NO PRESENT Birthday Party !!!

Ok.. Im pretty sure your human so you MUST have had this experience. You know when you have to do something you really don't want to do but have to anyways? That thing that drives you up the wall and your cringe every time you think about it and when you have that mental debate with yourself over and over again until you think you have gone CRAZY?

Well I have some news for you, I always question my mental sanity. I have become so embedded in my purpose and dreams that my own family actually thinks I am crazy AND guess what I LOVE IT!!!

Heather Insight

Even if you think it sounds disgusting (don't think of it so literally) I always say to people that I enjoy "peeing against the wind" I strive on doing the TOTAL opposite of mainstream society, WHY because I am a leader and not a follower. I live for every minute of everyday because I want to, NOT because I am suppose to. 

I am EXTREMELY passionate about raising grateful children who are compassionate and grounded. I am also aware that this is not easy in Western culture where we are very consumer conscious AKA LOVE TO SHOP. 

Biggest Pet Peeve

When I hear parents say "Why are my children so rude and disrespectful, I never treated my parents the way my kids treat me." 

I love my children just as much as the next caring parent I just show it differently. 

So here is what went down tonight... 

I am planning a birthday party for my son, where he gets to invite is WHOLE class. There will be endless physical activity, pizza and cake but NO PRESENTS. You think I am evil don't you. 

You may be thinking OMG that is terrible, having a birthday party for a young child, how can you NOT have presents, you are depriving your child of great memories. 

Through MY Eyes

I am CREATING a life lesson of teaching my son that for his birthday he needs nothing more than the gift of friendship. Being grateful for the opportunity to have such great friends around him to play with. To have the opportunity as a child to be free and play and laugh and eat together, for his parents to afford that. So I ask you... is that not enough? Why do I need to over stimulate him with throwing a bunch of polluted plastic toys in his face just so 20 kids can pile on top of one another and wish they had all the same crappy toys at home. 

So this is how it went down... 

Me, my husband and my son debated for hours over this and I told him. You may be upset with me and that is OK because you are a kid and you do not understand and if it weren't for our cultural values of always needing more, you wouldn't even know the difference. Someday you will thank me for not giving you everything you wanted but giving you what you needed with the guidance and love you deserve. 

This is where I go crazy. I can understand this debate with a 6 year old but Boy is it interesting when it comes from the parents. Tonight I literally sat in silence with a stranger (mother of a classmate invited to the party) on the phone as she said to me "Are you sure you don't want me to bring anything?" I replied  "Yes! I know this may sounds weird but I like to do weird things. I am trying to teach my son gratitude." She said " I know and I agree but MOST parents want their kids to have gifts." I said "well I am not most parents." Then she said something to me that made me ponder and question what peer pressure REALLY does to our soul. She said " I totally agree with you, my son has so many toys they fill up our living room, basement, garage and his bedroom that is why he decided NOT to have a birthday party this year because I don't want any more toys." 

Mental Debate: Celebrating your child's life to it's full purpose or not celebrating at all because you do not want anymore toys. What do you think? 

This post is not to demonstrate the fact that I enjoy "peeing against the wind" I hope it gets your wheels turning and thinking and wondering. Why do people do what they do. Why is my child so angry, why do they disrespect me, why is the sky blue. 

#1 Most Important Tool to Have in Life.

By definition Mindful means conscious or aware. Becoming more conscious of your thoughts and behaviors can drastically change how you live your life. 


Do you see the correlation? 

Becoming mindful of your behaviors will help you look within and understand how they affect others around you (especially those you spend a lot of time with, such as family and coworkers) is essential when wanting to change your life.

Some helpful Tips: 

Take stock

You need to learn to step back, reflect and appreciate what you do have, rather then thinking you do not have enough. Regularly write down anything that makes you feel good about yourself, focusing on your unique skills, loving relationships or achievements. You’ll be amazed at how much you actually have going for you and can always refer back to your list when you need a pick-me-up.  

Tune out the negative

Find ways to turn off or least minimize the negative self-talk that picks away at your confidence. Rather than saying “ I don’t have time to exercise” start saying “I will make the time to exercise.” Than DO IT!

Set and Achieve small goals 

(One of my personal lessons)

People often make the mistake of shooting for the moon and when they fail (inevitably), they get more discouraged and less confident. Instead, strive for something you know you can achieve and do it.

Look the part

Regularly exercise, follow a healthy diet, take pride in your personal appearance, get plenty of sleep and try to smile. If you don’t look and feel your best, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with others.

Remember that no one is perfect

Absolutely everyone—no matter how flawless they may seem—makes mistakes. The more you strive to be perfect, the more frustrated you’ll be when you discover it’s not possible. Realize that life is full of ups and downs and bumps in the road and try to not only forgive yourself for your errors, but to learn from them. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and start judging you by your own standards.

Find things you enjoy

Whether it’s playing guitar, yoga, knitting or swimming, developing and excelling in your hobbie is a great way to boost your self-esteem. Doing something just for the pleasure and challenge will make you feel accomplished and capable. This is also a great way to do something you enjoy and teach your children a new skill at the same time.

Fake it

Although it sounds a bit silly, acting confident, even if you don’t feel that way might actually make you believe it. Wake up in the morning as a completely confident version of yourself. EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY :) 

Bedtime Difficulties

Dear Heather, I just had a total Mama meltdown :( Tonight was a struggle getting my 5 year old son ready for bed. Of course we all have those nights, but tonight seemed to be over the top. The first day back to school is always difficult for both children and parents. As adults we know what it feels like when we get some time off work. We dread that first day back. Often it takes us a few days to get back into the "swing" of things. Not only was I frustrated and tired from a long day myself, I could SEE that my son was tired and did not want to go to sleep." So instead of our regular bedtime routine, I turned on some relaxing music and read a short meditation to him. Within 5 minutes he was out like a light. I INSTANTLY witnessed his behaviour change as soon as I created that relaxing environment. So... No matter how hard it gets, no matter how frustrated you may become, no matter how dark the thoughts or how deep the sabotage... You are an AMAZING parent, and your children will always love you. And that love always gives HOPE when you need it most.  Even in the darkest moments when you feel isolated and alone... Know that you are not alone. You are part of an amazing wave of parents who do the very best they can each and everyday. Give yourself a pat on the back because YOU deserve it. With Love, Heather

Children's Meditation Workshop (January 2011)

The time has FINALLY arrived. I am super pumped to launch this years Meditations for Cool Kids workshop. This year is going to be amazing and I can not wait to connect with all of you.

Children's Meditation will positively effect...

• Stress relief
• Self-confidence
• Sleep patterns
• Social Skills
• Focus in the classroom
• Concentration
• Sports, recreational activities
• Can or may improve ADD/ADHD and OCD symptoms
• May improve physical symptoms of illness (stress relief)

and the List goes on.....

Meditations for Cool Kids 5-10 years of age In this 4 week series I will teach your child how to quiet there mind and body and embrace their inner power. We will start with the basics on how to sit quietly (breathing, posture and connection) and then how to listen and feel peace and calmness. Expressive arts and music will also be incorporated in these workshops. Event Info SATURDAYS (January 8, 15, 22, 29) Ten Thousand Villages (624 Chilver Rd, Windsor) Time: 10:30am -11:30 am Im here if you need me, heather@mindfulenergy.ca