Good Bye

1 of my top 5 Best Break Up Quotes ..An Acceptance Speech if you will. There is no obstacle put in our way that we cannot face or cannot endure. 

I firmly believe we all have a choice in this world in how situations can impact us and put simply: sink or swim....

With Grace, I choose to swim. I hope I always choose to swim. 

“After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security. And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises. And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead with a grace of a woman not the grief of a child. And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans and futures have a way of falling down in mid flight. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you too much so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure, that you are really strong and you really do have worth and you learn and you learn with every good bye you learn.”
-Veronica A. Shoffstall 

TEXTBOOKS!

It's that time of year again, which is unfamiliar to me! I'm so used to doing school all year round it's hard to believe I'm going back. Nonetheless, this time around I couldn't be more...excited? Nervous? Grateful?

To this day there's a voice inside me that doubts the next steps I've decided to take, which is going back to school for 3 years so I can get some certification, get into the education/mental health services already!  

I've already recieved my textbooks, I'm reading one already called "Kids Are Worth it!" By Barbara Coloroso. After the introduction which I posted to my Instagram, the first page read two quotes. Two quotes that just so happen to define exactly why I'm here

I have experienced and witnessed teachers who tell me to believe in something and I simply believe them because they're my teachers! They are my mentors. Like Mr. G from Oakville Traflagar High School who told me I couldn't write an essay for the life of me and I wouldn't make it anywhere, particularly university with skills like that. And I believed it for sure, I was 17. 

But now I will no longer simply stand there and take the respected opinions of my teachers, as personally 8/10 teachers through my entire primary, elementary, middle and high school years ruined my confidence. But they are teachers, their job does not entail taking care of my social emotional issues. The only place I felt I was good enough was on a field, in gym clothes, running, and when my ex at the time out my name in his MSN name. 

I had no goals, no ambitions, to be perfectly honest I don't even know what I was thinking but it wasn't ever about me or what's best for me. I didn't know how to take care of myself so like any teenager I annihilated myself and made everything worse. 

Present day I'm sober, I can write like a machine, I'm confident in all places and don't need anyone telling me otherwise cause guess what? I'm in control of this head! And it's on straight! 

Thank you Buddha for proving to me once again I'm on the right path: "You have come here to find what you already have" THATS IT! I HAVE THE SKILLS! I just need them to be tweaked and put into perspective. I was too busy living other people's lives and problems I didn't think about my own. But now I do and I'm ready. 

DOROTHY'S COMING FOR YA KIDS!( In the least creepy way FYI) together we will resist and defend those who can't defend their own. Time to unite. Time to stand up, time to speak up. 

Love, 

Dorothy 

Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing: Dorothy's Experience.

A couple weeks ago, I had the ABSOLUTE PLEASURE of visiting and experiencing Grail Springs Retreat in Bancroft, Ontario-- parallel to Haliburton and Mindon. (This was the area of where both my Mother and I used to go to camp!)

A bit of background information:  Grail Springs was founded by Madeleine Marentette. When the owner made the decision to begin a new path towards optimum health and wellbeing on Bay Lake Road, which is situated on a private lake that is spring fed. In other words, no boats, sea doos, or any other toxic matter that takes away from that magical lake. Madeleine, the CEO, has undoubtedly demonstrated the future of medicine at Grail Springs, as she claims "Our health is dependent  on bio-energy flowing freely through our body." and boy was she right! 

"You have a ‘frequency’. And your level of frequency or life vitality can be captured on film with advanced technology. Grail Springs has this technology. This captured field is also referred to as the bio-energy field; a read of the sum total of the life energy or vitality of any living organism. It can tell us just how alive and vital something is, or where there is a weakness or a block causing ill-health. The bio-energy field surrounds every living thing, from a planet, human being, animal, tree, leaf to a cell. Today science can read this frequency as it appears by way of a light and colour spectrum resulting from bio-feedback or bio-pulsar measurements.

In old world paintings you may recall seeing halos or auras painted around subjects. The aura is not a mysterious and mystical thing.  It can be seen by any trained eye. It is simply the energetic picture of our body’s state of wellness or illness. Today we can use it to see imbalances both on a physical, emotional and mental level. It also takes a read on the health of your seven chakras (major energy centres), the meridians and organs.

