Resilient Women Magazine: Happy Holidays

read on page 12

Sylvia O’Connor is an author and motivational speaker who passionately and powerfully shares her “gift of goodbye and the gift of moving on.” She gave up a 30+ year career in health care to pursue her mission of helping others.

From

Chief Editor

EDITOR'S LETTER

The chilly weather, spiked with the aroma of hot apple cider and sweetened with delectably delicious delights of the palate, marks the undeniable characteristics of this special season.

What a year it has been... I can't believe it is already December! As you get comfy in your warm winter sweater, covered up with blankets, while drinking tea or coffee or sipping a mimosa, I hope you also cozy up with this issue of Resilient Women Magazine and take some time to unwind as you read about local women and be encouraged by the stories of resiliency and empowerment.

This issue we feature the amazing Sylvia O’Connor who helps us embrace the gift of moving on and Antonia Banewicz who shares tips on how to be happy this season. You'll be inspired by the story of Kim Hayden, from Kansas to Canada, a story of resilience, growth, and the willingness to embrace change.

We want every woman to see herself in the stories and know that there is so much support in the hive to give you all the motivation you need to get out there and start leading the life you want.

As we call 2022 to an end and welcome 2023, it is my wish for you to receive abundantly the blessings of the season as you focus on what is nearest and dearest to your heart loving service to family, friends, neighbours and community.

Design and layout: Muse Digital Design Co,

Julie Haskill

LISTEN UP: in Dec & Jan

Join the conversation live on Tuesdays! Kim Talks LIVE with guests on podcasts Kim Talks Resilience and 500 Doors Real Estate. Find the livestream on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Guest Date Time

Susie Bills Dec 5 2022 12:30PM MST Susie's mission is to help people build a business and life they love, that they can run there business from anywhere in the world, whether that be from their kitchen table or a beach in Bali.

Khierstyn Ross Dec 7 2022 2PM MST Khierstyn is an e-commerce strategist that specializes in fast, early-stage growth for online physical product brands using Shopify and Kickstarter.

Celie Barsby Dec 12 2022 9AM MST Celia creates a safe space for women seeking inner joy and connection to their own wisdom. Find your passion for living in creative flow with the Universe and recalibrate your life so that it becomes vibrant and magical, full of self-discovery and purpose.

Karen Teller Dec 14 2022 9AM MST With over three decades in a male-dominated manufacturing industry, Karen has frontline experience in industries slow to accept and appreciate the talents and skills of women.

Emily Gold Dec 19 2022 7PM MST Emily Gold Mears is a citizen scientist, biohacker, research analyst and health activist. She is the author of Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease.

Stephanie Olson Dec 21 2022 9AM MST As a woman of colour, a survivor of domestic and sexual violence, and an accomplished CEO, Stephanie brings lived experience, research, and humour to help take teams to the next level.

Michele Blood Dec 26 2022 9AM MST Michele was a rock singer in Australia and after a near fatal car accident, she created positive Affirmation Songs which not only healed her body but also took her to worldwide success.

Michaela Canterbury Dec 28 2022 7PM MST Michaela is a lawyer, writer and author who recently released Sister Siren, A Non-Fiction About Addiction - A Field Guide On How To Love an Addict that shot to #1 hot new release on Amazon.

Anne-Marie Flinn January 2 2023 9AM MST For over 30 years, Ann-Marie has been an authority on creating optimum performance, greater productivity and higher prosperity by implementing a Champion mindset.

IGNORING YOUR BRANDING IS HURTING YOUR BUSINESS

BY ANGELA MERZIB

Gone are the days of “if you build it, they will come” in business. There is immense competition in every industry and if you haven’t considered building a strong brand for your business, you’re missing out!

But isn’t my brand just my logo? Nope. It’s so much more Simply put, your brand is everything!

A brand is the sum of people’s perception of a company’s service, advertising, communication, reputation & differentiation among its competitors that results in a customer’s decision to purchase one product/service over another. In order to have a healthy brand all of these parts have to work together cohesively.

Branding is NOT just creating a logo or byline statement or a symbol. It is the creation of an experience that will make the customer want more and more of your brand.

This experience is rooted in everything your business does in order to create strong positive emotions, something that can lead the customer to trust and become loyal to it regardless of price or convenience.

So, why should you make this effort? Why not just make a pretty logo and a website and be done with it?

Well, the strength, or lack thereof, of your brand may be hurting your business and not getting you the results you’re after. Your brand may be missing some or all of the key ingredients listed below.

1. YOU'RE NOT MEMORABLE

It's hard to remember a company with a generic name, purpose and business focus. And why would you hire a company if you couldn't tell what they did and who they did it for?

Branding your business ensures consumers will know what you're all about, who you’re for and what they will get. Knowing what you stand for can help you stand out.

Some of the key questions we ask our clients to help differentiate them are: What do you stand for? What do you stand against? What makes you “talkaboutable?” What do you offer that your customers can’t get anywhere else?

If you’ve never taken the time to answer these questions for your business you will have a forgettable brand that will get washed away in the sea of sameness.

