By Monika Becker

Generally I like the idea of Mother’s Day as an occasion to honour motherhood and pay tribute to our birth mother or adoptive mother by recognising and acknowledging their contribution to our lives.

Regardless of whom you call Mom I hope thinking about her makes you smile. And if there are sad, bad or unpleasant memories around your mom, could you possibly find an attitude of gratitude for the contrast your mom was able to offer?

Sometimes I shudder when I observe how commercialised Mother’s Day has become and how little some of the suggested gifts for mothers have to do with the true value mothers add to our lives and what they mean to us. In addition, there are so many expectations and pressures around this “special day“ that I wonder whether it still is a meaningful representation of an originally valuable idea.

Personally, rather than picking just one day, I prefer the concept of an ongoing effort to identify, acknowledge and thank all those people in our lives that have expressed or keep demonstrating motherly attributes toward us.

Think about it for a moment…

• What gift(s) have you received or lesson(s) learnt from your mom or these other motherly figures?
• Who else beside your mom has played a motherly role in your life? Did you ever have a chance to acknowledge them?
• To whom have you extended a motherly gesture yourself?
• Have you ever stepped into a child’s life and replaced their mom for a period of time as she was ill or absent for any other reason?
• So far, to whom or what have you given birth during your life? Children, plants, ideas, projects?
• Have you ever rescued one of Mother Nature’s children, e.g. a bird fallen from its nest or a plant that almost died from lack of water?
• Have you ever listened to a person in need of attention or a shoulder to cry on?

We ALL own and express qualities that are typically accredited to mothers. Yes guys, you are totally and absolutely included in this! And I think we should make a point of acknowledging them more often in and around us. Expressing motherly qualities is one important contribution to a well-balanced and healthy world on all levels.

I wish us all a meaningful and fun Mother’s Day, and I hope that we all get to honour each other’s and our own motherly contributions throughout the year. Stay tuned for more about fathers and their special gifts to us next month.

Do you have a comment or an experience around moms, motherhood or motherly contributions that you’d like to share? Please do so right below!

For further reading or listening, here are two individual ways of honouring our moms and motherhood in general:
1) My friend Robyn McCorquodale’s song and video “Mother, You Are A Miracle”
2) I have dedicated my recently launched – and still to be further developed – website www.ClearDirections.ca to my mom and written a blog about her: “In Honour of My Mom”.

Monika Becker is the owner of  Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching, where she envisions a world of conscious, empowered people. Guided by her motto “Know Your Path – Realize Your Vision” Monika holistically supports others in clarifying their direction and expressing their potential.

Follow her on Twitter @MoniKanada

By Monika Becker

In our most recent poll on this and the Blenz Community site we asked our readers “Do you think the Paralympic Games should be held at the same time as the Olympic Games?” The results are in: Yes 63% versus No 37%. Interesting!

Paralympic Symbol

Almost two thirds of voters think these largest sports competitions for people with the highest athletic ability belong together. The name "Paralympics" actually supports that point of view: "Paralympics" has its roots in the Greek prefix "para-" (in this context, "beside" or "alongside"); hence "Paralympics" translates into "alongside the Olympics", and may also be interpreted as "Parallel Olympics".

The New Zealand Winter Games in August 2009 embraced the concept of “Parallel Athletic Competition” by mixing the timetables for able-bodied and disabled athletes. They were the first major event where adaptive athletes competed on the same course on the same day as able-bodied athletes. So the idea of athletic inclusion has already been realised on a smaller scale.  Why not take it to the next level?

Olympic Flag

Benefits of holding the Olympics and Paralympics at the same time could be amongst others:

• Greater momentum for these two events ultimately raising the profile of both competitions
• Higher integration and overall efficiency in the areas of organisation, publicity and operations
• Message of inclusiveness

I think that delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games in a combined event – we could call it “The Joint Games” – would pose an amazing opportunity. As in other cases, when two or more parties put their intentions and energies together, something much bigger is being born than the plain sum total of the individual components.

Can you imagine the degree of inspiration able-bodied and disabled athletes could draw from each other and share with the world? And how about stretching the imagination even further to the possibility of disabled athletes competing with able-bodied athletes, at least in a few disciplines? Is that a possibility for the future?