This science originated as Kirlian photography which came out of Russia in the 1930’s. This photographic phenomenon happened by accident when Semyon Kirlian was exposed to a harmless electron cascade. He saw a visible aura around his hands which he captured on film.

Since all energy carries information, a theory was developed that streams of sub-atomic partials moving in and out of living tissue would reveal important information about the health of that organism. Thanks to today’s computer technology you can view the full moving bio-energy field in real virtual time ~ as it is receiving, transforming and expressing energy.

Everything that appears in the physical body is reflected in its energy field and vice versa. By feeding the body healthy foods and proper nutrients, good hydration, clean oxygen, an exchange of healthy bio-energy from others (healing energy therapies), and allowing the mind to destress,  we can see and measure the increased flow of energy reflected in the field.

Restoration and balance between the biochemical and bioenergy components can result and improve overall health.

- See more at: http://www.grailsprings.com/The-Bio-Energy-Body#sthash.u6di5MeB.dpuf"

Of the various treatments I had the chance to try, the Bio Engery Feedback was out of this world! I have no other way to describe it, but I can tell you that it is a practice that comes from Russia in the 1930's. My results with this particular service were SO incredible. 

For those who do not know what a "chakra" refers to let me explain:  Our body's consist of The 7 Chakras, which are the energy centres of our body where our energy flows through. Blocked energy in our 7 Chakras can often lead to illness so it's important to understand what each Chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely. Here's our quick summary:

1. Root Chakra - Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.

Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.

Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food.

2. Sacral Chakra - Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.

Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in.

Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.

The 7 Chakras

Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem.

4. Heart Chakra - Our ability to love. 

Location: Center of chest just above heart.

Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace.

5. Throat Chakra - Our ability to communicate.

Location: Throat.

Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth.

6. Third Eye Chakra - Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

Location: Forehead between the eyes. (Also called the Brow Chakra)

Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.

7. Crown Chakra - The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

Location: The very top of the head.

Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss.

I had a lot of purple, blue, and turquoise. Lack of white, which I know is my spirituality BUT I have been working on it extra hard lately! The others colour ( blue, purple, turquoise) mean I am meant for service, likely my past life I was in service over and over (LIKE WHAT?! No wonder I love history), but too it emphasized that humanitarian services; so anything pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering; a humanitarian crisis, such as a being a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, or as a philanthropist. I'd say that's pretty fitting.... Wouldn't you? If you don't know the answer to that read my blog! I have even been told by my family that I pay too much attention to the public and not enough to my own family (which is both good and bad, but I cannot save everyone. I have to be able to leave my work at the end of the day feeling happy.)

I had a great deal of yellow, which marks my intelligence centre. Not that I needed an expensive service to tell me that, but it definitely validated me in ways I didn't think possible. Too, Madeleine pointed out traits of mine such as the fact that I don't like waiting for an answer, I'm the type of individual who goes after it all on her own no matter what! And that I'm organized. (Both that Madeleine jokingly, yet seriously, joked I needed if I wanted to keep my current job with Sabaina. She does NOT mess around. I like it) 

Interesting thought: I heard while at Grail Springs that a perfect job is the kind that when you wake up in the morning you look forward to going to work, but at the end of the day you look forward to going home. And repeat. The latter is typical, but how many enjoy simply getting there?

This is just another experience in this life and another opportunity at healing. While I only stayed for a couple nights, it was the most amazing couple days of my life. The water, the calm, the quiet. 

People have complained about the food, as it is vegan and therefore they should have 5 star premium vegan food. K people: There's only so much one can do and when you sign up for this place that explicitly outline VEGAN! NO COFFEE! NO ALCOHOL! It is a retreat... If I'm being honest, I may have gone in town to get a coffee but I was working. The sans alcohol was a bonus FOR ONCE! WOO! But friends, you have to accept that that is all apart of the process and the alkaline diet. Removing or decreasing the amount of toxins you have in your body due to everything we do. This is not your average vacation spot, but you should make it a habit if you find yourself in chaotic spaces often.

 I cannot tell you how much relief and serenity I got from this place, particularly aimed at my depression/anxiety. The staff was SO friendly and the guests are like neighbours you become so close so quickly! 

