held onto this because I want to hear that apology from him, for not being my dad when I needed him most. For the feelings I was feeling about being loved and being deserving of love. I used to fear that if my own father didn’t want anything to do with me, didn’t love me, how in the world could I find someone else to love me. How would I find a man to love me and have a family with me. I realized in Toronto, sitting in that Lifeclass room, that I was limiting my own life purposes. I was putting limitations on my own successes, basing them on other people. I don’t need that apology from him. If he isn’t capable of being a supportive father, that is none of my business. I don’t need that to be happy and fulfilled. I can make me happy. I can provide what I need to so I can live my most authentic and fulfilling life.

As Iyanla says, ‘Everything is just as it needs to be.’

One of the most important things I have learned over the years from Oprah is that I am ENOUGH! I am seen, heard and loved. But more than being a person who deserves to receives love from another, I deserve to feel my own love. I am worthy of loving me. I’m good enough, and my love is strong and pure and I want to feel that inside myself. And I LOVE that!!! There may be times where I struggle with self worth, but life is a journey right? We are all on a path for greatness, for self awareness. And all I can say is that I am enjoying my journey right now!

What an amazing night! Words can't truly express the full extent of the feelings I felt, thoughts I thought and realizations I realized.  It was powerful and absolutely life changing.  I'm so thankful that I was able to be part of such an awe-inspiring evening.  I consider me to be very lucky and blessed.

We all know everything happens for a reason.  Little did I know, that just 3 days later, after LifeClass, I would need to call to the surface the many lessons learned from Oprah over the years, including the class I just attended. I was meant to be in that classroom, hearing that exact lesson in that exact moment. For that I am truly grateful!

That's it for now friends! Tune in next time to find out what happened next.

Stay well lovies!

Misty

xo

OWN Tea Party

I know I am so late in getting these posts out but as most of you know, this last week has been all over the place for me and my family.  Without getting into that (a post to come soon) I want to begin telling my absolutely phenomenal OPRAH - OWN weekend story!!

A few weeks ago I received an email from OWN Canada, inviting me to the Fairmont RYH for a Tea Party with them.  Well, can I just say that after picking my jaw up off the floor and reading the email over multiple times, slowly realizing that it was real, I did the happy dance of all happy dances! I must say, I am becoming quite the expert on the Happy Dance.  Thinking I should put out a youtube clip on the How To's of a Successful Happy Dance!!  Ellen will be calling me in no time!

After rsvp'ing YES, rather quickly might I add, I sat with this piece of knowledge for a little while, wondering, no, wishing, no, dreaming that any of my fellow OWN Ambassadors also received such an email.  I began to reach out to a few of them and before I knew it, we were all rejoicing!! For they were also siting in front of their laptops, ipads, blackberry's, reading the exact same email.  I thought, could this be? Is this really happening? YES was the answer, loud and clear!!
The excitement was already building with Oprah and Lifeclass happening the day after this blessed Tea Party was to take place. This was just the icing on the delicious mouth watering cake...I'm thinking Red Velvet.

So, on Sunday April 15th, 2012, myself, along with some new found friends began our OPRAH - OWN weekend together, embarking on a journey that would forever be cemented into our hearts and minds, imprinting on one another.

Words can't even express just how magnificent the entire day was.  Not only was I about to enjoy a masterfully assembled tea party, trimmed with soothing tea and delectable foods, which by the way, the little puff pastry swans were almost to pretty to eat.  You did notice I said almost right? And I can't forget about the champagne, Oh Lord the champagne!!  Aside from all of that, I was able to meet face to face some of the most caring, loving and extraordinary people I have ever met. Through Twitter I have had the utmost privilege to meet and now be part of the OWN Ambassadors.  It's no lie, no exaggeration when I say that this group of people are the real thing.  Many different backgrounds, different walks of life, all brought together by one common denominator.  Oprah and our love and support of OWN.

During tea, we were able to meet so many intriguing people. Each person from the OWN Canada girls, Corus Entertainment folks, fellow bloggers, Fairmont RYH staff and everyone in between made this twinkle in time one that I shall remember for the rest of my days.  It was a true moment, one that my heart will always hold on to. A few times, it was brought to my attention that I was pretty quiet during the afternoon.  It's because there was so much to experience, so much to feel.  My cup runneth over, and it still does for being included in a day that will now go down in OPRAH - OWN history.  And I was part of it!

