CANADA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL
OTTAWA, March 8 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Canada intends to support the establishment of an International Day of the Girl. The announcement was made during a meeting with young women from Plan Canada who are working to promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world, including equality under the law, better nutrition and health care, equal access to education and training, and freedom from violence and abuse.
"Today on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Government of Canada is proud to encourage leadership among girls to strive for what they believe is right, and to inspire more ideas and support for girls to prosper and succeed. A girl who experiences equality has a greater likelihood of being self-confident and aware of her own potential, and of being empowered to access the education, training and career opportunities that will contribute to her success in life," said Minister Ambrose. "As Canadians we recognize that when girls have a solid foundation, with the best skills and living conditions, they can truly soar to new heights and contribute to the health of a nation. An International Day of the Girl can galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for these goals."
If adopted as a United Nations Resolution, an International Day of the Girl could be established as early as the fall of 2011. The idea was introduced to Minister Ambrose by a delegation of girls from Plan Canada at the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in February 2011. Plan International is promoting the establishment of an International Day of the Girl to raise global awareness of the unique challenges facing girls, as well as the key role they can play in addressing larger issues of poverty and development.
"The Day of the Girl would definitely spark discussions throughout the world about girls' rights, how girls are impacted by policies, the challenges that girls face. I would use the Day of the Girl as another opportunity to bring up the issue of girls' rights with my peers, in my community and to my leaders," said 17-year-old Rachel, a Canadian student involved in Plan Canada's Because I am a Girl Speakers Bureau.
"The Day of the Girl would be important because it would bring awareness to adults that girls are worth investing in. I think it is our right to be equal players in society and we need help to make our voices heard. We are relying on girls, boys, women and men to raise their voices on our behalf," said 11-year-old Madeleine, a Canadian student and youth advocate with Plan Canada.
Plan Canada is a non-governmental organization that aims to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of children, families and communities in developing countries. For more information, visit www.plancanada.ca.
To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, Canada chose as its 2011 theme Girls' Rights Matter / Les droits des filles comptent. This theme also aligns with the United Nation's theme, Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women. International Women's Day and International Women's Week provide opportunities to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women and girls. Every year, Canadians celebrate this progress toward equality for women, and reflect on the challenges that remain.
For further information on International Women's Day and International Women's Week, visit the website of Status of Women Canada at http://www.iwd.gc.ca/.
*******************************************************
This news release is fanastic news! It just reinforces what our organization PROM Blitz Project does as far as empowering young women who have overcome challenges and need to be given confidence. Anything, no matter how small it seems...is something. You go girls!
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
There is Help! Shelter & Outreach Program for Women & Children - Cover Your Tracks! Tips
How To Cover Your Tracks - Internet Safety
To be safe, erase any record that you have visited the Women & Children’s Shelter web site. If anyone has access to your computer, they will be able to see which web sites you have visited unless you erase your tracks.
PC Windows – Internet Explorer
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar. Open the Internet Options Dialog Box and select the General Tab.
Step 2: In the Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files. Check the “Delete all offline content” and click OK.
Step 3: In the History, click Clear History.
Step 4: In Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Cookies and then OK.
Step 5: Click OK to exit the Internet Options Dialog Box.
PC Windows – Mozilla Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar, then select the Options.
Step 2: Click on the “Privacy” Option, with the picture of a padlock.
Step 3: Select the “History” tab. Click on “Clear Browsing History Now”.
Step 4: Select the “Cache” tab. Click on “Clear Cache Now”.
Step 5: Click “OK” to exit the Options dialogue box.
PC Windows – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Edit in the menu bar, then select the Preference.
Step 2: Under the Category, select Navigator. Then click Clear History as well as Clear Location Bar.
Step 3: Under Privacy & Security, select Cookies. Then click View Stored Cookies. Lastly, click Remove All Cookies.
Step 4: Under the Category, select Cache under Advanced. First click the Clear Memory Cache followed by the Clear Disk Cache.
PC Windows
(right click the mouse on the Start at the bottom of the menu bar, select Explore)
Step 1: Select Windows in the C drive.
Step 2: Open the Temporary Internet Files Folders. Select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 3: Open the History folder (e.g. c:\windows\history\today in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 4: Open the Cookies folder (e.g. c:\windows\cookies in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 5: Disable the Auto-Complete in the windows and/or browser options.
Step 6: Finally, after completed the above deletions, you should also empty the recycle bin.
Mac – Safari
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “history” tab on the main menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to “clear history”.