2. YOU HAVEN’T BUILT TRUST

The fact is, people build close bonds with brands they like and that fit who they are or who they want to be.

Consumers want to do business with brands they trust and identify with. So, your business should have an identity that your customers can cling to. Your brand is much bigger than just what you do as a company. What you do or how you do it may change over time but why you do it will stay consistent, and people buy why you do what you do.

When correctly developed your brand reveals and reflects your values and beliefs with your customers which creates an emotional connection with them that inspires loyalty and advocacy.

This has to flow from what the company truly is at its core. Customers are savvy and can tell when your values are forced or misaligned with the way you’re representing yourself — you have to be genuine.

The best known and most successful brands exist for reasons that go beyond making money and they do a great job of showing who they are.

So what is the deeper reason your company exists? What values does your company hold that if they were to stop, the whole business would cease to exist?

3. YOU’RE INCONSISTENT & THEREFORE UNKNOWN

If you line up your website, brochure, facebook ads and business cards nothing looks the same. The fonts, colors and overall look and feel are all over the place.

How is anyone supposed to know these are all you or remember you when you look different each time you show up?

You want the people who have not done business with you to know who you are and what you do each time they see your business represented in your marketing.

This is where consistency is key, your audience should be able to cover up your logo from your ads and still know it’s you.

The consistency in brand recognition will ensure that when the time comes that they need your product or service, your company will be the first to come to mind.

4. YOU’RE

NOT

RELATABLE AND HUMAN Just like in our relationships, people connect with brands they know, like and trust.

Steve Jobs talked about a product more like a person than like a product.

When he introduced a new product like the iPad, he said “You can do this with iPad.” Not “You can do this with AN iPad.”

Companies like Geico have developed a gekko character to make them more connect worthy. Hotels.com has Captain Obvious for the same reason.

Characters are intended to help their audience connect with the brand. Human properties bring a high level of attraction and loyalty to a brand.

Ok, so you don’t need to go renting a mascot suit for your business but do think about how you can create a brand experience with personality.

People relate to people, not things, and since your customers are people, your brand needs to relate to them on a human level.

How are you communicating on your website, social media and marketing materials? Put away the corporate speak and industry jargon in favor of a more conversational language and you will see clients respond favourably.

5. YOU HAVE NO DISCERNABLE REPUTATION

Consumers pay for image and status. They are constantly asking themselves “If I buy this, what does that say about me?” “How will this elevate or lower my status.”

Status isn’t always linked to material possessions either. If by doing business with you your client receives a positive transformation, that’s a status elevating event they want to experience.

Remember back in the early 2000s when you saw someone on the subway that was proudly wearing those iconic white headphones, you knew they had an iPhone and you thought that was pretty snazzy and wanted to be cool like them.

Furthermore, you would pay whatever price they were charging to get them! (These days the equivalent would be wireless airpods).

If people only want one brand of a particular product or service, they are willing to pay a higher price. When you have a strong brand with a superior image you are essentially competition-proofing your business!

6. YOU’RE TRYING TO BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE

When I ask clients who their ideal customers are I usually get very vague answers. They may as well be saying “Anyone with a heartbeat and a wallet.”

Well, unfortunately that isn’t going to get you very far in business these days. Just like in life, in business, you can’t try to be all things to all people.

If you haven't decided just who your product or service is for then you risk sounding too generic in your marketing and not appealing to anyone at all!

Seth Godin wisely proclaims that “A brand that stands for everything stands for nothing much at all.” And he is correct!

The most successful and differentiated brands are able to answer these five questions: Who am i?

What do I do? How do I do it uniquely in the marketplace? Who do I do it for?

Why should they care?

A company that tries to serve everyone is really serving no one and risks becoming obsolete. (Remember Sears, Radio Shack and Kodak?)

By establishing your ideal audience you ensure that your marketing is more focused and targeted.

This means you can speak to and target a specific group of people in their voice, tone and language whose problems you are familiar with rather than shouting at everyone in a generic way and hoping something will land.

It’s the difference between shooting a sniper rifle vs. a shotgun.

A strong brand has incredible power. Every day for a business is a battle for your customers' attention. Strong branding can help you win that battle and not fall behind the pack.

If you consider the points above and start strengthening your brand, you’ll create a preference in your customer’s mind, make brand advocates, and be able to charge a premium for your products or services.

Cha-ching! That’s the power of a strong brand!

What brand signals are you putting out there?

Connect with Angela LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelamerzib Website: beboldbranding.ca

NEW YEARS EVE HAYSTACKS

INGREDIENTS

Chow mein noodles

Cocktail peanuts

Bright white candy melts

Light cocoa candy melts

Colour mist — in silver and/or gold Gold & silver sugar crystals & ball sprinkles Gold star sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

Gently combine together the cocktail peanuts and chow mein noodles in a mixing bowl.

In a candy melting pot or double boiler, melt the white chocolate candy melts over low/medium heat, stirring occasionally. When completely melted, remove from heat and allow to cool for about 1 minute. Pour the melted white chocolate on top of the peanuts and noodles and gently toss to coat them completely.