With still many of my fellow OWN Ambassadors that we didn't have the opportunity to hug in person, the small group of us there didn't waste anytime coming together and showing the love.  Right from the first moments our eyes recognized each other, I felt such acceptance. It really filled my heart. Thank you for making an already remarkable day, absolutely stupendous!!

What a day it was.  I found myself humming Oh Happy Day for the rest of the evening.  After we began to part for the night, as everyone was exhausted from the days excitement and events, the anticipation for Oprah's Lifeclass was beginning to build.  That very next day, one of my dreams was about to come true.  Something to cross off my Bucket List.  Something that I knew would happen was about to, because that was what my Vision Board had told me.  I was about to see Oprah, live and in person.  Dreams do come true!!

Tune in next time guys and gals.  I will give you my Aha's and each exhilarating moment in between about my experience with Oprah - OWN in Toronto!! Life changing stuff for Authentically Misty!!

Take care lovies!

Misty
xo

Gratitude Time!!

I think it’s time for a Gratitude Break!  As many of us have busy and hectic lives with a dash of turmoil at times thrown in the mix, I think it’s important to take a moment and reflect on the many wonderful loved ones and things we have in our lives that make it a joy to get up and live another day.

I still have those moments where I sourly say ‘Why is this happening to me?’ Sometimes it can be easy to turn to the negative side of things when something isn’t going according to plan.  And I sure do like having a plan.  Planning is good but there comes a point where you have to relinquish the control to a higher power and just let it take you along for the ride.

What are you thankful for?  What is going on in your life right now that you feel an abundance of gratitude.  

Today, Monday March 26, 2012 here are just a few things that I am grateful for.

My family – no matter the distance or time we have together, I am lucky to have them in my life.  I am so grateful for the love and support I have been shown, especially when times were dark for me and I didn’t know if I’d ever see the light again.  Although I sometimes still struggle, I really do know that I’m loved by the ones who truly matter to me.

Alanna – my niece, my heart, everything that is good. She is my joy and laughter and the sweetest sound to my ears is hearing her say ‘I love you Auntie Misty’

My friends – I have amazing close friends who I am blessed to have in my life.  Although most I am not able to see on a daily basis because of distance, I know that they truly carry me in their hearts as I them. Knowing that someone is out there who loves you, not because they have to but because they want to is such an amazing feeling.

Oprah’s LifeClass Tour – I am so lucky to have the amazing fortune to be able to attend this blessed event, with amazing co-teachers on stage with her.  I’m looking forward to learning more and having fantastic AHA moments.

AHA moments – because they truly give me a sense of learning something else about me.  I have learned what is really inside my heart, what my spirit holds close and how I can make me a better person to become my more authentic self.  We all want to improve ourselves and becoming aware of how to do that inwardly only helps out the outwardly.

OWN Ambassadors – I have connected with some fantastic people just in the last few months.  People who not only have the same passion for Oprah and OWN as I do, but are truly amazing people who take anyone in.  No judgments, no stipulations.  I am blessed to be part of such greatness. Everything happens for a reason and I believe that astonishing things are going to come from this group.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Oprah – for being my ultimate life mentor.  The things I have learned about myself, after locking them away inside me for so long, I learned from her.  I learned not to be ashamed.  I learned how to love myself and I learned that I am worth it.  I learned my future isn’t based on my past.  I learned that all I want is to be heard and seen and know that I matter.  Life breakthrough after breakthrough is really what has kept me going.  

My inner strength – just when I think it is diminishing, BOOM! Something else happens to trigger this force inside of me.  Whether it’s to support myself in a struggle within or to be there for a loved in need, I am so thankful that I can do that, supporting, loving and giving of my own self. 

Little Warriors – for bringing child sexual abuse to the surface and providing parents with the early detection methods to help stop it.  Knowing what to look for is part of the battle!

http://littlewarriors.ca/

Thanks for tuning in friends!! Until next time....

Misty
xo