Teresia's Blog

Welcome to 2010. I trust you had a relaxing, fulfilling holiday season. 

I love the holiday season (ok any holiday), as I have a chance to really indulge in two of my favourite things: 

Firstly, spending a lot of time with people who are close to me. This year, we split our holiday time between being with family and friends in Vancouver and venturing to the Okanagan for New Year’s to spend time with extended family. The Okanagan was an extra treat, as you will see in the picture they get snow, something we rarely see here in Vancouver, B.C. Being raised out East, it just seems wrong not to have snow during the festive season. 

Secondly, letting go of any ‘to-do’ list and snuggling in bed with a fluffy comforter and reading a good book. Every year I buy books for my clients as a “Happy New Year” gift. I take time and go to my local book store and spend hours looking at books and waiting for the perfect book to jump out at me for each client.  Many times I leave with a handful of books for me! 

I love when I come across a book that grabs my attention and I complete it in one sitting. Sometimes the main message is perfect with where I am in my life, or the story is so engaging that I cannot put it down. This holiday, I hit the jack pot and started reading three books that I could not put down.  Each one touched me in a special way and I thought I would share some highlights with you. 

Me to We – turning self help on its head. (Love the title!) by Craig Kielburger and Marc Kielberger.  Two young bucks that started a movement called Me to We and have contributed more in their early twenties then most of us will in a lifetime. I actually bought this book for a client and ended up getting a copy for myself. I was especially inspired about this topic at this time in my life, as I will be launching a new coaching program with a colleague this year called Triple M Mastermind: Mind, Money and Life of Meaning.  I will be blogging about Life of Meaning and the message in this book in future but for now, here is the bottom line message - want to be happy? Be of service. Simple but powerful. 

Cult, a love story: Ten years Inside a Canadian Cult and the Subsequent Long Road of Recovery, by Alexandra Amor. Alexandra is a good friend of mine and member of our past Author Circle (our Author Circle was a group of women that came together monthly to support each other in our writing aspirations, but as you may well know when a group of women get together so much more happens – future blog topics ). With every page I read, I was in awe with Alexandra’s experience of being in a cult, her authenticity and vulnerability kept me wanting to learn more. If you have been involved with a cult or not, you will experience a chance to heal and gain more insight on the dynamics of manipulation and control.  Thank you Alexandra for sharing more of you and a message that will touch many. You can find out more about Alexandra’s story or purchase her book at http://cultalovestory.com. 

The Art of Extreme Self Care, by Cheryl Richardson. Cheryl Richardson has been a mentor from a far, since I decided to become a coach. Self care is some of the foundational principals I share with my clients. Cheryl always brings a new perspective and insight to the importance and benefits of the practice of self care. This book will give you a tune up on how to ensure you are looking after yourself when committed to helping others. 

I would love to hear from you on what some of your favourite books were that you read in 2009? How did they make a difference for you? 

Wishing you all the success and joy your heart desires this year! Be sure to read my future blogs on how to make 2010 your best year yet!