Coach Quinn

Power of Love

2011-05-11T03:12:00.000-07:00

"All you need is love" is a phrase we seem to hear over and over again. One reason may be because it is the title of a famous Beatles song but maybe also because, well, it's true?

No matter what anyone says, I think this video is adorable. It shows the pureness and sweetness of love, being a child and 'firsts'.

At the end of the day, nothing else really matters.

Power of Strategy

2011-04-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love what Tom Butler Bowden says in this video.

Strategies are what help us move towards the goals we set.

Click HERE to watch it unfold.

Power of Baloooooooo and Bare Necessities

2011-04-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you watched Jungle Book?

I just spent the last five minutes watching this video below and by golly, I feel excited about life!

Yesterday I spent the day with Israeli and Palestinian women talking about values, needs and dreams.

What is life really about?

THE BARE NECESSITIES!

Have a watch!

The Bare Necessities
By Phil Harris, Bruce Reitherman

Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life

Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin' in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!

Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life

Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue ?

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!

So just try and relax, yeah cool it
Fall apart in my backyard
'Cause let me tell you something little britches
If you act like that bee acts, uh uh
You're working too hard

And don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true

The bare necessities of life will come to you

Power of Fascination and a Hogshead

2011-03-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been reading an incredible book by Sally Hogshead - yes, her last name is HOGS - HEAD. Amazing.

She has written a book called Fascinate which reveals the 7 triggers that are used in branding.

She also goes into detail about how people not only wanted to be FASCINATED....we also want to BE fascinatING. Amazing revelation and so very true.

You can take her F Score (which tells you what your primary, secondary and dormant triggers are) by clicking here

My primary trigger is Lust - check this video out and see what you think the triggers are?

What makes Activia so FASCINATING?!

Power of Commercials

2011-03-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

This just blew my mind.

Let it do the same for you.

Best commercial I have seen in a long time. Over 3 minutes - give it time to reveal it's awesomeness.

Power of Starbucks

2011-02-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

This is just a really quick post to say how much I love Starbucks - free wifi, atmosphere, jazz tunes and my ability to sit and get work done when I am in them.

They are all over London and I truly call them "my office". They do not just provide coffee and space - they provide a business resource.

Thank you Starbucks.

Power of Whistling

2011-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

One word - wow.

This reminders of Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers which says that if you do something for 10,000 hours or more, you will become a master.

This guy is proof of that. Enjoy!

Power of the Unexpected

2011-02-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

I saw this quote today and it made me think about the importance of not only taking risks but of the UNEXPECTED.

"You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen."

- Paulo Coelho, best-selling mystical author.

If we always know what is coming next, life gets boring. We become complacent and feel stuck.

Through uncertainty and freshness, we feel alive.

DO something TODAY that makes you feel alive. Give yourself a gift!

Power of Being Vulnerable

2011-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yet another....incredible TED talk.

Are you willing to be vulnerable?

Imperfect?

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

Power of Giving Gifts of Coaching

2010-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, family and esteemed colleagues,

I would like wish you all a happy holiday season and soon to be New Year! This is one of my favourite times of year – the air is crisp, the ground is (almost) white and a new year is about to begin!

Three years ago I wrote an email to you all about ‘Giving the gift of Coaching’ and this year I write in a similar vein. This email is about giving a different kind of gift this year! Over the last few years I have coached over 80 different clients (over 750 hours) and truly believe in its power. I have seen changes in my clients’ lives and in their perspectives of the world.

A coach does not give advice; coaching opens the door and unlocks the vision we all carry within us. It is a unique partnership that concentrates on both the present and future through conversation and in-depth questioning. The agenda is always informed by the client and their situation; the coach acts as a source of inspiration, motivation and security.

Coaching is the key to revealing one’s full potential on a personal and professional level. Using a holistic approach, a coaching partnership focuses on and nurtures all facets of one’s life to help them attain complete fulfillment, balance and happiness.

Here are a few testimonials from my past and present clients:

"Quinn has restored my confidence not only in myself but in my abilities…”– Gavin, London, 25

“Quinn's coaching is powerful; she is insightful, dynamic, inspiring and wise. I grow and gain new perspectives and tools each time we talk.” – Marney, New York, 41

"What I love in particular about Quinn’s style of coaching is that she is very honest and straight to the point...” – Sophia, London, 23

“When Quinn was my coach she had this innate ability to play her role just right. She would let me have my time to feel lost, and then via observations, questions, encouragement she helped me find the strength and answers within myself to take action and to take a chance.” – Vanessa, London, 34

As both a Youth and Business coach, I work predominantly with clients ages 14-35. If you know of anyone who would be interested in a coaching session with me, or who you would like to give this special gift to, please get in touch.

I wish you all the very best in 2011 and look forward to hearing updates from you!

Quinn Simpson
Youth and Business Coach

Power of Crows

2010-12-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I swear the world would be a better place if we all were as dedicated as Joshua Klein.

Crows - who would have thought!?

Power of a "Quote"

2010-11-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

A good friend sent this to me the other day.

I loved it.

"I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time."

-Jack London

Power of Alice

2010-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Alice is 106 and still living out her passion, her element....her flow.

She glows and it is incredibly inspiring.

For her, "Music is G-d....in difficult times you feel it especially - when you are suffering."

Needing a bit of inspiration? Take the time to watch this video by clicking HERE

Power of a "Gift"

2010-10-13T10:34:00.001-07:00

This just brought tears to my eyes.

What a gift it is.

Power of Security

2010-09-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

We live in a society that depends on "security". Our “permanent" jobs and contracts give us the feeling of security and stability...but I argue that what we feel isn't real. They are figures of our imagination. Our sense of security is false, at best.

On the train back from Newcastle this week, I ended up sitting across from a lovely man. In his presumably late 40's, he told me all about his job working with insurance. He spoke of a lot of success and prosperity - many years of loving his work and achieving his ambitions. However, later in our journey, he dove into how he was impacted by the recession.

He lost his job.

After years of laying off others, being in control and "secure", he was made redundant. Shocked, horrified and unstable...he was forced to start over and look for work.

Six months later - he is back on it - meeting me on the train home from a day working in York.

Even on that very train, I watched people sit in other peoples seats even when they were CLEARLY marked RESERVED. You see, that’s just it, nothing is reserved.

Nothing is unchangeable and completely stable – that’s the beauty of the world.

This also means it’s all in our heads…and THAT, my friend, we do have control over.

Power of Taxi Drivers and the “good’ thing

2010-09-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

How much do you love taxi drivers? On a scale of 1-10…I would probably have given them a 6 (or even lower in Toronto).....

However, my view of taxi drivers changed last year when I was moving back to Toronto and stressed about leaving London. I was sad, confused and tired. Then I met Nadin. I told him about how I was feeling and he said, “After two minutes of being in my taxi, I promise, you will feel better”. Reluctant, I got in. Minutes later I felt like myself again.