Mac – Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “preferences” under the “Firefox” tab in main menu.
Step 2: Click on “Privacy” tab then go to the “Private Data” section on the bottom.
Step 3: Click “Clear Now”.
Mac – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “Edit” menu and select “Preferences”.
Step 2: Select “Navigator” under the “Category” listing.
Step 3: Select “Clear History” in the “History” area.
Step 4: Click “OK” to erase history.
Remember:
When you clear the cache and the history list, you erase ALL information that had been previously stored there. If your partner notices that the cache and history list have been deleted, he or she will realize that you know how to delete your tracks as well as possibly thinking that you have something to hide.
A way to avoid suspicion is after clearing the CACHE and HISTORY LIST spend some time visiting sites that you think your partner wouldn’t object to. This way, the cache and history list start to get filled up and your partner might be less likely to notice that old information is missing.
Email
If an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that’s difficult to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, print and save the messages as evidence of this abuse and report it to police.
A woman’s partner can often tell when she makes up her mind to stop the abuse. Do not underestimate your partner. Always erase your tracks.
Telephone Safety
When you call the Women & Children’s Shelter, or any organization that assists abused women, you must be careful to use a telephone that will not keep a record of the number you called. If you call long distance, the phone number will appear on the bill. Even if you call locally, if you use an Internet-based telephone system, with a name like VOIP or SKYPE, records of the call will be kept. If your partner has access to the system he or she will be able to identify who you have called.
Cell phones can also keep records of the numbers that have been called.
A local call made on a regular telephone line will not produce a record of the call. However, many telephones have a “redial” button, and you may want to call a friend or other “safe” number after you make any call you don’t want your partner to know about – they can check up on you just by pressing “redial”.
One way to be sure your home telephone uses a regular telephone line is to check your telephone bill. It will come from a Telephone Company, such as Bell or Sprint. It will not list any local numbers, only long distance. If you still aren’t sure, you should use extra caution.
The safest way to call or to receive calls from us is from a friend’s phone, a public phone, a work phone, or any telephone that has nothing to do with your partner.
If you are in danger, call 911.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
To be safe, erase any record that you have visited the Women & Children’s Shelter web site. If anyone has access to your computer, they will be able to see which web sites you have visited unless you erase your tracks.
PC Windows – Internet Explorer
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar. Open the Internet Options Dialog Box and select the General Tab.
Step 2: In the Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files. Check the “Delete all offline content” and click OK.
Step 3: In the History, click Clear History.
Step 4: In Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Cookies and then OK.
Step 5: Click OK to exit the Internet Options Dialog Box.
PC Windows – Mozilla Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Tools in the menu bar, then select the Options.
Step 2: Click on the “Privacy” Option, with the picture of a padlock.
Step 3: Select the “History” tab. Click on “Clear Browsing History Now”.
Step 4: Select the “Cache” tab. Click on “Clear Cache Now”.
Step 5: Click “OK” to exit the Options dialogue box.
PC Windows – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Select the Edit in the menu bar, then select the Preference.
Step 2: Under the Category, select Navigator. Then click Clear History as well as Clear Location Bar.
Step 3: Under Privacy & Security, select Cookies. Then click View Stored Cookies. Lastly, click Remove All Cookies.
Step 4: Under the Category, select Cache under Advanced. First click the Clear Memory Cache followed by the Clear Disk Cache.
PC Windows
(right click the mouse on the Start at the bottom of the menu bar, select Explore)
Step 1: Select Windows in the C drive.
Step 2: Open the Temporary Internet Files Folders. Select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 3: Open the History folder (e.g. c:\windows\history\today in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 4: Open the Cookies folder (e.g. c:\windows\cookies in Win 98), select all the files inside this folder and delete.
Step 5: Disable the Auto-Complete in the windows and/or browser options.
Step 6: Finally, after completed the above deletions, you should also empty the recycle bin.
Mac – Safari
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “history” tab on the main menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to “clear history”.
Mac – Firefox
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “preferences” under the “Firefox” tab in main menu.
Step 2: Click on “Privacy” tab then go to the “Private Data” section on the bottom.
Step 3: Click “Clear Now”.
Mac – Netscape
(Before closing the Browser)
Step 1: Go to “Edit” menu and select “Preferences”.
Step 2: Select “Navigator” under the “Category” listing.
Step 3: Select “Clear History” in the “History” area.
Step 4: Click “OK” to erase history.
Remember:
When you clear the cache and the history list, you erase ALL information that had been previously stored there. If your partner notices that the cache and history list have been deleted, he or she will realize that you know how to delete your tracks as well as possibly thinking that you have something to hide.
