Perhaps my wanting to go to this special event was two-fold: On a personal note, I had been going through my own spiritual journey since a health scare in 2013. Professionally, I wanted to learn more about his important messages on how to live happier and healthier. I've always loved yoga too so that was a no-brainer. But for some reason, as soon as I opened the invitation, I knew this wouldn't be your average media event where editors and writers mingle and talk shop or gossip about the latest cutbacks and how print is a lost art. This was going to be a life-changing experience for me so I took it as a sign I had to attend now matter what.

For those of you who don't know, Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned physician and expert in mind-body healing, and has written over 65 books including New York Times bestsellers. He has a huge following in every country, along with many celebrity clients, and is highly respected around the globe for his thought-provoking teachings about alternative medicine. I was excited.

We had to remove our shoes at the door when we got there. A tad unusual for a press event, but after all, it was the opening of the new Chopra Yoga Center in Toronto so it made perfect sense. And actually put everyone at ease. 

Deepak entered from the back of the room and the applause erupted. Not surprisingly though, with hence his incredible allure. It was almost as if he had walked out on to Oprah's stage. He was wearing a nicely tailored suit and he stood in front of the table that was set out for him to sit at so he could be up close and personal with our small privileged group. He opened by asking us what we wanted to talk about, which spawned a few giggles from the crowd. 

We wanted to hear his thoughts on life, love and happiness of course!

He spoke clearly and calmly and looked straight in people’s eyes as if to invoke some sort of trance. As we listened to his theories on the best lifestyle practices for brain health, and how important they are for busy parents, he said: “Every now and then, stop, and ask: ‘Am I aware? What am I aware of?” And the world will open up.” The audience was silent.

His words filled me with emotion and pride. I’ve made some changes in my life over the past 10 months that have made me a stronger, more self-aware person, too. And hearing him speak about this topic right there in front of me was the affirmation I needed that I’m on the right path.

We were also able to ask him some questions. I was up.

“What was the inspiration behind your book Super Brain?” I asked him excitedly.

What came next was not what I had expected. Deepak laughed. Laughed! (Well, maybe more of a chuckle but it was directed at my question particularly. He said simple and sweet, it was a great question because of the answer he was about to tell.

“It was inspired in the bathroom,” he chuckled.

Turns out he met his co-author Rudolph Tanzi, PhD. in the bathroom at a conference and they casually started talking about the brain and how it was the key to health, happiness and well-being. After a few hours of brainstorming (literally) they had decided to write a book together. Wow! Now, I knew people did a lot of thinking in the toilet, but this was crazy.

What else did I learn?

He said regular exercise, yoga, proper breathing techniques, sleep, meditating at least twice a day, and avoiding alcohol are all imperative to self-awareness. In other words, getting to know yourself inside and out is critical to being happy and healthy. This all made perfect sense to me.

But he also said that multi-tasking is the one skill you can’t make better with practice.

“If you’re doing everything at once you’re not doing anything at all.” This was my biggest takeaway.

I thought about this for a moment. It's so true. As women we try to do it all. We want to be superwoman 24-7. And we pride ourselves on our multi-tasking skills. In fact, it’s often our survival technique. But to my surprise, Deepak didn’t agree with this theory. He told us that women. and moms specifically, need to realize there’s more to the precious time we spend trying to get everything done.

“You need to meditate every day, and if you don’t have time, then you need to do it more,” he explained.

In other words, those of us who claim we don’t have enough time to do things for ourselves, are really the ones who need it the most. So true.

Reflection Work:
Take a few minutes from your hectic day to slow down. Find a quiet spot in your house or close your office door at lunch and do a 15-minute meditation. How does this make you feel? Are you ready to take on the rest of your day? Try to meditate once a day (preferably in the morning) as it will help clear your mind and relieve stress.
​Namaste.

Kerrie-Lee

Every time I look at my children, I am truly humbled. I still can’t believe that they’re mine. Even underneath all the dirt, cheekiness, messiness, and often craziness, they are real little people trying to figure out the world around them.

For those of you who don’t know me outside of cyberspace – I am a wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and most importantly, a motivated (sometimes control-freakish) mom of two awesome boys. Connor is 9 and Brock is 4. 

