It came to me a few months ago, in the middle of the night - a sense of urgency and need... in an area that brings me passion and purpose. Earlier that day I had spent some time over a cup of coffee exploring my Core Desired Feelings (click here to read more about what prompted this exploration). I then continued on with my day feeling a strong sense of clarity. When I woke up in the middle of the night with a vision, an idea... I knew that I had to listen to it. I felt so strongly about it that I got up, turned on the light, and began mapping out how I could make it happen. 

What I came up with was an event. I wrote down all my thoughts - the marketing plan, the location, possible names, and more importantly...how exactly it would unfold. When I woke up the next morning and remembered...I have to admit, I was a little terrified - but also ecstatic!

Last night I hosted an evening of connecting, sharing and building a stronger sense of community among the young working ladies of Victoria. This event was the first of it's series called Inspired Connection. I created this series because I feel a lack of connection between the powerful and influential women in my generation working in the Victoria area. I wanted an opportunity to bring these women together and expand each of our networks. We spent the evening discussing some interesting topics, sharing some personal stories, making career and personal connections and of course, enjoying delicious wine and snacks. Overall, it was an amazing evening, and I personally had a fantastic time. I selfishly used last night as a platform to share my news... my other exciting new event... the one that terrifies, as well as empowers me.

The event is Inspired Self. It is a self-discovery and goal-setting workshop created and facilitated by yours truly. I will be pulling from a variety of resources to create this 3.5 hour workshop of diving in deeper to who you are as an individual. This workshop will allow you to focus on what truly inspires and empowers you, making space for your genuine creativity, enthusiasm and excitement for life, and leaving behind pieces of the daily mental crap that often stand in your way. 
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Click on the image to find out more
Inspired Self will be different for each individual as you will each be taking your own journey. I will simply be there to facilitate that journey... but you will be in the driver's seat. Ideally you are willing to ask yourself "why". You are willing to say YES to opportunities. And you are willing to feel great.

If this sounds like you, or something you'd like to explore further, feel free to send me an email and we can discuss Inspired Self or Inspired Connection further. 

And to everyone who has been so incredibly supportive, thank you so much. I appreciate your support and guidance while I take a leap in the direction that feels right. 

xoxo
Sweet Dea

 



short films
by, for, about women

Last week I had the absolute privilege of attending the final leg of the international film festival LUNAFEST 2013 - a collection of short films made by, for and all about women. 
"Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes." See more here
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Mercedes, Myself and Katrina at LUNAFEST
I was given a ticket to attend the festival through yoUnlimited and really had zero expectations of what I was about to engage with. I knew it had something to do with film, something to do with women, and that it was a fundraiser event for the wonderful Bridges for Women. So along I went, up to the University of Victoria movie theatre Cinecenta for an evening of the unknown. 

It's amazing how seeing a few familiar and friendly faces at an event where you don't know what to expect can completely set your thoughts at ease and allow you to simply relax and be present. The smell of popcorn filled the room, the friendly smiles of women from the community were my introduction to the evening and the little sampler size Luna bar was a delightful treat as the event began. 

As I browsed through the evening's program, I immediately felt a tug on my heart strings as the eighth film to be shown was named "Whakatiki: A Spirit Rising" a film created in New Zealand. My expectations suddenly rose as I realized that this event was truly international... so much so that it showcased a piece from the lovely little islands of New Zealand. 
There were a total of nine films shown at the festival - all very unique, culturally different and with their own artistic touch. But they all had one thing in common - women. They showcased the struggles, the challenges and the ups and downs that are often faced by women all across the globe. But they also showcased the heroes among us - women facing those struggles and challenges and defeating the odds, becoming successful and happy in whatever that might look like to them. Powerful stuff!