We had a great conversation about life, happiness, sadness and all the trials and tribulations, but one thing he said will always stay with me.

He said, “The good about the good thing is that its good and you can enjoy it. The good thing about the bad thing is that sooner or later, it will end and it will turn into a good thing.”

Power of Human Detour

2010-08-25T10:07:00.001-07:00

Recently I was asked by an old friend, Jamie Slavin, to be apart of the Human Detour website! What a great initiative. If you go to the Health and Wellness section and click "heal" you can check out some great videos by several doctors, coaches and myself.

Also, Jamie is featured in the "nourish" area as she is a nutritionist!

Either way, this site has the potential to be incredibly powerful. ENJOY!

Power of Unmasking

2010-08-23T03:47:00.001-07:00

Everyone is weird.

I suppose ‘uniquely different’ would be a better way of describing it, but the reality is, no matter how different they are, they all hide their weirdness.

Often people wear 'masks' and pretend to be something very different from what they actually are.

I clearly remember as a child people coming up to me saying, “you’re weird” and at that time, I wasn’t quite sure whether I was being praised or ridiculed.

Either way, I shrugged it off and stayed the same.

Later I began to understand the word - defined as "of a strikingly odd or unusual character; strange".

So people thought I was crazy and wacky… so what? Yet I couldn't figure out why their faces were always shocked as they told me.

At the age of 8 I put on my first (and last) mask. I thought I had to be just as cool as the cool kids…so no matter what they said, I agreed. No matter what they did, I followed.

I was a complete ‘loser’ until the day I realized it was exhausting to wear a mask, so I took it off and suddenly my “I don’t care” attitude granted me the status of being “cool”.

I have been wearing the 'cool' mask – also known as the “I don’t give a sh#$” attitude - for as long as I can remember. I present myself as confident, and am therefore treated in the same way.

So, why don’t you try taking off your mask?

You may like your new one a whole lot more.

Power of the ‘Systems’

2010-08-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I read a book called ‘Don’t Waste your Talent’ written by Bob McDonald and Don E. Hutchinson which takes the reader on a journey towards creating their ‘Personal Vision’.

The most poignant message of the book was about how deeply our ‘systems’ affect us and our life choices. They use the word ‘system’ to describe the many social groups we are a part of, like our family, our school, our place of work, the city we live in and so on.

Often we get so caught up in assuming the role our ‘systems’ want or need us to be that we forget to look inside ourselves to ask , “Who do I want to be?” or “What is the role I choose?”

These social systems become structures which heavily influence and in as sense, determine our actions. We don’t want to disrupt the social world by acting in a way that threatens the structure ….right?

Wrong!

I say….

Why not push the boundaries?

Why not step out of our comfort zone?

Why not change the system or the structure everyone else seems to follow?
Sometimes it feels like society writes us a script, and we simply read from it. So are we just followers of everyone else?

Through my work as a coach I see the affect that our ‘systems’ can have, if we let them. It feels like people are programmed by their systems to always take the right “next step” – from going to university after high school to having children after getting married. But is that what we TRULY want?

Perhaps your answer is yes….but don’t just assume it to be YES. Ask yourself. Question the system. Don’t just be a follower.

Take control of your life and get what YOU want out of it.

Power of Hawn

2010-08-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

She is one powerful woman.

Inspiring.

Very worth listening to.

Power of Will (POWER)

2010-08-10T15:24:00.001-07:00

For a dear friend of mine, 2010 started with devastating news. The love of her life, the man she knew she would eventually marry, William Hicks, had a life threatening brain tumour and they needed to operate immediately.

Stunned. Scared. Uncertain. We all hoped for the very best and the best is what we, and Will, all received.

Looking back to May 2008 when I first met Will in Brussels, I knew he was something special. Katie, my friend, was there doing a masters and I had the pleasure of spending a week with the two. We visited all the "spots" of Brussels - including the park and bench they sat on during their first date.

In all my life, I have never seen a love quite like theirs. It's just so obviously real and easy. I felt like I was meeting an extension of her - and in a sense - it was like I was re-meeting Katie.

But this is not a story of love.

This is a story about Will(power). Over the last few months of Will's 'battle' or more like victory, through all the radiation and chemo, he would send out regular updates. His positivity, bountiful spirit and love of life kept me in awe - full of admiration.

Here is a small taste of that spirit –

"Hey Tumor, You want to dance??? I want to Tango..This FRIDAY. Bring your best shot Mofo :)…The good doctor is confident he can remove the lil f**ker in its entirety once again. Since its solid, as opposed to the last time when it was more cystic/fluid filled, we are able to use stealth MRI guidance...sounds cool right...That's because it is!!! Minutes before surgery they'll attach a bunch of cool electrodes to my brain, and use what was described as a 'miini pitch fork' (hilarious) to radiologically mark several places in my brain in order to pinpoint certain areas as well as mark boundries to keep me from losing any functionality...Ya we're getting high tech in this fight.

Winston Churchill once said "Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.” While that truth may be hard to bear, I want you to know that I am prepared to continue the fight and bring the pain to this speck of malignant brain. Victory at all costs…..Today's been a wonderful day. Ma, Jaq-o, Lil, and Aunt Ann came over, and Father Griffiths blessed me as we prayed for a successful surgery and victorious road ahead. The Koch family came and hung out for a bit too. I am feeling absolutely unbeatable and if you cant tell I'm freakin AMP'D....lets do this. Please continue to pray, smile, and send positive thoughts our way. United we are UNSTOPPABLE.”

– Will Hicks

Last month, Katie and Will were married in Chicago's Botanical Gardens on a perfect summer day – it was stunning.

Each guest was given a bracelet with WILL POWER engraved in it. Worn proudly, each of us felt privileged to be apart of the 'power of will' movement.

Touched by his energy and warm smile, I am inspired.

Cancer is nothing to be afraid of, it is something that must be conquered.

I learned that from both my father and Will.

Life is precious and worth fighting for.

Power of True Love

2010-08-05T14:47:00.001-07:00

I think in one way or another...we all wish for something like this.

It's just so real....easy.

Love at 81, after 62 years, is a beautiful concept.

Power of "That guy"!

2010-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Several months ago a friend of mine showed me a website he called the 'that guy' page. It turns out it was simply that - a page full of images of all those character actors you can't remember by name, but when you see their faces you say, "Oh, THAT guy"!

What does it really mean to be a "that guy"? A washed up character actor? A failed career? Not quite good enough? An unmemorable name?

I argue it is none of the above.

Each and every 'that guy' has had a career to remember and be proud of. They are all accomplished and talented - they just didn't wind up on the cover of People or perezhilton.com (thankfully!).

Being a 'that guy' implies you are worth remembering but you chose a path with less stand out moments.