Scoop the mixture into small “haystacks” (mounds) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is easiest to do with the use of two soup spoons — one to scoop the mixture and another to help slide the mixture onto the baking sheet. Ensure that all the noodles and peanuts are touching – if a peanut or noodle falls away from the mixture, just push or place it back so it’s touching the haystack.

Lightly spray each haystack with the colour mist sprays in gold or silver.

In a small microwave bowl, microwave the cocoa candy melts for about 45 seconds (can vary based on your microwave). Stir until completely melted and smooth. With a small spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate on top of each haystack.

Immediately sprinkle each New Years Eve Haystack decorations such as gold or silver candy balls, sugar sprinkles, and gold star sprinkles. These treats look great on a dessert table at a New Year Eve party, but they are just as perfect for a quiet New Years Eve at home. Treat yourself while you wait for the clock to strike midnight!

THE GIFT OF GOODBYE

BY SYLVIA O’CONNOR

Sylvia O’Connor has a Master of Science degree in administration and served as an adjunct professor at Davenport University in Michigan for five years. As a whistleblower, she won a large financial settlement for exposing financial fraud. After spending 30 years in health care, she is now a self-employed motivational speaker who specializes in discussing the art of moving on.

I grew up in Louisiana. I am the youngest of five siblings. My moving on journey started when I left my home, southern home in Louisiana after I graduated from high school to seek a better life up north.

I grew up in poverty, but I knew I would not remain in poverty. My aunt, in her love and care, she assisted me financially, and I ended up being the first in my family to graduate from college and high school. And now I'm a very successful person thanks to my aunt's advice.

I just knew that I would not remain in poverty. My aunt would come and visit us every year, and she would ask us, all of the siblings, to move to Michigan.

She said it was such better opportunities. None of them wanted to do it. And I had to move out of my comfort zone. And that's what made me realize in order to do something better, sometimes you just have to move out of your comfort zone. I left my family, my friends, to move to a whole new place, cold weather and everything.

Later in life, after working in the heakthcare industry for 30 years, I felt that I was at a dead end and that I wanted to leave and was afraid to leave. And then I realized I read a quote about failure. Failure is a part of life, but getting up and moving on is what you must do. And that encouraged me. And a scripture came to mind that God said he would do a new thing, and in order to get something new done, you have to just get past what happened in the past.

Let’s face it: change is hard. Letting go even more so. Especially when tied to life-changing events such as breaking up a long-term relationship or losing a job.

There are many people who have never overcome a certain change (or loss) in their lives and are still living in the past or being depressed about what has happened to them. If you do that, you might lose valuable lifetime, waste energy, or even miss new opportunities.

What can you do to avoid the ”dwelling-in-thepast” trap?

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

~Winston Churchill

To understand our options, we first have to look at the nature of change. A model that is often used in the business world is called “the change curve” by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Very simplified, there are four stages of change: shock, anger, acceptance, and moving on.

STAGE 1:

SHOCK/DENIAL

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” ~Steve Maraboli

What happens: you are confronted with a new situation. Your husband/wife/partner walked out on you. Your boss told you that you are no longer needed. It sucks. You might deny what has happened to you. You don’t want to accept it. You might tell yourself that there is a chance to work things out, but in your heart, you know that this is BS.

What can you do?

This stage sucks, but there is one thing that can help to make it easier: try to gather as much information as possible. What are the reasons for the situation you are in? Try to work with facts, because facts can help to take the emotions out of the analysis. Ask questions. Try to understand the other side.

I know this sounds great in theory but might be tricky in reality. You don’t have to be perfect. Just try.

However, it’s also important to mourn. Be truthful and honest with yourself. What are the feelings that hurt the most? Are you disappointed? Are you sad? Or is it just wounded pride?

Try to journal these thoughts. In hindsight, a challenging situation can fruitful or ignite your creative potential, so make sure you “use” them to your advantage.

What NOT to do:

Numbing your feelings with alcohol, drugs or certain behaviors such as over-working, overeating, etc. might make you feel better short-term, but will create additional issues in the long-run. Don’t fight your feelings, feel them!

STAGE

2: ANGER

Projecting vulnerable feelings onto others causes more problems than it solves

~Leon

F Seltzer Ph.D

After you have realized that the situation is the reality and that there is no hope to get back to where you have been before, you might be scared of what lies ahead of you. Fear makes you vulnerable.

You might also feel disregarded, devalued, and rejected. All these feelings can trigger anger towards the person that pushed you into the situation. It’s often easier to be defensive than to feel guilty or ashamed.

What can you do?

The approach is very similar as in stage 1. Create transparency on what you feel and why. Also, try to see the bigger picture and your role in it.

It takes two to tango. Maybe the person that has left you grew out of the relationship or had issues to work on? It’s never all one person’s fault.

The more objectively you analyze the situation, the easier it will be to stop blaming and reacting.

