Your Life – Your Movie

I was thinking this weekend how interesting it would be if your life was suspended for a day. You were given a big comfy sofa to sit on with a bowl of buttery popcorn, a fireplace, cozy blanket and fuzzy socks. You were then told to watch your life as a movie…

Think about it…would you be the main character of the movie or would you always have supporting roles in other people’s movies but never be the star of your own show? Would you be in the shadows too scared to come into the spotlight? Would you be brave? Foolish? Bitter? Angry? Satisfied?

For myself, I wondered if in parts I would yell at the screen:

“Tina! Noooo, don’t invest your heart in him…can’t you see the other guy over there…HE loves you…”

Would I hide my head under the covers because my actions are just going to lead to pain…

OR…will I LAUGH so hard at the good times with friends and family or CHEER loudly as I watch myself feel my fears but push through those fears and conquer goals…would I cry with JOY because it felt so good to see that I helped people as I extended my love, kindness and compassion…would I marvel at the places I’d visited and smile at the people I’d met…would I sing along to my life soundtrack…

Would I be PROUD of the life I was watching before me?

How would I react to watching my life on film?

It’s an interesting perspective because it makes you realize your CHOICES right NOW are going to affect your life tomorrow and those same choices may affect someone else and their life movie.

Do I want to be a villain in their movie or a hero? Maybe I’m a character with not a lot of lines but what I do say is memorable…

Do I want to make people laugh? Feel loved? Respected? Heard?

A good movie leaves me thinking, feeling, laughing, crying and experiencing depth of emotion.

A really good movie is one I’ll watch over and over again and keep learning something new each time I watch…

An excellent movie has all those things and leaves me wanting more because it’s full of emotion, courage, adventure and heart connections. I am INSPIRED by what I’ve watched and experienced…

I recently wrote on Facebook:

I am reminded every day how precious life is…how valuable time is…how important people are and how love is the only language I want to speak…

The great thing about your life being a movie…you are also the writer, director, producer and costume designer. You create the soundtrack and you can also do the editing!

It’s all about choices and the CHOICE is yours to make.

Are you ready? Annnndddddd….ACTION!

With a smile,
Tina

 

Women Of Worth Awards

I love to celebrate and I had plenty of reasons last week. I was thrilled to be nominated for the Women of Worth Awards in Vancouver, BC. I was awarded the honor on Saturday in the Health and Wellness Category. I refrain from using the word “winner” because I honestly believe each woman who attended is a passionate and extraordinary winner, survivor, fighter and creator of dreams.

The energy in the room was incredible. I had such FUN with my dear friend Kim as we made new friends throughout the day! The speakers were fantastic and Christine Awram, the founder of WOW is a remarkable woman who has faced more than one life altering event but she does so with HONESTY, GRACE and HUMOR. It was such a gift to meet her and listen to her story.

From my perspective, the award proves how much you can accomplish in a short period of time if you are PASSIONATE. I look back on my life in the last couple years and I am amazed at the changes. Prior to 39 I was stuck in so many areas.

Since then I ran 40k on my 40th birthday, a few half marathons and 42k on my 42nd birthday. I LOVE to write so I started this blog, wrote my own book called “The Decision“, bungee jumped twice, founded an annual event called Jog4Joy presented by Wells Fargo – a community based 5k walk/run to raise awareness for mental and emotional WELLNESS, organized and performed in “Feeling Good” – a presentation to honor Canadian Mental Health Week and now I received this awesome WOW award.

I never saw all this when I said to myself, ”I want to be as happy as my dog.” So what’s the secret?

I DECIDED I wanted to change my life. I DECIDED I wanted to help others do the same. I discovered speaking out about our mental and emotional WELLNESS is a PASSION. I realized I needed to face my own FEARS and create my own GOALS. I began HONORING my inner VOICE.

 

This was in the fortune cookie I received at the WOW event :)

ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF A CHOICE AND A DECISION.

As Christine points out in her 7 Effective Elements of a WOW Woman’s Empowered Leadership (I’ll give you 4 / 7):

An Empowered Leader takes 100% responsibility for her wellbeing – Honor your mind and body and lead by example.

An Empowered Leader knows life isn’t done to her – it’s up to her! – Envision your future before it arrives. Develop crystal-clarity on what your values are and get clear about what you want while embracing what you’ve got.

An Empowered Leader comprehends the Golden Rule. – Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. An empowered leader understands that how she treats another is how she’s treating herSELF. (I love this one!)

An Empowered Leader resonates with her sense of worth from within – Our true sense of worth is never externally sourced. You are a Woman of Worth and you are glorious!

A few of the "Women of Worth" Nominees

There are plenty of sources to teach us otherwise but ultimately it’s up to YOU, my dear reader, to DECIDE how you are going to treat yourSELF. Love, kindness and compassion will go a long way to honoring your true SELF and in turn honor others.

Decide to make a difference in someone’s life today…maybe that someone is YOU!

With a smile and gratitude,

Tina

PS. Don’t you love the shoes!!

 

A Touch Of Hope

“You are love. This was a theme that ran through your presentation tonight.” ~ Wanda

For those of you who weren’t able to make it on Thursday for the presentation I held in Kamloops called “Feeling Good” here are some comments and photos to give you an idea of what we shared…when I say “we” I mean the audience and myself…it was an evening of sharing my personal stories and singing songs to add to the experience but it was about CONNECTION with each individual who attended.

“Just wanted to say that I thought your songs were beautiful, your energy amazing and I enjoyed the show a lot. What most shocked me was that first journal entry you read. It could have been a clone from any one of my journals. And yet there you are, happy, motivational and energetic. It gives me a touch of hope that one day I can control the depression, the anxiety and the stress levels that haunt my life so I too can be happy. Truly happy.” ~ Cathryn

You are gorgeous, smart, talented and it seemed to me that you had the perfect life and to hear you share your story made me realize how we go through the same struggles as woman, teenagers and children. I feel truly blessed to have met you, and be able to have been at your event. There are no words to let you know how inspired and touched I was by your performance. ~ Selena

“You are awesome!! I saw the Kamloops Daily News Article about your “Feeling Good” evening. I immediately called my friend and said we had to go. I am so glad that we did. I laughed, cried and had an AHA moment. It was a freeing moment. You have an awesome voice. Thank you again for coming to Kamloops and telling your story!!” ~ Lorelee

I received incredible emails and comments from people who attended and I’m deeply touched with the conversations…the sharing…the heart connections…

I’m thrilled that some said they are inspired to incorporate exercise into their routine because they can see how it affected my mental and emotional wellness.

Understanding there are CHOICES to create mental and emotional WELLNESS is EMPOWERING.

THANK YOU LONG & MCQUADE and BRIDGEPORT FLOORS for SPONSORING “FEELING GOOD”. Your SUPPORT and UNDERSTANDING that mental and emotional WELLNESS must be our PRIORITY is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Kamloops. I was blessed to have media coverage embracing this event and sharing the message: CFJC-TV, B100, CBC Radio, TheX, Kamloops Daily News and Kamloops This Week.

Life is about people. It’s about sharing, learning and connecting with others. Thank you to ALL who helped spread the word and came out not only to support me but to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental and emotional health. I am very grateful to you.

I could not have done this alone and there are many to thank but I wanted to point out Kevin Bogetti-Smith Photography for documenting the evening, Dan who wore many hats helping with sound and setup/tear down and my Mom. She was at the door collecting tickets but more than that, she deeply supports me and I am proud to be her daughter.

Sometimes you need a push, a nudge or accountability to commit to a goal. I had been thinking about this for awhile and as I was chatting with my friend Gina in a pub earlier this year she made me pick a date. Thank you Gina…that was the nudge I needed.

The final song I sang was called “Feeling Good” here is the catch phrase to remember to tell yourself today:

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me and I’m feeling good!”

Every day is an OPPORTUNITY to make new CHOICES to create a NEW life…the life you deserve.

Start today. Start right NOW!

With a smile,

Tina

 

“Feeling Good” Countdown!

Yesterday was the beginning of Canadian Mental Health Week and it’s awesome to see some excellent articles, open conversations and awareness around something that I feel critically needs our attention.

Feeling Good is happening in Kamloops THIS THURSDAY and I am thrilled to have such support and encouragement from the local media. Here are a few things to check out:

Kamloops Daily News article written by Mike Youds

Kamloops This Week article written by Cavelle Layes (Please note: I am not currently on medication but would not hesitate to go on if necessary. The time she is referring to in the article was when I was in my 20’s)

The X Radio Station An interview I had with Jeff Conners. The show is called “On The Dope” and it airs WEDNESDAY, May 8th at NOON. Listen right to the end because he asks me a great question!!

CBC Radio Kamloops – I will be in town speaking to Shelley Joyce on Thursday, May 9th at 8:00 a.m. I can’t wait to chat with her in person as we had a great conversation over the phone!

I also have a very special thank you to BRIDGEPORT FLOORS for embracing the need to raise awareness for mental and emotional wellness by sponsoring ‘FEELING GOOD’. Your support is greatly appreciated!

It’s only two days away so make sure you get your EARLY BIRD TICKETS today!

Eventbrite - Feeling Good - Presented by Tina Moore

You can also pay cash for tickets at New Copy at 772 Victoria Street between 9-5.

If you are unable to get to New Copy, I will reserve them for you. Just email me at tina@the40by40.com with subject line:

I NEED TICKETS!

I can’t wait to see you there. Thank you for continuing to spread the word. The time is NOW to raise awareness, create change and stop the stigma around mental illness.

It’s time to embrace mental and emotional wellness.

With a smile,

Tina

 

Feeling Good – Simple Gestures Of Love

It’s a beautiful Tuesday here in Vancouver, BC. The sun is shining; the sky is blue and the birds are joyfully singing their songs.

I am humbled by these small things. I find myself completely at peace in the forest surrounded by the lush trees, green moss and the stillness it provides. I am lost in thought as I run along the ocean intoxicated by the fresh salt air. I think of my life and the people who have touched me in my past, present and those who may come along in my future.

I honor today because a few years ago I almost lost someone whom I love to my core…

I am reminded that life is precious

Our relationships make life meaningful. As an individual we grow, change and challenge ourselves but it’s the time we spend with others that brings depth and definition to our life. Our words and actions create our legacy.

Every day is an opportunity to say:

“I love you my friend. I’m so happy we met.”

Or a simple phone call:

“Thanks Mom. It wasn’t easy but we got through it, didn’t we?”

It’s a chance to extend KINDNESS to a stranger, co-worker or neighbour…and every day you can show yourSELF LOVE, COMPASSION and CARE.

Simple gestures of love can change a world one person at a time.

Today I honor YOU, my readers. I may not know who you are, where you are from or what your story is but I do know that you are UNIQUE, IMPORTANT and VALUED.

Thank you for being here; thank you for being YOU.

A QUICK UPDATE:

Yesterday the interview I had with Susan Edgell aired on Midday. If you missed it, you can catch it on Wednesday, May 1st as they will air it again on the evening news. I am very grateful to CFJC-TV for honoring mental and emotional WELLNESS.

Tomorrow morning at 8:15 AM I will be interviewed by B100 Radio Station. I am super excited to talk to Cheryl and Steve about the evening.

Eventbrite - Feeling Good - Presented by Tina Moore

I’ve been singing my heart out and I can’t tell you how incredible it feels. I have been sorting through photos and journal entries to share with you. “Feeling Good” is a very personal evening full of HOPE, INSPIRATION, COURAGE and JOY expressed through stories and songs. I would love for you to join me…and please don’t be shy; come up and give me a hug!

Eventbrite - Feeling Good - Presented by Tina Moore

Thank you for your love, support, kindness and encouragement. I am humbled by your generous hearts.

With a smile,

Tina

PS. Early bird tickets are only available for a limited time. If you prefer to pay CASH, you can pick up your tickets at New Copy – 772 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC Monday-Friday between 9-5 or you can email me at tina@the40by40.com with subject line: I NEED TICKETS!