Favorite Traditions

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family, Inspiration

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family, holidays, love, st. patrick's day, traditions

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I admit, it’s not exactly the kind of day that encourages a long list of traditions (other than maybe wearing green and drinking beer – which are of course, great traditions), but it reminded me how fun having traditions are and I wanted to inspire my readers to share their favorites or start their own.

I myself do not have a lot of traditions but it’s been on my New Year’s Resolution list for some time. Sort of nerdy I know but “Start New Traditions” is, IMO, a very good resolution. Why? Because the tradition doesn’t have to be big – it can be ambiguous so I can make it whatever I want – and it lives on year after year. So it’s like the gift that keeps on giving!

A dear friend of mine has LOADS of traditions … events with grade school friends, college friends, law school buddies, people he met when he lived abroad, or clubs he’s associated with now. It seems like every time we have lunch I learn about yet another tradition or hear great stories about the ones that keep going (reminds me of the famous Ever Ready Bunny – his traditions keep going … and going).

Side note – cute image huh?! 🙂 Amazing what you can find on Google!

So be it a new tradition to go along with a holiday, a birthday, a milestone, or the ones I love the most … for no reason at all … I encourage you to think about adding a new tradition to your life. It could be “Friday Night Pizza and Laundry” … just make sure it makes you smile inside and feel good about keeping the tradition going.

As for the new tradition I said I would start back on February 14th …. I’m reminding you to give yourself (and others) some love. Because none of us know how long we will be here, and when we see news stories such as the Malaysia Flight 370 … we should all take a moment to kiss our parents, hug our children and find quiet moments to love ourselves.

My thoughts go out to the families of those on Flight 370. May we learn the truth very soon about what happened to the 239 passengers and crew on the flight.

Love Yourself (more)

14 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Health & Exercise, Inspiration, Love

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bubble baths, chocolate, Diane Ackerman, february 14, football, friends, House of Cards, love, love yourself, massage, relax, self love, smartphone, valentine, valentine's day, watch my kids play, wine

Today is Valentine’s Day so it’s easy for us to remember our loved ones and to think about things that make us feel good – chocolate and massages and sweet notes to our Valentines, maybe a glass of wine with our friends. But what if we took what today is all about and applied it to our lives on a regular basis?

I once heard someone say that we take our car into the mechanic when the light reminds us to change the oil, or when our tires are flat, yet we ignore almost every warning sign that our body gives us when we need to relax or take better care of ourselves. Why is that? Are we so out of touch with the aches and pains, or the feeling that we get when we do treat ourselves with love, that we don’t recognize the signs even when they are pretty obvious?

Let’s not wait until we get sick or feel miserable to treat ourselves with love! Let’s actually apply February 14th – the day of love – to EVERY month of the year. Does that sound like something you’d like? I know I would!

So moving forward, on the 14th of every month, I will add a reminder to my blog post to treat yourself to some love, or better yet maybe I’ll dedicate the entire post to it! And we can do the journey together for a lifetime full of more love and less warning signs.

It can be whatever you want it to be. A long soak with bubbles and candles …. an uninterrupted game of Football on a Saturday afternoon … permission to sleep in …. or stay up late! …. a longer lunch with a friend … or just sitting and watching your child play with your smartphone far – far away. I have been practicing a little more self love these days and it is really wonderful! Today I had a nice workout … helped a friend with his business … treated myself to a massage … and watched House of Cards while I ate a late lunch (with two pieces of chocolate as my dessert). Life is too short to just live the length of it — I want to live the width of it as well.

So I would like you to consider more self love. Whatever that looks like for you – give it more of a try these days. Or at least, come on, once a month!

Synchronicity

12 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Inspiration

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belief, believe, Certified Management Accountant, clairvoyant, Entrance Exam, gut feeling, intuitition, law of attraction, psychic, psychic reading, synchronicity, woman's intuition

I went to my first psychic reading in my early 20’s. I had written my Entrance Exam for my CMA designation (Certified Management Accountant) and I just couldn’t wait the three months to get the results! I was dying to know whether I passed or not!

To give a bit of background on the CMA Entrance Exam … at the time that I wrote it (apparently) you had two chances in your life to write it, and you had to get 60% or greater to pass. I was terrified!! It was a two-day exam and I studied MONTHS for it … I did not want to have to write it again!

Since that experience I have continued to meet (or more so now a days – have a phone or Skype call) with psychics and clairvoyants and have always had really great experiences. Tonight I was introduced to someone new and the conversation was incredible. I mean – incredible! I realize that not everyone “believes” and that’s OK … I have always believed in things like the Law of Attraction and the Universe providing that which we ask for – as well as a gut feeling or “women’s intuition”. It has served me well over the years and it provides the compass and calm when I need it most. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you. It’s like ice cream … some of us like it, some of us don’t.