Yesterday, a memorable (or unmemorable depending on how you look at it) character actor and infamous 'that guy' passed away. Maury Chaykin was in over 150 films and TV shows over the last 35 years. He was my mothers ex-husband, he was Uncle Maury to my brother and I....

he was a 'that guy' and one I will never forget.

Power of 4.44 Length Videos

2010-05-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

One word: wow.

Power of Returning to Paris

2010-05-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

Since the first time I came to Paris in March 2002, I have returned almost every year. This is the first year I have come in May and what a delight. The tulips are out, the sun is shining and the air is crisp and warm at the same time.

Although I have never lived here, each time I return it feels like coming home. I get a fresh perspective on my life, time to think about where I am going and as they say "smell the [tulips]".

It is so important in our world to take time for YOU. So many people ask me what the secret is....and its simple. To be honest, I wouldn't even call it a secret.

Its be YOU and give yourself TIME to yourself.

You are the only person you have, so hold on. Enjoy it.

Power of My Charity

2010-04-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

I started a charity in October 2008!

Over Summer 2009 we ran a filmmaking project in Ghana - for more details go to www.akosia.org. !

Enjoy the films below!

Making the Show - Akosia Productions from Quinn Simpson on Vimeo.

The Good Children - Akosia Productions from Quinn Simpson on Vimeo.

Power of Homelessness

2010-04-22T06:13:00.001-07:00

I think her story is worth hearing.

Power of Elections

2010-04-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I watched THE FIRST ELECTION DEBATE in Britain where the three running candidates for Britain's next Prime Minister attempted to persuade and influence the audience.

None succeeded, in my opinion. (Though Nick Clegg won a bit of my heart)

What I love about debates is watching people stand up for what they believe in. It's beautiful.

Although elections often divide people (families, groups of friends and work colleagues), it can also bring them together.

That is the true beauty of an election.

I look forward to voting....and I hope you do too.

Power of Curiosity

2010-03-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

James Camerson.... a curious boy....a huge success.

Power of 'Thinking'

2010-02-28T08:05:00.001-08:00

Power of Programming

2010-02-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

Some food for thought:

Power of Saying "YES"

2010-02-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Throughout my whole life I have always found that I "spread myself too thin" and I find, in general, that my life always has about 1,00000 different things going on"

I find it extremely difficult to focus on ONLY one or two projects.

I'm like the Queen of "projects".

So the question I'm led to, time and time again, is why?

Do I love to "please" people?
Is it because I love doing everything?
Is it because I can't say no? Alternatively, is it because I love saying YES?

And so after much consideration, I decided, I AM A YES WOMAN!

Have you seen the film YES Man? Well here is the trailer if you have not:

The thing about being a "yes" person is you always get led down interesting roads full of opportunity, possibility and hope!

Plus, its FUN!

Instead of saying NO this week, try always saying yes!

See what happens and HAVE FUN!

Power of a Coach

2010-02-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

I will maintain for EVER and always that no one NEEDS a coach but that everyone can benefit from one.

They can give you perspective, help you focus and MOTIVATE you in a way that you can't possibly do on your own.

Even Eric Schmidt of Google claims that "everybody needs a coach" (which you can check out by clicking HERE).

And if you are looking for a coach check out www.lifecoach.com

Power of Being Productive

2010-02-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

I was inspired once more...

Power of a Single Story

2009-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

This video just touched me in a way I can't begin to explain.

Enjoy.

Power of Transformation

2009-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I watched one of those films that comes with the newspaper and to my surprise it was about EXACTLY what I am currently interested in.

WHAT IS THAT YOU SAY?

The Transformation of Education...

Yes yes, a big topic and a big goal but I carry the belief that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Including transforming education in the next 15 years.

You can WATCH the film by clicking HERE.

And if you do, please send me your thoughts!

Quinn

Power of Compassion

2009-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

How do you show compassion?

Let's make a small difference today, add your name.

CLICK HERE.

Power of Spotify

2009-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Spotify?

Check it out: http://www.spotify.com/en/

It's great for music - you just need the internet.

It is also an incredible little invention and we all know I love those.

If you don't have it, get it. If you want it free, email me as I have a connection!

Quinn xo

Power of Invention

2009-11-21T05:49:00.000-08:00

This man has found a way to merge the PHYSICAL world with the TECHNOLOGICAL world.

When we have a dream, this is what is possible.

Classic example.

Power of Blogging

2009-11-21T05:35:00.000-08:00

The power of blogs has been proven - over and over again. It helps with getting yourself noticed on the WORLD WIDE WEB....and it helps potential clients and friends get to know you a bit better.

Yet, why is it that some people (like me) can leave their blog for months?

What stops us?

It's interesting because at the end of the day, we know its good for us, just like eating vegetables, yet, we still push it off. We leave it for next week, and the week after and the week after that.

Then, its been months and what do you have to show for it?

NOTHING.

At the end of the day, who cares?

Just get back on that horse and ride. See what happens.

So I ask you - WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING OFF?

Now, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

I say, just write that blog and have fun with it.

I sure did.

Power of Wisdom

2009-07-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

I would like to begin by questioning the source of wisdom.

Where does it come from?

How do we learn it?

What does it feel like?

Whilst explaining the difference between knowledge and wisdom, Sandra Carey asserts that one should, “never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a life’.

For most of my life I was led to believe that knowledge lives in the external world and that it comes from experience. On the other hand, wisdom lives within us. Although it may come from many sources, I believed wisdom to be more of an ‘inner ‘knowing’ that is often difficult to explain or describe.

Throughout history, educational institutions have taught us how to learn, obey, think linearly and eventually pass this ‘knowledge’ on through teaching others. In many ways, it develops us into academics, placing us on a path to become a professor. School provides knowledge. It’s quite simple really.

However, wisdom is what one needs to “make a life” and to be fulfilled.

During the Industrial Revolution, everything was about knowledge. This was when we parted with wisdom and began to establish an educational system based on facts, figures and knowledge. Sometimes it feels like no one uses wisdom anymore.

Coaches coach people to gain an awareness of their wisdom and then show them hot to use it to lead them into a life they LOVE.

On my search to understand knowledge and wisdom I looked up the definition of wisdom and have been now led to believe that wisdom is how we USE knowledge….

Apparently wisdom is “accumulated knowledge”. The definition that resonated the most with me was “enlightenment”.

The claim that wisdom is “the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight” or “the quality of being prudent and sensible” seem far fetched. It can’t be that simple.

Or can it?

What does wisdom mean to you?

How do YOU use it?

Power of the OTHER 'Coach Quinn'

2009-07-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

The term "coach" can be heard in many contexts but most often people naturally think of a sports coach. But, why am I bringing up a sports coach when I am a life coach?

Because, they are VERY similar.