What NOT to do:

Picking fights is not the smartest thing if you are in a battle that’s already lost. Even if you have been treated unfairly, being angry will just make you more isolated and hurt.

STAGE 3: ACCEPTANCE

Once you have overcome the “anger zone,” you can make peace with the new situation. Now your learnings

from stages 1 and 2 will be helpful in understanding why things have happened the way they happened, which can give you some ideas on what to avoid in the future.

This is the time to come up with options and scenarios for your future.

However, instead of rushing in the next job, relationship, etc. try to define a long-term vision for your future. Where do you want to go? Who do you want to be? What are you willing to sacrifice to get there?

What to do?

Reflect on your past using your insights from stages 1 and 2. Create a vision for your future self. Where do you want to be in 5, 10 years from now? What are the steps that could get you there? Make a plan and get excited about it.

What NOT to do: Putting pressure on yourself will backfire. The old saying “If one door closes, another door opens” is now more valid than ever. Be careful, which door you will choose.

STAGE 4: MOVING ON

You made it. You are in a new — hopefully, better — place. Enjoy the new situation, but allow yourself some time to get used to everything and make mistakes. Be proud of yourself. Not everybody makes it to Stage 4. It takes courage and sacrifice.

Connect with Sylvia Website: sylvia-oconnor.com

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AND STAY HAPPY BEYOND ‘BLUE MONDAY’

BY ANTONIA BANEWICZ

Antonia Banewicz is a happiness

coach who helps people who are struggling to feel better about their days. She has over 20 years of training and corporate teaching experience, and she uses the Science of Happiness principles to help her clients find more fulfillment in their lives.

The third Monday of January is not the most depressing day of the year, according to mental health professionals — despite what others might have you believe.

It was dubbed “Blue Monday” in 2015 by a travel company that wanted to encourage people to book winter escapes.

But it could be argued that people do have reason to feel a little blue this time of year. For one, the high of the holidays has worn off and been replaced by the harsh reality of your Christmas spending (and eating). Being in the depths of winter with seemingly no end in sight also doesn’t help.

Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to get through the slump and in general, start 2023 with a happier mindset.

CHOOSE HAPPY

You can choose to be happy, no matter what is happening in your life. This is a choice that you make each and every day. You can either focus on the negative or the positive. If you focus on the negative, you will continue to feel negative emotions. However, if you focus on the positive, you will start to feel better. Some of the benefits? Improved brain functioning, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, better attention and focus, reduced anxiety levels, and greater feelings of calm and connectedness.

GET SOME SUNSHINE

One of the main reasons people experience low mood and energy levels in the winter is because of reduced exposure to natural light. Sunlight has a big impact on your physical and mental health. Spending time in the sun will increase vitamin D, melatonin, and serotonin levels, which all are important for helping support mood. This is why going outside to soak in the sun is so important. If you have lots of windows in your home, making sure you get enough sun today will be easy. Minto Communities’ North Oak condos at Oakvillage feature biophilic design principles that allow for ample natural light, which helps to boost

mood and energy and support residents’ psychological health. Another great way to take in more natural light on those darker days is with a light therapy lamp, which mimics outdoor light.

TRY TO BE GRATEFUL EVERY DAY

The holidays are usually the time we all focus on giving thanks and taking note of what we're grateful for - but daily gratitude practice - all year long - can be beneficial to your emotional health and wellbeing. One way to focus on the positive is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things that you are grateful for. This can be something as simple as the sun shining or your coffee being just the way you like it. Focusing on the positive things in your life will help you to feel happier overall. Doing this gratitude exercise for 21 days has been shown to change high level pessimists into low level optimists, and can help you to see the positive in your life even on tough days.

MEDITATE ON IT

In addition to journaling, another great way to incorporate more gratitude into your life is through mindfulness meditation and using that dedicated time to focus on what you're grateful for in your present moment.

This can be done by focusing on your breath and saying to yourself "I am grateful for..." with each inhale and exhale. You can start with three things you are grateful for, and then increase the number as you become more comfortable with the practice. Doing this gratitude meditation for just a few minutes each day can help to increase your overall levels of happiness.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND THEN OF OTHERS

People who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem and be happier. But how can you help others if you don't take care of yourself first? Get your life in order, get your needs met, and then start helping others. From a simple compliment to giving an old neighbour help with their shopping, giving back makes us feel good.

Regardless of how small the gesture, making someone else’s day brings meaning to our lives – one of the secrets of happiness.

GO FOR A WALK

Although it may be cold outside, you may want to try going for a walk to improve your mood. Even just a 15 minute stroll outside can do wonders to cheer you up. Walking is a great way to get in some light exercise and increase blood flow to the brain. As a bonus, getting some fresh air and spending time outside will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

MOVE YOUR BODY

We all know that regular exercise helps to support mental health. When you exercise, the body releases endorphins, which are known as the happiness hormones, so try to set aside time today to take an online fitness or yoga class. That being said, moving your body doesn’t necessarily have to mean working out. If you don’t feel like working out today, you can even turn on your favourite tunes and have a dance party at home. Any form of physical activity that gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing will also help boost your mood.