A way to avoid suspicion is after clearing the CACHE and HISTORY LIST spend some time visiting sites that you think your partner wouldn’t object to. This way, the cache and history list start to get filled up and your partner might be less likely to notice that old information is missing.
If an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that’s difficult to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, print and save the messages as evidence of this abuse and report it to police.
A woman’s partner can often tell when she makes up her mind to stop the abuse. Do not underestimate your partner. Always erase your tracks.
Telephone Safety
When you call the Women & Children’s Shelter, or any organization that assists abused women, you must be careful to use a telephone that will not keep a record of the number you called. If you call long distance, the phone number will appear on the bill. Even if you call locally, if you use an Internet-based telephone system, with a name like VOIP or SKYPE, records of the call will be kept. If your partner has access to the system he or she will be able to identify who you have called.
Cell phones can also keep records of the numbers that have been called.
A local call made on a regular telephone line will not produce a record of the call. However, many telephones have a “redial” button, and you may want to call a friend or other “safe” number after you make any call you don’t want your partner to know about – they can check up on you just by pressing “redial”.
One way to be sure your home telephone uses a regular telephone line is to check your telephone bill. It will come from a Telephone Company, such as Bell or Sprint. It will not list any local numbers, only long distance. If you still aren’t sure, you should use extra caution.
The safest way to call or to receive calls from us is from a friend’s phone, a public phone, a work phone, or any telephone that has nothing to do with your partner.
If you are in danger, call 911.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New Years "Resolutions" Reality Check
"Resolution", as defined as: a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
How are you doing? No, really. Search deep down and be honest with yourself. How are you doing? We are now at the second last week of January and being January 23rd, we're either onto new habits or back to the old ones. Research shows it takes 21 days to break a habit. Did you lose faith in yourself? Have you been focused on your strengths or weaknesses? Did you set realistic goals? Are they YOUR goals or mirror of someone else's? Did you develop a plan? Did you set up a reward system for yourself? Did you visualize them or "just go for it"? It's NOT too late. Dust yourself off and get back at it again. Set yourself up for a "win-win" because you deserve every happiness in the world. Do not wait for next year to make a resolution. Dig deep and the time for whatever you want to change is NOW. Tomorrow is never promised to us. Heck, the next hour isn't even promised to us. We can set out on our routine, walk out the door and "smack", get hit by a car. Dramatic effect? No, reality. We never know what course or direction our lives are meant to take but wouldn't you rather make every day worth the day that you want to live and make good habits? No more negative self-talk or doubt. Are you tired of the same patterns? Tired of talking yourself out of things "oh, I can't do this" or "I always suck at this" "I'll never change". Time to start talking yourself into it instead of out of it. Wouldn't you rather be proud of yourself? There is nothing wrong with being your own cheerleader.Ok...now go get lined paper or open up your Microsoft Word doc. Really...go get it and let's commit by writing this down. Lock yourself up for at least 10 minutes of total solitude and no disruptions. Hide in the bathroom if you need to. Right now, YOU'RE important.
STEP 1.
The first step in breaking old habits is deciding what new habits you want to create with your life energy. Start asking yourself these questions:
* What do you want your life to look like?
* What habits do you need to eliminate?
* What positive habits do you need to develop to make your life look like you want it to look?
These desires must be realistic and obtainable. What is your intuition telling you about what you should be doing?
Listening to your intuition is one of the most intelligent things you can ever do with your life energy. Your intuition always guides you in the direction that is perfect for you. It is that small voice that is not affected by egos, past failures, or other people?s opinions. It is your inner guiding light.
In your journal, keep notes on what your intuition tells you about the strategies and the resources that might empower you.
STEP 2.
Crystallize your thinking. Determine what specific goals you want to achieve.
What habits are you letting go?
What habits are you creating in place of the old ones?
Your goals need to be specific, measurable, and realistic.
To do this you'll have to avoid thinking like this: "I want to lose weight." What does that really mean? For your subconscious mind to be able to serve you it must receive very specific directions.
STEP 3.
Develop a sincere desire for the things you want.Desire is the starting point for all achievement. It's the greatest motivator of every human action.
Frequently, your mind is more motivated by pictures and visualization than it is with words and written exercises. The right side of your brain is where your creativity comes from, and it thrives on pictures. Many times the right side of your brain takes precedence over the left side, which thrives on words. In the past, you may have just written words down to reach your goals. Add this new dimension to your process.
