Authenticity

Words come to my mind when I think of my true calling, my authentic self: women, safety, travel, freedom, influence, affluence, invincibility, respect, standing up with, writing, creativity, love, gratitude, generosity, visualization, vibrant health, global purpose, family, soul sisters, connection, play, fun, abundance, meditation, loving kindness, vibration, embracing change, visionary, women holding hands around the world.

Authenticity is the action from the belief that I am doing what I am meant to do; from the unique constellation of my thoughts, experiences and intentions combined with my learning, knowledge and talents, fuel with my own creativity and injected with inspiration and social consciousness.

Some people are doing what they feel they must.  Perhaps droning on in the day to day life looking, searching and desiring deeper meaning; the deeper meaning is not “out there”, it is within.  I dive within to be with and discover my own authentic self; my life purpose and mission.  To make my internal yet global dream come true.  Reflection, insight, discovery, curiosity all bring me closer to understanding.

The work I am prepared to do is to motivate and inspire deeper connection to the global community; with people who are lost and searching, around people who have taken steps into darkness and in partnership with people who are keen to stretch past their comfort zone.  I believe my authentic self takes steps daily toward the purpose of my dreams.  Particularly for the safety and invincibility of women globally, I take profound focused action each day in the direction of my goals.  Some days I see how all my steps are necessary as I climb my Mt Everest.  Sometimes the path seems to veer off course, however, I know there is a path I must follow and as long as I continue to take the steps ever onward with the vision in mind and in my sights, I know my journey is true. 

As I get older and more intentional, much like as one would be as nearing the top of the mountain, the acute necessity that motivates my every day action is more intense.  The messages arising from the opportunities become clearer to me.

I swim in the pool of luxury provided by the words and experiences shared by other world travelers.  I enjoy and interpret and reflect upon those who are also taking steps daily to achieve their goals, designed in the heart of their authentic self.  Not to travel in the same steps, however, to use their learning as key information in taking my own. 

When successful and inspirational folk write of their journey to share their experience as part of their authentic journey, I get to benefit.  I am further advanced in my own journey and closer and closer to taking surer steps toward success.  I am so grateful for those who share their stories. 

I believe as this year winds up and the new dawn is just weeks away, I am pulled ever stronger toward the ultimate and urgent vision of my authentic self.  There is no time to waste and the days of wandering aimlessly are past.  I am intentional and I am driven.  I left my base camp over a year ago and I am climbing steady and stronger each day in the true north of my authentic global vision. 

Thank you all for being supporters in my journey.  You know who you are and I appreciate you.  From PamelaTravelBlog, with love.

Anticipation

Travel, freedom, perspective:  is travel about running from or toward something?  For me it is movement toward the past.  I am full of anticipation of my next trip, and the next: eager to learn and explore new vistas and have a variety of experiences.  I get to learn about myself in the process of exploration of times past. Travel is about time and focus, delight and anticipation, experience and perspective.

As I begin to prepare for my next journey, I also am aware that I am booked for a few vacations off in to the future:  November 10 to 17, 2013 to the Caribbean on the grandest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas; November 2014 on a small Viking River Cruise in France, wine country, round trip Bordeaux.  I am open to new travel opportunities in the meantime and in particular I am looking forward to cruising around the British Isles.  Opportunities to travel the South Pacific including Australia and New Zealand and a stop in Bora Bora and Papeete are also on my list of delights for the future.

In less than 2 weeks I will be en route to the travel destination I planned several months ago.  Since traveling on Cunard this past October, I can honestly say that the quality of service is the hallmark of this line.  None of the staff really stand out because all are top quality and provide for and anticipate the guest’s every need.  I want to experience that again and again.  Traveling this time with my partner, we will fly to New York City.  I have never been there and have read and watched on movies such exciting cites as the Empire State Building.  I want to see Central Park and I want to see the shows on Broadway.  I want to experience the lights and action that only NYC offers.