Each and every time I explain what I do, a different answer comes out of my mouth depending on my audience. Naturally, I try to say something that the person can relate to.

Most often the following definition is well received:

A life coach is like a sports coach - they motivate you to get the most out of the task at hand. Tiger Woods didn't become the best golfer in the world by sitting at home on a couch thinking about golf. He got out on the course with a COACH and practiced.

Pat Quinn is known to many people as 'Coach Quinn' and I reckon him and I have a lot in common!

Power of the Best getting BETTER

2009-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

Eric Schmidt, the chairman and CEO of Google recently wrote in FORTUNE magazine about advice that sticks out for him.

He claims that back in 2001 John Door told him, "My advice to you is to have a coach". to which Schmidt responded, "Why would I need a coach? Am I doing something wrong?...How could a coach advise me if I'm the best in the world at this?"

However, after his initial resentment, he realized, "that's not what a coach does. The coach doesn't have to play the sport as well as you do. They have to watch you and get you to be your best. In the business context a coach is not a repetitious coach. A coach is somebody who looks at something with another set of eyes, describes it to you in (his) words, and discusses how to approach the problem".

Schmidt saw himself in a position of power as a CEO but after hiring a coach he was able to recognize that even the best, can be better.

Power of a Continuous Journey

2009-07-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

After watching this video I began to wonder about my own definition of success. Have I been driving on a one way street? 5 lane highway? Or, have I been circling on a round about?

Though more importantly....What is your success?

What does success look like to you?

What does success mean to you?

What does your success journey feel like?

I love what Richard St. John says about success. It truly is NOT a one way street...it is a continuous journey.

Do you want to simply reach success?

Or do you want to reach it and MAINTAIN it?

The choice is yours.

Power of ‘One choice’

2009-05-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I found out that a girl I had known in high school was killed in a car crash. Twenty-five year old Heather Menear was standing with her friends outside of a bar on a regular Friday night when she fell backwards from the curb, to her death.

As my friend retold the story of what happened that night, she explained the varying reactions from her brother and his friends.

We all react differently to tragedy. There is no right or wrong way to respond to horrifying circumstances. However, I believe that there is just ONE choice.

At the time, the choice doesn’t feel simple or easy. In fact, it feels the exact opposite. Our world comes crashing down on us – or mortality stares in the face – and suddenly we don’t know what to feel.

Whether you have been through this before or not, I know you can imagine what is like. We are all connected.

Many of those who are affected by these type of dreadful situations block out the world. They choose pain.

Two years ago I lost my father to lung cancer. I didn’t choose pain.

I didn’t believe the choice was difficult. My only thought was, “Why would I choose pain?”

I decided the day he left me to live out his legacy. I decided to honour his death by choosing to LIVE.

I had ONE choice.

We all do.

***Whether you knew Heather Menear or not, please take a moment to honour her. She was loved by many and will live on in our hearts forever. ***

Power of Dan Griffin

2009-05-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

For 12 summers of my life I lived in Algonquin Park; I went to Camp Arowhon. During my time there I made several very special friends - people I will know for the rest of my life.

They inspired me as we grew up together....and they continue to inspire me.

This blog is a shout out to the infamous Dan Griffin, for his many talents.

His band is called the Arkells - check them out at http://www.myspace.com/arkellsmusic

and enjoy this hilarious video they made!

Here is their music video!

Power of AKOSIA

2009-05-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

Several months ago I co-created a non profit organization called AKOSIA. We create and organize summer projects for street children. This summer we are going to Accra, Ghana with a four-week programme that will take 80 children on a creative filmmaking journey. This will involve writing, set-design, costume making, acting and shooting, culminating in a mini film festival for the children and their communities at the end of the summer. We aim to let the children produce the films as independently as possible, providing them with tools and technical skills where necessary. In this way, we hope that the children will get the chance to see themselves in a different light and that this will inspire them be become more confident in their creative abilities and in general. During the four weeks we will also be providing the children with two meals a day and organized afternoon sporting and art activities.

We are going to Accra with a COACH approach - I am bringing several of my coaching 'ways of being' to the table.

#1 - ALL CHILDREN ARE NATURALLY CREATIVE, RESOURCEFUL AND WHOLE

#2 - THEY ARE ALWAYS RIGHT AND HOLD ALL THE ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS

It is going to be an amazing summer - please check it out - http://www.akosia.org/

Power of 'Elbow Grease'

2009-03-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Last night when I was scrubbing a dirty pot after dinner I found myself enveloped by a sensation I used to know quite well.

As a child, my father consistently reminded me of the importance of ‘elbow grease’. Although many of you may realize this means scrub harder and eventually it will come off….to me it meant much more.

It meant…

“Don’t expect life to be handed to you”

“Work hard for what you want and eventually, it will be yours”

And lastly,

“A dirty pot won’t scrub itself, sometimes YOU have to be the one to do the dirty work”

At the ripe age of 7, I didn’t quite recognize all of these profound life lessons. Yet, looking back now I realize that my father ingrained a very powerful lesson in me.

ELBOW GREASE GOES A LONG WAY.

What area of your life needs a bit more elbow grease?

What impact could elbow grease have on that area?

The thing is, often we think it’s easier to just let the pot soak in warm soapy water rather than putting in the time and effort.

But then life becomes a waiting game.

Stop waiting.

Put in the elbow grease.

Power of Losing Innocence

2009-03-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

I lost my innocence at the age of 14.

Although this may appear as an over dramatic statement, I can assure you that losing a friend to meningitis at that age was a profound experience.

It was the first day of March break, a time where people usually go off on holiday for a week in the sun, and I was given news that one of my friends at school had been diagnosed with meningitis. And what’s more, she was in a coma.

As my mother shared this shocking news with me, I could only think of her funeral. I could see it clearly. My year at BSS would stand in tears surrounding her grave. In shock at how young she was; we would morn together.

We were told that if we had been in close contact or shared a drink with her it was crucial that we take a special type antibiotic. I refused to take it. To this day, I don’t know why but something in me said, “If it’s your time, you will get sick too but you do not need to take the pills”. I listened to my gut and luckily I am still alive today.

What was interesting is that the pills got me thinking about whether I had been in close contact with her. So I kept asking myself questions. “When was the last time I saw her?”….”What did I say?”…”Where were we?”….”What were we doing?”

Suddenly it hit me that we had been in science class a few weeks earlier and being the type of person that she was, she had said something funny. I then distinctly remember going over to her, kissing her forehead and saying, “Kristen, I love you!”

This last memory is what helped me get through the next 10 days.

On day 4 of Kristen Foley’s coma I shared my concern about her death with a close friend of mine. I kept thinking, “What if she doesn’t make it? What if she dies?” With certainty and confidence my friend assured me that she would be ok, Kristen was strong and would come out of this.