Draw, cut out pictures, or take photographs of what you want in life. Put pictures up on your refrigerator, your bathroom mirror, on your smartphone, on your laptop, iPad, create a private photo album on Facebook or any place that will remind your subconscious mind of your desires to reinforce your goal.
Every thought you have uses electrical energy to imprint a new picture in your subconscious mind. The efforts of your subconscious mind are to match the pictures in your mind with reality.
The more you deliberately plant pictures of what you want, the faster you will attract it into your life. It's very important that you allow yourself to fantasize about what you want in your life - let your imagination run wild! This way, when you see the pictures so often, when you close your eyes you can see them. Create a reality.
To achieve what it is you want in life, you must think about it. There are no limits except those we put on ourselves. This is your life and you're only cheating yourself. You can tell people that you're succeeding at achieving your goal but if you're truly not...you're cheating and hurting yourself. No one else. You must feel your success before you can manifest it in reality.
STEP 4.
Develop a plan for achieving your goal, and a deadline for its attainment. The difference between a "wish" and a "goal" is that the goal is written down. Once you have a clear picture of what you want in life, your subconscious and conscious mind can work together to achieve it.
When you prioritize and focus you can literally see what you want; this gives you the power of concentration. Deliberate concentration is like a laser beam - it can cut through any obstacles in your path.
STEP 5.
Distinguish between goals and activities. A goal is the specific end result you want to manifest in your life. Activities are those things you do to achieve your goals.
Use the skill of awareness, and remember the goal. Don't get stuck in the activities.
STEP 6.
Create deadlines for your goals.
Without deadlines your brain doesn't have a clear picture of what you want created. Deadlines have a magical way of motivating us to produce results.
First write your *one-year* goals on paper, then write down all the activities you will have to do to reach each goal.
Start by asking yourself what is the very first activity I must do to get started on this goal? Then write down each following activity that will take you closer to the one year goal.
STEP 7.
Break down the activities for each goal into 3 month groups. Ask yourself "What are the activities I must do in the first three months to achieve my goal?" Write those down.
Then think about the activities you'll need to follow up in the following three months. By breaking down the goals into manageable, bite-size pieces, you'll feel more in control.
The secret is that this divide-and-conquer approach keeps achieving your goals from becoming overwhelmingly complicated.
STEP 8.
Make YOUR goals YOURS.
Time for a reality check. Don't set a goal for yourself that your spouse (or anyone else for that matter) wants for you. Revise your current goals to ensure they REALLY meet YOUR needs, not someone else's desires for you. You will never be successful achieving goals that are not motivated by your own desires. Moreover, don't compare your goals with other people's goals - you'll always come up short. The reality is that we usually compare our worst traits with someone else's best traits and we can never win that way.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others" Wishing you much success in health, wealth and happiness.....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Final Post 2010
By now, everyone is posting well wishes and happiness. I want to repeat that I usually post about being positive, inspirational and being motivated. The repeated warning is that the intent is not to offend or for anyone to think "who the heck does she think she is". The words expressed here apply to all of us. For a moment, let's think about the glass being "half full" instead of looking at the glass "half empty".
Are you saying "thank God 2010" is over? Why? Weren't you just twelve months ago saying "thank God 2009" is over and 2010 is going to be an amazing year? Why? Let's analyze that for a second. Doesn't every year bring opportunity for renewal and growth? What is it about the fireworks at midnight the 31st of December that makes a person think "next year is going to be better?".
In the words of my eldest son when I was facing a personal milestone: "what's different about today than yesterday...you're still you". Very profound for a fourteen year old don't you think? A great way of putting things into perspective and allowed me to think he's right and it IS about mindset. It's about the choices I make, what I think, what I do...not about the actual calendar or time...it's how that time is spent.
In writing this blog, I'm also reminded of one of my best friends that actually did have "awful year" (because of deaths of people very close to him). Annually, he sends a letter to friends and family. In his newsletter he said he had considered giving it up. However, he dug deep and as much as his year didn't end the greatest, he was able to recollect other events throughout the year that were positive. It was a very eloquent letter and probably one of the best he's ever written. Gratitude shone through and showed that despite crises him and his family had endured, there were still positive things that made life worth living. As a friend, very grateful he was able to do it. This was a breakthrough for him and a very admirable quality in a person. No one said doing this would ever easy but with perseverance there's gratitude.