CALL A LOVED ONE

If there’s anything that these past few years have taught us, it’s the power of connection. Social connection greatly affects well-being, so when you’re feeling isolated and alone, one of the best things you can do is lean on someone you love.

Saying what’s on your mind and talking about your feelings with someone you trust will make you feel supported and understood. Chances are a friend or family member may also be feeling down in the dumps today as well and appreciate your call just as much.

MAKE A VISION BOARD

The new year is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and set goals for your health and happiness. Making a vision board is a fun way to set these intentions and visualize your hopes and dreams. Vision boards will also give you something to look forward to when you’re feeling down. Once you’re done with your vision board, you can put it up somewhere noticeable or set it as your phone background to act as a positive reminder of what you’re working towards.

DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY

Too often, the demands of our work lead us to prioritize work over things we actually enjoy doing, which can slowly degrade your day-to-day happiness and life satisfaction. Taking the time to reconnect with what you enjoy can improve your outlook.This can be anything from spending time with loved ones to doing something you enjoy, such as reading, hiking, or painting. Build in little things throughout your week you sincerely enjoy like stopping at your favourite coffee shop on your way to work, grabbing sushi for your lunch break, or taking a group workout class.

Happiness is a habit, and it takes consistent effort to be happier. Just doing one of these things once won’t cut it. But even if you only pick one of these tips and do it repeatedly, you will see results and avoid the blues on both Blue Monday and beyond.

Connect with Antonia Website: brighterbetterdays.com Instagram: instagram.com/brighter_better_days Facebook: fb.com/brighterbetterdays

NEW YEAR'S TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Chances are, you're familiar with the most popular New Year's traditions: kissing at midnight, making resolutions, and watching the ball drop in Times Square. New Years is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start the year off than by learning about some of the different ways that people around the world celebrate this special occasion.

From feasting on lucky foods to participating in wacky customs, there's no shortage of traditions to choose from. So, whether you're looking for some New Years inspiration or just curious to know how others celebrate, read on for a glimpse into how people ring in the new year all across the globe.

But did you know that New Year's is celebrated differently in other countries? In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most interesting New Year's customs from around the world. Chances are, you'll never look at your own celebration in quite the same way again!

So, whether you're looking for some new ideas to add to your own celebration or just curious about how other cultures ring in the new year, read on!

In Scotland, Hogmanay is the name of the New Year's Eve celebration. And there are a few traditions associated with Hogmanay that may seem a bit strange to outsiders. For example, one tradition is called "firstfooting." This involves going to a neighbor's house immediately after midnight and being the first person to cross their threshold in the new year. The purpose of first-footing is to bring good luck to the household for the year ahead. To that end, it's considered good luck if the first-footer is a tall, dark-haired man carrying a lump of coal, a piece of bread, or a bottle of whisky.

One popular Japanese New Year's tradition is called Otoshidama, which translates literally to "money gift." On New Year's Day, children receive small envelopes filled with money from their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. The amount of money varies depending on the relationship between the child and giver—but it always comes in odd numbers because even numbers are associated with death ... Yikes!

In Greece, people smash plates on their friend's and neighbor's doors. I think in Greece they just like to break a lot of dishes no matter what time of year. The belief is that the more noise you make, the more luck you'll have in the new year.

In Ireland, people believe that if you sit in silence at midnight on New Year's Eve, you'll be able to hear far-off footsteps. These footsteps are thought to belong to either a loved one who has passed away or to future spouse.

In Italy, people give each other gifts of colorful underwear on New Year's Eve. It is said that wearing red underwear will bring good luck with love in the new year, while yellow underwear will bring good luck with money.

In Latvia, girls write their names on pieces of paper and put them under their pillows before they go to sleep on New Year's Eve. It is said that whichever boy's name appears in their dreams will be their future husband.

In Puerto Rico, as in Spain, people eat twelve grapes at midnight—one grape for each month of the upcoming year. It is believed that doing so will ensure a prosperous year ahead.

Scene from Barb Briggs' film, Indifference.

In England, people believe that whatever you first set your eyes upon in the new year will determine your fate for the entire year to come. As such, many people leave their homes at midnight and run outside to greet the new year with open arms.

Burning Effigies in Ecuador - In Ecuador, people burn effigies (dolls made to look like real people) of politicians and public figures who have displeased them during the past year. The dolls are eventually covered in gasoline and set ablaze in a event that's part street party, part primal scream therapy session!

Gift-Giving Men in Denmark - On New Year's Eve, Danish children wait anxiously by the door for a visit from a jolly man named "Nisse." Nisse leaves small gifts for well-behaved children and potatoes for those who have misbehaved.

Throwing Old Dishware Out the Window in Poland - In Poland, people open their windows and shake out their rugs at midnight on New Year's Eve. Then, they step outside and slam pots and pans together to drive out evil spirits. They also blow horns and whistle to make as much noise as possible!