I noticed a difference in myself after that, I had been given hope and now I believed Kristen would make it.

On day 7 I heard news that if Kristen were to live she would have severe brain damage, and the Kristen we all once knew would never live again. I cried myself to sleep that night thinking of how hard it would be to have her at school, in a wheelchair without the humour and life that made Kristen who she was.

On day 9 I was sitting in my kitchen talking with a friend about whether a boy liked me or not, and at that time, it was a pretty big deal. Then I received a phone call from my friend Julie who sounded like she had just seen a ghost. The conversation went something like this…

“Hey Julie, what’s up???!!”

“Ummm, hi Quinn…haven’t you heard?”

“Heard what crazy lady?”

“Kristen died.”

My heart stopped. After hanging up the phone quite abruptly I didn’t know what to do, who to look at or what to say. Kristen Laura Foley had lost her life at the age of 14.

I started thinking about the many times I passed by her locker in the morning and how I would never see her standing by it ever again. I would never see her again.

Looking back, I realize how firmly I was shocked into reality. We are mortal, we will die and unfortunately, Kristen did.

That night I went to see a movie to get my mind off of what had happened. On the walk home I realized that I had forgotten my scarf, so my friend and I went back to find it. Sadly, we left again empty handed. As we approached my house I started to freak out claiming that my mother would “kill me” because she had just bought it for me at Christmas. My friend Natalie tried to remind me that the scarf wasn’t a big deal and that my friend had just lost her life, but it wasn’t until she said, “Your innocence is lost. You will never be the same again” that I stopped in my tracks.

She was right. I forgot about the scarf and decided right then and there that I had to stop worrying about trivial things and choose to live my life to the very fullest. I had to live every day as though it were my last. Kristen had lost her life and I was lucky to be alive.

To this day, her funeral remains vivid in my memory. It was NOTHING like I thought it would be. My year from BSS was not standing around; in fact, very few people were there as it was supposed to be closed. I am not quite sure why I ended up standing in the deep snow laid upon Mount Pleasant Cemetery that day but I am thankful that I was.

As the casket lowered into the grave I watched her mothers face; her eyes squinted, her lips quivered and heavy tears rolled down her cheeks. She reached her arm out as if to touch Kristen for the very last time, but knew she just had to let go. At that moment my focus shifted, I looked over at her 4 year-old sister who would never know Kristen, who would hardly remember the light she shined on those around her.

I think about her a lot – almost everyday. Each year on the 18th of March I try to go to Mount Pleasant Cemetery where she was laid to rest. Some years I even go on her birthday to bring her flowers.

During Kristen’s life she changed a lot of people but through her death she continues to help me and many others grow.

I can only hope that somehow she knew, somehow she was aware of her impact on my life…if not then, maybe now.

Kristen, I love you.

Power of Refusal

2009-03-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

At a BNI (Business Network International) networking event in November I was given a pin that had this powerful phrase on it.

“I refuse to participate in a recession”

Later that day, I looked around the room at a diverse group of 450 business men and women proudly wearing these pins.

It is through this “rejection” of the recession that their businesses are flourishing, and will continue to do so.

When the world says jump off the cliff, do you listen? Do you just follow in line?

OR…

Are you the type to listen to your gut/instincts?

I believe that by ‘saying no’ to a recession you can override the setbacks that everyone around you may be enduring.

It is your choice – so take responsibility for your life.

If you cannot change the conditions around you, change the way you perceive the world.

You ALWAYS have control of that.

Power-ing Forward

2009-03-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

In 2007 I had several major loses like the loss of my father to lung cancer and the breakup of my three year relationship.

Though on a more positive note, I gained a Masters degree and loads of life experience.

Yet, somehow looking back it feels like 2007 was a year of loss.

It was during 2008 that I felt ONLY gain. I can hardly look back and see any loses at all. I believe I went from great experience to great experience. I learned a lot and truly felt satisfied.

But what's the point of looking back?

What could I possibly do with the information written above? Sit and smile? Or cry? Or ponder the meaning of gaining and losing?

I often find through coaching that people LOVE looking back, telling stories, and not to mention, they love going over the same scenario over and over again looking for what they may have missed.

In some cases it is important to look back IN ORDER to move forward...but most of the time if we looked through our eyes and not through the back of our head we would gain the momentum to carry us onward.

However, the fact remains clear-we all love to wallow in the past. So if you're going to allow yourself to do so, give it proper time.

Sit down and write. Or share with a friend.

BUT, ask these questions:

What about my past is so interesting in the present?

How can I use my past to send me forward?

What will I do differently as a result of my past experience?

At the end of the day, the simplest way to live is for the present. Enjoy now and get excited for what is to come.

The past is just that…past.

Power of Being ALIVE

2009-03-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine sent me this quote today and I really wanted to share it.

"You live like this, sheltered, in a delicate world, and you believe you are living. Then you read a book, or you take a trip, and you discover that you are not living, that you are hibernating. The symptoms of hibernating are easily detectable: first, restlessness. The second symptom (when hibernating becomes dangerous and might degenerate into death):absence of pleasure. That is all. It appears like an innocuous illness. Monotony, boredom, death. Millions live like this (or die like this) without knowing it. They work in offices. They drive a car. They picnic with their families. They raise children. And then some shock treatment takes place, a person, a book, a song, and it awakens them and saves them from death."

-Anis Nin

Are you ALIVE?

Power of Rebellion

2009-03-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

On the tube this evening, I saw a man wearing black patent leather pointy shoes with red trimming. I just had to tell him how much I loved them, which of course, sparked a conversation about the rest of the shoes in his closet.

From the gold dinosaur skin shoes to the lilac boots to the ‘old red ones’ – he seemed to have them all. Confidently, he explained that he had been to a job interview earlier that day. As a result, he had made an effort to dress moderately appropriate, except, allowing himself the shoes as his rebellion.

They may have just been a wacky pair of shoes to some, but to me they illustrated the importance of uniqueness and rebellion.

I will never forget that man or those shoes.

He was a man who truly left footprints on my heart.

Power of a Phrase

2009-02-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Berlin one day before New Year’s Eve 2009 with a few good friends and as we arrived we saw four words written in bold on the side of a building.

HOW LONG IS NOW

Not a conventional question, not quite a sentence, but a very powerful phrase.

Shortly after this incident, the phrase HOW LONG IS NOW became the theme of our trip. During our disoriented time in Europe there was never a moment when time felt ‘normal’. It was as if we had lost touch with reality and were living IN THE NOW. We couldn’t escape it. Time was irrelevant and thus we went back to surviving on basic needs – we ate, drank and slept.

It was so powerful knowing that the words written on that wall could affect us in that way, not to mention that the words were in English and we were in Germany!

