I saw myself in what Christina wrote, as I was once in her shoes, with a B.Sc. in Psychology and a dream I wanted to implement. After graduation from my university programs, I sent out emails just like Christina’s to connect with people and organizations. Since we could all use a vote of confidence in our lives, I invited Christina to share her Record Worthy Practice with all of us.

While working with Rita on the technical aspects of my blog, I realized that what truly matters is the human connection between you (the blogger) and the members of community you are building. Therefore, I wanted to shine light on an empowering mother, wife, and entrepreneur who has helped me turn my vision into reality – Rita Barry.

Visualization can really help, especially in how you frame your question. I remember asking myself: “How can I build my blog?” Well since I was new, I remember thinking that I didn’t know much about blogging; however, I did have lots of experience in building relationships and supportive communities. Once I reframed the question in my mind, from “how can I build a blog?” to “how can I build a supportive community?”, things changed and growth occurred.

Therefore, switch your focus to creating healthy relationships, visualize your successful blog ... then take action.

After reading Body Respect, which is a balance of research and practical strategies about the positive connection between physical and emotional health, I had to reach out and invite Linda to share her Record Worthy Practice with all of us. Linda Bacon, PhD, is an internationally-recognized authority on topics related to nutrition, weight, and health. I interviewed her on the blog in 2012 as part of my Profiles of Perseverance series and am grateful for her contribution to that series.

After reflecting on my own and others’ perspectives about these questions ending my last post, “Finding Time for Self-Care in Our Busy Lives,” it became pretty apparent that many of us CRAVE more physical activity in our lives.

For example, during a recent conversation with a dear friend and loyal blog reader we talked a lot about her busy summer travel schedule and how difficult it is to find the time to work out. Since being active is so important to our physical and mental health, I invited her to share how she incorporates physical activity into her busy schedule.

Therefore, to continue the conversation, I reached out to Dr. Nina Savelle-Rocklin to share her Record Worthy Practice with us.  She is a mom, wife, and “busy” professional. Despite her packed schedule, she has been a mentor to me, giving me lots of advice through sharing her personal insight. Dr. Nina (as she is known) is a psychoanalyst, an author, an award-winning blogger, and the creator of the ‘Win the Diet War’ program. In the past, Dr. Nina has been on the blog sharing her insights; we’ve also been following each other on Twitter since we have similar professional interests. I emailed her to ask how she finds time to incorporate self-care into her busy schedule. 

As the Director of Athletics at Ryerson University in Toronto, Dr. Joseph leads the university’s sports community of 12 varsity teams, more than 20 multi-tiered intramural leagues, several sports clubs, and other extensive offerings.  He shows the participants how to be their personal best athletically and mentally, both as individuals and as a group.

In his former role of recruiting student athletes, he was often asked what skill he was most searching for when looking for potential members to his teams; was it speed? Strength? Agility? In Dr. Joseph's TEDx Talk, he answers this question, explaining how self-confidence is not just the most important skill in athletics, but in our lives!  Watch Dr. Joseph’s talk here:

What does it mean to be alive? This was a question one of my grandmothers asked me recently after we were reflecting on just how precious life is. Why does it take death or the process of losing someone dear to you to realize what truly matters in life?

You could be in a place thinking there is no clear pattern to your career and you are looking for direction. Sometimes it takes you doing what you don’t like or seeing the world from a different lens to actually realize what your gift is in this world and what your purpose is on earth.

On the airplane home after an inspiring trip with family and friends, I couldn’t help but reflect on how valuable life is and the mark I want to leave on this world.

The holiday season is among us. For me, this season is one of the most beautiful times of the year. What is your favourite part of the holidays?

For many, it is a time of celebration when people reunite with their family and friends and have delicious meals and spend quality time together. With our busy lives, this time of year serves us with the beautiful reminder to cherish our relationships.

The bright light displays remind me to spread the holiday cheer wherever I go, especially with my friends and family.

How do you handle the fog?

Foggy days, like today on the West Coast, always make me reflect on time in my life when my path lacked direction and I couldn’t see the horizon in front of me. Thinking out loud and sharing my “random thoughts” with others really provided light, clarity, and support at a time when I felt hopeless and lost.

I have realized that there will always be foggy days in life but with faith and hope for brighter days ahead, you can get through them.  Perhaps because today is a foggy grey day and I have also been talking a lot about blogging this week that I feel compelled to write this post and share my thought process with you.

What is the best present you have ever received?

November is a time of celebration for me, as it is my birthday month.  On my birthday last week, I received many calls, emails, cards, texts, and visits from friends and family all around the world. I felt the outpour of love and support and am truly blessed. For me, presence is the best present!

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term, “blonde”? Do you think of a smart woman?

For example, in late September, I attended a workshop at the BellyFit Summit with Taryn Brumfitt, creator of the Body Image Movement. The purpose of the Body Image Movement is to “to reach as many women as possible around the world and speak to them about how we can learn to fully embrace and love our bodies.”  Taryn is also the creator of Embrace the Documentary and co-creator of The Unstoppable Program. I had been inspired by Taryn’s work for awhile; in person, she was authentic and her talk about body image was powerful and engaging.