This week marks the relaunch of Elated News’ print edition which is now serving 300% more locations around greater Vancouver. If you’re not able to grab a copy at your local cafe or yoga studio, you can download a pdf here.

Below you can find links to all the different editions of Elated News. Click the link for the part of the city you live in! Note: In order to preserve the file quality the pdfs are about 3mb and may take a few moments to open up.

Issue 11 – Kitsilano Edition

Issue 11 – Point Grey & UBC Edition

Issue 11 – Main & Cambie Edition

Issue 11 – Yaletown Edition

That before making Rocky, Sylvester Stallone was so poor he sold his dog for $25; the lowest day of his life Stallone confesses. Stallone, unwavering in his desire to inspire people through films, had turned down a 6 figure offer for the Rocky script because it did not include him playing Rocky. That’s determination for you.

Stallone would eventually turn down a $300,000 offer for the Rocky script because the producers did not see him playing the lead, and he refused to have it any other way. So poor he couldn’t pay his heating bills he refused to get a job because “once I took a job I’d get comfortable and lose my hunger.”

Before the big offers Stallone was turned down by dozens of producers who called the script predictable amongst other things. He wrote down all the negative comments he received and read them when Rocky won best picture in 1977. If you have an opportunity to re-watch this classic take note of his dog in the film: It is the same dog from the liquor store he eventually bought back for $15,000 after being offered just $30,000 and a percentage of profits if he was going to play the lead. To date movies starring Stallone have grossed over 3 billion dollars. Not bad for a guy rejected by 100s of agents before even getting a gig as an extra.

Everyone knows I am a huge Stallone fan and now you know why.  I can’t think of a better example of achieving your dreams against all odds through determination and belief…except maybe Arnold. Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing my dad let me watch all those action flicks when I was a kid.

I may be assassinated for writing this article. I’m about to reveal a secret to you, a secret that will change your life and how you look at personal development speakers forever.

Over the two years I’ve had the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the professional realm of speaking and writing. I’ve met some big names, heard a lot of stories, and have come to one remarkable conclusion: The biggest difference between the person in front of the room and everyone else is that the person in front of the room is more conscious of painting themselves in the best light externally and internally. They ignore their flaws and focus on their strengths.

“Here are the 7 principles of relationship mastery…also if anyone has a good divorce lawyer please pass their card up front”

As a leader and teacher you must provide a vision for others to work towards. No matter how tough the times are you put on your warrior face and lead the charge. As a teacher you can not express doubt in your material, or who will learn? Would you listen to a speaker that said “Here are the 7 principles of relationship mastery…also if anyone has a great divorce lawyer please pass their card up front?”

My point here isn’t to riot, ignore every speaker you see or search for the flaws in your heros; rather take them with a grain of salt and don’t be so hard on yourself. It is easy to meet someone who portrays themselves as perfect and then start to feel down on yourself. I only exercised 300 days last year, he was in the gym 384 days. Try writing your own over the top biography, highlighting only your strengths, and read it aloud in your best movie trailer voice each morning.

A perfect human, a perfect life, doesn’t actually exist. Heros inspire us by having ideals to strive towards, and this is the true journey. This is where their value really comes in. Perfection is impossible. Striving for perfection, knowing it can never be reached: This is my purpose.

So the next time you’re off to some big seminar take the men and women on stage as ideas of perfection you can work towards but never forget that when they walk off that stage they’re usually grabbing a coffee, hopping in a cab and staying in a Best Western. Except Tony Robbins, that guy is just crazy. Seriously, what’s in his Cheerios?

Those Little Bars Of Hotel Soap

Dear Maid,
Please do not leave any more of those little bars of soap in my bathroom since I have brought my own bath-sized Dial. Please remove the six unopened little bars from the shelf under the medicine chest and another three in the shower soap dish. They are in my way.

Thank you,
S. Berman

Dear Room 635,
I am not your regular maid. She will be back tomorrow, Thursday, from her day off. I took the 3 hotel soaps out of the shower soap dish as you requested. The 6 bars on your shelf I took out of your way and put on top of your Kleenex dispenser in case you should change your mind. This leaves only the 3 bars I left today which my instructions from the management is to leave 3 soaps daily. I hope this is satisfactory.
Kathy, Relief Maid

Dear Maid – I hope you are my regular maid.
Apparently Kathy did not tell you about my note to her concerning the little bars of soap. When I got back to my room this evening I found you had added 3 little Camays to the shelf under my medicine cabinet. I am going to be here in the hotel for two weeks and have brought my own bath-size Dial so I won’t need those 6 little Camays which are on the shelf. They are in my way when shaving, brushing teeth, etc. Please remove them.
S. Berman

Dear Mr. Berman,
My day off was last Wed. so the relief maid left 3 hotel soaps which we are instructed by the management. I took the 6 soaps which were in your way on the shelf and put them in the soap dish where your Dial was. I put the Dial in the medicine cabinet for your convenience. I didn’t remove the 3 complimentary soaps which are always placed inside the medicine cabinet for all new check-ins and which you did not object to when you checked in last Monday. Please let me know if I can of further assistance.
Your regular maid,
Dotty

Dear Mr. Berman,
The assistant manager, Mr. Kensedder, informed me this morning that you called him last evening and said you were unhappy with your maid service. I have assigned a new girl to your room. I hope you will accept my apologies for any past inconvenience. If you have any future complaints please contact me so I can give it my personal attention. Call extension 1108 between 8AM and 5PM.Thank you.
Elaine Carmen
Housekeeper

Dear Miss Carmen,
It is impossible to contact you by phone since I leave the hotel for business at 7:45 AM and don’t get back before 5:30 or 6PM. That’s the reason I called Mr. Kensedder last night. You were already off duty. I only asked Mr. Kensedder if he could do anything about those little bars of soap. The new maid you assigned me must have thought I was a new check-in today, since she left another 3 bars of hotel soap in my medicine cabinet along with her regular delivery of 3 bars on the bath-room shelf. In just 5 days here I have accumulated 24 little bars of soap. Why are you doing this to me?
S. Berman

Dear Mr. Berman,
Your maid, Kathy, has been instructed to stop delivering soap to your room and remove the extra soaps. If I can be of further assistance, please call extension 1108 between 8AM and 5PM.Thank you,
Elaine Carmen,
Housekeeper

Dear Mr. Kensedder,
My bath-size Dial is missing. Every bar of soap was taken from my room including my own bath-size Dial. I came in late last night and had to call the bellhop to bring me 4 little Cashmere Bouquets.
S. Berman