We will cruise on the beautiful legendary Queen Mary 2, as it departs NYC and transits the Atlantic to Southampton.  A day on solid land and then embarkation to the Cunard Queen Victoria on the first leg of a World Voyage back to NYC, and  then a few land days to explore the city sights and sounds and tastes.

A few more bucket list items successfully checked off my life agenda.  Open to the opportunities that come my way.  I am both a government employee and have been for more than 27 years, and a home based part time travel consultant.  I have the best of both worlds and enjoy the life that such experiences create for me.  I enjoy my passion filled work life and how it opens up the world to the sights and reflections that otherwise might allude me.  I invite the perspective of other travelers and enjoy their meeting as often as daily when I travel.  Dancing, painting, reading, relaxing and eating are just a few of the events each day will present to me on a cruise buffet.  I will reflect on insightful conversations with new friends, and enjoy laughs of comfort with my travel partner.  Truly this is a retreat at sea with a land package extraordinaire. 

My anticipation level is high, my packing is not yet begun and the season is upon us for shopping, gifting, receiving, celebrating, singing, and connecting.    My house is not very decorated but my heart is full of song for the season and loving wishes for my family and friends.  I love this time of year for how my soul soars and my heart sings and my mornings are full with anticipation.  I love my life and everyone who is in it. 

More another day.  I wish for you and yours a most joyous holiday season and the very best year yet coming at you!!

 

Fill the Jar With Love and other fluffness

On Facebook there is a great idea floating around to get a large jar. Every day in the new year to write something fabulous that happened that day; kindness, gratitude, fun, ah-hah moments, and loving thoughts that are noteworthy and add those notes to the jar. Then next year when it is time, New Years Eve, for example, review the notes and have memories of precious times all year. I am starting today! I am not waiting until a new year.  I likely won’t wait for next new years eve to read them either, I will read them when I want to feel the warmth of precious sweet spot memories.

When an idea is brilliant and speaks to the soul, there is no time better than the present to implement the idea. Making change in any life, in the thoughts that bubble around in our conscious mind, in our creative life; there is no better time than NOW!

I have a “fluff” file. I have several actually. One is paper file at my work at a youth custody center. When the youth or the practicum student or even sometimes from fellow staff, write to me in gratitude for something I did …. I keep the note, the card, the picture, the sentiment, the printed email, in a folder in my desk. When the day comes, and it does much too often, when something terrible happens to one of the kids, I pull out the file. I read the heartfelt loving words of gratitude and know that I make a difference in their lives.  My fluff file is a celebrated collection of wonderful young people who have touched my life as I touched theirs.

I have a fluff file designated on my work email site as well for love notes and happy inspirations from people who I have worked with and their wisdom and appreciation of me.  It is very powerful to just know it exists.

Years ago I spoke at a University class about my fluff file, and then one of the gals in the room wrote to me a long time after I had moved to Victoria.  She indicated that my words had so affected her, she decided to do her practicum in my old office.  While there, she discovered some of my old fluff file stuff left behind in my many moves … she packaged it all up and sent me a note in Victoria with cards and letters my own daughters had given me when I had worked there.  I was moved to tears on the receipt of these lovely gifts that day.  First, the email that something I did and said mattered so much to her, and secondly for her generosity to send me those valuable lost items important only to me.  My kids love me unconditionally and their gifts to me always bring tears of joy to me in the remembering.

However we collect these valuable life gifts, either in a journal, or photographs, drawings, paintings, words of encouragement, cards, quotes or love notes, they are the things that make life a joyful journey.

Today is a great day to invite a new chapter, an extra backpack on the climb to the top of my Mt Everest.  Today I begin making notes of gratitude and begin the new habit that will give me such joy.

When I get to the top, my own personal top of my mountain? Will your love note be in my secret vault or tucked away in my back pack of precious life-saving and life affirming messages?

Who and what messages will be in yours?

