The Power of Love & Laughter

T H E P O W E R O F Love & Laughter

Join us for a morning of fun, inspiration and empowerment on Saturday March 28 th 2020

SUSAN STEWART Comedian, Author & Inspirational Speaker Keynote Speaker

You Gotta Laugh: Healing Stress With Humour

Comedian Susan Stewart blends the wit and wisdom she’s known for with powerful messages about not taking life too seriously – especially in times of adversity and uncertainty.

In her stand-up comedy style, Susan shares ways to see the lighter side of life leaving everyone more uplifted and inspired to meet their challenges with a positive outlook, and of course, a sense of humour.

Susan is the author of “Reaching The Laugh Resort: Why The Journey To Remembering Who You (Really) Are Is Worth”. “The Jet Lag, Your New Lenses Are Ready For Pick Up: A Guide To Seeing The Lighter Side Of Life”, and “You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously”.

Eileen Baggs Author & Professional Speaker Rosita Hall Author & Professional Speaker Mistress of Ceremonies Woman w/ Passion & Purpose

Entrepreneur extraordinaire, Speaker, Coach & Canadian best-selling author Rosita Hall is a force to be reckoned with.

‘Rays of Light-Love, Life & Laughter”

She’s bold and she’s fierce. However those who know her best describe her as the Motivation Sensation with a BIG heart. She inspires others to walk unapologetically in their authentic truth each day, to care deeply for their hearts and souls and to seize the opportunities with their name on it.

Rosita holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor. She spent over 26 years in various leadership positions. She completed her Professional Speakers Designation from the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

For the past 20 years, she has been operating her own speaking and consulting business – Motivated Minds.

Rosita Hall RositaHall.com

Eileen is a Registered Nurse (Non-Practicing) and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in Sociology. She is also one of the founding members of Women with Passion and Purpose.

Eileen has completed her Professional Speakers Designation from the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

For over twenty years, as a counselor and speaker, Eileen built a reputation for bringing her audiences inspiring messages with warmth, sincerity and clarity.

She has written two books; ‘From My Mother’s Garden’ and ‘The Light that Shines Within’.

Eileen has been blessed with a happy marriage; three great sons and daughters-in-law; and ten enchanting grandchildren. She resides in Ancaster with her husband Doug.

Laughter The Power of

Being a comedian, I’m in the business of helping people see the lighter side of life.

I’m passionate about my work because given all the adversity we face and how often things don’t go according to plan, a sense of humour is crucial. Yeah, you gotta laugh because life is no fairy tale - if you lose your shoe at midnight, that just means you’re drunk.

Even though I’m a comedian, I know how easy it is to take things too seriously. What I mean by that is that I know how easy it is to take your negative thoughts too seriously. And what I mean by that is that I know how easy it is to get drawn into your negative thoughts and allow them to take over your brain and tip you into that downward spiral. Sure, there are many things in life that dare us to go down the rabbit hole. I don’t know about you, but I have thought about running away way more as an adult than I did as a kid.

Considering how easy it is to end up in the rabbit hole, the good news is that laughter can quickly change your trajectory and send you on an upward spiral. Laughter releases tension and triggers what’s called the “relaxation response” - your brain is flooded with endorphins which are naturally occurring hormones that leads you to feeling chilled out - think of it as a really cheap high. It’s true - science has proven that anytime you laugh or smile, your body releases these good feeling chemicals into your bloodstream that are normally very expensive and highly illegal.

Science has also proven that after the “relaxation response” has been triggered, your outlook and mindset follow suit which changes how you perceive and interpret your circumstances - things don’t appear as difficult or daunting as they once did. That’s the power of laughter - it can literally change your mind about the world around you.

I think it’s fair to say that resiliency is a hot topic these days and I strongly believe our level of resiliency (bouncing back after adversity) is profoundly determined by our willingness to recharge by simply doing

Susan presenting Keynote for the Healthy Families Division of Halton Region. Photo: Instagram @ susanistewart

things that lift our spirits. After life knocks you down, getting back up happens easier and faster by engaging in things that boost your mood and in turn, change your mind.