On the walls of my bedroom I have several quotes written out – my favourite of course, Eleanor Roosevelt’s “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. Then “This, too, shall pass”…. which lightens up darker days and makes bright days even brighter!

I also have a quote by Albert Einstein written above my desk, that is “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere”.

So what power can words have?

What role do they play in your life?

Power of Coachquinn.com

2009-01-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO 2009! May this year bring you laughter, love and happiness.

Last month my official website www.coachquinn.com went LIVE and I am very excited to say the least! I hope you have had a chance to take a peak and play around!

If you have enjoyed reading my blog, sign up for my free monthly newsletter!

I want to leave you with a quote I read recently...

"Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable are the kind who do nothing."

-William Feather

Are you the type that waits around until everything is "just right"?

How about NOW?

Or even, HOW LONG IS NOW

Power of Christmas

2008-12-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

Snowflakes flutter from the cold winter sky; they are on the ground again. Rosy red cheeks find warmth by crackling fires; we can all feel the Christmas vibe.

BUT, what is different about this Christmas?

Who will be there?

Who can’t make it?

Who do you wish could be there but simply cannot?

Acknowledge how Christmas 2008 will be different than all the years past and CELEBRATE THAT!

Enjoy its uniqueness.

Cherish this year for what it is, instead of what it cannot be.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you all!

Warmly,

Coach Q

Power of Mr. Rogers

2008-12-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Last week a Canadian legend passed away at age 75. His name was Mr. Ted Rogers.

After his death was reported several news casters and friends began calling him “a visionary", an idealist who could see into the future. One article read boldly, “A MAN WITH VISION”.

Yet, Ted Rogers could not predict the future, nor could he tell you your fortune. His talent was his ability to visualize what he wanted (or thought Canada needed) and to create just that.

He was a both a visionary and A CREATOR. Life didn’t just happen to Ted Rogers – Ted Rogers made life happen.

He was an inspiration. May he rest in peace.

Check out the online tribute: http://www.tedrogerstribute.com/

Power of “20 quid”

2008-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Last week I learned a very valuable lesson. That is, the understated importance of “20 quid”.

Hypnotherapist Gary Foster spoke at an event about how ‘positive thinking’ is just not enough to succeed in our world. He claims that one must also take ACTION.

However, the question remains, where does the will to act come from?

Foster stood in front of a room full of people with 20 quid in hand asking whether we would like to be making more money in our businesses. Every hand in the audience was raised.

He then proceeded to ask, “Would you LIKE to have more money?” As he repeated this phrase, his voice grew louder and louder.

“Would you LIKE to have more money?”

“Would you LIKE to have more money?”

“Would you LIKE to have more money?”

Pounding in my head over and over was, “YES! YES! YES!”…until someone who clearly wanted it more than I stood up to take the twenty pound note.

With hesitation, he sat back down. Then someone else ran up and ripped it from his hands.

She left that day with 20 quid extra in her pocket.

You see, there is a difference between JUST being a positive thinker and positive thinkers who ACT. They are the ones who have the fearlessness, persistence and determination to get up and simply TAKE what they want!

SO, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Napoleon Hill said it best.

“There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it."

I believe the latter of his sentence to be the most poignant.

However, for a moment let’s take this out of its “money” context and apply it to other aspects of our lives.

Where do you find yourself allowing others to get what they want while you wait patiently?

When do you give your power away? And, to whom?

How often do you find yourself simply ‘wanting’ something but can’t imagine yourself ever having it?

The lesson I learned that day was not about being greedy and taking what you want, it was the importance of having a BURNING desire.

Ask yourself:

What would I LIKE to have more of? (Because you probably won’t get it)
OR

What do I have a burning desire to have? (Because soon enough, this could be yours)

Here lies the difference between the infamous achievers and those who never get what they want.

Who will you be?

Power of Yoda

2008-11-24T01:24:00.000-08:00

Everyday I get a quote emailed to me. Often I have never heard the quote before and it gives me a new perspective, motivation or just a simple smile. However,when I looked in my inbox this morning I noticed a very familiar quote.

"Do or do not. There is no try."

-Yoda The Empire Strikes Back

For many years this has been one of my very favourite quotes. I hope it brings as much to you as it has to me.

Power of Belief

2008-11-20T16:09:00.001-08:00

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams".

And my question for you is DO YOU?

Power of Being “Under Construction”

2008-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

When I was in my second last year of high school I was told that my school was about to undergo some serious reconstruction. An exciting first thought that led to a disappointing after thought It wouldn't be completed until after I had graduated.

The EXACT same situation occurred in university, which made me think, “Just my luck, AGAIN!”

After university, I moved back to Toronto for 8 months during which time the major streets I live near went under heavy “road improvements”.

Yet again, more construction.

When I moved to London I seriously thought I was free from it all until I was very shortly disproven. First my street, then my area’s high road and now, MY NEIGHBOURS HOUSE!

So, after years of thinking (and sometimes screaming) “WHY ME?” I started to think about how this relates to life and this is what I came up with:

Life is “under construction”…that is, to change, to progress, to develop. It’s about getting rid of the old to welcome in the new.

For years I believed that “construction” was following me and I hated it. Now I realize it’s just a simple reminder that I am a work in progress. I can choose to change or be the same.

So can you.

On November 4, 2008 history was made. The world embraced the change it knows it needs.

We can change. Yes, we can.

For many, December is the holiday season. It is busy, fast paced and often quite daunting. Before it officially starts GO UNDER CONSTRUCTION and give yourself an early “gift”!

I once read that if something ‘new’ feels easy, it’s not something new!

CHALLENGE yourself. This month do something you ACTUALLY find to be difficult. But remember that before you can have construction, you have to have some deconstruction.

Get out there and talk to that boy or girl you think is hot, ask your boss for that raise you deserve and dare to tell a friend what you really think.

Power of Perception

2008-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

PERCEPTION = REALITY

What we see is what we get.

In order to change your reality, you must begin by changing your perception.

This concept may appear simple, yet its power is undeniable.

Try it, see what happens.

Power of ‘Systems’

2008-11-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Recently I read a book called ‘Don’t Waste your Talent’ written by Bob McDonald and Don E. Hutchinson, which takes the reader on a journey towards creating his or her own ‘Personal Vision’.

The most poignant message of the book was about how deeply our ‘systems’ affect us and our life choices. They use the word ‘system’ to describe the many social groups we are a part of, like our family, our school, our place of work, the city we live in and so forth.

Often we get so caught up in assuming the role our systems want or need us to be that we forget to look inside ourselves to ask , “Who do I want to be?” or “What is the role I choose to play?”

Take a moment to recognize all the systems you currently belong to. Then ask yourself, “What affect are these systems having on my life decisions and goals?”

These social systems become structures that heavily influence and, in a sense, determine our actions. We don’t want to disrupt the social world by acting in a way that threatens the structure ….right?