1,000 words a day

How is it that I know things and then when I need to recall them, they sometimes allude me?  Recently I wrote a very important exam for a career advancement opportunity.  Two days later, I wake up at 4:30 in the morning, bright wide awake, with the answer; with the words I had carefully memorized from weeks of study.  I had practiced, read and repeatedly reviewed for more than 2 weeks the information I needed for this exam.  Words I “forgot” to put on paper when the time came.  How is that possible?

The answer, I think is in the small daily changes every day.  Taking a list of changes I would like to embrace, and taking action toward achieving those goals.

For example, if memory is a critical skill needed for this particular career, or speed reading for accuracy; whatever the skill, there is an action, or several, that can be taken to improve results.  I must now take action toward my dreams.

Many are born and raised into families and experiences that already embrace some daily practices.  For example, stating positive affirmations all day; having a spiritual practice of gratitude and forward optimism and generosity; journaling and creativity as a form of learning; reading and learning as a lifelong practice.  These are a few of the possibilities that exist as a day to day routine for many.  I am aware that one of the unique characteristics for my family is change; moving; starting over; and creating new relationships.  I have this skill and continue with daily practice that is almost unconscious. 

New habit to learn: saving not spending money.  I tend to spend.  That would an old mantra that I will take daily action on to change my outcome.  I stay out of stores; I disconnect and unsubscribe to offers to “save” money on great deals.  I don’t walk in malls or downtown stores when I have a “free” minute.  My list of “don’t” activities is so much easier to create.  My action must be a “do” action.  I will have a mantra and positive affirmation for saving money for retirement and travel.  I prioritize my spending on family, travel, business opportunities, and some necessities like mortgage and insurance.  I don’t take money with me when I go out; or I take only limited cash, and leave the credit and debit cards at home.  I write down my goal for amount to save; daily, weekly, bi weekly, monthly, annually.  I record my progress and I celebrate my success until it is a habit like chewing my food, and breathing in and out.

Other new habits that might assist with my present situation for the search for new career include improving my memory and recall.  What is the latest research saying that works best?  What are the daily practices I can incorporate in to my life that can prepare me for that next interview or exam on my way to the top?  What affirmation can I state that will keep me on task and taking positive action each day in the direction of my dream?  Being ready for opportunities instead of waking up with regrets, is key to success.  Being ready by analyzing and researching, reflecting and being curious is my next step. 

Another new skill I want to examine and practice is the skill of writing.  I am a writer.  I write.  That being true, I am committed to practicing and being vulnerable in the skill of daily blogging and writing.  Finding my authentic story and putting it in print is critical to my writing goal.  I blog.  I write books.  I write.  Daily I will write 1000 words.  It is a priority and a daily practice that will likely help with the other goals I have; memory, creativity, authenticity, saving money, earning money, sharing wisdom with my children, family and friends and having a healthy, happy, productive life.

Go for GREAT

GO for GREAT”                                              (borrowed from so many great mentors)

I get up at 4:30 am daily.

I embrace the day with positive thoughts and goals.  I feel invincible!

I practice Ho’oponopono mantra, I love you, I am sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you

I live in Easy World, Breathe, Relax, Allow, Enjoy.

I step into Confidence, feel the rush of new day energy in all parts of my body.

I listen to my own voice reading my vision.  I record on iphone, play it back while getting ready.            My positive affirmations.  My WHY.  Description of my next year as the best year yet.  

What is my perfect 12 hour day?  I utilize all my senses, touch, smell, sight, sound and taste the details.

I practice self care and Gratitude Journal entries morning or night before bed. 

I keep lists of wants, desires, grateful, business partners, potential prospects, big dream items.

I focus on the ones who want to work with me, and love the rest.

I offer facebook entries, write a blog, share the pictures and notes from the Universe.

I enjoy at my Vision Board for pictures of my travel destinations, my business ideas, my automobile, my adventures, powerful action words, wealth, vibrant health, global purpose and other lifestyle images.

I create Story.  Write, paint, quilt, craft, inspire, revise, and believe the details. 

