We're going to celebrate all things IRISH tomorrow with our 1st-ever virtual Shamrock Search! I tried calling it a Shamrock Hunt but it came out all sorts of wrong. Seriously. Say it five times really fast... Yeh there you go!
Anyway, join us from 9-5 p.m. as we post clues to send you on a search and WIN! We're giving away gift cards throughout the day. The more shamrocks you find, the better your chances!
How to play:
The Search starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday March 17 and runs until 5 p.m.
I love it more when I can relate to the lyrics of a song AND I love the beat. Lots of times I'll relate a song to a moment in my life so when I hear that song it brings me back to that moment, good or bad, and it becomes part of my soundtrack.
No, I don't walk around expecting sitcom music to play with my every step a la Peter Griffin in Family Guy BUT I do have a collection of songs that I've compiled to celebrate my highs and lows over the past 37 years. Some of it is fluffy soundtrack music like Grease 2 "Reproduction" (don't laugh but when I was 8 years old I totally wanted to be a Pink Lady and not just ANY Pink Lady but Michelle Pfeiffer! I also knew on some level Reproduction was a "naughty" song but I loved it anyway!).
Other music in my soundtrack tells the story of my first love's crushing breakup with me...OK I was crushed when he told me his mom thought I was a bad influence on him and that it just wouldn't work because he wanted to start college and be focused on school. At that moment of receiving this devastating news, The Crying Game was on the radio. Uhm. I had never seen that movie and had no reference to what the song was really about, all I knew was at THAT moment in my life, the tears wouldn't stop and my heart was shattered. Interesting side note, that ex of mine still works at the same gas station he did since he was 19. Whew, dodged a bullet there.
Fast forward five years to the night I met Big Daddy and the song that was playing when we kissed, and I remember this because I thought to myself that we were only ever going to have one first kiss, was Sour Times by Portishead. Listening to the chorus "Nobody loves me, it's true... not like you do," could very well have been foreshadowing for our entire relationship. No one could have ever put up with me or loved me the way he has, despite all the reasons I've given him not to love me (I'm a feisty one and not easy to live with.)
I could go on and on and on with songs that are on my soundtrack but I want to tell you about my latest find for my soundtrack.
I'm not really a country girl but there are moments in my life - and even songs in my soundtrack - where the music fits. I've always been a Dolly Parton fan and even saw her in concert when I was 9 years old. Recently, I was googling songs to empower women and came across this little gem by my girl Dolly!
Press play and sing along! It's a totally uplifting, motivational, inspirational and seriously FIERCE song! And while you're listening to it, think about the songs that make up YOUR soundtrack. Share them!! I'd love to know about your soundtrack!
People always coming up to me,
And asking “Dolly what’s your secret?
With all you do your attitude just seems
To be so good how do you keep it?
Well I'm not the Dalai Lama but I'll try
To offer up a few word of advice.
You’d better get to living, givin’
Don’t forget to throw in a little forgiving’
And lovin’ on the way.
You’d better get to knowin', showin'
A little bit more concerned about where you’re going
Just a word unto the wise.
You’d better get to livin’.
A girlfriend came to my house
Started cryin’ on my shoulder Sunday evening
She’s she was spinnin’ such a sad tale I couldn’t believe
The yarn that she was weaving’
So negative the words she had to say.
I said “If I had a violin I’d play”
I said you’d better get to living, given
Be willing and forgivin’
'Cuz all healin’ has to start with you.
You Better stop wining, pining,
Get your dreams in line and just
Shine, design, refine until they come true.
And you’d better get to living
Your life’s a wreck your house is a mess,
And your wardrobe is way outdated,
All your plans just keep on falling through,
Overweight and underpaid,
Under-appreciated.
I'm no guru but I tell you this I know is true
You’d better get to living, givin’
A little more thought about bein' a little more willing,
To make a better way
Don’t sweat the small stuff, keep your chin up,
Just hang tough, and if it gets too rough,
Fall on your knees and pray, and do that everyday
Then you’ll get to livin’
The day were born we start to die,
So don’t waste one minute of this life
Get to livin!