Dear Mr. Berman,
I have informed our housekeeper, Elaine Carmen, of your soap problem. I cannot understand why there was no soap in your room since our maids are instructed to leave 3 bars of soap each time they service a room. The situation will be rectified immediately. Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience.
Martin L. Kensedder
Assistant Manager

Dear Mrs. Carmen,
Who the hell left 54 little bars of Camay in my room? I came in last night and found 54 little bars of soap. I don’t want 54 little bars of Camay. I want my one damn bar of bath-size Dial. Do you realize I have 54 bars of soap in here. All I want is my bath size Dial. Please give me back my bath-size Dial.
S. Berman

Dear Mr. Berman,
You complained of too much soap in your room so I had them removed. Then you complained to Mr. Kensedder that all your soap was missing so I personally returned them. The 24 Camays which had been taken and the 3 Camays you are supposed to receive daily. I don’t know anything about the 4 Cashmere Bouquets. Obviously your maid, Kathy, did not know I had returned your soaps so she also brought 24 Camays plus the 3 daily Camays. I don’t know where you got the idea this hotel issues bath-size Dial. I was able to locate some bath-size Ivory which I left in your room.
Elaine Carmen
Housekeeper

Dear Mrs. Carmen,
Just a short note to bring you up-to-date on my latest soap inventory. As of today I possess:
On the shelf under medicine cabinet – 18 Camay in four stacks of 4 and one stack of 2.
On the Kleenex dispenser – 11 Camay in two stacks of 4 and one stack of 3.
On the bedroom dresser – one stack of 3 Cashmere Bouquet,
One stack of 4 hotel-size Ivory, and 8 Camay in two stacks of 4.
Inside the medicine cabinet – 14 Camay in three stacks of 4 and one stack of 2.
In the shower soap dish – 6 Camay, very moist.
On the northeast corner of tub – 1 Cashmere Bouquet, slightly used.
On the northwest corner of tub – 6 Camays in two stacks of 3.
Please ask Kathy when she services my room to make sure the stacks are neatly piled and dusted. Also, please advise her that stacks of more than 4 have a tendency to tip. May I suggest that my bedroom window sill is not in use and will make an excellent spot for future soap deliveries. One more item, I have purchased another bar of bath-sized Dial which I am keeping in the hotel vault in order to avoid further misunderstandings.
S. Berman

It really is a funny piece of the human body. It has no real function that I know of.  Once you are born it just kind of exists. It’s a distant memory of a life that you cannot remember. At one point, your navel was one of, if not the most crucial part of your existence. It was where all of the nutrition and goodness you needed to survive and thrive in this life came into you.  It is what connected you to your life source and enabled you to grow. There was no trying, no stress, only receiving.  Magnificent indeed.

Why is it that once we are born and grow up, we tend to forget about our bellybuttons and our connection to our life source. We fill our lives with striving and stress, and we doubt the marvelous power and connection of that which brought us into existence. We look out of ourselves for the answers and solutions when we should be looking inward. I don’t care what it is you want; it all begins on the inside.

This month let your navel be your guide. Take a moment when you are getting out of the shower or are getting dressed and have a look inside your being. Find your inner navel and reconnect to your life source.  There is an unlimited amount of whatever you need: joy, abundance, peace.  You name it, it’s in there. All you have to do is look.

Props to the BB. Maybe there is a use for it after all.

- Hey, I’m Shawn. I’m a professional coach, change maker and un-normal. I run a personal development company called: The Miller Achievement Institute, we help individuals and businesses advance to the next level and beyond faster and more efficiently. Live your life from inspiration not desperation, call us! 778-278-6068

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around.

-Love Actually (2003)

You live in a city graced with a population of more than 2 million, where every day more men and women are turning 24-28-31–37, where more and more people are moving here, a city where every day new people become single.

Yet most people look at dating and relationships with scarcity. Scarcity is what makes people settle for less than they deserve: Less of a partner and less of a relationship. Finally, scarcity is the source of clinginess – a trait that many men and women cite as the number one turnoff.

If you’re reading this, you’re very likely one of the few that doesn’t feel that “all the good ones are gone” or that all you’re left with is an ocean of ineligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Instead, you take a deep breathe, and think about how many potential partners are dying to meet you and get to know you in this moment. Rather than sitting around moping and feeling sorry for yourself, or trying to get over an old relationship or a rejection, you realize that you can’t deny the two of you the pleasure of an incredible time.

When you come from a place of abundance, magic starts to happen. You’ll be surrounded by more friends and potential partners than you know what to do with and you’ll go into every interaction and relationship knowing that you’re coming from a place of choice.

We all know that light is needed to see the world. But what photo biologists and chronobiologists discovered a few years ago is that light is also needed to enjoy the world. Our bodies produce hormones on a 24-hour cycle called the biorhythm. This biorhythm is like a clock controlled by light exposure. In the morning as the natural light levels increase, the pineal gland is triggered and our body produces serotonin and dopamine – the hormones for alertness and joy. As the day winds down and light levels decrease, we produce melatonin – the hormone for sleep and healing. These hormones are produced like clockwork, and the sequences of this circadian clock are triggered by our exposure to different light levels.

Disruption of this cycle is due to either lack of light in the mornings or exposure to bright light late in the day. This can cause sluggishness and the blues. Over time this can have a drastic effect on your energy levels. Seasonal affect of circadian disruption shows up as SAD, seasonal affective disorder, which is merely a lack of sufficient light to trigger production of feel-good and feel-alert hormones. It is no surprise that SAD is prevalent in higher latitudes in winter months when natural daylight availability is at its lowest.

Both amount and colour of light needs to be appropriate for proper circadian function. Light, as we know by looking at the rainbow, consists of seven colours. Early in the day, we need bright, blue-rich light for optimal serotonin production. This could be daylight from the North Sky. Towards the end of the day, we need yellow-rich light of dimmer intensity. Exposure to bright, bluish light before bed time interferes with the melatonin production, and deep sleep.

So, if you work on a computer late at night, go with a background theme in shades of yellow or red, and lower the screen brightness. In the mornings, get outdoors and spend some time in daylight.
Light, the effective happiness drug is available to everyone, and like the best things in life, it’s free!

- Maninder Dhaliwal

Part two of Dan’s insights on socially elevated individuals (including well known personal development coaches).

Have you ever stared at your belly button and wondered about it? Shawn Miller has.

Brett was stressed with writing his article for this issue. What was the end result? Don’t let deadlines stress you out.

And finally, a loving and inspirational article about a cat

What if we took a lesson from our pets and created moments like this every day with the people in our lives?  Moments where we openly share affection with those most important to us without regard to what others may think.  I consider this type of sharing unconditional love, and this is what it looks like in my world:

When a friend, family, or partner is sharing their accomplishments or anything of genuine importance to them I choose to lock eyes and really hear what they say.  When I greet my partner after being separated for any given time, I love expressing my bursting excitement by running over to them and giving them the jump hug.  Kissing my partner because I want to, and each day being moved by who they are and what they stand for. When I’m inspired by someone’s passion and drive, acknowledging the contribution they have made in my life by who they are being and the fearless actions they take.  Really hugging people, the type of hug that burns my biceps.  I really experience the intimacy of the human spirit and the connectivity existing between us all.

I know this moment in my life right now is perfect. The past is gone and while the future is likely to occur, it isn’t a guarantee.  So my choice is to express myself full out.  My life is characterized by powerful calmness, love and abundance.  Every new moment is an opportunity to create love and intimacy with the people in my life.  It’s a true blessing to create my world this way and to have such incredible people who allow me to be a contribution to their lives.

- Kelsey Grant, a sought after personal development and relationship coach, musician and choreographer. She can be reached at kelsey@allincoaching.com, 778-834-7571, or www.allincoaching.com

Next time you find yourself in that familiar pinch, 6 words for you; don’t worry about stuff like that. Who needs the stress? Just relax. It’ll get done. Take a breath, grab an instrument, go to the beach and remember: You’re supposed to feel good.

You say easier said than done? Well my friend, consider it done and enjoy your peace. You see, my deadline for this article is, well, three days ago, thanks to the gracious extension from the boss. Now I have about 30 minutes the clock is ticking, and I have no ideas what to write. But, you’re already reading this, so there’s proof that I’ll finish the article in time. No worries.

Well before deadline, I had an idea to write an article about having nothing to write; seemed funny to me. “No” said my inner editor, “it’s a stupid idea. Write something meaningful and insightful instead”, it reasoned.

As deadline grew nearer and nearer meaningful and insightful ideas appeared further and further away. Stress piled and visions of failure and shame crept in. I asked for more time. “Please”, said the writer within to the editor of the paper, “life changing stories are in the works – can you spare me some time”. And so I was yet I still had nothing to write.

I remembered the idea for the article about having nothing to write, and I laughed, and I began to write, and now I got this damn thing done ten minutes before the last gasp deadline. What a sucker I am, I never had to worry. Neither do you.

- Brett Martin, a professional Stand up Comic who headlines Comedy Clubs across Canada and here in Vancouver. Brett also hosts Hurricane’s Comedy Night (999 Marine Dr, North Vancouver, Wednesday’s, 8:30). He also likes hockey, rock and roll, the beach cats and pizza. You can reach him at brettmartinlive@gmail.com.

Kate talks about why you should not miss this Olympics.

Alessandra has another very hot and steaming article.

Find out the similarities between dancing and relationships.

And, Dan has an educational article about how we view other people of stature and why we created a caste system that limits ourselves.

Download: PDF Version (810 KB)

Pia talks about the Language of Love.

And an issue of Elated News would not be complete without a host of inspiring and motivating articles:

Want and Extraordinary Life?

On the Peak

Download: PDF Version

How many of us are thinking “Hey I could do most of that!”? Really though, there is a reason I bring this story up and it certainly isn’t to promote Mcdonald’s. The Olympics are in town to celebrate the best in the world, people who have sacrificed it all to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. These women and men are role models and icons, people we should look up to for inspiration and guidance. I just ask one thing: Do not forget they’re only people no different from you or me.

“Brad Pitt gets dandruff just like the rest of us, he just knows how to wear it”

I think we have created an almost caste system in our minds when it comes to celebrities, business leaders and top athletes. Why do we do this? Does separating what is being done by others from what we believe is possible for ourselves make it easier to criticize or to neglect our own dreams?  Let’s stop this right now. Brad Pitt gets dandruff when its freezing out just like the rest of us, he just knows how to wear it. No one is above or beneath you. Wait, pause, take that in. No one is above or beneath you.

When you place others above you it somehow makes it feel less wrong to gossip, criticize and tear into amazing individuals without regard for their feelings, lives or situations on the basis that they’re some superman celebrity. Critics, paparazzi and tabloids, please go die. It also creates imaginary roadblocks in your own mind as to what you are capable of and puts blinders up to the amount of work these individuals did to achieve greatness.

What’s my point here? Fantastic question. How would your own life, your dreams, goals and vision for the future if you viewed those who have achieved what you desire as equals, if you viewed everyone as equals? What if you grabbed breakfast with your business hero, had a quick lunch with your spiritual leader and finished the day with Dinner with your health guru? They’re all just people. Jump on it.

Next issue I will reveal a secret to you, a secret that will change your life and how you look at personal development speakers forever. Stay Tuned.

UPDATE: Catch part two of this article here.

-Dan Johnston

Ignite the flame in your lover’s eyes this Valentines day

This simple, sexy and fun recipe is perfect for those couples wanting to enhance their desire and delve deeper into a more sensual connection. So set aside a few moments and let’s turn up the heat on your relationship.

Ingredients:

• 2 people in love (or lust) with each other
• 1 – 2 candles
• 2 cushions for sitting
• 1 private, comfortable, preferably romantic space

1. Light the candles, dim the lights and (un)dress into something comfortable.
2. Using your cushions, sit comfortably on the floor facing each other.
3. Rest your hands; in your lap, on your thighs or even within the hands of your partner. Wherever puts your body at ease.
4. Begin to become aware of your breathing, not controlling your breath, but simply noticing each inhale and exhale.
5. As you breath, relaxed, bring your gaze to your partner, notice the shape of their face, the softness of their lips, the flush of their cheeks, and finally the depth of their eyes.
6. Continuing with a relaxed breath, allow yourself to sink into their eyes, letting go, as they become lost in yours.
7. Feel their presence, their emotion, their intensity, their lust, their passion. Allow yours to embrace them as you feed on theirs.
8. Enjoy. Let this exercise take you into whatever direction it may.
It’s a gateway into passion, sometimes intimately romantic and other times a simple celebration of our animalistic nature. Wherever it leads you, celebrate it.

Interested in learning more delicious ways to enliven the lust in your lives?  Check out Sagredo Life Systems upcoming Evolutionary Sexuality Series (available for singles and couples).  www.sagredolifesystems.com.

-  Alessandra Sagredo

Sagredo Life Systems
www.sagredolifesystems.com

Alessandra’s core focus is to help others unleash their life and begin living a life of bliss!  As an Intuitive Consultant, Spiritual Growth Facilitator and Meditation Teacher she works with an international client base, helping individuals and professionals go beyond the basics of living and start truly loving their life!

I hear some people find this upsetting. Some have fled and others are planning whining about it non-stop.  But whether we like it or not, it is happening so how about making a choice to enjoy the festivities.

Everyone’s biggest concern is transportation and not being able to handle the influx of people.  Well, I was lucky enough to live in Calgary for the 1988 games.  If Calgary, the city with the worst public transit system in Canada made it work, Vancouver can too.

I’m excited to explore new ways to commute. I work downtown and live in kits and I’ve been too chicken to try to bike: I don’t know if I have the cardio for it. I plan to take my 100-dollar sea foam green bike and see what happens. If I run out of steam I’ll throw it over the Burrard street bridge and jog the rest of the way.

So now that we’ve gotten traffic concerns out of the way, what are the other benefits? We’re showing off our beautiful city to the rest of the world. This city is lush and green with mild winters, gorgeous parks, nude beaches and fresh ocean air.

The games are highlighting some not so great things about our city.  We have issues with homelessness and drug addiction. This is an opportunity to acknowledge all the great work already being done to help those in need and is a chance to explore what more we can do.

Vancouver has so much diversity; you can eat pho, dim sum, sushi and a vegan creation all in one day and that’s barely scratching the surface.

“I plan to take my sea foam green bike and see what happens”

For the athlete there are outdoor pools in the summer, sailing, skiing, and kayaking. For entertainment there are live bands, street performers, stand up comedy, or burlesque dancing just to name a few.

My favourite part of Vancouver is the people. We say thank you to drivers when we get off the bus and we help strangers who are lost – this does not happen other places.  Vancouverites are relentlessly approachable, caring, and open-minded to new concepts and ideas.

To me it is the perfect city, a fusion of two places I’ve lived; it has the natural beauty of the Okanagan with an eclectic mix of people reminiscent of New York City.

I’m proud and excited to share what we have and who we are with others and to those who are worried about and extra hour in traffic, enjoy your whining – I’ll be at Robson Square.

What are you Olympic Plans? Let us know in the comments.

- Kate Leinweber. Kate left a successful broadcasting career in the Okanagan to move to Vancouver and pursue her dreams. She is currently a freelance writer, actor and singer. She is also an editor with Elated News. Kate can be reached at 604 988 8876 x 24 or Kate@elatednews.com

This month I’m committed to cultivating these emotions to create an environment where other emotions, those that tend not to serve me, can’t survive.

-Dan Johnston.

Salsa is based on the concept of leading and following, with the man leading and the woman following. I have found time and time again the man having uncertainty taking the lead. This puts the woman in the difficult position to back-lead instead of her following and truly experiencing the ride. In other words, men have forgotten what it means to be men, and women don’t feel like women anymore.

Having certainty in the lead doesn’t mean knowing all the steps – which can get boring very fast – rather it’s executing the next step with confidence. It’s knowing when to be gentle and when to be stronger.

“men have forgotten what it means to be men”

Following can be a scary feeling for a woman because it feels like giving up the illusion of control, a control she had to create because most men have no idea how to lead. This in turn, makes it hard for a man to lead. So then we’re getting nowhere in the dance or the relationship. When a woman gives up trying to back-lead she can go on an amazing adventure and unleash her feminine energy. This energy is powerful, beautiful, and captivating.

The final piece salsa teaches you is the art of connection. It starts with looking at your partner and evolves to paying attention visually and kinesthetically. When you pay attention to the dance, the relationship come to life and you can enjoy every little nuance.

If you want to master salsa, find a skilled instructor. If you want fast results and to learn in a way that’s fun, easy, and allows you to meet great people, come to the “Learn How To Dance In 1 Day” boot camp. It’s March 6th and is designed for those that have always wanted to try this beautiful dance but were worried they had two left feet, no rhythm, or no partner. Go to http://www.HowToSalsa.net for more details.

- Article by Cheyenne Kamran. Social Dynamics, Leadership, and Dating Expert Cheyenne Kamran has dedicated his life to creating and implementing strategies for men and women to lead extraordinary lives. He is co-founder of Lifestyle Transformations, a company specializing in empowering men to master their social and dating life as well as their relationships with women – from sky rocketing their confidence to giving them the know-how to have captivating conversations.

Cheyenne can be reached at cheyenne@lifestyletransformations.com, 1-800-261-1482 ext. 706 or visit www.LifestyleTransformations.com

Why Wait Till New Years To Change?

We can be really good at organization and setting future dates when it comes to goal setting, or making any kind of change. We love to start on the first of the month, the new year or the first full moon of March. This makes perfect sense of course, by deciding to start a change in the future we can feel good in the present while avoiding the short term pain of actually doing anything. Sounds like a pretty good deal doesn’t it?

Well this year, just like last year, I won’t be making any New Years Resolutions. New Years day will be just like every other day. I’ll wake up in bed, hopefully my own, drink some lemon water and probably head out for a run. There will not be any absurd new goals or restrictions because there have been none building up. If I decide I must make a change I act on it immediately because I know if I delay and say “someday” it will never happen. I’m just honest with myself.

So next time you read an inspirational book, watch a movie or see a documentary that motivates you to make a change in your life, do it and do it immediately. Until you try it you do not realize how much more powerful goal setting becomes when you act on the thought within 24 hours.

So I may have lied earlier. New Years will be different than other days. I will take some time to reflect on the years past: Accomplishments, glorious moments and hilarious failures. I will take time to reflect on the year ahead and I’m sure in the process set some goals and milestones.

One consistent goal in my life is to help others create change in their own life. One way I can help is to provide accountability. If you want just a little help with your resolutions, even if they are made on the 31st, let me help. Post your comments and resolutions!

-Dan Johnston

Have you ever stepped on a Peak? I mean a real mountain peak. With winter approaching it is easy to get trapped indoors watching TV but winter has offered me one of the most breath-taking moments of my life.

I for one am an avid skier and have seen a few amazing panoramic views, but none quite like the moment that is etched in my heart. It was a few years ago now, we were on a family trip in Switzerland – what a glorious country – we were skiing Verbier for a week. I was off with my brother and best friend riding the cable car to the top. They are both scared of heights, so I went up the last 50 meters alone – in ski boots up a steep sun beaten icy slope, thankfully a cable to clutch firmly off to one side, partially buried in ice, very awkward and scary, losing my footing several times to the amusement of my two fans.

Stunned and speechless at the top, bone biting cold winds, holding on to the massive iron cross for dear life, for in all directions all I could see was white cap mountains set against a clear blue sky. Yes a full 360 degrees of peaks, layers deep, stretched beyond the visible horizon, on top of the world I fell to my knees in awe of planet earth. Here at the point where the land meets the sky and the whole universe beyond. Life is beautiful, crisp clear, even magical and impossible. I motion to my companions to join me, they decline, and so the moment was mine alone, engraved in my heart to carry and share wherever I go.

So get out there in nature: It is good to be alive, good to push our limits and comfort zone. Go collect those moments that take your breath away.

- John Hewson, founded Peak One Consulting in 1999 to offer coaching and strategic sales marketing and communications services, helping people and organizations get to where they want to be in Life, Business and the Arts. John works in Whistler, Vancouver and The UK with a core team of talented artists and support personnel. John can be reached at 604 318 3745.

When people watch TV, most of us tune out the commercials. But one night 6 months ago, Kelowna businessman Paul Nesbitt saw a drunk driving commercial and was moved to take action. The ad was for MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Paul thought to himself “What about the dad’s?” That very night he founded Canadian Designated Driver Dads, because he says “We were young once too.”

The premise is simple. Paul and his friends – all dads, and all volunteers– head downtown every weekend and when the bars close, they offer to drive people’s cars home for them.   And it’s all by donation.

“Rational thinking isn’t clearest after a night out,” he laughs, “all you are thinking is how do I get home?” The temptation is great.

Taking a cab costs money – to get home and back the next morning. If you are lucky your car is still where you left it, and in the condition you left it. The cost factor is huge, in many ways.  So, he says  “why drive when we can do it for you?”

Paul received a special taxi license from the City of Kelowna, and all the volunteers have to submit to a criminal record check. And so far it’s all been positive. “It’s all about getting kids home safe.”

More information about Canadian Designated Driver Dads can be found on their website: http://www.designateddriverdads.com

- This article is by Ami Catori. After almost 10 years as a reporter / producer in Mainstream news, Ami was heading for a straight jacket. Covering, and seeing so many negative, doom and gloom reports is draining. So, she decided to focus on the stories that she liked; the ones that make you smile. Ami will help share these stories with us there at Elated News.

Maybe you’ve experienced a state of mind where you’d do anything to achieve something that you wanted. You know that state of mind where you feel invincible and like you could completely conquer the world. Well imagine for a moment that you could achieve that state of mind everyday. This is the state of mind that you need to create an extraordinary life for yourself. Here is exactly how you cultivate this state of mind.

Secret Number One: Push Yourself Harder Then EVER Before!

People who achieve their dreams and live an extraordinary life do it by pushing themselves harder each and every day. They treat each day as a precious opportunity to excel and grow. One way to see if you’re pushing yourself as hard as you possible can is to measure your progress at the gym. If you don’t leave the gym each day feeling like you just put in the most effort you ever have, you are not cultivating the mindset needed to create an extraordinary life.

Secret Number Two: 10,000 Hours of Dedicated Work

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers he mentions that all “Outliers” (who are people achieving their dreams and living an extraordinary life) spend 10,000 hours focused on their area of passion. Find what you love doing and focus. If you’re not spending everyday doing what you love and developing skill sets that will help you become a top achiever in your industry – you aren’t in the top 5% of achievers and you won’t achieve that extraordinary life you’re seeking. Do the work 95% of people won’t do.

- William Oliver, is a law of attraction expert. He is an author, speaker and coach whose specialties include applying the law of attraction and helping others reach their full potential. William can be contacted at Info@GolfAttractors.com.

Standing at the top - Taft's Point

Hey, not everything about rain is bad. Local comedian, Brett Martin, has some reasons why we should embrace the rain.

Rekindle your Christmas and find new meaning in the holidays.

Kelsey Grant shows us how to Act Like a Kid Again.

And lastly, Anca Sovarosi, a new addition to our Elated Writing team, has an inspiring article that we can all learn from.

Download: PDF Version

Prosperity in Vancouver: 2010 and Beyond

Here at Elated News we have a very strict no news policy. This means we don’t read traditional newspapers, watch much TV or listen to traditional radio. As those glued to CNN are surely aware: the world is ending. In fact, it has been reported that global warming is growing concerned that it may lose its opportunity to end the world due to an economically inspired apocalypse.

So this is what the end of the world looks like?  This city is beautiful and alive with energy. Restaurants are packed, patios are bumping and people are happy, at least they will be in a few months. There is opportunity all around waiting, screaming for you to seize it. Everyday I come across new ideas, new opportunities and new individuals doing amazing things. If you are open to it the universe is waiting to reward you.

Visit your favourite coffee shop, order your favourite drink (even if it is $6 and 800 calories) and really ponder all the opportunity available to you. Take out a piece of paper and at the top write: “10 Ways I Can Prosper In 2010 and Beyond” and get writing! Stay focused on how you can and ignore any reasons you think you can’t. The world is what you make of it. As awe inspiring as it would be for the Mayan’s to have been fortune tellers, something tells me we’re going to be just fine.

If you’re feeling bold, let us know what you wrote by leaving a comment.

Instead of noticing how wonderful the flowers smell, or our food tastes, we tend to rush quickly through life forgetting to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.

When practiced, mindfulness can not only help us enjoy each daily moment, but also play a powerful role in the sexual areas of our lives. Its simple practice can amplify the passion, desire and ecstasy enjoyed. It increases our awareness of taste, touch, smell, and sound, making each moment a peak of enticement and excitement.

Increasing your sensuality and stepping into mindfulness…

To begin a practice of mindfulness try the following exercise, and remember: patience, enjoyment and relaxation.  Don’t rush, instead allow yourself to take the time to enjoy the experience.

Select a piece of wrapped food. In my classes I like to hand out a selection of candies or chocolates (traditionally we would use a grape or raisin).

It always amazes and amuses me that by the time I’m done distributing these sweet treats, most people have already devoured theirs. That’s when we begin – why did we feel the need to quickly, without much thought, devour that little morsel of sweetness?

Realizing that we hold 1 candy in our hand, why not take the time to really enjoy it? Taste it? We have been gifted with an amazing array of senses, and the ability to really enjoy the little (and big) things in life. Some thing as simple as a piece of wrapped chocolate, can be a wonderful experience.

After I’ve distributed the candies (and redistributed candies to those who’ve already devoured their initial treat), we begin the actual exercise of mindfulness meditation:

The idea is to relax, notice, taste, smell, touch, listen and enjoy that candy.  Taking our time, and remaining mindful of the experience, our feelings and body reactions, we dedicate 30 minutes to the simple and fulfilling exercise of eating a little candy.

1. Start with the wrapper – notice it, enjoy it, realizing that you will unwrap that candy, but for now you want to simply experience it.

2. As you slowly unwrap it, notice the smells, how it sounds as you open it. Is your body getting hungry for it? Enjoy the way the candy looks within the wrapper and without the wrapper.

3. Smell the candy and notice if your mouth begins to water, or your stomach growls. Enjoy the process.

4. Take a small taste, lick, nibble or bite it. Allow yourself to savor the sweetness.

5. Place the remaining candy in your mouth. Play with it, allow it to melt and really notice how it tastes. Take a moment to close your eyes and melt into the experience.

6. Relax with it.

Notice:

The wrapper?

Did you notice the designs on it? How did it sound as you unwrapped it? Did the wrapper entice you, give you ideas of what it may taste like?

The smell?

How did the candy smell before you even unwrapped it? Did the smell become even more enticing as you moved it closer to your mouth? How did your body react, did your mouth water?

The texture?

Did the candy have a smooth, firm texture? Or was it soft? When you placed it in your mouth did you notice how it felt against your tongue, and how it felt as it melted?

The Sound?

As you tore open that wrapper, how did it sound? Did it crinkle? As you held that candy in your mouth, did you notice the sounds it made as it moved around? Was it a hard candy that echoed as you knocked it against your teeth? Did it crunch when you bit into it?

The taste?

Was it delicious? Did it taste smooth and sweet? Was it what you expected, or perhaps it held a different flavour than you had thought? Did the taste change as it melted or as you crunched away on it?

This simple exercise can create world of difference in how your live your life. But be patient… A recent student said to me “this is tough, it’s painful to eat 1 candy in a 25 min time span, I thought I’d go nuts”.

She went on to explain that it wasn’t that she was hungry, but instead the idea that she had this candy in front of her, and with the experience intensifying how much she wanted to consume it, she began to get very impatient.

We as a society have become rushed, losing patience with ourselves, each other and life. Moving through at such a pace we often miss the little experiences that can bring joy to us. Or ignore the company that simply wishes to share love with us.

Rushing through the intimate areas of life is very common in western society. There of course is nothing wrong with quick and passionate intimacy, but when this becomes a way of life, we begin to miss out on an amazing connection with one another.

Now take that candy and replace it with the (wo)man in your life. Imagine what practicing mindfulness can do not only for every day living, but for your sexual side. Ask your partner to join you, and start with the candy. Soon enough you’ll be finding that the sweetness within that candy, is nothing compared to the deliciousness found within each other.

-  Alessandra Sagredo

Sagredo Life Systems
www.sagredolifesystems.com

Alessandra’s core focus is to help others unleash their life and begin living a life of bliss!  As an Intuitive Consultant, Spiritual Growth Facilitator and Meditation Teacher she works with an international client base, helping individuals and professionals go beyond the basics of living and start truly loving their life!

Although I live this reality every day- it isn’t always a breeze. When I get stuck in negativity I sometimes find it hard to get out. I think everyone does. Recently I have found a teacher in the most unusual form- my car.

I purchased my car in May of this year, and when asked if I would like the run-flat tire insurance- I declined, since in nearly two decades of driving I have never had a flat. Living downtown Vancouver in the midst of mad construction I thought that by adopting the attitude that insurance was simply unnecessary given my history of flat tires I would be just fine. This may have worked had I not driven through each construction area tensed up and stressing about getting a flat. Two weeks later- guess what? I got my first flat tire. I had begun to fear the exact thing I hoped to avoid- and voila! It became my reality.

So, lesson learned, right? Wrong. Earlier this week I was late for work-again-and I had absolutely no good reason. Upset with myself at my lack of time management I started to criticize myself. “Late, again?” “Did I really need to hit that snooze button the fourth time?” “This is getting embarrassing. I don’t even have a valid reason. If I only had a valid reason for getting late this time so I actually had an excuse…” Well, no more than one minute after making that statement I was given a valid reason. I got another flat tire.

I called the dealership and asked if maybe it took time for the tire pressure to register low and the lady informed me it was almost instantaneous, within one minute. Needless to say I was shocked.

I asked to keep the screw that gave me a flat tire as a reminder. It sits in my car and I have to move it out of the way every morning to set down my coffee. It reminds me that our thoughts do in fact create our realities. It also reminds me that often situations in our lives act as lessons in mindfulness. We only have to look at what we have created to redefine what needs to change to live more positive, rewarding, and fulfilling lives.

- Keyla Stuart, founder of Manifest Destiny. For more information: manifest.destiny@ymail.com | www.manifestdestiny.ca

What Jesus didn’t tell you about his birthday

Call me selfish but I have no idea what I got for Christmas last year. I could name you a few items for sure, but not everything. And I certainly could not list all the gifts I gave.

I doubt I’m alone on this. Christmas is supposed to be a chance to spend time with loved ones, but it seems to get more hectic and stressful every year. It is financially taxing and emotionally taxing on people who are alone or don’t get along with their families.

But this year I will change that. My family is trying a new approach. We are fortunate enough to already have all the things we need. So instead of getting each other more ‘stuff’, my parents, two brothers, their wives, two nieces and a nephew are all pitching in to help the less fortunate.

We are adopting a family in need in Canada and helping kids in Africa. Through the Salvation Army we have been paired up with a family with three children. We will team up to provide them with a Christmas dinner and gifts for the kids. One of my brothers traveled to Africa and has a special place in his heart for the children there. His family is buying mosquito nets to help prevent children from getting malaria.

Everyone wins. We help out people in our own community and abroad which feels great. Plus we all save ourselves a few hundred dollars and hours at the mall, fighting through crowds and searching for a parking spot. We have less ‘stuff’ we don’t actually need and instead of working overtime to pay for it all we actually get to spend time as a family. We plan to share stories about how grateful we are for our lives and each other.

We’ve never done anything like this before but I have a sneaking suspicion this just may be the most magical Christmas ever.

“Honey, do you love me?”

“What do you mean? Is it not obvious that I love you? I’m always cooking and cleaning for you! I always do nice things for you! You never do anything nice for me! How do I know if you even love me?”

“Of course I do! I always tell you how much I love your cooking and how beautiful you are. I tell you all the time how much I value everything about you.”

Does this sound all too familiar to you? This situation completely described my parents about year ago. I knew they loved each other, but why was it not coming across that way?

Their different ways of expressing love led to many arguments and miscommunications because they could never understand each other. Some days they felt like love had gone astray because they just couldn’t get along.

One day I picked up the New York Times Bestseller The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman who flawlessly describes that we all have a primary love language that speaks immensely to our soul. There are five love languages in total: Words of Affirmations, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch. Generally, the way we express our love is the way we understand it, and when two people express their love differently it can lead to confusion or even heartache.

After reading this book I realized that my mother, a very nurturing type, showed her love through Acts of Services, meaning she expressed her love for my father by taking care of him through household chores. My father on the other hand showed his love through Words of Affirmations by verbally expressing words of appreciation and encouragement.

When I shared this with them their faces lit up! If my father could do a really nice act of service for my mother such as cleaning up the garden, and my mother could praise him with compliments of what a good job he did, they would both feel so appreciated and loved because they spoke each other’s language. They realized that their love was definitely still there but they were just expressing it in a way the other couldn’t understand.

So if you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t know how your partner feels, just remember we all express our love in different ways. Maybe have a discussion with him/her about these five love languages and your relationship could change for the better!

Check out a description of Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages. Which one speaks to you the most?

- Pia Edberg, a social psychology expert currently working for SAP Canada in human resources and as their Global Diversity Champion.

If you’re looking for a way to feel better each and every day put the Prozac aside and try smiling more. While it runs in direct opposition to logic, studies have shown that smiling actually makes you happier. Consider that your unconscious and conscious mind are not completely in sync and that your unconscious works primarily through your body. When your unconscious senses your smiling it, rationally enough, assumes that you must be happy. I’m sure the logic goes something like “Well it looks like I’m smiling, so either I’m happy or crazy, better go with happy.” One study demonstrated that smiling for 20 minutes each day while watching themselves in a mirror was as effective at treating depressed patients as drugs. So the next time you’re feeling a little blue and there isn’t a copy of Elated News handy to lift your spirits reach take a few minutes to make yourself smile and I guarantee you’ll start to feel a little better.

It all started from seeing my grandma sinking in depression from not being able to hear, understand and communicate with the world around us. Deeper research led me to discover a medical clinic that suggested a treatment for unplugging the patients ears instead of expensive devices.

I was frustrated with the store doctor for not doing the proper diagnosis and making a commercial one. Yet I was struck by the care from the medical personnel in understanding just how important her ability to interact and participate in our lives was.

My other grandma overseas is battling the medical system to get a surgery for liquid in her leg. Her doctor told her “What’s the point? It’ll gather liquid again at your age anyway.” I can’t imagine what it would feel like when someone tells you “at your age…” What is she supposed to do, stay inside and wait for death?

How can a person decide which moment is more important than the other? It’s like deciding which heart deserves to be loved or not… all life is important, in every moment.

Take a look at your life and the people you encounter. Their lives today matter, no matter how mundane it may seem. The presentation a loved one is giving before lunch today is not just some other work stuff, is may be the moment that gives them self-confidence, or a promotion, or that brings them face to face with a boss they can’t stand. A visit with a senior you know may be the only moment of their week they get to interact with a loved one.

The trials in my grandparents life inspired me to stop going through life as a routine. I invite you to try it. Stop saving your love for ‘the right times.’ Today is the most important day in your life, in your child’s life, in your lover’s life. It is the most important day in the life of people you haven’t even met yet. Today they’re trying harder than ever, they need love more than ever, and today you will support and love them more than you ever have. Make today full of moments that matter.

- Anca Sovarosi is a people passionate on a quest to travel the world and help empower dreams. Don’t let her two degrees fool you, she’s a street smart more than a book worm. A published freelance writer and successful career coach, she can be reached at 778-892-1434 / asovarosi@gmail.com or on www.kungfutango.com

About a year ago it occurred to me I had misplaced this child-likeness in my own life. Standing inside this realization I was at a crossroads. I could operate like I always had and live a familiar life producing marginal results or I could try on a new perspective and potentially create a life beyond what I thought was possible. What had me choose the unfamiliar path was a powerful conversation with my coach. He said “Honestly what is the worst possible scenario? The worst possible outcome is nothing changes and you continue on the same way you always have.” Brilliant. It was this moment the world as I knew it shifted. The big game was now my life. The rules: child-like enthusiasm, awe and excitement.

I’m most successful at the game “My Life” when I’m present to the nature of my thoughts. I choose to view my world through the lens of excitement, adventure, love, and discovery. My interactions reflect a light, playful freedom. I express myself freely and have the capacity to supercharge my creativity without restraint or concern.

I make myself present to the beauty and greatness in my world each day to keep me in the game. Most importantly I share my discoveries with the people in my life. What I’m grateful for today is opportunity. An opportunity to express who I am within a community of amazing inspiring beings, who like me are committed to each person’s capacity for greatness. Shift your thoughts and your world will follow.

- Kelsey Grant, a sought after personal development and relationship coach, musician and choreographer. She can be reached at kelsey@allincoaching.com, 778-834-7571, or www.allincoaching.com

• It keeps all the green things, green. The city’s beauty is directly related to how good a job the sky does at watering it. I forget to water plants weekly; the clouds never forget. The rain is a reliable, efficient gardener and it saves us the hassle of having to get a hose out and do it ourselves
• I now feel confident I could survive water torture should the need arise
• Finally a good reason to crack out that kitty cat umbrella
• Everywhere else is Canada, people are buying parkas, snow pants and may very well have to wake up tomorrow and plug in their cars.
• I have a finer appreciation of architecture. Building with large awnings spanning half way into the sidewalk quickly become noticed, admired and respected.
• My hat began to smell, which sucked, because I love my hat, didn’t know how to clean it and didn’t want a new one. So, after much head scratching and consultation, I learned, after all these years, how to wash one. Thanks, rain! (Free Tip – soap and water in bucket)
• Significantly decreases the risks of getting sunburned. The money saved on sun tan lotion can then be applied to very bright indoor lighting.
• Dogs in rain jackets are funny
• Hot drinks in summer don’t go down as well as they do in the rain.
• Going out in a downpour to get bread transforms from monotonous to heroic
• Laughing at people with silly umbrellas is always good fun
• All this moisture is good for the skin. Not having to buy skin cream is another nice rain related savings.
• The extra weight of those wet shoes, socks and pant bottoms makes for extra walking resistance and thus, more exercise.
• Many cities these sizes often smell bad. The Pacific Rain is like a giant city air freshener.
• Prevents English Bay from drying up
• Great way to find out if your roof is working
• If it’s raining, it means it above freezing, and if it weren’t, it would be snowy and icy out there
• Puts the kibosh on forest fire season
• Increases odds of local evolutionary leaps featuring gills or fins
• All the inside time makes you creative

You see, there’s plenty to smile about during this rain season. If nothing else, it’s just refreshing the city for another gloriously beautiful summer. So, take the glum off your face, buy a hot drink, sit on a covered patio and have a good laugh at all the doggy raincoats.