The thoughts I think today are my future realities.  I believe in myself and celebrate my magnificence.

I meditate as part of a global community.  We are all one and each one of us matters to each one of us.

I read inspirational books, listen to audible stories & books, motivational speakers.  I savour quotes.

Practice New Habits.  A small seemingly inconsequential shift of 1% every day makes 100% in 100 days.

I take steps, one at a time, with my eye on the goal, the vision and the big dream.  I reach the top.

Other people’s opinions are none of my business.  What matters is what I think and what I learn for me.

Today is the tomorrow I thought about yesterday.  Tomorrow is the result of what I think about today. 

I get plenty of rest, 6 to 9 hours, whatever is needed. 

I get to the weight I love and stay there.  Conscious eating and healthy choices keep me at my goal.

I dress for success.  I meet new people and respect the sweet spot of first impressions in relationship.

COMMITMENT

 

It can be a challenge to follow through and that is what it means to commit.  Through the days when the old patterns in the brain just want to go back to the way it once was.  Our WHY is what keeps us going in the direction we vision and taking the steady steps as we climb.

I am talking about meditation, for me.  I have started up meditation a few different times in my life, actually I am kind of embarrassed to mention how many times.  I listened to a podcast or something like that, with Oprah interviewing Deepak Chopra and he said he meditates every day, and has done for 40 years.  I listen to the wisdom that flows effortlessly from him.  I am sure it was not effortless 39 years and 350 days ago. 

The beginning of the commitment and the actual practice of change is where the effort must lie.  The vital steps begin here and start the clearing of a new path of thought and behavior.  New pathways in the brain begin.  We sometimes start and then abandon, let it rest and then go back to work on the project again.  I have a visual of clearing the brush for a new path through the forest.  I can go back there and find the evidence of my beginnings and can keep building.  The new path needs maintenance to remain clear and to become the new road of habit.

My commitment to self is to meditate daily: 5 or 10 and more minutes every day for 40 years.  I started the 21 day Challenge and am continuing with these powerful messages and times of relaxing, breathing and being one on my road to self peace and ultimately world peace.

Thank you for reading, and joining me on this journey.  For those of you who practice Ho’oponopono, “I love you; I am sorry; Please forgive me; Thank you”.

Goal setting exercise. My “why”

“do the thing and you will get the energy to do the thing”

I live my life each day as I would climb a mountain.  I glance at the summit with my goal in mind and enjoy the journey and scenes as I take steps.  I climb slowly, steadily and enjoy each passing moment.

I am happy, healthy and wealthy. I make decisions and achieve my goals.  I love myself unconditionally, just as I am.  I love me, I am sorry, I forgive me, and I am grateful and thank me.

I  reach my goal of assisting 10 Diamonds in Univera.

I assist thousands of people to have richer more full and vibrant lives.

I assist countless young people and children to live their dreams, and I am a role model for mothers and grandmothers everywhere.

I am a world traveler.  I walk on cobblestones older than imagination; I take pictures of doorways and windows all through Europe and other exotic places; I dine gluten free and healthy in local establishments; I sleep in different countries in comfortable, clean beds and I spend my money supporting local markets, stores and merchants; I support and assist women to hold hands around the world, in solidarity, respect and love.

I am generous to people in need.

I spend quality time holding the hearts and traveling with my grandchildren, telling stories and writing books.

I feel the heat on my face, and the cobblestones under my feet.  I feel the gentle squeeze of my grandson’s hand as we cross the ancient roadway and head down another foreign alley to explore.  I smell the fragrance of freshly ground coffee and baked goods, pizza and pasta, olive oil and red wine, candle wax and flowers freshly sprayed and warm in the morning sun.

I paint my surroundings with watercolors and gift the paintings to loved ones.  I write blogs and turn the words into ebooks combining my travel stories with those of other adventurous women everywhere.

I want this; I really want it.   This is a good reason to replace my old habits with new ones.  My reason to do what I know I have to do.  My “why”.