My Mother and I! I love being in the water..I'm such a fish! Or Mermaid 

The Labyrinth!  

The Gorgeous Lake that is this still all day. I'ts too perfect

Dorothy's Advice: 

What can you do to keep your Chakras balance and your BioEnergy Field charged?!

• take 5 minutes daily to breathe, rest and relax; restore calm in heart and mind
• learn a new meditation
• take up yoga or Pilates
• run or do some type of cardio 10 mins per day

What I'm learning..

When I was younger, say around 16, 17, 18-- I thought the world was out to get me and I never understood "why?". Like many of you, I find myself questioning the news on a daily basis asking "why? is this happening?" "why is our world 'falling apart'" "why did that guy kill another x amount of innocent civilians?" "why does X think the decisions they're making are smart?"

 I am only starting to see now that I have no control over the "why" or "how," it just is. Moreover, that the 20-30% of control that I may have in these situations is either to make it my problem by letting it bother me or consume me, tackle it head on in the best manner I can, or keep on walking.

If you knew me growing up, I found myself largely trying to tackle problems head on, especially those problems that were not mine but, rather a friend's boyfriend's issue, a mean girl-- any and all issues my friends had to save their lives. Slowly but surely I realized that I cannot continue getting myself involved, that going forward if Susie is mad at Bobby for something he did, let Susie take care of it I don't need to beat on Bobby too.

I will admit it is hard separating yourself sometimes, as you want nothing but the best for those around you and you want to make damn sure that they won't get hurt again, or they won't pick the wrong guy who classically looks and feels SO RIGHT!  You see a friends behaviour and it worries you that maybe it's not super healthy every weekend, or the associated party favours have a reached a limit of "when the hell are these guys gonna give it up?" BUT THAT AINT MY PROBLEM! Having said that,  if you know or feel that your friend is in a situation that warrants caution or some intervening then you need to do what you need to do.

Being in the mental health field/ or of service to individuals with those needs, as well as addictive behaviours especially since I'm sober and clear-- I can read into and comprehend a lot more situations than many people recognize or know. This is undoubtedly a blessing and a curse. No one EVER wants to be told "hey, i think you should maybe take it easy when drinking this weekend" or "maybe you shouldn't get yourself involved with people like that," it's like our parents telling us what to do all over. NO THANKS!

But I'd be lying if I said that retrospect has not given me a entirely different perspective of who I was, what I was doing, who I surrounded myself with, how that all looked, and certainly knew how it looked that I knew how to party really well, but still iffy about laundry. I was lazy, uniterested, I couldn't retain information and not because I didn't want to (well, partly I'm sure) but because I didn't have the energy or desire to. These days I feel like I cannot get enough!

Each individual we cross paths with has such an interesting story and if you're really lucky enough, you get to hear that. And you get to hear little lessons and reminders that are irreplaceable

At Grail Springs, there was a workshop entitled the Science of Happiness, and all of the women in this room(about 20) were writing every word down that was being articulated or was on the board in the back. While I didn't have my journal handy this time, I found I was more aware of what we were talking about than unaware. For example: making a list of things you can do to increase the chemicals in our body such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins! Plan a trip (even if you don't take it!) YOUR PEEPS! AND HOW MUCH THEY MAKE YOU LAUGH! I KNEW THAT THIS WAS CRITICAL! Laughing is the best medicine. We need to try and not take life oh so seriously, as things can be mended, time will heal, and it's never too late. Give yourself a chance and the only way you can do that is by doing things that are completely different and sometimes uncomfortable. But you'll be fine, no matter what! You just have to get there and see for yourself, my messages only go so far.

The universe works in miraculous ways if you're willing to have an open mind, open heart, and have enough knowledge and courage to follow your own vision. As cliche as that may sound, I'm living it. I believe it, therefore I don't need to see it.

This post goes out to my dear friend Thea Brae Holt who was just visiting me: Thank you for being one of my favourite peeps. May we laugh forever and ever <3 xox

Growing My Business!

Or at least I'm attempting to! Click or copy the link below for more access to my Arbonne Page where you will find health, wellness, beauty, and life tips!

Visit: www.thestoryofdorothysbeauty.com