One common thread throughout a number of the beautiful films that I personally resonated with was self-esteem and body-image issues. It became truly apparent to me that it doesn't matter what your culture, colour or career is, the majority of women, at some point in their lives (or all throughout) will deal with a lack of self-confidence due to feeling inadequate with their body image. It doesn't matter your age, your family genes, or even how other people perceive you - these issues are ingrained in you from a very early age.  
WHY is it so challenging for a woman to look at her body and see imperfections as unique characteristics? To smile and congratulate her body for achieving to continue living and being healthy instead of frowning and chastising herself for eating that extra piece of cake. Why is this such a common challenge for women across the globe - and how can we change it? 

I look at my 4.5 year old niece and cannot help but smile. She is such a beautiful being, inside and outside, and she is still young enough to be happy to just be herself. It hurts my heart to think that she will soon be reaching the age where the inevitable begins - body image issues. What can we do to ensure that our beautiful daughters, nieces and cousins can learn to love their body beyond the childhood years?

And what are you doing to support that loving being inside of you that may have gotten sidetracked in the past?

xoxo
Sweet Dea

 
One of the first things you notice as a traveller returning to your home and deciding to settle in is the abundance of stuff you have. There are books and trinkets and photos and old letters and sports gear and jewelry and hair products and
SO... MUCH... CLOTHING!!  
After a year of travelling with just one bag, having only a couple pairs of this or a couple pairs of that, or one main jacket that is used for every purpose...to suddenly living with an overflowing closet of items that are for every occasion AND feel brand new as you forgot about them... well that feeling is priceless! 

But, just as many things do, the excitement of all this stuff tends to wear off pretty quickly. Life suddenly becomes more challenging - instead of deciding "should I wear my long necklace or my short necklace" it becomes, "should I wear the long silver necklace with that bit, or the long silver necklace with that bit, or the long gold necklace or the short silver...blah blah blah" So, what does an event planner decide to do when she has too much clothing and needs to give some away... plan a Ladies Wine & Shop Clothing Swap!!
Last weekend my girlfriend Lyndsey and I gathered some of our lovely close friends together, everyone brought some clothing that no longer served them, we had wine and appies, laid out all of our items and just had a great time shopping and swapping. There was only a small number of us there, but that made it all the more fun when trying things on. If something cute didn't fit one person, she'd suggest it to someone else and then they'd try it on. Everyone got to walk away with a few new items that they were really excited about. And the best part about it all... 
Lyndsey and I were thrilled that at the end of the night we were able to put together a massive box and two huge bags of clothing to donate to our local community cooperative, Women In Need. A few weeks earlier, we were able to support WIN with a fantastic campaign they created, the 100 Women Campaign.  (see below)

Their Goal: To raise $100,000 by the end of 2013.
The Result:To help and support 100 more women in WIN's two new programs entitled the Transformations and Self Sufficiency programs.

click the link photo below to learn more about these programs

We joined forces with many other Victoria women on a Saturday morning, put on our beautiful hot pink WIN t-shirts and ran out into the streets as a declaration that we care!
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photo sourced from: http://www.winfashionwithpassion.com/100-women-campaign/

xoxo
Sweet Dea

Have you ever hosted or been to a great clothing swap party? What did you like the most about it? If you're planning to host one in the future, be sure to let me know as Lyndsey found some fantastic resources that we'd be happy to pass your way! 
Happy Swapping!

Need a place to host your event like this one in Victoria, BC? Check out 24 Carrot Centre!! It's a fantastic space with lots of natural light and beautiful decor!
 
I recently had the privilege of having my mind blown. It was blown by outrageously powerful, impressive and smart leaders. I don't know a single one of these leaders personally, but after watching their speeches, I now feel as though I have shared a little part of their lives with each of them. I knew nothing about this event before I went. I really had very little expectations, all I was hoping for was a notebook or pad of paper as when I pulled up to the location, I realized I had forgotten to bring some paper. My demand was met, and then some, and then some and then some! I watched an online streamed version of the 2013 Chick-fil-A Leadercast event and it was amazing. Top notch. Inspiring. Awesome! I have been aching for more ever since. Want to find out what this event was all about? Click here to read my full blog post at YoUnlimited.com
If you like what you read...let me know and I'll make sure you know how you can be involved in the 2014 Leadercast event!!! :o)

xoxo
Sweet Dea