I am constantly learning and they are constantly surprising me. So as I tucked them into their beds tonight, I couldn’t help but think of the things they’ve taught me in their little lives so far. They’ve taught me that I don’t have to prove anything to them, because even on my worst days, they are still there to greet me at the door with a big smile. They’ve taught me that there really is nothing like a mother’s love for her children and the special bond that is formed from day one. They’ve also taught me more about myself than I could ever have done on my own – and that being a parent can be really tough.

Now I’m not sure if my blog will be around when they’re old enough to read and understand this (or whether they’d even want to), but my hope is that they grow into loving, street-smart, grounded people who respect life and those around them.

I'd like to thank my kids for accepting my flaws, and helping me realize that they are a reflection of me. My kids make me happy. They make me mad. They make me proud, and sometimes, they make me sad. But most of all, they make me who I am today.

So in the spirit of Mother’s Day coming up in a few months (hey, I like to prepare early), I’d like to salute all moms out there who are humbled by their children. No matter how they came into your life, they are a part of you forever. And I want you to know that you are doing an amazing job.

Reflection Work:
What do you cherish the most about your family? Take a moment to hug someone you love so much today for more than 15 seconds. It feels so good.

Kerrie Lee
xo

This past year has taught me so much about myself as a career person, mom and wife. I have realized that my health is more important than any job, connection or promotion - and that happiness can only come when your true passions are being honoured. My family being my number one priority with my health leading the way. 

I have learned first and foremost that without your health you can't be there for your children. So I have changed my way of living and thinking.

TODAY I am recharged and look forward to an exciting year. I no longer think of my career as a means to an end, but rather, an end to a means. I love what I do and share my elation with friends and family, but not because I feel I need to. 

TODAY I no longer feel the need to climb for the sake of climbing or impressing anyone. 

TODAY I reach for new heights in my heart and soul because it inspires others.

TODAY I am more myself than ever before, and I love it. The world is now my stage and my efforts to help others achieve their goals and aspirations is the reward.

Reflection Work:
What do you reach for in your heart? Are you following your dreams? Are you fulfilled? Think about these questions on a daily basis and try to take small steps to reach your goals. Even the smallest change can make a big difference.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

One of our annual rituals at Life Class is to ring in the New Year by reflecting and sharing our lists of accomplishments and letdowns for the past year. Letting go of the past, celebrating all that we’ve done, and embracing new challenges for the future is so liberating. After we all had a chance to share, cry and inspire, we burned our coveted lists as a symbol of shedding the past and looking forward to what’s to come in 2014. 

Although we don’t know what will happen for sure (especially as many of us take on new adventures in amazing new places) we do know one thing, and that's that we’re all grateful for what we have and what we’ve done over the past 12 months. Therefore we will pull from that energy and look forward to what comes next. To be honest, all we really can hope for is peace and happiness, which is what I wish for you!

Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2014!

Kerrie-Lee 
xo

Why do we always equate New Year's resolutions with things we have to change or improve upon? Why can't we just celebrate what we've accomplished and look forward to what's to come?

I prefer to look at this time of year as an outlet for inspiration to soar. For us to appreciate all that we have and who we have in our lives. To reflect on the last 12 months and not revel in what went wrong, but rather what went absolutely right!

Last night I saw my favourite girls at Life Class and we did just that. WE SOARED! We’ve been getting together for almost two years now. But it seems like we’ve known each other forever (maybe we have in a past life).

At first I wasn’t sure how close our little group would become given that I only knew one of the ladies in the beginning. But the very first time we met there was a special connection between us that I know will last a lifetime. Not to toot our own horns, but all of the women are talented, motivated, intelligent and extremely ambitious both personally and professionally – so as you can imagine, I was honoured when asked to join.

Every time we get together, the originators Jen and Janey lead us through meditations, reflections and some of their stellar coaching techniques where we share and inspire one another. I love the fact that we are all equals and no one is left to feel alone. Being able to connect, really connect, with other like-minded women is truly a gift – and I will always thank them for how they have inspired me to pursue similar great things (stay tuned!). I couldn’t feel more comfortable and at ease with myself each time we are brought together. And I can’t believe how much I’ve grown just knowing them. 

Reflection Work:
Do you have a group of friends that make you feel like you can do anything when you get together? If it's been a while, call up a friend and grab a coffee or a bite and catch up. There's no better reinforcement in life than a great convo with a BFF!

Kerrie-Lee
xo

I just love this photo that I took one morning at our farm. It makes me feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the day with positivity and freedom. 