Looking at our world, it’s time for more inclusion and less separation on a larger scale. One joint showcase for the athletic values of hope, excellence, respect, harmony, friendship and equality would be a milestone in human history. Combining the Olympic motto ‘Faster – Higher – Stronger’ with the Paralympic ‘Spirit in Motion’ would establish a solid foundation for athletic excellence, global connection and human inspiration beyond anything known before. People seem to be ready for it.

So which host city will be the first one to dare and hold “The Joint Games”?

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialities is the work with female entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By @MoniKanada

The Torch Arrives

Last night I stopped by Robson Square to see whether I could watch part of the 24-hour non-stop Paralympic Torch Relay. I got lucky and my timing was perfect! I barely waited for a minute until the torchbearer arrived with the torch safely travelling in a special mount attached to his wheelchair.

The Two Torchbearers

Despite the cold temperatures and that wet stuff falling out of the sky (I had almost forgotten that we sometimes get this here!) there were may be 100-150 people at Robson Square. Together with the crowd I witnessed how the Paralympic flame got passed on to the next torchbearer before it resumed its journey around downtown Vancouver. Today at 2pm the 24-hour torch relay will come to an end and the flame will be taken to BC Place for the Opening Ceremony to the Paralympic Winter Games.

Torchbearers and Their Flames

For me this brief episode last night was a touching one, for two reasons: First of all, there is something about this flame and what it stands for that gets to me every single time. I was similarly moved by the Olympic Torch Relay, which I watched close to the PNE one month ago, in the morning of February 12th, the day of the opening of the Olympic Games. 

Guy and his Inukshuk

And then, besides the flame there was something else that brought back emotions and memories of ‘good old Olympic times’: an Inukshuk made of cardboard boxes, painted in the proper Olympic colours travelling on his owner’s back or ‘posing’ for photo opportunities with Paralympic torchbearers.

Torchbearer and Inukshuk

According to his owner, Guy, this Inukshuk has travelled around town throughout the Olympics and has seen almost all of the official sites. Guy has assembled a proud collection of over 1,000 pictures of the Inukshuk and himself, which he’ll take back to his work place, the BC Cancer Agency. He hopes that he will be allowed to share these Olympic moments and impressions with the patients on a screen where they continuously rotate through. What a great way to bring the Olympic/Paralympic spirit to some of those many, many people that were/are unable to participate in and enjoy the Olympics/Paralympics in our city. Thank you, Guy, for your meaningful initiative! Our world is a better place because of people like you that make a difference in other people’s lives!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By @MoniKanada

Only three days left before the Paralympic Cauldron will be lit in here in Vancouver and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be opened on March 12th!

I was curious about the Paralympic Torch Relay  and will share some information with you which I adapted from the Vancouver 2010 web site and an online article by the Vancouver Observer.

The Paralympic Torch Relay is one of the most important tools to increase awareness and communication for Paralympic Games. It usually lasts at least seven days and starts after the closing of the Olympic Village.

Through public celebrations, school programs and online, the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will engage Canadians, and hopefully the world, by introducing us to the stirring stories of Paralympians and other Canadians who inspire by defying the odds. It will shine a light on their achievements, celebrate their passion for sports and help spark a flame in the soul and heart of Canadians. We will have the opportunity to gather and participate in the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay when it visits our communities.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay Emblem is a metaphor for the fire within each and every one of us — the fire of friendship, inspiration and the spirit of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay.

Unlike the Olympic Flame, the Paralympic Flame has no traditional starting place, so each Paralympic Torch Relay team has the freedom to choose a lighting method and organise a ceremony that is significant to the Host Country. For the first time in its history, the Paralympic Torch Relay will be run in a non-linear way, with the Paralympic Flame being carried in and around each community while the celebrations take place.