So, what's your "a-ha" moment? We all have to learn our "why". Underlying we all have a purpose, personal motivator and a why. Why do we wake up every morning and do the same mundane things? Are we happy? I mean are we truly happy or just putting on a brave face? Instead of looking at yourself five, ten years or so from now...where do you see yourself to be next year, at midnight on the 31st of December? If you see yourself repeating "Thank God 2011 is over" then really, things really need to change NOW and old habits need to be broken.
We all deserve every happiness afforded to us and the only people capable of truly offering this to ourselves....is within ourselves. When we look in the mirror, we all must love the reflection looking back because as we have self-love and have gratitude, only then can we truly shine and pass this onto others. Love yourself first. This is not being an egomaniac. Self-appreciation, exude confidence will radiate from you and you'll automatically attract positive people. People will notice the difference in you. Some may judge and criticize but why let them take that power and your happiness away that you're entitled to? It's your power to have.
I will finish the last post of 2010 on this note: my desire for you, if this post has touched you in any way, that you'll say the following words instead, on the 31st of December at midnight:
"What an amazing 2011 and can't wait for 2012 to be another amazingly great year".
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others" Enjoy this video below from an artist named "Chris Rouse" appropriately entitled "New Day"
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Measurement Of Success
Success...... what is your definition? Everyone's measurement of success is different whether it's how well children advance at school, financial success, material things, social "status", etc. What defines you?
Sometimes in relationships and friendships people come to crossroads. What one person may perceive is success may not necessarily be agreed on by other people. What do you do?
In learning motivational skills and to obtain success, people are taught to do "vision boards". If you have not done one, you really should. It's amazing how, when you're sitting down to analyze your "wants" it helps you get a clear perspective of your vision. It allows you to keep on track and even when you're away from it, can visualize your board. Now this vision board is a personal thing and one really should keep it private.
In going back to my second paragraph, what if another party sees your vision board? In remembering it's very personal to you, people won't agree with your vision or what they see because they have different visions themselves. What if, in the interim, that party sees something is "missing" and they're very close to you? Is it ok to be offended? Should that person make a comment or just be respectful and keep silent?
A lesson learned along time ago was that it's not about "intention" but realistically in our society, it's all about "perception". I've asked this question to a few people...."what would they do if they saw a vision board and they weren't part of it?". One response was "vision boards are something the person doesn't have and are visualizing things that are missing from their lives....whether material or otherwise.. They're not going to post something they already have." Great comment and suppose it could be summed up that way. However, I don't agree because that's not how I did mine. Again, different perspectives, different opinions. (At the end of this blog, I'm happy to share a bit of insight into my vision board.)
However, out of respect for friends and loved ones, perhaps best to keep the visual board private. It is so easy for people to be offended and also, people can be naysayers and/or try to alter you from your focus. This is the opposite of achieving your goals. You don't want this to happen and sometimes people need to realize that things aren't necessarily all about them. Even people with good intentions can "slip up" and harbour bad feelings and perhaps unintentionally say or do things that are hurtful. It comes with being a human being.
So a measurement of success, in my opinion, should really be about balance: family first, business, financial wealth, philanthropy, good health and friends. Material things are great to have and enjoy but remember; can't take them with us when it's our time to go and they're not what define us.
When it is my time to go, I'd rather be surrounded by great friends and family to say "what a great person she was, what a thoughtful person and great Realtor she was; what a charitable person she was and did so much for the community"....not what the size of my bank account was or "wow, she had a great BMW".
Happy to share a bit about my vision board....it has things I already have but because I want it to continue....it has a lot of happy, smiling people reflecting myself, family, friends, business associates that are in my circle and interact with me all the time. Only positive people with a great outlook. Why? This is the energy that drives me, fuels me and everything else I have on my vision board will come true and happen. I can close my eyes and visualize my own personal successes that I want to achieve and how I will reward myself each time. At the end of the day though, if I don't have my family there with me to share it with? Nothing I ever do would mean a thing. This is where the balance and perspective comes in.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Sometimes in relationships and friendships people come to crossroads. What one person may perceive is success may not necessarily be agreed on by other people. What do you do?
In learning motivational skills and to obtain success, people are taught to do "vision boards". If you have not done one, you really should. It's amazing how, when you're sitting down to analyze your "wants" it helps you get a clear perspective of your vision. It allows you to keep on track and even when you're away from it, can visualize your board. Now this vision board is a personal thing and one really should keep it private.
In going back to my second paragraph, what if another party sees your vision board? In remembering it's very personal to you, people won't agree with your vision or what they see because they have different visions themselves. What if, in the interim, that party sees something is "missing" and they're very close to you? Is it ok to be offended? Should that person make a comment or just be respectful and keep silent?