Share your dreams and share your laughter and make some points.
For the great hereafter.
Better start caring,
Better start sharing
Better start tryin’,
Better start smilin’ And you better get to livin’.
I've never been a fan of biting my tongue but over the last few years I have learned that emotional rants or arguments are never as effective as I would like them to be so I am practicing the art of diplomacy.
Sort of.
Having a blog gives people the ability to type words on a forum that gives them a public voice but it also allows them to hide behind their computers spouting off negativity, and walking that fine line of being an online bully.
First rule of being FIERCE
Never say online about someone what you wouldn't say to their face
Now that is easier said than done for most people because they have a sense of security hiding behind anonymous blog comments, an online persona, or a Social Media handle.
Passive aggressive tweeting, blogging or other forms of childish behaviour should not be engaged. If you feel like you are being attacked in a non-confrontational way, keep the following things in mind:
The online world doesn't actually revolve around you. This goes with any Tweets, Facebook status updates or blogs you may see, even if the Twit/FB Friend/blogger is someone you know personally. Sometimes... a post is just a post.
If a Tweet/FB status/Blog triggers you and you assume that it is automatically about you, examine why it triggered you in the first place. Perhaps it is your own issue or guilty conscience that causes you to react or take it personally.
Consider whether it's worth your time and energy. If you have the extra time and energy to spend worrying about whether or not someone is talking about you, try using that extra time and energy to engage in a positive activity.
Don't walk on eggshells, dance on them!
Minding your Ps & Qs is dependent on your personality and what you hope to accomplish with your brand, business or life in general.
For me, pushing the boundaries and using "rules" as mere guidelines works because I have never enjoyed fitting in or living a cookie-cutter life. I swear as much in real life as I do online but it doesn't make me a less effective communicator or unrefined despite the standards of some people.
Danielle LaPorte once wrote, "you can say 'Fuck' with compassion in your heart."
I love that line because too often people are judged by others who don't live up to their standards. Well you know what? That's there issue, not yours.
If your personality is brash, bold, outrageous and inappropriate then embrace that. BE that person but use your powers for good, not evil.
If you are more reserved and polite, then embrace it. But again, use those powers for good, not evil.
There is no "right" personality combination there is only acceptance of WHO YOU ARE.
But never feel like you have to conform to meet someone else's idea of who you SHOULD be.
There are times when I find myself in situations with people I don't necessarily like or even want to tolerate and my tongue becomes minced meat from biting it so much. Yes, shocking, I know... but I don't always say what's on my mind at the moment the thought crosses it.
I'm not 21 anymore.
Over the years I have mellowed dramatically (trust me, if you knew me back then you would know just how much I've chilled out) and choose not to engage with stupid people.
It's not easy because I am extremely passionate about my beliefs however when I see hypocrisy and arrogance and, oh the drama, let's not forget that, I must make a choice about how I will deal with it.
And so, I've decided to leave the sandbox.
This really isn't that big of a step for me. Being FIERCE means leaving the petty bullshit behind, focusing on improving yourself, not concerning yourself with other people's drama, and letting the children keep their pails and shovels.
How to know it's time to leave the sandbox:
When the people you associate have little or no respect or empathy for other people and you're not OK with that
If you find yourself questioning why you associate with them in the first place
If you have to process a conversation after it's over and realize that what was said does not match up to your beliefs or standards
If you're developing traits or characteristics that aren't beneficial to your overall development as a direct result of associating with someone
If your train of thought wanders to constant negativity or you're immersing yourself in their drama
If even thinking about someone causes you to physically tense up or become stressed
.... It's time to leave that sandbox.
I saw this tweet the other day from the beautyful Esther Bartkiw
This applies to anyone you are in a relationship with. If you're not bringing out the best in someone or someone triggers your most negative personality traits, you need to reconsider why you are in that relationship.
After all, life is too short to surround yourself with toxic people.