In the last three days of the Paralympic Torch Relay the following Celebration Communities are opening up their events to us to enjoy the experience, celebrate the possible and admire the achievements of Paralympians and others with amazing stories of courage and perseverance:

March 10, 2010:
Vancouver - Hillcrest-Riley Park (Community Centre)
From 11 am - 1 pm
A unique flame creation ceremony by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation will kick off the Paralympic Torch Relay. The Flame will travel in a circular route in Riley Park with exchanges taking place along the route and a street party on Ontario Street.  The event will be launched by Mayor Robertson along with other municipal officials.

Maple Ridge celebrations will take place at Spirit Square beginning at 6:30 pm.

March 11, 2010
Vancouver (UBC) — Celebrations on the UBC campus will take place outside of the Student Union Building near the UBC Thunderbird Arena — home to ice sledge hockey competitions. The event will begin at 11:00 am.

March 11-12, 2010:
Vancouver Downtown - Robson Square:
Time:   March 11-12, 2010   2 pm – 2 pm (24 hours)

The 24-hour Torch Relay will start from the stage at Robson Square and the Paralympic Flame will travel in a repeated loop along Howe, Georgia, Granville, Smithe, Bute and Robson with the exchanges of the Flame taking place at various locations. Celebration activities will include simultaneous live entertainment, sponsor activities, sports demos and cultural crafts display. Throughout the whole 24 hours the Paralympic Flame is continuously carried and passed between torchbearers.

The event concludes around Robson Square at 2:00pm on March 12. The Paralympic Flame will then be brought into BC Place for the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

I'm planning on going to one of the above celebration sites and let that torch spark a flame in my heart. Will I see you there?

PS: Follow the Paralympic Flame on Twitter: http://twitter.com/followtheflame

And go here  (choose album 'March 2010') to see some amazing pictures from the Torch Relay in Whistler on March 8th!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By @MoniKanada

Thanks so much to all of you that participated in our poll “Do you think the 2010 Games will transform Canada?” Here are the results: The majority of voters, 84%, answered ‘Yes’ while 8% said ‘No’ and another 8% opted for ‘May be’.

Let’s take a look at Canada’s transformation together, shall we? Transformation sounds like a big word to me. What does it actually mean? “Transformation” stands for “a change in the shape, form or behaviour of”. The word has Latin roots and is a composite of ”trans” = “across, over, beyond” and “formare” = “to form, to mould, to shape”.

Externally, I can see the results of huge pre-Olympic construction efforts (extra venues, Sea-to-Sky Highway etc.) and I assume that some post-Olympic results will be higher number of visitors coming to Canada/Vancouver and possibly more people applying to become Canadian residents. All of that will affect Canada’s outer appearance and its internal structures. Will there be other external modifications that were triggered by the Olympics? Possibly – time will tell.

Much more interesting for me is another aspect of transformation though, the change in behaviour initiated by the reshaping of our personal inner  landscape. Canadians have been touched and inspired by the Olympics in an unprecedented way and have developed an unknown sense of patriotism. What will that translate into?

Some questions come to mind:

~ If we say Canada is being transformed, is this transformation something that is happening to us? Or are we playing an active role in the process?

~ Can the transformation even happen anywhere else but within each individual person? Where else will it take place if not in us?

~ What will Canada, what will we transform into?

~ How much of the transformation work are we willing to do? To what extent are we embracing a shift within us?

~ Who were we before the Olympics, who are we now, and who will we be in the future?

~ How do we see ourselves as the Canadian people now? Has our ‘sense of self’ changed?

~ In which way will we demonstrate our transformation to the world? Who will we be in the months to come?

~ How have you personally been transformed? What shifted for you, essentially, at your core?

~ How do we know that real transformation is taking place? When will the transformation be over? Will it ever?

~ What will it mean in the future when we say ‘I am Canadian’? What emotions will a label ‘Made in Canada’ evoke in the beholder?

My hope is that we may use the newly gained patriotism in a positive and inclusive way rather than it being a means to separate ourselves from others and feeling better than them. That it may be the foundation for warm Canadian spirit expressing and holding high the values Canada stands for.

That we may step into the world, which is full of new friends now, with distinctively Canadian souls, opening ourselves up to the beauty and richness in all people, regardless of their origin or nationality. That we put our glowing hearts and our transformed Canadian spirit to good use as gracious, friendly and cheerful hosts to the 2010 Paralympics – in a truly transformed and transforming way. In my eyes that would be truly meaningful!