A lesson learned along time ago was that it's not about "intention" but realistically in our society, it's all about "perception". I've asked this question to a few people...."what would they do if they saw a vision board and they weren't part of it?". One response was "vision boards are something the person doesn't have and are visualizing things that are missing from their lives....whether material or otherwise.. They're not going to post something they already have." Great comment and suppose it could be summed up that way. However, I don't agree because that's not how I did mine. Again, different perspectives, different opinions. (At the end of this blog, I'm happy to share a bit of insight into my vision board.)
However, out of respect for friends and loved ones, perhaps best to keep the visual board private. It is so easy for people to be offended and also, people can be naysayers and/or try to alter you from your focus. This is the opposite of achieving your goals. You don't want this to happen and sometimes people need to realize that things aren't necessarily all about them. Even people with good intentions can "slip up" and harbour bad feelings and perhaps unintentionally say or do things that are hurtful. It comes with being a human being.
So a measurement of success, in my opinion, should really be about balance: family first, business, financial wealth, philanthropy, good health and friends. Material things are great to have and enjoy but remember; can't take them with us when it's our time to go and they're not what define us.
When it is my time to go, I'd rather be surrounded by great friends and family to say "what a great person she was, what a thoughtful person and great Realtor she was; what a charitable person she was and did so much for the community"....not what the size of my bank account was or "wow, she had a great BMW".
Happy to share a bit about my vision board....it has things I already have but because I want it to continue....it has a lot of happy, smiling people reflecting myself, family, friends, business associates that are in my circle and interact with me all the time. Only positive people with a great outlook. Why? This is the energy that drives me, fuels me and everything else I have on my vision board will come true and happen. I can close my eyes and visualize my own personal successes that I want to achieve and how I will reward myself each time. At the end of the day though, if I don't have my family there with me to share it with? Nothing I ever do would mean a thing. This is where the balance and perspective comes in.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dec. 6 – Canada's National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. On this day we remember and mourn the loss of 14 women, murdered at Montréal's École Polytechnique, murdered because they were women. Please check your local areas for events.
More than 20 years after the tragic events in Montreal, violence against women continues to be a serious issue in Canada.
On Dec. 6, 1989, a deranged gunman entered L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. He segregated the female students from the male students and began firing at the female engineering students.
On that day, 14 young women lost their lives to violence. The event has become known as the Montreal Massacre and is symbolic of the fight to end violence against women. In 1991, Canada’s Parliament declared December 6th a National Day of Mourning and the National Day to End Violence Against Women.
The facts:
Violence against women continues to be a serious issue in Canada:
•It is estimated that 60% of Canadian women have suffered from physical or psychological violence at some time in their life.
•In 2007, nearly 40,200 incidents of spousal violence were reported to police. This represents about 12% of all police-reported violent crime in Canada.
•Between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, approximately 101,000 women and children were admitted to 569 shelters in Canada.
We remember the 14 lives lost. And there are other numbers to remember:
•Every minute of every day, a woman or child is being sexually assaulted in Canada•Homicide is the Number 1 killer of women in the workplace
•Homicide of women by firearm has shrunk since gun control - from 144 in 1989 to 33 in 2006
•582 missing and murdered Aboriginal women (and counting)
•Women with disabilities are 1.5 to 10 times as likely to be abused as non-disabled women, depending on whether they live in the community or in institutions.
•Each week, 1 to 2 women are murdered by a current or former partner
•Up to 360,000 children in Canada are exposed to domestic violence every year
•Physical and sexual abuse costs Canada over $4 billion each year
We make a difference when we speak out against bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind.
We make a difference when unions raise the issue of violence at the bargaining table, or advocate for effective workplace violence legislation.
We make a difference when we raise strong, compassionate children.
We make a difference when we fight for women's equality and economic security.
Here are 14 actions you can take to help end violence against women:
1.Learn to recognize the signs of violence.
2.Don’t remain silent. If you suspect that a woman close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help.
3.Speak out against harassment, bullying and violence in your workplace.
4.Get training in violence prevention.
5.Be an ally to women and organizations who are working to end all forms of gender violence.
If happening in the workplace and Unionized, work with your union to:
1.Make sure your employer keeps information on shelters and supports for women experiencing violence readily available.
2.Negotiate a workplace violence prevention program which includes psychological harassment into your collective agreement.
3.Review your workplace violence program every December 6th.