Wearing Red Underwear in Chile – MMmm more underwear. It is believed that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve will bring love and good fortune in the coming year. So if you're single and looking for love, this Chilean custom just might be worth trying! Here’s one of our favorites. Carrying Suitcases Around the Block in Cuba - Cubans believe that by carrying an empty suitcase around their block on New Year's Eve, they will be blessed with many travels in the coming year.

Downing Pints of Guinness in Ireland – Well no surprises here! At midnight on New Year's Eve, Irish pubs all over Ireland serve up extra pint glasses of Guinness beer because it is said that each drop of Guinness brings good luck. Cheers to that!

"La ENTRAÑA" or Eating a Piece of Raw Beef Tenderloin Spain - Spaniards believe that eating a piece of raw beef tenderloin at midnight on New Year's Eve will bring good luck and prosperity throughout the coming year. If you're feeling brave enough to try this custom, be sure to buy your beef from a reputable butcher!

Well, there you have it. A long list of some long held New Years traditions you may want to incorporate as your own in the coming New Year.

So, whether you celebrate New Year's Eve with a bang or a quiet night at home, there's no doubt that this holiday is a special time of year. And while many of our own traditions might seem normal to us, they can seem downright bizarre to people from other cultures.

Keep in mind, no matter where in the world you are or how you choose to celebrate it, New Years is a time for fresh starts and beginning anew. Whether you're looking to try something new this year or simply curious about how others celebrate around the globe, we hope this article has provided you with some interesting insights and ideas into how different cultures ring in the new year.

And no matter how you choose to ring in 2023, we hope you have a happy and safe new year!

Cheers!

EMBRACING THE REAL ESTATE JOURNEY

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

BY CHRISTINE COWERN

My journey from solo realtor to team leader to coach definitely wasn’t a linear one, but looking back I’m so glad that everything happened the way it did. Because every big move kept me in a space of expansion and growth - two things that I put so much value in.

Back in 2007 when I began my career in real estate, if you’d told me that 5 years later I’d start and grow a real estate team, I may not have believed you. I’d moved back to my home city of Toronto after years of living away - it really felt like I was starting my life over again. So much of what I did in the first few years was hustle - to build my friend group and my client list and start establishing a name for myself in the incredibly competitive market I was working in.

And then I started figuring out what I loved doing and didn’t like doing as much (or wasn’t the best use

of my time and skills). And I hired my first admin. As an A-type driver, delegating didn’t come naturally for me but I kept at it, and eventually freed up much more time to focus on what I did best - building relationships and serving clients at a high level.

My business grew from there - next by hiring an agent on my brand new team, then another and another. My team was growing and winning awards (we were consistently in the Top 1-2% for sales volume, something I definitely didn’t take lightly) so I brought on a managing partner to help me run things - which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

And then something happened in 2019 that was the catalyst to help me re-evaluate where I wanted the next chapter of my life to lead me. My son, who at the time of writing this is 3 years old, was born.

My real estate business was rewarding on many levels but I knew deep down that it was time to challenge myself again, get out of my comfort zone and try something new. I also wanted to stop working the long hours that came with selling - with 12-hour days being the norm. And so I made the very scary decision at the time to stop working with clients in the field and only focus on managing and growing my team.

That one decision freed me up to focus on another budding passion of mine - coaching women in real estate to create high-performing businesses and teams. And so my coaching business was born. Now, I wake up every day so excited to serve women in business while also doing what I love for my team.

Looking back, although my journey wasn’t always an easy one, every new direction built upon the one before it and capitalized on my strengths and my passions. It’s been the most fun, challenging, rewarding ride I’ve ever been on - and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Connect with Christine Website: christinecowerncoaching.com Instagram: instagram.com/realchristinecowern Facebook: fb.com/christinecowernrealestatecoach

DIY GLITTER MASON JAR ARRANGEMENT

BY ELLI JESPERSON

Once Christmas is past, it can be a little hard to decide which decorations should fill the empty spaces. This glittery, DIY winter arrangement is perfect for the new year and will keep things cheery even in the middle of winter. Pull out the glitter, Mason jars and your favourite flowers for this winter arrangement, perfect for ringing in the New Year.

GLITTER MASON JAR INSTRUCTIONS

SUPPLIES

• Mason Jar(s)

• Metallic Spray Paint (your color of choice)

• Mod Podge

• Paint Brush

• Glitter (your color of choice)

• Paper Plate

• First, hold the inside of the mason jar and spray paint the entire outside, then wait for it to dry.

• Once the mason jar is dry, brush the bottom quarter to bottom half of the mason jar with mod podge. Make sure it is somewhat even around all sides.

• Next, take the jar of glitter and sprinkle it on the mod podge while it is still wet.

• Once the glitter is set and dried on the mod podge, coat the layer of glitter once more with mod podge. This will ensure that the glitter will stay on the jar. This will take a while to dry, so be patient!

• Finally, use anything you want to fill the mason jars with. Check out the instructions to create a beautiful flower arrangement or centerpiece with these beautiful glitter mason jars!

ARRANGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

SUPPLIES

• Mason Jar

• floral sheers

• 2 different kinds of flowers

• bundle of greenery

Additional items you may want to add:

• Ribbon, twine, or special accents from your own craft closet.

1. GETTING STARTED

• Gather all your supplies and add clean water to your mason jar. Fill mason jar about 3/4 full of water.

• Remember to add the floral food to your water! This extends the life of your flowers because it lowers the PH of the water.

• Consider the size and shape of your container. Flowers should be no more than 1 to 1-1/2 times the height of your vase.

2. ADD GREENS

• Greens create the shape for your arrangement and will help to hold everything in place.

• Use greens to cover the base of the vase and Keep turning your vase as you add greens, so they radiate outwards.

• When arranging stems, play with different heights to create dramatic negative space in your arrangement.

3. ADD FLORALS

• Place flowers at varying heights to create interest - placing them all at the same level may cause your arrangement to appear flat.

• Insert flowers at a 45-degrees to create a natural look and angle outwards so you can see the blooms.

• Use the shape of the flowers and show movement. It doesn’t have to be symmetrical!

• Open space is as much a part of the arrangement as the flowers themselves; overcrowding is chaotic and displeasing to the eye.

• Remember to continually turn your vase and look at the arrangement from all sides to make sure it looks balanced from every angle.

4. FINISHING TOUCHES

• Use the smaller flowers and leftover greenery to fill in between areas where there aren’t any flowers and to help give the arrangement a finished look.

• Watch where your eye stops in the design, shift flowers slightly, raise or lower them to adjust the look.

• Be sure to add fresh water to your arrangement every day. Remove any dead or dying flowers to keep your arrangement looking fresh for longer.

Elli Jesperson is an acclaimed florist based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has been in the floral industry for over 30 years and owns Small Flower {floral studio}. Get your botanical wreath kit or check out her upcoming floral workshops by visiting smallflower.ca

FROM TRAILER PARK TO RED CARPET

BY KIM HAYDEN

The road of life is often a bumpy one, full of twists and turns that can be difficult to navigate.

Kim Hayden is a prime example of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Born in a trailer park and the eldest of four girls, Kim was raised in an environment of generational abuse and trauma but has risen to become a 21-year award-winning real estate entrepreneur, and the host of a podcast inspiring women everywhere.

When I was 19 I got pregnant. I was in an abusive marriage. I married the first guy who was actually nice to me and I thought he could protect me from my father because even at 19 I was still dealing with him and his abuse.

By 21 I was divorced, a single mother, and basically financially destitute. My son was born needing medical insurance, and this was back in the 1980s. It was not the easiest thing to get, as he had a pre-existing condition, so I had $9,200 worth of debt and I had to figure out a solution.

Vegas was booming in 1990. It had the highest pay scale for the lowest education level. So I moved to Kansas and I ended up waiting tables graveyard shift. I was doing everything I could to support myself and my son.

So it's Vegas, and we all know what happens in Vegas could actually follow you home and live with you for the next 29 years so. But this is where I actually met my husband of 29 years. Picture this: he comes in with his friends. They're all drunk. It's 3:00am. It was a dare date. But he asked if I wanted to go on a date, and I was like, you know, it's not going to happen and I'm never dating again. I've written off men. But by the end of their dinner, his friends had convinced me and I finally agreed. I said, fine, I'll take a free meal. I mean what single mom out there wouldn't? I'll take free.

Remember, I was homeless when I met my husband. He showed up the door to pick me up at my babysitters house and didn't know I had a kid because I forgot to mention that. Hey, I wanted a free meal you didn't ask for details!

So fast forward, we got married and I moved to Canada. My husband adopted my son and we had two more children together. We built incredible wealth together. We have gone bankrupt together. We have struggled aand supported each other through thick and thin. When I met my husband, I just knew this was a man that I could trust and he's helped me become who I am now.

I started off my journey in Canada and Toronto, and then ended up coming to Calgary. And in Calgary, I

had a couple little ones. And I was sitting there going, I need a job, because I've never not worked. And I'm not. It takes a special kind of woman to be able to be a really high productive, full time domestic engineer.

And I'm not that woman. I mean, I have absolute utmost respect for those moms that pack balanced, healthy lunches and volunteer at schools, and I'm not that gal. So I looked at my husband, I said, I need a job. And I said, I think I want to open a coffee shop. I love talking to people and baking for them.

He goes, you have to be up at, like, 3:00 a.m. And I said, well, maybe I don't want a coffee shop, a lunch counter kind of gal. But he said the infamous words which will go on his grave, tombstone. Why don't you go into real estate? It looks easy.

Infamous last words. I went into real estate. I knew no one. I was in a new city, new country, young mom in a new community. I had no past work experience.

I mean, I literally was the opposite of what everybody tells you you need to have in order to be a successful real estate agent. But I kind of view myself as almost like an accidental real estate agent because my whole thing was about creating community. I've always been about community. And the first thing I did was start a mom's and tots group because I saw a need, a need. I needed to meet other women in my community, this new community that had no infrastructure, no association, nothing to support the residents.