I refuse to accept anything less.  I achieve that which I believe.  I radiate confidence and assurance.  I expect success and I receive results.  I am aware of my unlimited potential and how to develop and utilize it.  I am prepared and chance favors my prepared mind.  I become what I think because thoughts become things.  I believe in me and I reach my goals.

I can travel anywhere on vacation and I travel everywhere.  I return to the Mediterranean every year to enjoy the streets and sounds of Italy, and I cruise among the Greek islands annually to taste the ripe olives, drink the crisp sweet white wine and savor the local feta cheese.  I enjoy the greenery of the south of France and relax in the countryside; I volunteer to pick grapes on a vineyard.  I take a safari in Africa with a group of women on an adventure tour.  I enjoy a walkabout in the outback of Australia and sail around New Zealand.  I go to New York every year to enjoy the best of Broadway and sail the Transatlantic on Cunard to Southampton where I catch a train or coach to London to see the royal sights.  I travel around the British Isles, discover the old world and explore my roots.

I explore Asia, the south Pacific, Hawaii, the old south of USA and Russia.  I walk Hadrian’s wall and spend days contemplating on the great wall of China.  I explore old places where women have walked before me and I gain strength and inspiration from those feelings of walking where my grandmothers have walked before me.  I am in awe always of the ancient ones.

I buy hats, jewelry and scarves from foreign marketplaces and I leave money in the communities I travel to.  I am always be dressed my best, knowing I am meeting new people and I respect the sweet spot in a new relationship, always making a remarkable memorable first impression.  I take pictures with my mind and I write stories.

I paint with watercolor of the alleys, bright buildings and colorful flower gardens hanging from window boxes.  I look up at the bright night sky and marvel at the number of women who stood in this same place and wished upon a star for their loved one.  I am one of them now.

I have a scooter type motor vehicle to enjoy on warm sunny days.  For serious driving I have my convertible BMW white automobile.  The stereo is adjusted to listen to country music on long drives and also to inspirational speakers who motivate me and help me to achieve great heights.

I have a motor home van vehicle to travel across the country with my grandchildren.  I drive across at least once a year on our summer vacation to swim ocean to ocean.  All my vehicles are convertible, lots of leg room and a fantastic sounding stereo.  As well for rainy days in town I love my bright white Fiat with a black soft roof.

My homes include my small condo in Victoria BC, one in Halifax NS and a hotel room in Hawaii on the beach on Kauai.  I have a nice villa in the Cinque Terre in Italy and when I am not there, it is home to a housekeeper and her family.  When I come there to stay, we share the space and enjoy our time leisurely.  I return every year to a vineyard in the south of France to volunteer to pick grapes and they have a guest house ready for my arrival for a few weeks every year.

I love to have that penthouse stateroom on a Cunard and Oceania ship so I can join the cruise anytime and anywhere that suits me.  When I am not using the stateroom, it is used for other passengers, so it does not sit empty.  It is fun to offer it to members of my team and to single parent family headed by women, who write brilliantly and get a chance to win the experience of luxury travel.    I love to have a guest home at West Bay Marina in Victoria for weekend enjoyment to stay over, and for my friends and family who drop by to see me in Victoria BC.

I hold Blue Diamond rank in Univera with unlimited earning potential.  I receive between $50,000 and $100,000 per month in income as well as have my BMW paid for including the fuel and other maintenance fees.  I receive 2% of the company profits which soar higher every year.  I spend every day in service and assistance to all the Diamond associates (at least 10) by hosting webex and phone calls or being there in person.  We all travel together when we can.    I travel twice a month to my teams to assist and inspire their businesses.  I travel on cruises and with large groups of 30 people each time I am on vacation, having booked them all in my travel business as well, having my trips paid for as a result.

All who travel with me are involved in Univera either as loyal customers or business associates.  I am assisting the global community with bringing the best of nature to human kind.  All enjoy vibrant health and wealth that assists them to do great work in the world to reduce poverty and suffering.