Unfortunately we're all constantly bombarded with sad news—terror attacks, bullying, shootings, wars, bombings, backlash, cruelty to animals—therefore it's nice to wake up to a little bit of beauty like this and enjoy a moment where nothing else matters. 

So as you enjoy the view, I'd like to share this quote with you that I live by every day:

"The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions—the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitesimal of pleasurable thought and genial feeling." -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Have a wonderful day!
Kerrie Lee
xo

My Dad has always been an inspiration to me. He is strong, confident, smart, funny, talented, and has always encouraged me to do what I wanted in life. 

But over the last few years, I've realized how much I really want to be like him. Really. 

He's a lot more relaxed than I ever remember him being when I was growing up. He also sees things in a different way. In a good way. He tells me that everything happens for a reason and that he, too, believes we all have a purpose in life. "Everything will fall into place naturally," he reassures me. 

My Dad is thoroughly enjoying life; and he doesn't care in the slightest what other people think (which is an amazing attribute). He's always the life of the party, and makes the best of every situation. I'm trying hard to instill these values into my sons. No matter what, he's always ready to cheer me up with a song or two on his guitar when I need it most.

My Dad also believes in relaxation and being as stress-free as possible. In fact, since retirement, he has pursued his life-long dream of traveling to South America every Winter for a couple months. Even in his 60's, he stayed with a Nicaraguan family so he could attend Spanish classes at a local school. He now knows how to speak Spanish. I admire him for following his passions.

I remember my Dad saying he wanted to travel to South America when we were growing up but never had the time or money. But now he does and I'm so happy for him. All he packs is one small backpack of clothes and his Blackberry so he can call home to my Mom and his grandchildren. He is still following his dream today. He has met many people along the way, and even managed to find the only Irish pub on a small Island where he says he feels the most relaxed: Ometepe, Nicaragua. I adore his adventurous side and determination to do his thing. 

So in the spirit of Father's Day, I'd like to thank my Dad for all the wonderful things he has taught me, and ultimately, all the things my kids will learn from their Papa. I think you're awesome, Dad. Happy Father's day!

Love you,
Kerrie-Lee
xo

This past weekend was a real eye-opener for me. After a few stressful months and some personal health issues, my sister, mom and I decided to spend a weekend away at St. Anne's Spa. When we were finally able to clear our schedules at work and book, I couldn't wait to get there. We drove an hour and a half to east of Toronto just past Cobourg, Ontario. The weather was still brisk, yet we felt the warmth of the sun beam through the car windows. A sure sign that the next few days would be worth all the anticipation and saved pennies. 

The reason for our brief getaway was to take some time to unwind and relax. And relax we did. In a matter of 48 hours I had experienced four r-e-l-a-x-i-n-g body treatments: A Thai massage (which I thought was amazing); a lush botanical resurfacing facial; invigorating back cleansing stone massage; and inspiring Reiki treatment to make sure all of my chakras were in tact. All four treatments were relaxing in their own way, but nothing short of rejuvenating. In fact, the entire spa weekend was nothing like I had ever experienced before. It was similar to a vacation-resort setting with hot tubs, pools, steam rooms, a gym and cardio room, dining area, complimentary Nicaraguan coffee (yum), snacks and beautiful grounds to explore. But the big surprise was that everyone walked around with their robe and slippers on (that's it). This took a little getting used to but we seemed to fit in quite nicely after oh... just a few minutes. We also enjoyed a yoga class to concentrate on the mind-body connection, and my mom attended a meditation session. Om. 

We rented one of the off-site chalets (well it reminded me of a ski chalet anyways) that was located only a brief walk from the main house. We also made our way to the horse stables and the spa bakery on our way out. Just beautiful. What better way to enjoy some time away to concentrate on me? Nothing to worry about except to make sure we were on time for our next massage. Priceless.

During our stay I couldn't help but think of how valuable these types of mini vacations are to relieve the stresses of every day life. To think that a place such as this, with so much history and calmness, can actually transform you in a couple of days. I needed it, that's for sure! I'd definitely go back. In fact, perhaps we'll make it a bi-annual event 

Reflection Work: 
What do you do to relax? Do you take the time to get away from it all? Take a few moments to visualize your ultimate relaxation method. And if you can, plan a weekend away with the girls.


In health, 
Kerrie Lee 
xo