4.If you live in a jurisdiction with Workplace Violence legislation, make sure your employer is in compliance. If you don't, advocate for legislation requiring employers to develop policies and programs to help prevent workplace violence and harassment, as well as take precautions to protect workers from domestic violence in the workplace.
Have the courage to look inward and work to:
1.Question your own attitudes and actions and work towards changing them.
2.Recognize and speak out against racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
3.Raise non-violent children. Help them find non-violent ways of resolving conflict. Lead by example.
4.Help the girls in your life develop confidence and strong self-esteem.
5.Encourage people who commit violence to seek counselling and support.
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hey Landlords, This Will Encourage You to Want That Multiplex
As you may or may not know, I am an advocate for women and children exercising their rights and opportunities to get ahead. I would like to explain this as I applaud the work that MPP Cheri DiNovo of Parkdale-Highpark does on their rights as well. Most especially because of her very humble and raw beginnings. Recently though, Cheri DiNovo, a female, NDP member of Parliament has done something that has totally struck a nerve.
She was a business owner and though her very private situation happened, it's not the case of everyone ** Perhaps she's taking things too far with a new Reading of a Bill to Parliament that just seemed to "slip by"
Landlords, as if things weren't tough already, read the Bill that somehow got under the radar: Bill 112, Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants' Rights), 2010
HTML Version
Here's the PDF
On September 16th: Cheri held a press conference at Queen’s Park calling for better tenants rights. Cheri is taking action on the bed bug issue by tabling a Private Member’s Bill calling for landlord licensing. On the panel were Kenn Hale from Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), Edward Lantz from Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and Carolyn Peters, a rental agent who was told that she had to show apartments that were known to be infested with bedbugs. The Bill also calls for real rent control, extending protection to more tenants and improving access to justice for tenants.
Is the same woman that said in a National Post Interview back in May:
"We're politicians, we're important. We make these laws for other people, who aren't so important." *source below
An outspoken critic of The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), Cheri has called for more affordable housing and action. Thankfully, she also calls for making amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. Here are some of the following:
214.1 (1) No landlord shall enter into a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units on or after the day section 22 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants’ Rights), 2010 comes into force unless the landlord has obtained a licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations.
(2) No landlord shall renew a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units that was entered into before the day section 22 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants’ Rights), 2010 comes into force unless the landlord has obtained a licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations.
Now, I agree bedbugs have become a problem (and I would also say because certain things have been banned so we're not able to eliminate them). So be advised they're also stipulating that they will not renew your license:
5) The Board shall not issue a licence to a landlord who, at the time of application, (a) has not complied with one or more of the terms set out in a work order given to the landlord under section 225 if the time period for compliance with the terms of the work order has expired; (b) has not complied with one or more of the terms and conditions of an order served on the landlord under section 15.2 of the Building Code Act, 1992 if the time period for compliance with the terms and conditions of the order has expired; or (c) is party to a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit that is, in the opinion of the Board and subject to the regulations, infested with bedbugs, cockroaches or other vermin, regardless of whether the presence of such vermin is the subject of an order under this or any other Act, if the landlord has not, in the opinion of the Board and subject to the regulations, made sufficient attempts to eliminate the vermin from the rental unit.Refusal to issue licence (
5) Subject to the regulations, if the Board intends to refuse to issue a licence to a landlord under subsection
(6), the Board shall give notice to the landlord of its intention to refuse and the landlord shall have an opportunity to make submissions to the Board.Renewal of licence
(7) A licence issued under this Part expires two years after the date of issue.
TO BREAK IT DOWN, HERE'S THE EXPLANATORY NOTE THEY PROVIDE:
The Bill makes several amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, including the following:
1. The Bill increases the time limit for most tenant and some landlord applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board from one to two years.
2. The Bill requires a landlord who terminates a tenancy for personal use to compensate the tenant and expands the circumstances in which a landlord is required to compensate a tenant if the landlord terminates a tenancy for the purpose of demolition or conversion to non-residential use.
3. The Bill prohibits a landlord from increasing the rent charged to a new tenant by more than the guideline and abolishes landlord applications to the Board for above guideline rent increases where there has been a significant increase in the cost of utilities.
4. The Bill requires that the Board dismiss an application from a landlord who has been given a work order under section 225 of the Act or an order under section 15.2 of the Building Code Act, 1992 and has not completed the items in the work order or the order.
5. The Bill requires a landlord to obtain a licence with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units in order to enter into a tenancy agreement or renew an existing tenancy agreement.
