I know many people who have said they want to write a book but don't know how to start or what to write about.

My advice: JUST START WRITING!  If you need help, you should read "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.  She encourages people to get up every morning and write three pages by hand.  Even if you have nothing to say, just write out "I have nothing to say" for the three pages.

I know this challenge may be hard, and there will be days when you want to quit; but, keep writing! I would appreciate your comments and participation, as it is always easier to keep going when people are on the journey with you.   But this challenge is one with myself; I have a lot to say and want to get it down.

In the past, the way I coped with insults was by seeking support and advice from others. Many people like to offer advice – I think the worst piece I ever got was when, after sharing with someone that I had been criticized, I was told in a harsh tone, “Suck it up and deal with it.”  I had been really low, as someone had said something really hurtful when I was vulnerable.  Usually I am good with bouncing back from an insult, but this time it took a little longer.  My delay in bouncing back wasn’t due to the insulting comment; it was because of how I dealt with it.

I have interviewed many people for my "Profiles of Perseverance" series about how they persevere through many types of obstacles.  I thought it would be fitting to ask someone who loves the water and coaching as much as I do. Mercedes Maidana is a Motivational Speaker, Abundance Coach, and Patagonia Surf Ambassador.  I love the work she is doing! I really respect her and think she has a powerful mission. Thanks, Mercedes, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep up the awesome work!

Voting ends Friday, October 26, 2012 so please vote for me this week if you can.  

I would love and appreciate your support! Since this award is not about me, it's about you!  We are a community that believes in developing better relationships with ourselves so we can persevere through tough times and become our best selves. :)

Any new moms out there looking for encouragement and support? Today is your lucky day!

I have interviewed many people for my "Profiles of Perseverance" series about how they persevere through many types of obstacles.  However, I had until now, not asked a young mom to share her thoughts.  When thinking of who to interview – I knew just the person to ask. Carla Bourada is a 29-year-old-stay-at -home mom of three children with one more on the way!  Her children are so adorable! I have known Carla since elementary school and we used to live in the same neighbourhood. I really respect her and think she is a wonderful woman and mom. Thanks, Carla, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your twenties! You Rock!

It is a raining here, but I have some news that will brighten a gloomy day.  I'm putting together a fun and positive life experiment which will start on November 1st.  I'm not going to give you any more hints other than if you like my blog, YOU WILL WANT TO BE PART OF IT!!!!

I will be sending out an email giving you all the details a week before it starts. You should join my newsletter so you don't miss out!  The project is fun, inspiring, reflective, and positive. I hope it will make you shine brighter than you already do.  Don't worry; you won't be doing it alone - I'm going to do it too!

Today I'm honoured to  feature Claire Hutchinson (a former fellow University of Toronto Varsity Blues Rower) in my "Profiles of Perseverance" series.  Claire was on the Varsity team while I was a Novice.  I never had the chance to really get to know her, as I only saw her briefly at practices and competitions.  I have had the chance to connect with her electronically since my depature (due to graduation) from the team.  Claire is an incredibly strong athlete and person!  I really respect her, and  I am blessed that she took the time out of her busy training schedule to share.  Thanks Claire!  

Happy Thanksgiving to all those Canadians celebrating this weekend! I'm so excited to spend time with my wonderful family and friends.  I'm extremely blessed to have them in my life.  My family has this tradition during dinner that we all go around and say what we are thankful for.  I thought I would share the question with you.

I have to share with you this moving video about Jennifer Livingston, a Wisconsin television anchor, who received an insulting email from a viewer criticizing her weight.  The reason I find this video powerful is because of how she COPED with the situation.  As you all know, my work revolves around body-image, self-esteem, and coping, so I love when I encounter role models who are sharing their stories with others.

We all encounter setbacks and critics; it is all about how you deal with them.  In Jennifer's case, instead of dwelling on the man's mean words, she PERSEVERED! 

I love this quote by Anaïs Nin about digging deep as it describes me exactly.  Thanks Tara for sharing it with me.

Here are five previous posts where I dug deep and wrote about my experiences: