I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were [...]]]> This past weekend I went to the IDFA Posing Clinic with Dr. Kevin Ashby and Dr. Wendy Carvalho-Ashby.

I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were lurking there, but I pretended they didn’t exist.  I am, after all, The Queen of JOY you know.

You know…things like this:

99% of everyone here is younger than me.

Everyone’s hair is done up! All I see is my skunk line. I really need a cut and a color.

Look at all their nice clothes. I’m wearing a baggy t-shirt to cover my pooch.  I don’t see a pooch on anyone else here.

We have to “strut” in front of everyone? I haven’t been in heals since the summer of 2009! This is NOT going to be graceful, and everyone is going to look at me.  I can only imagine what they’ll be thinking.

Then I heard the whispers.

Are you serious? In front of everyone? Now? No way. (From the lady sitting beside me who looked incredible.)

I was tired of everyone telling me my legs needed to be smaller.  I figured I’d try something where I would be accepted for my size.  (From a young lady who figure skated and had the most incredible legs!)

I looked around and noticed things too.

I wasn’t the only one who slipped doing the T-walk. 

I wasn’t the only one waiting until the last possible moment to go up and practice.

There was a young man who was quite slender and looked out of place next to the bigger men there.  He had the nerve to get up there and pose, and had fun doing it.

Everyone clapped like mad for everyone else.

My goal is the October 2011 competition here in Calgary.  I can do the training.  I can do the nutrition.  I just have to figure out how to do the walking out on stage with confidence and flair.  I’ve got some time.  And there’s another Clinic at the end of summer too.  I’ll make sure I register for that.

Yes.  I’m still scared.  I’m stepping waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  But I’m excited.  I’m really excited.  That’s how I KNOW this is something for me to do.  That Excitement.  The thing is, I used to get that feeling for healing workshops.  Weird I’m getting that same feeling for a Fitness Model Competition!

Hmmmm…different kind of event, but I’ll bet this will be a healing experience for me.  I’m always cared for.  Something new to heal and grow with.

How does your Spirit speak with you?  Do you get that excited feeling like I do? Will you follow the Guidance your Spirit is giving you?

Go for it!  It’ll be a rocking Journey!  You’re going to love what you experience, and what you will see on the other side!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Got a GREAT interview on tap for you tomorrow.  Joan Borysenko is on Welcome Changes Radio tomorrow.  We’ll be discussing her book, “Fried: Why You Burn Out and How to Revive”.  You won’t want to miss it!

I remember a lot of things about this day. It was my Great Grandma’s birthday.  What a special gift for a little girl.  If I [...]]]> Today is, of course, Remembrance Day here in Canada.  It’s Veteran’s Day in the US.  I’m not entirely sure if there are other countries that share this holiday day.

I remember a lot of things about this day. It was my Great Grandma’s birthday.  What a special gift for a little girl.  If I remember correctly she was born in 1904, so she would have experienced both World Wars and more.  She was given the gift of Armistice on her 14th birthday, only to have war break out again 21 years later.

I remember freezing while I stood outside on street corners of my home town in my Navy League Wrenettes uniform (yes I wore a skirt) selling Poppies.

I remember participating in the Ceremony at the Cenotaph to honour our fallen soldiers.  My Dad gave me this small red case to hold that kept my hands warm.

I remember having coffee with some older gentlemen when I was in my early twenties.  One of them fought in the war.  He didn’t talk about it much.  Only told me one sad story of when he was in France.  That was enough.

I remember visiting the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary, and being overwhelmed as I looked at the lists of names who were lost in the various wars.  They were someone’s son, brother, husband, father.

It’s easy to move into sorrow, and it’s important to move into Gratitude. 

Thank you to all those men and women of courage.  I am truly grateful to each and every one of you for the gift you gave of your life’s energy to serve the greater good.

Love,

Velma

When I spoke with Nancy, she informed me that her desire was to create an event that would [...]]]> I’ve been plurking with gathering my materials for the Wise Women Event being hosted by http://AskNancy.com.  The line-up of speakers is amazing!  I’m thrilled beyond measure to be one of the speakers at this event. 

When I spoke with Nancy, she informed me that her desire was to create an event that would provide women (Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends) with the tools and resources to claim their own power.  This is my interpretation anyway.

If you are in the Calgary Area, please do come and play.  There’s going to be a room full of beautiful and inspiring women…both speaking and in the audience.

http://www.asknancy.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=246&Itemid=70

That should take you to the registration page.    Hope to see you there!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

Did you know JOY Riding is a GOOD THING?

Picked up the Calgary Sun to browse through it, and I saw a picture of my friend, Nancy Taipale.  I had to, of course, find out [...]]]> I went to the local restaurant for a coffee with my hubby and my son.  Well, our son wasn’t too impressed with this, but we enjoyed it.

Picked up the Calgary Sun to browse through it, and I saw a picture of my friend, Nancy Taipale.  I had to, of course, find out why she was in the paper, and lo and behold, my name was in the paper too! 

What an awesome surprise!

http://www.calgarysun.com/life/columnists/kelly_doody/2009/05/08/9392381-sun.html

They were speaking to Nancy about her upcoming Women’s event on May 23rd.  I am one of the speakers for that event.  What a wonderful line-up of people!  I’m excited I get to stick around for the full event.

If you live near Calgary, check out the event!  You can purchase tickets here.

Please let me know if you are coming so I can look for you!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ JOYTASTIC Women T-shirts now on sale! http://joytasticwomen.spreadshirt.com