So I went to the local church, and I said, by the way, could we borrow one of your rooms one morning a week to do a non denominational community outreach for moms and tots? And we had a couple of dads in there, too.

I said, by the way, I want to be doing this moms and tots thing. Would you by chance sponsor tea and cookies? And they said, absolutely. And that started my first community initiative. And from there it literally grew into picnics in the park and the parade of garage sales and the pumpkin getaway.

In fact, the community was so new that you could watch your dog run away for days. And actually one of

the first years we did a pumpkin chunkin. We decided that we would invite teams to build build a catapult. We took everybody's pumpkins and we chucked them. We had a pumpkin chunkin contest to see how far we could throw these pumpkins. But from these events, not only did I love what I was doing, I wasn't planning events for profit. I was creating community.

And from there I built six and seven figure 22 year business. And it was so organic. It wasn't like I was every month pressure to pick up the phone and dial, you know, ten people a day or to chase after for sale by owner because for sale by owners just want to be respected in a decision.

So the moral of my story is: be kind to everyone you meet, as you never know who they may be. This is a great lesson to live by. My husband was the second person in my life who said I was going to shine. He saw something in me that I couldn't even see in myself yet and he believed in me despite my difficult, dysfunctional childhood.

Being kind to everyone you meet doesn't mean you have to be a pushover, it simply means that you are open to getting to know people and giving them the benefit of the doubt. You don't know what someone is going through or what they have been through, so it is important to be respectful and treat them with kindness. Kindness can be shown through simple actions such as smiling at someone, listening to their story, or offering help or advice. You never know what impact your kindness will have on someone. You could be the one to change their life or they could be the one to change yours.

And then, give back to your community. What working in real estate has taught me is that it isn’t about the deal or the paperwork. It’s about listening and compassion. It’s about connection on a human level, and it’s about giving back.

While a successful career in real estate requires drive, commitment and an affinity for sales, without the support of the local community, you’ll only get so far. After all, they’re the ones that buy and sell the properties you’re hoping to list. While self-motivation is a must, at the end of the day, real estate

is a community-driven profession, so should we be giving back to those who made us who we are?

The answer is yes – both for sales, and your soul. Better community connections and personal relationships will build your network for future business. It also feels great to know you’re doing something good.

So give back to your local community, and say thanks to those who helped you make your mark.

At one of my pumpkin giveaways a few years back, this gal shows up and she's got these four kids all the way from like 15 years of the age down to probably like seven. And she comes up to me and says I just want you to know that this the pumpkin giveaway that you do every year for the food bank. My kids think that this is part of our Halloween tradition. And they know that we can decorate. As soon as they see the billboards go there, your bold signs go up for the pumpkin giveaway.

She wanted to say thank you. I think this is a really cool thing you do. Those kids are going to grow up with an example of community service.

And this doesn't just apply to the real estate field. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and anybody trying to reach success should remember where they came from, who supported them to get there and who has your back when you need help.

The doors matter. The people that live behind the doors matter. I can't think of a greater legacy to leave behind than the work I have done to give back to my community, I truly can't. Because at the end of the day, money comes and goes, businesses come and go. Yet community, from the day the cavemen first walked upright, has been the core of human survival.

Connect with Kim Website: resilientseries.com

Instagram: instagram.com/resilientseries

Facebook: fb.com/groups/realestatesuccess500doors

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/500doors-real-estate-podcast/id1563251565

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/kim-hayden-74a203181

PYTHON HUNTRESS HELPS SAVE THE EVERGLADES IN FASHION

Meet Amy Siewe. Amy is a professional python hunter contracted by the South Florida Water Management District to capture and euthanize the invasive Burmese pythons that are decimating the mammal and bird population in the area.

Amy's fascination with snakes started when her dad took her to a creek as a kid and taught her how to catch all kinds of critters, including her first snake. In 2019, Amy took a vacation to Florida and caught her first python there, which hooked her on the new hobby. In less than two months, she dropped her successful 13 year career in real estate and moved to Florida to become a python hunter.

Clearly an avid reptile and snake lover, Siewe said following her heart, moving to Florida, becoming a professional python hunter and opening her own business was the best decision she’s ever made.

“I had no idea how I was going to do it but I trusted myself. I knew I was going to figure it out and I did and this is just the beginning. I mean this is just the beginning game, it’s going up from here,” Siewe said.

Amy loves snakes and hates that they have to be killed, but there is no other way. That's why she's made it her mission to figure out how to use as much of the python as possible. She has learned how to skin the snakes and uses the tanned skins to make her own product line of beautiful bracelets and Apple watch bands. She's caught over 400 pythons and raised nearly $300,000 for charity through the sale of her python-skin products.

She hopes every python bracelet and Apple Watch band she sells reminds people that they’re helping contribute to a bigger cause.

“If they know that by buying products that are made from the Florida python, they’re actually helping the efforts and the conservation and preservation of the Everglades…and it’s kind of a big deal,” Siewe said

Connect with Amy Website: pythonhuntress.com Facebook: fb.com/amy.siewe

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