Listen to the Whispers, Work of Heart Conference 2017

A month ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the first event put on by Work of Heart. It was called a Day for You and it was exactly that: a day about self-care, self-awareness, and kindness.

I was invited to attend the event as a Brand Ambassador, but in the end, it became so much more for me. Along the way, the organizer and human superhero behind the event, Angela, asked me if I’d like to do an East Coast Mermaid pop-up shop at the event.

It took me all of two seconds – actually maybe 0.5 seconds – to say YES enthusiastically, before it ever crossed my mind that I had never actually done a pop-up shop before. It had been on my list of 2017 intentions to step out of my comfort zone and do at least one pop-up shop this year, so I can proudly say that yes, I’ve done it and it went off without a hitch.

You see, right there, I was already giving back to myself and making dreams come true. Before I had even attended the event. And while I can’t even begin to share even an ounce of the lessons I learned that day or the stories I heard from the event’s amazing list of speakers, here are a few lessons I can share.

And take note, my friends. These small but mighty words could very well change your life. 

Listen to Your Whispers

Don’t try to deny it. We all have voices in our heads. And they’re sometimes more aware of our surroundings, our happiness, and our ability to do something about all of the above than we are.

For example – how many of you wake up in the morning and think to yourself, ‘I don’t want to go to work.’ Whisper. ‘I really feel unfilled in my job, like I’m not doing what I’m suppose to be doing.’ Whisper. ‘Something about this situation doesn’t feel right to me.’ Whisper. ‘Why do I feel this way all the time?’ Whisper. ‘Why am I always tired and why do I just never feel like myself?’ Whisper.

You see where I’m going with this. Whether it’s your job, your relationship, your health, or any other aspect of your life – listen to those whispers. And do something about them. There is a reason they exist and it’s to help you.

Authenticity Does NOT Equal Comfort

You know the classic saying ‘Oh just be yourself – it’ll be fine.’ We’ve all heard it.

Just be yourself. 

Cause that’s suppose to be the easiest. It’s suppose to come naturally. But here’s the thing – being truly authentic, embracing who you really are, letting your freak flag fly, if you will. That’s not so easy for 90% of the population. And how many of us are failing to be our true selves, in front of everyone else we meet, in favor of following the norm, staying comfortable, staying safe.

Authenticity does NOT equal comfort and that’s a good thing. Embrace it. And reward yourself for being brave enough to leave comfort behind in favor of who you truly are.

Ahem, if you want to be a unicorn or a mermaid, embrace that shit! 🦄

Move Forward, Not On

I think one of the most powerful speakers at Work of Heart, was without a doubt, the brave and inspiring Nadine Larche. If you’re local, you definitely know her name, but if you’re not, Nadine’s husband was one of the three RCMP officers killed nearly three years ago in our quiet, peaceful town one summer night. It was horrifying and it was something no Monctonian will ever forget.

I think it truly takes someone who’s lost the love of their life in the worst possible way to tell it like it is. Life is going to hurt. It’s going to downright suck. Heartache is unavoidable.

It’s how we react to these situations that sets the course for where we go next. Because yes, you will be forced to move forward. That’s what we do in this life.

But don’t ever let anyone tell you that you need to move on.

Friends are the Board Members of Your Life

Are you sitting in front of your computer or on your phone, jaw dropped, going ‘Wow – that’s deep?’ Because that’s how I felt when I heard these words spoken by creative genius, Chris Farias.

This one is so simple, yet so many of us continue to ignore it and allow toxic people in our lives. Stop that. Life is WAY too short to have someone in your life that brings you down – whether it’s in your career, your relationship, or your squad.

Surround yourself with a tribe you’d totally feel comfortable launching the life of your dreams with. Those are the people you want on your board.

And if you’re feeling lonely or a lack of support, take inventory of who is sitting at your table.

Inspiration to Go

Again, I can’t stress enough how much goodness came out of this day and I know people are still talking about it. Heck, I still message superhero Angela about it at least once a week.

And you’re probably thinking, ‘Wow I wish I was there.’

Well, I can’t turn back time. If Cher hasn’t figured it out, none of us will. BUT I can offer a a sneak peek of the day with some of my favorite photos from the event!

Flowers by Paper & Peony – a MUST

Shout out to the lovely ladies from ECM Media!

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A HUGE thank you again to Angela + Work of Heart for inviting me to be a part of A Day for You and to everyone who stopped by the East Coast Mermaid pop-up shop – you da best 💙

Make sure to like A Work of Heart on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration, motivation, and whispers ✨ Tell Angela the mermaid sent you 🌊