It's easy to become swept up in your own wave of social media success when you start developing a "following" on Twitter or find yourself with 1,000+ "friends" on Facebook or getting 500 views on your blog each time you post one.
Having a social media voice and presence can make even the smallest of egos inflated with self-importance, thinking that when you speak, someone actually cares or listens.
I have always kept a small amount of FB friends, limiting my personal profile to those people I truly want in my inner circle. They include friends who have known me since I was 9 years old to people I have met online and developed a true connection with.
I like looking into the lives of others, trying to get to know them better through their posts and status updates but I have recently found myself wondering, "Where do we draw the line?"
Where is the line between professional and personal?
Tanis Miller is the Redneck Mommy and she has made a career out of putting herself out there for the world to see, pit bush and all (click that link at your own discretion). I recently asked her about exposing herself online and how her public persona differed from her private persona and she was more than clear about stating that what she puts online is the life that people are interested in reading about.
We chatted about our real lives - everyday problems like laundry, marriage, our kids in school, friendships - and it dawned on me that perhaps, even on my own personal Facebook page where it was suppose to be my bubble of privacy, I was posting too much inconsequential crap for the world to see.
Do you really need to see the details of my day? Does the fact that I have a constant argument with Big Daddy about taking out the garbage really relate to what I'm trying to do with FIERCE? Does putting myself out there online reflect who I truly am?
Chantal Saville hit the nail on the freakin' head when she replied to my tweet.
I have seen many people use Social Media in various ways; as a personal rant, completely professional with zero engagement, a place to air their dirty laundry, and then there are those who keep you at an arms length but give you enough to feel like you know them.
We all want a glimpse into the lives of others whether it's to psychoanalyze who they truly are or for gossip's sake, which is why the paparazzi and trash TV is so popular. We love to see other people succeed but we're just as happy to watch them fall. It's a sad state on society and one that is supported by the continued demand for TMZ, gossip rags, and blogs of similar content.
By putting ourselves online, we are somewhat exposing ourselves to the world but you need to decide how much you open up, why you are opening up and what your goal is by exposing your real life online.
I have toyed with the idea of deleting my Facebook account all together but have decided to just limit baring my soul online to the people who truly matter to me and who are in my real life.
The things I will continue to be raw and exposed about are depression, my life growing up and how those experiences shaped who I am today, and any anecdote that directly relates to FIERCE. My voice is my own but choosing who knows what will change from here on in.
So now I ask you this: Where do you draw the line with social media?
Grab your Blackberry or Iphone, your best friend or your sweetheart, and mark your calendar for what is sure to be one of the most fun and relaxing weekends of your year!
We've partnered with the Fairmont JPL to bring you a sweet Tweet RetreatApr. 20-22 starting at $329/pp.
Enjoy a Friday night Mix & Mingle reception and get to know some of your fellow Twits.
Saturday is your day to relax and take in all of the wonderful amenities the JPL has to offer including the newly renovated luxurious and decadent spa, the heated pool, go for a walk around Lake Beauvert...
Saturday afternoon is our Scavenger Hunt! Watch for clues on Twitter and compete for prizes! It's going to be SO much fun!!
That evening, indulge in a delicious meal with the other Tweet Retreat guests and have a cocktail or two while connecting and engaging in casual conversation.
Sunday is our Farewell breakfast.
What's included in the package?
Your accommodations for the weekend in a Fairmont Room
The Welcome Reception on Friday
Scavenger Hunt on Saturday afternoon that is sure to get you talking and laughing all weekend
Saturday night dinner
Sunday Farewell Breakfast
Why you should come?
It's a great excuse to get away with a friend or partner, connect with other social media enthusiasts, relax in the heart of Alberta's most beloved getaway, and let's be honest here... $329 for an entire weekend at the JPLis something you can't NOT afford to do.
If you have never stayed at the JPL, here is your chance to do it at a ridiculously affordable price PLUS you get all sorts of fabulous little surprise perks by attending the event. If you have stayed at the JPL then you know what I'm talking about.
Click here to book the package. You know you wanna!!
How to play:
