As I often mention on Arianna’s Random Thoughts, life lessons can be learned from anyone, and any situation, at random times. While watching television recently, I was taught a valuable lesson about loving the skin you are in.

The show was a recording of Live with Kelly and Michael.  The co-hosts had made an on-air bet about the SuperBowl. If the team Kelly chose (Denver Broncos) lost, she would appear makeup-free for the upcoming episode with superstar George Clooney. If the team Michael chose (Seattle Seahawks) lost, he wouldn’t cut his hair until after Oscar week, meaning he would have long hair for his Oscar appearance as he has twice-weekly haircuts to maintain his clean-shaven look. The makeup and hair cut are shields for personal insecurities, no different than a mask or a uniform.

Imagine you had a tough day and are feeling bad about yourself. What would you do to make yourself feel better?

Do you take it upon yourself to get better? Or, do you reach out to others and speak from the heart?

Do you have an activity that you love so much you could spend every day of your life doing it? Think about it; what would this activity be?

For me, without hesitation, this activity is swimming.

Amber Krzys is a coach, speaker, dog-lover and bodyhearter! She is on a mission to  help you believe in yourself and act like it. You can check out her  website and join her complimentary ‘I Believe’ video training series here. I am really inspired by Amber's vision and passion, so I asked her to be part of this series; she is a mentor to me. I spent my teenage years and the early part of my twenties not loving my body and after realizing the error in my ways I have to spread the word. I get excited when I find others with a similar mission and love reading her Feature Fridays.

In past years, I have been silent about important issues because I lacked the belief that my point of view mattered or was valid. Even though I knew deep down that I was of value, I was too insecure around others to tell them my honest thoughts and opinions.

What helped me speak was the presence of a supportive community who lifted me up. I truly encourage you to find positive role models in your life as social learning is such a valuable tool for your personal growth. When you surround yourself with individuals who model healthy behaviours, you observe them and want to apply their behaviours yourself.

I'm so excited that today, Amanda Abella, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us. I have had the privilege to be coached by Amanda and will tell you she really is a fireball of inspiration.  We connected randomly a couple years ago as we were both recent grads who had a lot in common.

Amanda Abella is a certified life coach and motivational speaker who has been helping millennials have success with work and money since 2010. 

Many of you have asked me recently how The Self-Discovery Retreat was created. Let me share with you how opening up, standing tall, and speaking from the heart led me to where I am today.

Ever wondered how writing and reflection can inspire you to excel in your life? I'm excited that today, Michelle Ward, is speaking from the heart and sharing her experiences with all of us. I am really inspired by Michelle's vision and passion, so I asked her to be part of this series; she is a mentor to me. I spent the early part of my twenties reflecting on what I wanted to be when I grew up.

The Self-Discovery Retreat is rooted in my passions: psychology, water, empowering others, and writing. These interests have drawn me to seek out resources and build a community of people with similar interests. Over the years, one of the tools that really strengthens my growth are the articles in Psychologies magazine. I especially look forward to what the editor has to say in the first couple pages, so I asked her to be part of the "Speaking From the Heart" interview series. I'm so excited that Suzy Greaves is “Speaking from the Heart” and sharing her writing experiences with all of us today. 

Sometimes speaking from the heart involves telling someone close to you your struggles, feelings, and emotions. At other times, it involves being present and listening as someone speaks from their heart and tells you what is going on with them.  And other times, people will use non-verbal communication to let you know what is on their heart. So, speaking from the heart means being there for others through all of this.

Merry Christmas! I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve day! It is already that time of year again.  As I love to give Christmas cards, I thought I would turn this week's post into a note of gratitude and support to all of my readers.

The holiday season brings congestion everywhere - at shopping malls, on the roads, even at the grocery stores.  People are out trying to find the perfect present for their loved ones.  This means, though, that the parking lots and routes to these major centres are packed with holiday season traffic. It may seem like the whole city is out shopping!

During this festive season, I usually try to plan to go shopping for my gifts at off hours or to order things online to avoid the crowds and congestion.  However, this past weekend I found myself in a jammed traffic lineup while merging onto the highway.