Whether you believe in psychics or not I challenge you to believe in yourself. We all have the ability to know ourself and feel whether something is working for us or not. Listening to that is a whole other – other (and easier said than done) … but I do believe that we all have the ability to really know when something is right or wrong. Sometimes we need to find a quiet space to think and challenge ourselves and really listen … but it’s there when we are ready.

Whenever I am struggling with something I will look to a clairvoyant for guidance. Now he/she might tell me exactly the same thing that I feel inside or even what my friends, family or colleagues are telling me, but for some reason when I hear it from a completely independent person, I am fully committed to believing it. Tonight I was reminded that I need to listen to myself more – trust myself more — listen to my gut feeling. And in my mind, I know that, but when “life happens” and stress gets in the way, it’s hard and I needed that independent person to tell me “calm down – you’re on the right path”. You might call me crazy but it is what works for me. It’s part of how I find my inner Superwoman.

Tonight I feel like a whole new path has opened up for me, right before my eyes, and right in the middle of my crazy, stressful, upside down life …. and it wouldn’t have happened without a little guidance from the Universe. And for that, I am so grateful for the fact that I do believe and I do trust. And I love the reminder that trying different approaches to solving a problem can work beautifully.

If you’re interested in learning more, ask your friends or family if they have had a good experience with a psychic and get a recommendation. I really enjoyed speaking with Heather from Synchronicity if you’re not sure where to look.

Oh and by the way …. I did end up passing my Entrance Exam. My psychic told me that I would “just” pass .. and that was all I needed to relax and have a good summer before I received the results in the mail in September.

My passing grade … 64%. Hey, it was still a pass!

Your Biggest Fan

11 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Inspiration

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biggest fan, encouragement, giving, pay it forward, success, superhero, supporter

Ever have someone that thinks you’re awesome?! Usually our parents fall into this category, but I want you to think about someone who isn’t related to you. And while a best friend might qualify, I’d like you to think even beyond them.

I’m talking about someone that does more than support you or encourage you, but they go out of their way to help you find success. They offer to make introductions, or talk about your talents when you’re not in the room, and they just generally think you’re so great that they want everyone else to know the same. What is even more spectacular is when you randomly meet someone and they take to you in a way that you know that they could fall into your fan category. It makes you blush and giggle inside with childhood excitement.

I call these fabulous people “Your Biggest Fans”.

And so I would like you to think about how you can become someone’s biggest fan and here is why …

Having someone who isn’t related to you, or isn’t already connected in a deep way to you, stand on a proverbial mountain top to tell the world how great you are, is simply one of the best and most encouraging feelings that exist. It’s like having your very own superhero who helps you when you’re in need and guides you to success. And if you are someone’s biggest fan, then hopefully they will apply the Pay it Forward model, and be someone else’s biggest fan as well. And if that happens often enough, then I think we’ll have started a small movement to make the world a better, happier place.

If you have someone in your life today that is your biggest fan, I encourage you to offer a random act of kindness and thank them for being there for you. And in the same breath, think about someone that you know and think is just great and consider being their advocate in a way that would make them blush and giggle with happiness.

To all of you, who have been someone’s biggest fan, thank you!!

And to those people who have been mine, I am eternally grateful.

You Never Know

06 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Business, Family, Inspiration

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conference, friends, giving back, startup grind, unconference, VC

It’s hard to know what the outcome will be of anything you do. You could wake up super excited for no reason at all and have the best day of your life … or it could be the worst day without rhyme or reason. On any given day we have no idea what will happen – who we will meet – what events will occur … or if we will make a meaningful impact on someone or something through the course of the day. And that should be something that we all embrace versus fear. Easier said than done, right?! … I know!

The conference that I just attended was unlike any other conference for one small but critical reason – the founder made the simple act of giving back to other attendees a core part of how everyone interacted. Instead of the “Hi I am so-and-so and I do such-and-such … what about you?” … and then the “boring, exactly-the-same-response” in return type of dialogue … the conversations went like this “Tell me your story …. how can I help you?”. And that simple question changed the landscape of the entire event.

Instead of putting your head down and walking past people, everyone looked you in the eye and said hello – and then stopped – and a meaningful conversation followed. Crazy, right?!

Now, not all connections will bring life-stopping change to the world, but I have to say that out of everyone that I met in 2.5 days, probably a solid 80% provided me with something of value. Such as ….

– I met a VC that is now trying to help connect me to the right company to find a job — thank you Dave!! You’re amazing!