Wrong!

I say…

Why not push the boundaries?

Why not step out of our comfort zone?

Sometimes it feels like society writes us a script, and we simply read from it. So are we just followers, a part in everyone else’s play?

Through my work as a Youth Life Coach I see the effect that our systems can have, if we let them. It feels like people are programmed by their systems to always take the right “next step”; may that be going to university after high school or having children after getting married. But is that what you TRULY want?

Perhaps your answer is yes….but don’t just assume it to be YES. Ask yourself. Question the system. Don’t just be a follower.

Take control of your life and have the courage to get what YOU want out of it.

Power of Frost

2008-10-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

For several years Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" has greatly influenced the way I live my life.

More specifically, the last three lines have always pushed me to walk boldly, take risks and reach the highest of heights.

The Road Not Taken
By: Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

Now, think...

When faced with the same position as Frost once was, would you take the road less traveled by?

It could make all the difference...

Power of the ‘Universe’

2008-10-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I had an encounter with the “universe” (Energy, God, Karma, Chance, Coincidence, or whatever you choose to call it). I found a phone on the tube and chose to take it, call the last numbers dialed and find a way to return it to its rightful owner. After dialing three people, I had almost given up when finally a Mr. Ed Stanley, an employee of the owner’s phone, picked up. He asked to meet me across town at Liverpool Street Station. I agreed and proceeded to get on to the next tube heading eastbound.

After returning the phone, I headed back down into the tube. Just moments before reaching the westbound, platform a woman stopped me to ask for directions.

Naturally, I stopped and helped her as best I could. As I began to step onto the platform I could hear the sounds of the doors closing and in my mind, all I could think was “JUST MY LUCK!” But then magically THEY OPENED for a split second, just enough time for me to hop, skip and jump right on.

As I landed on the train, a man looked up at me and said “It’s like you have a magnetic field around you”. I smiled and thought, “Just my luck…”

So why am I telling you this story? There are so many conclusions one could draw.

For starters, givers receive. The universe repays you. What goes around comes around.

What do you think?

I think we could all play with the ‘universe’ more often. Instead of automatically saying NO…just say YES.

Try it on and see what happens.

Power of a Final Verdict

2008-09-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

The other day I was labeled as “Strait-laced” by someone I have never met before. I found myself caught off guard and rather defensive. Uncertain of his precise meaning, I quickly responded that in my opinion I could not possibly be considered as “strait-laced”.

The following day I felt a similar amount of distress over this judgment so I began to search for the literal meaning. This is what I found:

1. Exaggeratedly proper

2. Excessively strict in behaviour, morality, or opinions

The thing is, if one were to judge someone based simply on their appearance, I can understand how they could come to the conclusion that they are “exaggeratedly proper”. Yet in my view, it is near to impossible to determine that someone is “excessively strict in behaviour, morality, or opinions” based solely on their physical appearance.

I will admit that I am clearly sitting in the defendant’s seat however I still can’t figure out what could possibly have led him to this conclusion. I was wearing a hot pink shirt with black polka dots, messy hair and a huge hole in my tights… exaggeratedly proper? No… excessively strict in behaviour, morality, or opinions? Maybe….

This incident opened my eyes to how often we label, categorize and pigeonhole people.

How often do you find yourself unnecessarily putting a label on someone or something without reason?

In a sense a judgment is like a final verdict; one must support their conclusion with evidence. We consequently prove to ourselves that our original thought, which then became a judgment, is now the only possible conclusion. We make ourselves right.

As a coach I regularly hear my clients judging themselves. Similar to the judgment of others, they search for evidence to make their thoughts right.

How often do you judge your actions, appearance or beliefs based on false evidence?

The problem is that sometimes we make ourselves right for the incorrect reasons. That is, we don’t want to be wrong.

When do you make yourself right to cover up being wrong?

For a moment let’s substitute judgment for compassion. Imagine a world where we all came from a place of openness, consideration and kindness rather than asserting our narrow minded beliefs and final verdicts on both ourselves and others.

Let’s try it out!

I request that you, yes YOU, challenge yourself to replace each judgment you make in the next month with a thought of compassion.

Power of Finding ‘Waldo’ or ‘Wally’

2008-07-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the book “Where’s Waldo?” For us North Americans his name was Waldo but in UK he is known as Wally. Whether you called him ‘Waldo’ or ‘Wally’ is irrelevant, the point is that most of us used to spend hours trying to find him on a page full of other characters, unique settings and bright colours. I remember days going by as I sat searching for little Waldo in his red and white stripy shirt and his google-eyed glasses.

Recently I was having a chat with a friend about his direction in life. Like most of my friends who have recently graduated from university, he has no idea what he wants to do. While expressing thoughts about how he feels like he should be doing SOMETHING, he maintains that he just can’t pin point what that SOMETHING is.

Some find it helpful to be rational and practical when planning their future, direction or purpose, but I believe that when one dreams, envisions, and lets their mind expand to see the world of possibilities, they gain the most momentum.

Inside everyone lies this deep sensation that should remind of them of their life’s ‘purpose’. Deeply embedded into what I perceive as our inner core, it sometimes feels hard to reach yet you KNOW it’s there. Similarly, when looking at a page out of “Where’s Waldo” you find it difficult to see him YET you know he is there…somewhere.

Consider a page from “Where’s Waldo?” to be similar to your life and Waldo to be your life’s purpose. When you initially try to find Waldo all you can see are the things that CLOUD your ability to find him. These can be compared to your past experiences and memories – who you used to be and who used to be in your life. In addition, your life is clouded by your present situation – what’s going on and who surrounds you on a day to day basis.

However, there is this beautiful area on your page where your dreams, desires and wants for the future lie. This is often the area that WALDO resides. The biggest problem about finding Waldo is that he evolves and changes from page to page…and from book to book. On one page he may be wearing a hat or glasses and on another he may have a cane. YET, there is always the similarity of his white and red striped shirt.

Consequently, the only way to find Waldo is to look EVERYWHERE on the page.

How do you find your life’s ‘purpose’?

Try SIFTING through all of the ‘crap’ that clouds your mind. Sometimes this means looking into the past and remembering all of your life changing experiences from where you are now, and sometimes this means SIMPLY being aware of the present moment.

Dare to vision. Dare to dream. Dare to be just that little bit different.
And remember, once you find it, it’s like you can’t believe you couldn’t see it.

Power of Choice

2008-06-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

“Blanketed by an azure sky, the orange-yellow rays of the setting sun can, at special times, gift us with a moment of such considerable beauty, we find ourselves momentarily stunned, with frozen gaze” (Russel E. Dicarlo).

Whilst living in Edinburgh for the last four years I watched many sunsets on Calton Hill, an experience that resembles the words of Dicarlo, specifically the feeling of being momentarily stunned.

