UGH!

But only a little one.  I’ve seen this coming…sort of.

A couple of weeks ago I interviewed Joan Borysenko regarding her book, Fried.  We had an excellent conversation regarding Burnout.  As I prepared for the show by reading her book, I noticed signs of me [...]]]>

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

UGH!

But only a little one.  I’ve seen this coming…sort of.

A couple of weeks ago I interviewed Joan Borysenko regarding her book, Fried.  We had an excellent conversation regarding Burnout.  As I prepared for the show by reading her book, I noticed signs of me heading down that nasty road again.  I’m taking note.

This last Tuesday I interviewed Gillian Holloway.  She’s a Dream Analysis Expert.  And, as Divine would have it, I had an interesting dream days before the show.  I was peddling a semi-tractor…you know…Fred Flinstone-ing it.  I am powering almost everything in my life with my own energy.  I take note of that too.

There are things going on in my life that I need to change.  Not sure how yet, but I do know they need to change.

Well, warning number 3 came on Thursday.  I came home from my workout to turn on my computer, and it wouldn’t turn on.  No power at all.  A moment of panic sets in.  I get a good cry in.  That’s my LIFE on that thing!  I can’t afford to be down!  I don’t have the time for this!

Then I laugh.  I see the connection with the other signs over the past few weeks.  And guess what?  It was the Power Supply on the computer that was pooched!  Surprise surprise!

So I play some with my dog, and I putter in my office on some of the things I had been putting off.  All in all it’s a good day.  Later that day I go out and get a new computer.  My hard drive was still good, so I’ve been transferring over files, loading up programs, and basically getting myself back up and running.

It’s been a lot of work, but that’s OK.  It is what it is.

With that being said, and with all the Burnout warnings, I’m not going to work harder to get this done so I can do the work I’d normally be doing.  I’m not going to skip workouts.  I’m not going to skip time with my family this weekend.  I’m not going to power my way through this.

What does this mean?  My video that I normally put up at Youtube for last week’s show…it’s going to be late.  The show that was scheduled for this next Tuesday?  It’s being rescheduled.

I’m rolling with it.  Crash, Burn and Roll.

Don’t wait until you’re IN Burnout to make changes.  If you’re getting the signs now, do something about it.  That something may be as simple as meditating on what changes would be of value.  It also may be as simply as asking that same question in your Journal.  Don’t expect an immediate answer, but do be open to it showing up in the most unexpected moment.

Rolling along!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

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!

Can you believe it?  February is pretty much done!

I know it’s a short month, but time just flew by this month.

My son is growing up…way up.  It’s not going to be long before he’s looking down at me.  It goes by [...]]]>

Image by ah zut via Flickr

Can you believe it?  February is pretty much done!

I know it’s a short month, but time just flew by this month.

My son is growing up…way up.  It’s not going to be long before he’s looking down at me.  It goes by so fast.  I’m already not allowed to get mushy in front of his friends. *sigh*

Valentines Day came and went.  The two loves of my life took me out for a scrumptious supper.

Family day here in Canada has turned into Family Week for most of the kinds it seems.  Don’t remember that being the case for me when I was a kid!  And that’s not because my memory is failing me. (Though some days I wonder.)

I’ve added something Fun to my Welcome Changes Radio routine.  I’m kind of enjoying doing the videos!  Did you check out my Youtube Channel yet?  I’m doing quick video with a one minute excerpt from the most recent show.  It’s weird talking to a camera!

The videos are pretty simple right now.  May or may not get more creative.  We’ll see.  I think the most challenging part right now with these is picking the minute excerpt.

Have you watched any of the videos?  Did it inspire you to download the full show?  How often have you downloaded shows?

The truth is, that although February has flown on by too quickly, I am ready for March.  I have some fun things planned for me, and for you too.

I have a Webinar on Style coming up.  That’s all I’m telling you.  We (me and someone else who I’m not telling you about yet) are still ironing out all the details.

I’m going to an IFDA Workshop to learn about Figure and Fitness competitions.  This is something that’s been on my “Bucket” list for quite a while.  I haven’t made the final decision to do it or not.  Going to this workshop should help with that decision.

I’m participating in a Weight Loss Challenge at my Gym.  It starts March 1st.  Doing the measurements today (February 28).  I’m going to see how much I can loose in 2 months.  My goal is 15 lbs.  Think I can make it?  That’s almost 2 lbs. a week.

Now that I’ve healed from Adrenal Fatigue, this should work for me!  If you’ve been working your butt off and haven’t lost any weight, maybe Adrenal Fatigue is worth looking into. I found out about it from interviewing Anastasia Netri on Welcome Changes Radio.  When she mentioned it the light bulb going off nearly blinded me! 