I agree there are some irresponsible Landlords out there but there are quite a few of us that are VERY responsible. To bring in rent control when costs to Landlords are already inundate with high costs would not bring in affordable housing and would do the total opposite if we have to spend more. We have the implementation of HST, rising taxes, assessments, utilities, etc
To Contact Your Local MPP, click here:
National Post Quote Source:
* http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/05/20/new-bicycling-law.aspx
** humble beginnings source: http://www.upwithwomen.com/Cheri.htm
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
She was a business owner and though her very private situation happened, it's not the case of everyone ** Perhaps she's taking things too far with a new Reading of a Bill to Parliament that just seemed to "slip by"
Landlords, as if things weren't tough already, read the Bill that somehow got under the radar: Bill 112, Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants' Rights), 2010
HTML Version
Here's the PDF
On September 16th: Cheri held a press conference at Queen’s Park calling for better tenants rights. Cheri is taking action on the bed bug issue by tabling a Private Member’s Bill calling for landlord licensing. On the panel were Kenn Hale from Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), Edward Lantz from Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and Carolyn Peters, a rental agent who was told that she had to show apartments that were known to be infested with bedbugs. The Bill also calls for real rent control, extending protection to more tenants and improving access to justice for tenants.
Is the same woman that said in a National Post Interview back in May:
"We're politicians, we're important. We make these laws for other people, who aren't so important." *source below
An outspoken critic of The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), Cheri has called for more affordable housing and action. Thankfully, she also calls for making amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. Here are some of the following:
214.1 (1) No landlord shall enter into a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units on or after the day section 22 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants’ Rights), 2010 comes into force unless the landlord has obtained a licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations.
(2) No landlord shall renew a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units that was entered into before the day section 22 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Tenants’ Rights), 2010 comes into force unless the landlord has obtained a licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations.
Now, I agree bedbugs have become a problem (and I would also say because certain things have been banned so we're not able to eliminate them). So be advised they're also stipulating that they will not renew your license:
5) The Board shall not issue a licence to a landlord who, at the time of application, (a) has not complied with one or more of the terms set out in a work order given to the landlord under section 225 if the time period for compliance with the terms of the work order has expired; (b) has not complied with one or more of the terms and conditions of an order served on the landlord under section 15.2 of the Building Code Act, 1992 if the time period for compliance with the terms and conditions of the order has expired; or (c) is party to a tenancy agreement with respect to a rental unit that is, in the opinion of the Board and subject to the regulations, infested with bedbugs, cockroaches or other vermin, regardless of whether the presence of such vermin is the subject of an order under this or any other Act, if the landlord has not, in the opinion of the Board and subject to the regulations, made sufficient attempts to eliminate the vermin from the rental unit.Refusal to issue licence (
5) Subject to the regulations, if the Board intends to refuse to issue a licence to a landlord under subsection
(6), the Board shall give notice to the landlord of its intention to refuse and the landlord shall have an opportunity to make submissions to the Board.Renewal of licence
(7) A licence issued under this Part expires two years after the date of issue.
TO BREAK IT DOWN, HERE'S THE EXPLANATORY NOTE THEY PROVIDE:
The Bill makes several amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, including the following:
1. The Bill increases the time limit for most tenant and some landlord applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board from one to two years.
2. The Bill requires a landlord who terminates a tenancy for personal use to compensate the tenant and expands the circumstances in which a landlord is required to compensate a tenant if the landlord terminates a tenancy for the purpose of demolition or conversion to non-residential use.
3. The Bill prohibits a landlord from increasing the rent charged to a new tenant by more than the guideline and abolishes landlord applications to the Board for above guideline rent increases where there has been a significant increase in the cost of utilities.
4. The Bill requires that the Board dismiss an application from a landlord who has been given a work order under section 225 of the Act or an order under section 15.2 of the Building Code Act, 1992 and has not completed the items in the work order or the order.
5. The Bill requires a landlord to obtain a licence with respect to a rental unit in a residential complex containing six or more rental units in order to enter into a tenancy agreement or renew an existing tenancy agreement.
I agree there are some irresponsible Landlords out there but there are quite a few of us that are VERY responsible. To bring in rent control when costs to Landlords are already inundate with high costs would not bring in affordable housing and would do the total opposite if we have to spend more. We have the implementation of HST, rising taxes, assessments, utilities, etc
To Contact Your Local MPP, click here:
National Post Quote Source:
* http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/05/20/new-bicycling-law.aspx
** humble beginnings source: http://www.upwithwomen.com/Cheri.htm
Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)