Last week, on my way up to visit Edinburgh I sat wondering if I would have the opportunity to experience the aforementioned beauty. At this moment I also decided that I would look at the city of Edinburgh and my past with a new lens. My aim became to soak up all my old memories, perspectives and visions while looking with new eyes.

The decisions I made on that train ride made the weekend a pivotal turning point in my life. I learned the power of CHOICE.

I consciously CHOSE that I would look at Edinburgh with the most POSITIVE perspective I could imagine, which I labeled COMPLETE OPTIMISM. There were several other perspectives I could have enveloped like “Sadness” or even “Reflection” but there was something so new and refreshing about COMPLETE OPTIMISM.

As a result of this choice, the weekend left a defining impact on my life. I went there with an open mind and left with a beautiful and life enhancing way of thinking.

In order to live out my new perspective I really had to get into it. In the coaching world we speak of something called ‘Geography’. Most of you are probably thinking that you know what that word means…but in the context of coaching it is slightly different. Coaches use the word Geography to describe the physical positions of our body, the way in which we feel in varying places and through different movement. These varying postures can have great impact on our emotions and feelings.

So, while I was there I used my geography by making sure I was OUTSIDE, walking around and embracing the city. I saw lots of people and was always conscious of the smells, weather and beauty that surrounded me. I noticed that I was fully in COMPLETE OPTIMISM when I walked with my sunglasses on, ipod earphones in and I thought about WHO I AM. I was not only at peace but I was FULLY present.

The back story of all of this is that I had a boyfriend throughout all of university and we broke up a few months ago. I could have easily gone back and been miserable. I COULD have chosen to wallow in my sorrows and feel the loss of my relationship. Instead, I CHOSE to take on a new perspective.

There is power in choice….IF you take advantage of that power. Otherwise, it controls you and you are left feeling “choiceless”.

As I sit here now I am beginning to realize that choice is one of the most empowering aspects of being human. It allows us to see options, perspectives and opportunities, and then DECIDE what is right for us. What else could be more empowering? When one feels down, they are choosing to be that way.

The best part about a sun setting is that the sun also rises. When one door closes, hundreds of windows open. On my last night in Edinburgh I was able to watch the sunrise for the very first time. As the sky turned a light yellowy pink and the sun peaked out from under the sea I felt change in myself.

Not to mention, I may have had a cute boy beside me.

Power of Attachment

2008-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

The other day I went to the cash machine to take out some money. I pressed £40 because I knew I had some things to buy the following morning. It was an ATM machine with a £1.60 charge. Sadly, that night I lost £41.60.

I was completely gutted when I realized that I had stupidly left the money in the machine. I was angry with myself and also at the machine for not beeping loudly enough as I walked away.

At the moment I realized the money was gone, I felt like the money had been STOLEN out from under me. When I went to pay for my ticket to see a friend’s gig I told the woman my story. She replied, “Education is expensive. Literally.”

What a great lesson that woman tried to teach me. She is right; education is expensive. Yet, the real lesson for me was more about my ATTACHMENT to money, and in the end, material things.

Contemporary society spends so much of its time worrying about our “stuff” – we have insurance for just about EVERYTHING and overdramatize loss by comparing it to death.
We are dependent and attached. It’s quite simple really.

If someone were to burn down your house, what would you be upset to lose?

o Clothing?
o Photographs?
o Everything?

Take a moment right now to think about these questions:

What do I value most?
What are my greatest needs?
What (or even who) am I attached to?

Now take a look at your list of values, needs and attachments – how many of them are material or related to something material? You see, even the basic need for shelter is something we become attached to. We don’t just value the roof over our head, but rather how big the garage is so that it can fit in all the cars.

I find that the power of attachment can manifest in a variety of ways – anger, sadness, anxiousness and in some ways, happiness. For when we GET something, we often feel a sense of satisfaction, joy and fulfillment. That is, until we lose it. Then the cycle persists.

There is a level of anxiety and chaos that attachment creates – just think about the wars that have been fought due to our attachment to land.

From my point of view, it’s simply time to smarten up. We as a society need to lose this attachment in order to truly be at peace with ourselves.

We must be able to simply ‘let go’ – both physically and metaphorically of the ‘stuff’ in our lives.

Lose the attachment, GAIN MORE.

Power of the ‘Mind-Closet’

2008-04-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Often spring is thought of as the time of year for cleaning out the closet and forward thinking. It’s almost like a new year. We turn the clocks an hour forward in order to have more daylight and begin to realize that we should be taking advantage of life. Yet old habits die hard, don’t they? As we attempt to clear out the old boxes, books and clothes, sometimes what we really need is to clear out our ‘mind-closet’.

The self-limiting beliefs of last year are still not getting us anywhere. In fact, they simply hinder our progress and encumber our development.

If spring is about moving forward, I wonder, why don’t we embrace the leap?

This is when reality sets in and our self-limiting beliefs return to inhibit us. We find ourselves as inactive as before, with a fading memory of how spring had momentarily inspired us.

Take a moment to think and ask yourself these questions.

What beliefs about myself or the world do I carry with me? Then ask yourself, are these beliefs having a positive influence in my life?

If yes, keep them up. In fact, encourage and nourish them.

If no, DITCH them.

For those of you interested in digging deeper into the archives of the mind-closet, I would like to share a story with you.

When I finally thought concepts like the glass ceiling had been broken, a friend shared with me the other day that although she would be making a lot of money in a few years, she would never be able to make as much money as a man in her same position. And I thought to myself, “She could never make as much money? But, girls can do anything!”

If I ever believed myself incapable of doing something, I would not be where I am today.

We all have our doubts, our insecurities and our self-limiting beliefs – so this spring start UNPACKING, and allow yourself to lead a lighter life. Look within yourself and recognize that the voice in your head, the monkey on your shoulder and the gremlin lurking in the shadows are only there because YOU allow them to be.

So what am I asking you to do?

1. Be honest with yourself.
2. Allow yourself to acknowledge and experience those inhibiting thoughts and beliefs.
3. Then, make a conscious choice to disengage with these beliefs.
4. Forgive yourself if you find this difficult.

The fact is if you want to, you can. It’s when you don’t allow yourself to wish, dream or desire that you hold yourself back. Don’t let your beliefs get the best of you. AnyONE can do anyTHING. Allow yourself to open your mind, bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. See the world for what it is, a place of opportunity, rather than letting yourself be shadowed by your fears.

Life is about choice. Take control of it. Make the choice to clear out your ‘mind-closet’!

Welcome!

2008-01-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Coach Quinn's first blogging site! I am really excited about this whole "blog" thing but have yet to really get into it. I am going to try and have fun with it and hope you will enjoy! Coachquinn.com is my official website and I will refer you to it when it is A. up and running and B. applicable to what I am writing about.

Have a great day!