Refresh Your Passion

September 27, 2017 | Colleen O’ Connell-Campbell


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At the end of April, I was honoured to take part in “Refresh Your Passion” held at the Ben Franklin Centre in front of a group of 100 people – an event organized by Ottawa author and inspirational public speaker, Kathie Donovan. The day is referred to as an “un-seminar”, it’s a full day of inspiration for the body, mind, spirit and of course, business. Refresh your Passion was packed with value from a panel of thought leaders offering innovative ideas and advice through a series of stage presentations and fireside chats. I was proud to be one of the panelist speakers for the day, along with Marion Balla, Kensel Tracy, Laura Traplin, Bruce Bonner, and an incredible list of exhibitors and sponsors. All of whom were insightful and encouraging, offering words of wisdom for now, and for future life planning.

An overall key theme to the day was to start celebrating what you’re grateful for in life and watch how the investment you put in yourself will start to pay off. We are all living an abundant life if we are available and present to notice that abundance right in front of us.

My presentation focused on changing your perspective on money. Decisions on how we spend our money are often made growing up as kids (ie. how your parents/family handled and spent their money). Too often we compare what we have (or don’t have) with those around us … aka “keeping up with the Jones” and this affects how we spend, share and save our money with confidence. My question, what is enough? Be grateful for what you have right now and change your perspective on how you look at money. For example, gift giving (birthday, holidays, events) is wonderful but instead of spending money on a physical gift, think about offering your time – volunteer, donate your services, or make a home cooked meal instead of going out. Spending time and energy can be more valuable than a physical gift.

If you remember only this, my top four takeaways are: Be grateful

  • Think about what you want
  • Value yourself based on your talents and gifts – not your net worth
  • Visualize and stay focused on your goals (no matter how small you may think they are)

Some of the highlights I took away from the other speakers include:

  • Getting in tune with yourself
  • Trying not to keep up with others
  • Feeling good about yourself and your skills  
  • Living your life to the fullest
  • Helping others who are grieving
  • Transferring positive energy to those around you
  • Using your authentic voice
  • Visualization of your goals and belief in yourself

Thank you to Kathie Donovan and the organizers of Refresh Your Passion for including me in this amazing event and supporting the connections of like-minded leaders. Until next time!

 

Photo Credit:  LINDSEY GIBEAU PHOTOGRAPHY  -- Part of Westboro Studio/Ottawa's Premier Photography collective

Pictured from left to right:  Bruce Bonner, Laura Traplin, Kathie Donovan, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, Marion Balla, Kensel Tracey.