We’re going to be experimenting with the Paleo Diet for the next couple of months as well.  I’ve been learning a lot about nutrition over the past year.  I’ve read through Nourishing Traditions recently, and found it quite interesting actually.  This should help out with the weight loss challenge too.

Looking back on February for you, what was the most fun thing about the month?  Mine was the videos.

What’s on tap for you in March? What’s showing up for you? Will you follow the inspiration?

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ I’m just getting the documentation together for selling advertising on Welcome Changes Radio.  The traffic has gone up 80% since last January, so I think it’s time!

I was tossing around fun ways to grow Welcome Changes Radio, and as Youtube is one of the top search engines out there (am I using the right lingo?) why wouldn’t I be using it?

I had a channel up that had my first video, [...]]]> I did it!  Felt weird, but I did it!

I was tossing around fun ways to grow Welcome Changes Radio, and as Youtube is one of the top search engines out there (am I using the right lingo?) why wouldn’t I be using it?

I had a channel up that had my first video, Wake Up to Change, but other than that it had been sitting there unused for quite some time.

Like I said, it was weird doing it.  It took about 12 takes.  The first one I could hear my husband playing his guitar (his new toy showed up today).  The second one our dog decided to jump up and give me some kisses.  I screwed up lots too.  I figure 12 takes isn’t too bad for the first time around.

Here’s the video.

Plus the link for those who can’t see it.

Nothing fancy, but what the hey…it’s a start!  It doesn’t matter what we do, we do need to start somewhere, and I didn’t want to wait to get this going until I had it “perfect”.  I’d be waiting for ever, because there is always something to tweak.

Got a project you’re working on?  Are you delaying to get it perfect?  Just go for it!  You can tweak as you go too!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Head on over the download Kat Tansey’s interview on Welcome Changes Radio.  Her show was awesome!

How did you begin your year?  Has it been all you expected?  Are you heading in the direction you wanted to?  Are things going the way you hoped?

Did you make some choices for this year? Are you sticking with them? Did they fall [...]]]>

Image by katiescrapbooklady via Flickr

How did you begin your year?  Has it been all you expected?  Are you heading in the direction you wanted to?  Are things going the way you hoped?

Did you make some choices for this year? Are you sticking with them? Did they fall by the wayside? Are you evolving your choices?

I chose that this year I would expand on my Creative Self.  I love expressing my creativity.  There are so many ways to do it!  I’ve had some fun in some areas.  I’ve had some frustration in others.  I’ve gotten pretty ticked with myself already too. 

In other words, this year is already full of joy, learning, and celebrations, and more decisions.

I’ve been having fun with Food!  I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and I’ve been paying more attention to what I cook, along with getting creative with the flavours.  I’ve been building on something I already enjoy.

I’ve been learning too—about myself, what I want, where I want to go.  I shared my secret wish for myself in the interview with Joe Vitale last month.

I’m celebrating too!  One of my desires is to grow the reach of Welcome Changes Radio.  I didn’t really know how to do this.  I thought I knew, and I thought that would be hard to accomplish.  Plus I didn’t know how to do what I thought I knew.  (No wonder I was confused…that is just plane confusing!) 

Because I didn’t know how to do what I thought I’d have to do, I just went with what I knew.  I made a decision.  “I want to grow the reach of Welcome Changes Radio.”

That’s it.

Guess what?  We’re growing, and I didn’t have to do what I didn’t know how to do…at least not yet.  Who knows.  That may come, but when it does, maybe it will come with someone who knows how to do what I don’t know how to do!  (Still confusing, but at least I’m laughing about it now.)

In January Welcome Changes Radio had more than 2000 unique visitors to the site.  Now that may not sound like much to some, but it’s up!  Last January we had 1075 unique visitors, and the year before that 875.  So you can see in one year we grew by about 85% (I think).  Not bad! 

Last week we also had a record week for downloads of the show.  We had 563 downloads!  We had 1054 downloads in ALL of January last year. 

I’m in the midst of making a decision too.  I’ve had entering a bodybuilding contest on my Bucket List for probably 15 years now.  There are a variety of bodybuilding competitions available, from Figure to Fitness Model, and more.  I’ve been chatting with a local trainer who has competed before. I’ve met a few really cool ladies online who are preparing for competition right now.

I haven’t made the decision, but I’m getting close.  I’m 44 going on 45 this year.  I’ve chatted briefly with a woman who competed for the first time at 46 and is still competing at 51.  I believe I’ve healed my Adrenal Fatigue, and I’m taking better care of my body.  This may just be the time!

How has YOUR January been?  What have you learned so far?  What are your celebrations?  What new decisions are coming for you?

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Don’t forget about Tuesday’s show with Kat Tansey!