– I met a fellow Canadian who is looking for some running routes around the city, to which I would be more than happy to share my favorite spots with Nathan (coming soon via LinkedIn my friend)

– I met Pete (who recognized me from my Twitter profile because I re-tweeted him the day before) who is originally from London and is now living in Whistler doing something really neat with 360 degree video … was introduced to that same VC mentioned above and who knows where that will lead! Good luck Pete! Not to mention that I now know someone who lives in Whistler! ha ha

– I got to interact with loads of young, spirited, bright-eyed 20-something year olds that have the ideas and enthusiasm to one day be ON the stage at these events in a few years — so I will be able to say “remember when we met and we laughed so hard at the whatchamacallit” — Girolama, what fun!! I look forward to your return trip in March!

… My point is that while we wake up and we go about our day with either hope or perhaps on some days, let’s admit it, a little despair … we never (ever) really know where the day will take us. We have to be open to all of the possibilities. We surely won’t see or experience change by living in our typical box — keeping our head down as we pass the new hire at the water cooler or stranger in the line at Starbucks .. so try to take the “give something back” approach and look to each person you encounter today with the concept of helping him or her along their journey. You might be pleasantly surprised with where it will lead you.

And by the way .. you can apply this to your personal life and not just work. Weaving this concept into your daily life with those that mean the most to you will have profound effects on the relationships with each person in your inner circle.

A final shout out to Mia, Elissa, Adam (Dr. Love), Thomas, Girolama and Silke — thanks for a very fun evening. See you at Startup Grind 2015!

Mediocrity Is Not An Option

05 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Business, Inspiration

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conference, entrepreneurs, inspiration, mc hammer, mediocrity, method product, rap music, Silicon Valley, startup, startup grind

This week I have the privilege of attending an entrepreneur conference here in the Silicon Valley called Startup Grind. After about 14 hours of speakers, networking and sometimes a sheer overload of inspiration (hard to believe but true), I’m reminded of a phrase I heard (and have tried to live by) many years ago — mediocrity is not an option. And it surely is no destination!

I’m humbled to live in an area where there is such amazing talent, inspiration and knowledge — and I’m thrilled that I get to learn from, and meet, so many people that have a sincere passion to change the world. It might be with a healthcare product — or the arts — or it could be with an idea that they haven’t thought of yet … it actually doesn’t matter because their desire is contagious. And I love that. When I’m in the room with my notebook in hand, and Twitter update formulating in my head, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Even though I’m not on stage enthralling the audience with my audacious product that scaled to a billion users overnight (yet – ha ha), it still feels like I’m in the exact right place in my life right now.

We should never (ever) settle for anything less than our heart desires, or that which our dreams create. Mediocrity is really not an option – not when we have the world at our fingertips and access to so much inspiration all around us.

If your passion isn’t startup entrepreneurism, that’s Ok — you have another passion and that is what you need to feed. And if you don’t know what your passion is, that is OK as well – you can find it. Do this exercise each day until you find something that moves you — wake up every morning 10 minutes before your alarm typically goes off and grab a pen and a blank piece of paper and complete the following:

“If I could do anything that I wanted to do today, be anything I wanted to be … I would _______”. And don’t put sleep in or take a long bath … while those are noble aspirations, think about what really moves your heart and what you’re naturally attracted to that may or may not be getting attention on a daily basis. Do this every day and I promise you, clarity will come.

For there is a whole life ahead of us — so read carefully when I write (as quote from Rose Tremain) — “Life is not a dress rehearsal!”

People – let’s get inspired! Let’s not accept mediocrity, or as my new Startup Grind friend, and one day future billionaire Thomas Griffin wrote, “do not accept tasteless mediocrity” which sounds way more savvy and 21st century.

MC Hammer on the Startup Grind Stage !!

Method Co-Founder Eric Ryan with the best presentation of the day!

Method Co-Founder Eric Ryan with the funniest presentation of the day!

A Teachable Moment

04 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family, Inspiration

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children, education, teachable moments, teaching youth, webinars

The other day as my stepdaughter was (impatiently) waiting to leave for volleyball practice I had her help me finish addressing some envelopes for a nonprofit project. At the same time I was (attempting) to listen to an online webinar as I am taking every chance I can to learn these days. It wasn’t a fantastic webinar but I was committed nonetheless.

As Florencia was putting stamps on the letters she started to ask me questions. What were the letters in the envelopes about? How do the letters get to the person? Is it free to mail a letter? How much does it cost? Questions that were cute and made me giggle … but could have also been a little annoying at the same time because like I said, I was trying to be engaged with the webinar.

Thankfully I let the cute part overrule the potentially annoying part and I instead had the chance to educate my stepdaughter on the act of giving (the letters were tax receipts for a nonprofit I have been involved with) … and the value of things (both monetarily — as in “how much does a stamp cost” and how it costs more to send a letter outside of the country — and on the non-monetary side such as why people donate their hard earned money to charities).

I closed my laptop as we finished sealing and stamping the envelopes and soon after it was time to go to volleyball practice. Florencia probably never gave our conversation another thought but I had the biggest grin on my face for the rest of the day. I felt grateful that I took a few moments to teach instead of be taught. In the end I learned more that day from the discussion with Florencia then I ever could have learned from a webinar.