Bouncing back from adversity can also be a matter of being mindful of what you are consuming. I don’t think our diet just consists of what we eat - it consists of what we watch, what we read, and what we listen to. Consuming things that are funny are like quinoa and kale for your mind. Something else that science has proven is a relaxed, positive mindset improves the overall function of your brain, enhances creativity, and improves your ability to learn while tension decreases all those things.

There is also a great deal of talk about balance in our lives and there is healing power in balancing the heaviness of life with levity. When facing adversity or uncertainty, that is an important time to watch comedies, do things that bring you joy, and surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Did you know there are female penguins who trade sex for nice rocks? The next time you’re stressed out, just remember hooker penguins exist. Now, that’s funny.

Susan Stewart is a comedian, speaker, and author of Reaching The Laugh Resort: Why The Journey To Remembering Who You (Really) Are Is Worth The Jet Lag, Your New Lenses Are Ready For Pick Up: A Guide To Seeing The Lighter Side Of Life, and You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously.

You can learn more about Susan at susanstewart.ca

Zahra Karamy Panelist

Zahra is a long-time resident of both Hamilton and Ancaster.

Zahra’s entrepreneurial spirit and a strong background in business has led her to a rewarding career in real estate.

She is an award winner of Homelife Professional Realty Inc. As the owner of several businesses over the past 20 years, Zahra has developed the expertise in sales and marketing. This along with her ability for developing strong relationships with her clients has now led her to a successful career as a real estate professional.

Zahra has the essential skills in helping customers and clients achieve their real estate goals. She believes firmly in giving back to the community.

Zahra Karamy HomeLife.ca/Zahra-Karamy

Nicole Odelle Morrison Inspirational Speaker

“I Crack Me Up!”.

Nicole is a Teacher of Love. As a Social Worker, Master Hypnotherapist, and Energy Practitioner Nicole has helped many, with a special focus on adolescents, to recognize the truth of who they are – love, whole, and good enough. One of Nicole’s greatest passions is being on stage and teaching others to trust themselves and to recognize the wisdom that is present within them. Nicole recognizes that self-love is the ultimate healer and that humour is one of the easiest ways to return to the Love Frequency.

Nicole has written part of her journey of moving from fear to love in an anthology of women’s stories. She is currently writing a book that expands upon these teachings.

Inspired Counselling InspiredCounselling.ca

S tay Tuned! for our upcoming 6 th annual conference

Our annual conference grows each year, attracting and bringing together an incredibly inspiring community of Women with Passion and Purpose. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to sharing our theme for 2021, so please stay tuned... further details about date and our fabulous lineup of speakers - coming soon !

To learn more about our Toyota new and used vehicles, talk to

Debbie Askew Leasing Manager

Pinnacle Award Recipient

(905) 648-9910 daskew@ancaster.toyota.ca

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30 Mason Dr Ancaster, ON

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JEssica Opoku Inspirational Dynamic Speaker

” Love: To Be Determined!”

Jessica Opoku is the Spokesperson and a Founder of Women with Passion and Purpose. She is the 2018 Inspirational Speaker of the year for Speaker Slam - Canada’s Premier Inspirational Speaking Competition. As a dynamic speaker and speaking coach, she’s known to many as “Jess with the dynamic voice”.

She captivates and inspires people to ignite and restore that ‘never give up attitude...it’s in you! as you face change.

She understands her 9 to 5 enables her to live out her after 5 passion; and that is to speak and to inspire.

By faith she’s leaving footprints in community and impacting lives, one connection at a time.

JesSpeaks JessicaOpoku.com

Carolyne Rashford Professional Speaker & Coach

Fifteen years ago, Carolyne recognized that she wanted to pursue her dream to motivate and inspire others.

She understood that her experiences as a police officer, working mother and first-generation immigrant afforded her a unique perspective.

It is this diverse viewpoint that Carolyne calls upon to connect with her audience.