Enough about my reflections! It’s time to find out what YOU were thinking when you gave your vote. What aspect of transformation did you have in mind when you said ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘May be’? What would be a significant outcome of Canada’s transformation to you?  Let me know your thoughts – I’d love to hear from you!

Related Posts: 

Cari-Lee Stevens "Connecting with the Locals" - transformation at work, quite inspiring!

Monika Becker 'Olympic Wish'

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By  @MoniKanada

After all the buzzing excitement and fun we’ve had during the Olympics, Vancouver has come to a state of content exhaustion, just like nature after giving birth to a raging thunderstorm or a heavy rainfall. I personally feel this way, too: Calm and exhausted, yet utterly content for having been part of something meaningful that has provided joy and inspiration to so many people.

Do you feel a bit empty and abandoned, too? I sure do. Where is everybody? The city seems so empty. Many of the special venues and sites have been dismantled, and all our cheerful friends are gone. For all of us that are suffering from POA (post-Olympic abandonment) here is the good news: Apparently, we don’t have to wait very long before we will see more friendly guests here in Vancouver and Whistler who want to celebrate with us!

YVR Airport has already started to provide a warm welcome to the first Paralympic athletes, their officials and spectators. We are expecting approximately 1,350 athletes and officials from 40 countries and 44,000 spectators in Vancouver and Whistler to celebrate outstanding athletic achievements, true passion for sport, and the greatness of human spirit and all it makes possible.

Are you ready for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12-21? Today, three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished in Vancouver, a new flame will light in Ottawa, sparking the official start and inspirational journey of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. And in just 10 days, on March 12, her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will officially open the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games at BC Place in downtown Vancouver.

Now that we are on the radar of the world in such a positive light, can we prove that Canada is a country where the Paralympics are supported and celebrated as enthusiastically as their big brother, the Olympic Games? Do we have it in us to be ambassadors for the true meaning of the word “Paralympic”, which is “alongside the Olympics”?

I realise there will be less athletes and spectators, less entertainment, less disciplines for athletes to compete in etc.  The Paralympics will run on a much smaller scale, at least on the outside. However, on the inside, where courage, determination, passion and persistence live, the Paralympics might actually outshine the Olympics when it comes to the extent of inspiration and valuable lessons they will offer to all that are open to see.

I challenge us to do our part and create a welcoming, joyful and supportive environment for all athletes and guests of our Paralympic Games. Don’t put those red clothes, the mittens and the Canada flags away quite yet. Let’s take some of that newly gained Canadian spirit and paint Vancouver and Whistler red again, and let’s have some more fun – we know how to do that now! Go Canada Go!

Related Posts: Vancouver Olympics done. Paralympics here we come!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

by @bsainsbury

How did you get involved with the Metro Blenz News Squad?

It was Bonnie Sainsbury who invited me sometime late last year to be part of an exciting blogging project for the Olympics.

I had previously been invited by Bonnie and Marilyn to blog on their very own group blog www.blog987.com and had just discovered my love for blog writing. Of course I said "Yes! I'd love to participate! When can we start?"

What’s your Olympic memory so far?

So far, the Olympics here in Vancouver have been the biggest and most touching event that I've ever been involved in. I would never have imagined the dimensions of the event itself nor its impact on me. In so many ways and to a very deep level I have been moved, surprised, energised, inspired - even writing this out right now makes me shed a tear or two. I am in awe of the extent of human potential for achievement, creation and celebration, and I am so grateful for experiencing it so close by. What I also feel and will always remember and nourish is that grain of hope that has taken root and grown within me throughout the Olympics, hope for a world filled with kind, empowered and conscious people having joyful and inspiring experiences with each other.

What’s your take-away from the Olympic experience?

A renewed sense of belonging here - Vancouver is my city and I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity to live here and enjoy this amazingly beautiful city!

A strong motivation to go for my dreams and not hold back any longer - as inspired by many amazing athletes and their focus and determination to give it their very best that they have in store. Seeing some of their outstanding achievements is like a kick in the butt for me. I can't wait to see the Paralympic endeavours - I already know that they will move and inspire me even more.

And then there's so much joy and pride - I'm so very happy about all the fun people are having. And I am extremely proud of our city to have made these Winter Olympics such a wonderful and amazing experience and to have presented us Canadians and our contry so well to the world (yes, I'm saying 'us Canadians' and 'our country'; although I'm still officially a German citizen residing in Canada, I consider Canada my true home and have gained a strong sense of national pride for Canada throughout these Olympics).

Last but not least, there is deeply felt gratitude for the chance to experience and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event in a number of functions: A proud member of the Metro Blenz News Squad blogging team, a Language and Customer Service Ambassador at YVR airport, a proud "Ask-Me-Button" bearer, and then a simple Vancouverite happily taking in my own city and all the excitement and buzzing energy.

What do you do? What’s your business?

Monika is the founder and owner of Clear Directions - Consulting & Life Coaching (www.ClearDirections.tel) where she assists others in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring curiosity, passion for possibility and soul-centred service. Through working with her people gain clarity for any area of their lives, and then Monika supports them in taking the necessary steps to apply the newly gained awareness and make their intentions and dreams come true. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. Monika works locally in the Vancouver area and internationally, in person or over the phone, both in English and German. In addition, she is a co-facilitator and coach with Emotus Operandi www.EmotusOperandi.com, where they offer a support system designed for small business owners or work teams that see their work as more than just a pay check. Monika is all about empowering others to embrace their passion and potential, and she enthusiastically encourages her clients' success and happiness in who they are and what they do.

By Monika Becker

Did you realise that during the Olympics we have had a variety of firework, laser light and waterwork shows  in Yaletown and at Robson Square every single  night ? The other night my friend Deb invited me over to her home on the South side of False Creek. Just meters from her home was the perfect spot to watch the nightly fireworks and laser waterworks show at Yaletown's Live City venue. What a great show!

I am still blown away by all the creative efforts that went on in our city and how much has been done for our entertainment and fun. Thank you to everybody involved in putting it all together - you've done an amazing job!

Thinking of all the extra beams reaching out into the night I wonder how the fireworks and laser lights have impacted the skies above Vancouver? Did they leave a mark? Is there an Olympic memory bank in the sky? The child in me imagines that the special Olympic light from Vancouver has been gathered and transformed into a brightly sparkling star that now shines its light on us and watches over us long after our Olympic guests have left town and the Olympic fire has been extinguished.

Ok, my child-like idea of a new star may not come true, however, I know that the whole Olympic experience has certainly left an imprint in my heart - and that will never fade.

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By @MoniKanada

On my way through the city on Thursday night I was able to capture national pride – artfully presented on people’s faces. Not too many words are necessary here:

Australian Fans

Alison and Brook from Australia showed their national pride for Lydia Lassila, who won gold in the Ladies‘ Aerials on Wednesday. Brook and Alison were on their way to the victory ceremonies to cheer for their compatriot receiving Olympic Gold.

National Pride for the US

Four young women from the US (to the right) smiling despite their growing hunger. They were looking for a good place for dinner – I happily shared my recommendations with them.

And then some rap dancers proudly representing Japan spotted on Granville Street. There was quite a number of young people dancing away – they looked great and seemed to have fun.

Canada "Fan Dog"

Last but not least I also found some particular Canadian patriotism – I guess these days any living thing serves as a canvas for patriotic pride. Tough times for cute dogs – they don’t have a choice in the matter!

Go Canada Go!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

Ask-Me-Button Samples

By Monika Becker    @MoniKanada   

A little while ago I told you about "Ask Me! Buttons“,  Vancouver’s way of welcoming our multi-lingual guests. These buttons are intended to engage our citizens with our visitors in a positive and caring way. Wearing the button with pride and smiling will encourage people to come to you for help with directions, advice, or just snapping a photo. Read more in Bonnie Sainsbury’s blog and go the City of Vancouver's web site for further details.