Sometimes it’s important to let go of what we’re doing and embrace the world that is right in front of us.

50K (or 31.07 Miles) of Relentlessly Moving Forward

30 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Health & Exercise, Inspiration

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50K, first marathon, learning to run, leukemia and lymphoma, lost souls ultra, marathons, running, team in training, ultra running, way too cool

I started Being Superwoman to inspire others to be their most audacious self — to dream big — and to find that inner hero who can help them accomplish anything they set their mind to do.

When I was about 25 yo a few friends that I worked at a construction company in Edmonton, Alberta, were going out for a run after work. This group would get together and run races on the weekends and have fabulous stories to tell Monday morning. Curiosity piqued my interest and so I decided I would try out this running thing … and wouldn’t you know it … I could barely run around my block!!

I didn’t let my first step limit me from continuing and so I kept up with the running and soon I was up to three miles … which is where I stayed for a good number of years. Always a three mile run. Never a fast run … and never any greater distance (or thought of anything greater). That was until my friend Dianna invited me to complete a marathon with Team in Training. Because I’m adventurous I signed up and completed my first marathon in December 2001. This marked the beginning of my passion for running.

I kept running … in the mornings at 5:30 am with my friend Jeanmarie to the bottom of the Golden Gate Bridge … on weekends at half marathons or 10Ks … and in the evenings at a track workout where I learned the real reason why I run (to drink beer afterwards!).

Then something happened. I stumbled upon people doing Ultra Marathons (which means any distance greater than a marathon – could be a 50K, 50 Miles, 100 Miles!) … and I was like “I am never doing that!!” …. Until, you guessed it, one day I got inspired by my friends at the Tuesday night track workout telling amazing stories of their weekend running adventures. So in 2010 I completed my first Ultra Marathon … the Way Too Cool 50K run in Cool, California … in 7 hours and 24 minutes! I told you I wasn’t a fast runner!

Last year I ended up with a new title “injured runner” and had surgery for a meniscus tear. I also had a whole bunch of other life changing events so 2013 turned into a year without running. I’ve missed it dearly — I’ve missed my friends and their stories, and I’ve missed being inspired. So I’m now a regular at the gym to rebuild some muscle strength, and I’m finally back on the trails to build up the mileage again. And yesterday on my 2-mile run I found myself smiling because I was back doing something that was so authentically me.

Oh and I also signed up for the Lost Soul Ultra (50K distance) in September of this year because after all, I like big audacious goals. And I need a goal to keep me pointed in the right direction.

What is your passion? And are you being bold enough? Audacious enough? Where might a run around your block take you??

My 2-mile run … It doesn’t look like much, but it was everything!

That All Important Chance

29 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Business, Inspiration

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American Idol, delancey street, hope

There is pretty much only one reality TV show that I watch and that is American Idol. As I began watching the auditions a consistent theme came to mind — Sometimes, in order for us to achieve greatness, it begins with someone giving us that all important chance.

Almost all of the participants (the good ones at least — not the ones there for their 12 seconds of fame) ask the judges to “give them a chance” — the break that they need to prove themselves. Regardless of their story (and some of them break your heart) … to some degree, I am rooting for them because I love it when people make the most of the chance their given.

Right now I am looking to make a career change and I wish I could stand in front of every HR professional, founder or recruiter and say “just give me a chance – I will prove myself in Hollywood” … Okay, I would drop the Hollywood part but you know what I mean.

There are people out there that have a lifetime of chances to give. My dad is one of those people. He has always wanted to help the underdog. And recently a good friend of mine told me a story of a construction company that only hires inexperienced people – he has personally taken on the role of helping others in his industry gain experience. Her husband started out that way and today is an extremely successful business owner. Nonprofits such the Delancey Street Foundation exist for the single purpose of giving. Delancey Street gives ex-convicts and ex-addicts a chance to learn a skill, build confidence and become contributing members of our community. And for over 40 years they have been developing a model of social entrepreneurship, education, rehabilitation and change that is exciting and full of hope.

Maybe we should ask for that chance more often? Who knows where it will lead or how history will change if the person on the other side of the conversation says “Yes!!” … or in American Idol’s case … “you’re going to Hollywood!!!”.

New Year – New You

10 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Inspiration

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George Eliot

There is a quote by George Eliot that I love and live by:

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

While it’s often true that we wish we would have made that critical decision “BEFORE” … be it to start saving money, exercise regularly, be a better friend or spouse, spend quality time with your kids [insert your own ‘want’ here] … the reality is that it’s still better to start TODAY than to wait another moment.

So whatever it is for you that you’d love to have in your life … try it on for size TODAY. Pretty soon you’ll look back and be glad that you made the change when you did and decided to not waste another moment wishing you had.