Carolyne’s passion lies in sharing lessons of selfempowerment and self-care. She credits her mother with providing everyday examples of strength, perseverance and a faith-based life.

Carolyne believes that each of us possess unique gifts which in turn create our ‘inner genius’. Our life’s journey is to discover these gifts, master them and share them with the world.

Carolyne encourages participants to ‘Learn, live and share.’

Carolyne Rashford StrengthInMe.com

ON TIME. ON BUDGET.

Get experts that can handle the demands and challenges of any project

1250 Stone Church Rd East Hamilton, Ontario 905.388.9330

The Kindred Spirits, part of the Women with Passion and Purpose’s community outreach program, takes part in community service activities throughout the year.

Kindred Spirits

Thrive Child and Youth Trauma Service

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Leaving aFootprint MagazinE • issue 03 • 2020 Women with Passion and Purpose are pleased to have been able to raise $8,000 for THRIVE Child and Youth Traume Services in 2019 as our Charity of Choice. We believe thriving children create thriving communities. To that end, we focus on a community-wide response to childhood trauma that combines excellence in treatment, state-of-the-art education, and community oriented prevention initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of child maltreatment and promoting the safe and healthy development of children. An ongoing project, we collect snacks for children who access THRIVE for their services , such as fruit, drink boxes, crackers, cheese, and easily consumed foods. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like to contributee to this great cause, please visit THRIVE online. P: (905) 523-1020 E:info@thrivechildandyouth.ca (ext. 210) thrivechildandyouth.ca A continuing project from Spring to Fall, Kindred Spirits collects donations to fill mugs or blessing bags for the homeless & less fortunate of downtown Hamilton. Blessing bags may contain hygiene products, snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottle of water, grooming supplies, gift cards and other items that people who live on the street find useful. They are delivered to people on the street and to shelters. If you would like to contribute items, reach out to Cathy Tweedle. catheytweedle@gmail.com Blessing bags & Travel Mugs

Positive Image Spa Days

Tyme4dinner Mark Preece Family House Meals

An evening spa day for women who are less fortunate at the Native Women’s Centre and Honoring the Circle.

Spa days may include facials, nails, eyebrow waxing, hair care/cuts and clothing suggestions to enhance their body.

Through donations we provide them with stylish, classy tops, sweaters, dresses, scarves and jewelry.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Elaine Hamstra:

ehamstra27@gmail.com

The Mark Preece Family house is a caring place to call home for families of patients in Hamilton area hospitals.

The Mark Preece Family house is a caring place to call home for families of patients in Hamilton area hospitals.

The Kindred Spirits volunteer their time to prepare and serve home-cooked meals for those families in residence.

If you would like to join us, dates are now being considered for the next meal preparation – at least 4-5 volunteers are needed .

Our goal is to volunteer for creating these meals at least four times per year. To learn more or to apply, please contact:

Francesca Maiolo francesca.maiolo@ manulifesecurities.ca

Footprints of faith award

Congratulations

2019 Award Winners

Proud to support Women with Passion and Purpose

Claire Freeman Kathy Wrench

Julie Mc Taggart BScPT REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST

►►► LIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPY SPECIALIZED REHAB BACK CARE TMJ PELVIC FLOOR VESTIBULAR CONCUSSION

875 Main St. West #4, Hamilton L8S 4P9 T: 905.577.0098 E: hamilton-main@lifemark.ca WWW.LIFEMARK.CA

A very special thank you to Ancaster Jewellers for their amazing contribution of a ladies T1 Sento sterling silver, & cubic fashion ring. This kind donation is for our raffle ticket draw and will go to some happy woman who buys the lucky ticket at our conference, all in support of raising funds for Diabetes Canada: Diabetic Camp for Children. Thank you, Ancaster Jewellers, for your generosity!

Cindy Bourassa Senior Private Banker cindy.bourassa@td.com

Ruby Hudecki Senior Account Manager ruby.hudecki@td.com

100 King Street West, 4th Floor Hamilton, Ontario