Monthly Archives

May 2016

Carolyn J. Collin Edmonton Life Coach Divorce Coach Support Groups

May’s Monthly Intention

by Carolyn Collin May 1, 2016

This months intention is about expressing love, whether it be through a kind gesture to a stranger or showing love and appreciation for your friends and family. No act is too big or small. I’m sure you would agree that even the smallest expressions of care and concern go a long way, especially in todays electronic and social media over indulgence.

This card also speaks to those who are seeking love with a new partner. You are being reminded that you are cherished beyond measure. This is a time for harmonious and caring relationships to flourish.

Source: The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

by Carolyn Collin May 15, 2016

Here’s a sweet little book to remind kids and adults (e’hem, cough, cough) how to be kind by filling up others “invisible” buckets. The idea is that we all create positive and negative experiences from time to time thereby either filling up others bucket with good or taking away from others.

We’ve all had these situations where some shiny, smily, soul comes along and just makes us feel on top of the World and then the opposite is true for other souls. It is up to us to decide how we want to show up for people and even for ourselves. If you give yuck to someone, you may experience the same back. Thankfully not all people respond in kind but those that respond in a hurtful manner are only giving you what they have inside. Its not about you.

If you have young impressionable minds at home, this is a darling little read to share with your loved ones. We all play apart in making humanity a better place. Be that person who fills others buckets with joy, love, hope and possibility!

Source: Have you filled a bucket today? by Carol McCloud

What Can We Learn From A Massive Fire Loss?

by Carolyn Collin May 23, 2016

At the beginning of this month, 80,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes due to uncontrollable fires that swept their way through the town of Fort McMurray. If you’ve seen footage, I’m sure you felt sorrow for those having to go through such an ordeal. I couldn’t imagine. It brought to mind all the things I would stand to lose and how I would personally deal with such an unfortunate event.

Aside from my life coaching business, I also work in the insurance industry. I was able to speak with the evacuees first hand and hear their stories. I must say I was touched and impressed by the majority of folks with how they were coping. With this mentioned, the following are some ideas and thoughts of what I learnt.

Keep a perspective on whats really important. Its true what they say, things can be replaced but not those near and dear to our hearts. For the families who lost loved ones during this time, my thoughts and prayers are with you. There are many agencies (see resource list below) and people ready and willing to offer their expertise including myself. Please reach out if you need help regardless of what you’ve been pained by. There are people who care deeply and want to be there for you in your hour of need.

A strong and caring community can help us get through anything. I’ve witnessed such an out pouring of assistance and support from folks big and small which solidified my faith in this idea. For example, companies in our community donated their own resources and agreed to triple its employees contributions. I saw a report of a young boy selling lemonade at grocery store raising money towards the relief efforts. Airbnb hosts, offered their spaces/homes for free and lastly the company WestJet flew evacuees back to safety. There are more examples but too many to mention herein this blog.

Having proper insurance coverage in place is important. I believe this goes without saying, although (even working in the industry) I did question whether or not I had the right amount of coverage in place if this were to happen to me. Its important to speak with your broker and become personally acquainted with your home and auto policies. Please do not leave this to chance. This is not something to procrastinate on or turn a blind eye to. Its your life. You must protect your family and future.

Ultimately what I learnt about this event is that human beings are resilient and the people of Fort McMurray will get through this and rebuild again. My hope is that they’ll become a closer and stronger community. If you have thoughts on how to rebuild after loss, I encourage you to share your comments below.

The following resources may be helpful for those affected by the fire loss:

Recovering emotionally after a residential fire

Shepell: Employee and Family Assistance Program

Airbnb co-ordinate free emergency homes for Fort Mac evacuees

Private companies and municipalities pitching in to help with the huge wildfire

Questions about home and auto insurance