HerWay Travel is a house hold name brand globally and has a following of millions of readers and contributors.  It is bigger in scope and significance than National Geographic and Oprah.  I share the profits with many women writers and artists as we join hands and work together for world peace.

 

 

Why did I become a Travel Consultant?

Why did I start this business? 

First let me tell you a little about who I am and my background and then, if you are still reading, how I came to be a Travel Consultant. 

I was raised in a family of loyal employees.  My father a government worker in the Armed Forces and my mother employed at colleges and universities in administration and management.  I moved around a great deal and never really knew or understood anything about business.  Certainly not home based businesses, and also did not really know people who owned their own business. 

I became a loyal employee as well, starting out with the Canadian Forces myself, and then government employee as a Probation Officer for the past 27 years.  I have also learned and contracted in some research and then started and ran a women’s shelter, victim assistance program, followed by being a part time executive director of a large social service agency.  I understand contracting, and union employees.  I know about deadlines and pressure and tend to see myself “applying” for work instead of “making” my own business success. 

That is my background.  I have personal interests and success in quilting, jewelry making, watercolor painting, weight loss, walking and writing.  I tend to favor and gravitate toward a strong women’s community and am at my best when I am in my bliss.   

Travel has always been part of my life, growing up with frequent moves across the country of Canada as well as a year in Europe, Germany to be specific.  My family camped and traveled internationally all my life, and I continue to enjoy long drives as well as flights to just about anywhere. 

As I near the end of my career with government and I think about possible retirement, I think about how much left I have to do and see, and how I want to get that accomplished. 

A few years ago I was remarried and enjoyed my first cruise across the ocean and around the Hawaiian Islands.  I was hooked on my first cruise.  I began searching and researching with a fever.  I was part of a cruise with 13 women to Mexico and started a Women’s Travel Club.  Ideas of where I wanted to go next, and next and my bucket list continued to grow.  I discovered a love to travel with friends and family, the more the merrier! 

One day as I was searching the net, I stumbled on a picture that I must have seen many times without registering.  A women, confident and happy, sitting on a deck chair on a cruise ship, with a portable computer on her lap, obviously working and living her dream.  I remember the thought, as the words formed, “I could do that”.  “Could I do that?”.  I pushed the button to request more information, had an interview with a brilliant business man, Jeremy, owner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise in Victoria, BC Canada. 

He was enthusiastic and helpful, cautiously advising me that it may take a few years to really have a solid income doing this part time, from home.  I became a mobile travel consultant and have enjoyed immensely the journey from that date.  I have made it my work and purpose to travel all over the world, to fulfill my bucket list, and to help others do the same.   

I have also started another home based business to assist with financial commitment that goes along with travel and the goals I set for myself.  I travel on many different cruise lines, to many locations, and experience what I can of what there is.  I enjoy my meetup groups with women who also seek to travel.  I enjoy assisting and accompanying my family and friends to travel with me in a style that suits every budget and desire. 

I have found myself learning about doing business, by being in business.  I have much to learn and surround myself with brilliant business people and attend network opportunities to keep expanding my learning.  I take on line training and attend in person events when I can.  

The most significant learning takes place in the world, with people and in places I used to dream of and now have begun to experience. 

Thanks to all the lovely people in my life;  mentioned here and throughout my blog – who have joined my journey. 

Please add your comments to this blog, giving a testimonial or just letting me know you are here, with me, on the journey.

 Bon Voyage!

 

You can shop on my website 24/7 , this site is always open!!

Pamela MacDonald

 

DREAM Vacation Specialist /
Cruise and Vacation Consultant


Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Victoria  

 

http://www.og7tkr.com
DREAM vacations come to LIFE!!

With so many travel options out there, it can be overwhelming.  Price is what you pay, VALUE is what you get.  I find amazing experiences that exceed your desire but not your budget.  CONTACT me today.

 

My business is built on referrals from happy travelers!