In the meantime I’ve personally worn these buttons on several occasions and have made lovely connections with people because of them. Sometimes people just start a conversation because they are curious about the buttons and what they mean, or they want to know how to pronounce the different languages on them. Regardless of what motivated these people to approach me – the outcome was exactly what I had hoped for: Connection with strangers, an opportunity to talk with them and to bring a smile to their faces – and mine, as a matter of fact. I always feel uplifted after having been in touch with another human being in such a positive and playful way.

Ask-Me-Buttons in English and French

If you live in Vancouver and would like to participate in the ‘Ask Me!’ program, you can pick up a button (one in each language you speak) at one of the following locations:

*  Tourism Vancouver – Visitor Centre (Plaza Level, 200 Burrard St.)
*  West End Community Centre (870 Denman St.)
*  Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch (350 West Georgia St.)

It’s not too late – go out and make some new friends – the easy way!

Want to see the buttons closer up and hear some language teasers? Click here to the right Ask-Me-Buttons Help Connect (My apologies for the limited quality of the video - it's the best my little camera could do! )

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By Monika Becker    @MoniKanada   

    VS    

Today it actually happened – something I had hoped not to be confronted with: I had to decide which country to cheer for, my home country Germany or my chosen country of residence, Canada.   

On Sunday when I watched the Canadian hockey team face the US it was no question for which team I would cheer. My friend Robyn McCorquodale (a fantastic singer by the way, whose song ‘Shining Star‘ was just chosen as one of the Province Picks during the Olympics) and I, we were enthusiastically cheering for Team Canada, together with the crowds gathered at Cats Social House on Granville Island.   

This afternoon, however, when the Canadian and German hockey teams played in the Men’s Play-offs Qualifications I found myself torn between a trace of old German patriotism and new-born pride for Canada. Whenever I cheered for the Canadian team I almost felt a trace of guilt come up in me. Am I not supposed to support my home country’s team, the Germans? Where is my support for my fellow countrymen? Mmmh?! To be honest, my heart was with the Canadian athletes, and it has been throughout these Olympic games. My apologies, dear fellow Germans, I can't help it - Canada is my true home now, where my heart and soul are living and where I belong.   

I probably learnt an important lesson today: Over the years, without even noticing it, I have become more of a Canadian than I had realised before. May be the time has come for me to apply for Canadian citizenship after all? I may just consider it.  For now, I'm just one happy German living in Vancouver, cheering on Team Canada for more fair play and great athletic accomplishments. Go Canada Go!

Go Canada Go!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

By Monika Becker    @MoniKanada

With only 7 more days to go for the Olympic Games I begin to sense this feeling of emptiness welling up in me. I know that I’ll be missing the energy and buzz in the city, the many, many friendly faces and cheerful crowds from all across the world, providing me with a renewed sense for the possibility of a global community. And all the great pavilions to look at and the culture to take in. Oh, I really don’t want it to end!

I realised that, while I will be sad when “The Party” is over, I can consciously approach the last week of the Olympic and then the Paralympic Games with an even more positive, open and focussed attitude and treasure the gifts they hold for me. I started to think about what might be meaningful outcomes for me that I would like to see. This is how my “Olympic Wish” was created.

Olympic Wish

May these games be a platform…
… for significant human connections to be made that outlast any Olympic events
… for those friendly smiles to stay on our faces for many months to come
… for the spirit of human excellence to survive and thrive in all of us
… for inspiration and motivation through human examples
… for the joyous celebration of human diversity to stay alive and grow
… for sparks of focus and determination to be ignited in us
… for our own dreams to be revived
… for peaceful, kind and respectful togetherness
… for the sense of community and equality to expand beyond any and all borders
… for each and every one of us to open up to our unique potential and greatness
… for new possibilities for mankind to be developed and embraced

This is my heartfelt wish.

Reading it over makes me realise that it is actually an expression of dateless values that many humans share with me – a call for connection and community, friendliness and kindness, focus and determination, excellence and greatness, joy and celebration, equality and diversity, inspiration and motivation, respect and peace, possibility and potential...

What are you wishing for?

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

The third athlete, while not wearing any particular gear, performed a triple loop right in front of our eyes, which – according to the commentator – is a very difficult thing to do. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to take any good shots of his ‘flight’.

by @MoniKanada Monika Becker, Clear Directions - Consulting & Life Coaching