- Brett Martin, a professional Stand up Comic who headlines Comedy Clubs across Canada and here in Vancouver. Brett also hosts Hurricane’s Comedy Night (999 Marine Dr, North Vancouver, Wednesday’s, 8:30), and can be seen at The Presentation House Theater on December 16th. He also likes hockey, rock and roll, the beach cats and pizza. You can reach him at brettmartinlive@gmail.com.

This issue features an inspiring article from a new contributor, John Hewson.

Katolen Yardley continues her theme of stress, this time focusing on simple solutions.

Cheyenne teaches us what to say when approaching women or making a first impression.

And finally, Dan Johnston, shows us the Secret Ingredients of Change.

PDF Versions: Issue 04 – Downtown West, Issue 04 – Yaletown

“But what do I say?”
“What if I run out of things to say?”

These are the two of the most common questions I’ve faced while coaching people on having effective and captivating personal and business relationships. Thus, it wasn’t a surprise when the number one thing requested at our last Elated News writer’s meeting was an article answering the aforementioned questions.

Now I can give you a lot of cool and interesting scripts, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll reveal two fundamental ideas to make every single one of your interactions naturally interesting and memorable.

Offering Value

Whether it’s a business meeting or approaching an attractive person at a bar, most people have the mindset of “I want to get his business” or “I want to get her number”. The person they are dealing with can feel that from the moment they open their mouth. That is taking value.

What if their mindset going into the meeting was “I want to contribute to him” or “I want to make her smile”? When we let go of our agenda, and come from a place of genuinely offering value first, we not only stand out from everyone else, but we have unlocked doors in business and personal relationships that others have to work a lot harder to open.

Creating The Essence

When you are with your friends you never wonder what to say next or how to impress them. The reason you and most people don’t is because it is understood that you are close friends. The underlying meaning of the interaction – the essence – is one of having fun and going with the flow.

When we are around our bosses, potential customers or attractive dates, a shift occurs. We focus on how to impress and what to say next – an essence, or way of being, which is not useful.

The essence you want to create on a date varies from being playful to connecting intimately. Your focus is on “we’re having an awesome time” and “I want to open up and get to know you.” This allows you to relax, flirt, and really get to know the other person.

The essence you want to create in business meeting is contributing to a common goal and connecting professionally. The mindset is “working together will create a lot of good for our customers and us“ and “we’re establishing trust and professional rapport.” With this mindset you’re guaranteed to have a productive meeting.

What saddened me most was one conversation we had shortly before he died. It was one Sunday after a family lunch when we were chatting and quizzing him about his life, he’d grown up in India as a young boy-solider before the Second World War. Such rich and vibrant memories, it moves me now recalling the love and passion he shared for those school days.

He married young, had a child, went to war, served his nation: Did as he was supposed to, Then, two years before retirement, was told he had only months to live.

The saddest part of it all is that he was full of regret. He sat there this Sunday saying I wish, I wish, I wish. He had never been back to India with his best buddy from school as he had planned for his retirement, he had not traveled, or dared to dream; he had an unlived bucket list too long to mention. It breaks my heart remembering his realization that it was over, no more time and only regrets.

This moving conversation inspired me to never repeat his words of regret. A year after he died I was booking a one-way ticket around the world when my company offered to move me to Toronto then New York and I accepted. I chose to live in new places rather than a quick visit.

Thanks dear Jim as you gave me wings and courage to dream, to say yes to life and live without regret. May you too learn to trust and fly, we have one life, use it well. No regrets or “I wishes” when it ends.

Love Life, Live Dreams and Share… The Love Doctor… John Hewson

Have you overcome regret in your own life? We’d love to hear about your experience and leave a comment.

I’m about to share with you a foolproof method to completely shift your identity. A method so powerful you can completely transform any aspect of your life. Before I do, ask yourself, what change do I want to make in my own life? What change must I make? Before reading any further, write down the change you’re committed to making in your life. No paper? Write it here:

Commit to Being A Person Of Integrity

In order to make any change you must be an individual of integrity. How do you do this? Start by commit to it right now. From this point forward you are somebody who honours their word. Start small with promises you know you’ll be able to complete and avoid agreeing to anything you aren’t sure you’ll be able to live up to. Once this becomes a habit, expand to making larger promises and keeping them. Once you build this muscle it becomes very difficult and painful to break your word, even to yourself.

Set Big, Public Goals

When you publicly share a goal it builds momentum, makes it clear that you are serious about succeeding and spreads the word so you do not need to re explain yourself constantly.

Be Consistent & Show You Are Serious

If on Tuesday you’re never drinking again, on Thursday you’re on a diet and on Friday you’re having Wine & Lobster people will not take you seriously. When you make a decision to change people like to test your conviction before accepting it: Survive the first month and you start to inspire change in others and build momentum.

Notice Your Language and Be Dramatic

Eliminate “trying”, “right now”, “started” and all other softeners from your vocabulary immediately. Someone who has started trying to eat better has a better chance of winning American Idol than eating healthy. There is no room for error here: You pass or fail this class. You are healthy. You don’t smoke. You love public speaking. Get the idea? Never be afraid to offend and always use firm answers; “No thank you, I value my health.” You won’t be offered cheesecake again.

So often we feel trapped in our identities. How others perceive us really is a self-fulfilling prophecy. This can be as destructive or powerful as you make it. Create an empowering identity and those around you will reinforce it. Initially change will be difficult but if you are strong and follow my advice you can create massive, lasting change starting today.

Ready to make the first step and commit to making a change? Start being accountable today: Post your goal in the comments section.

All change, positive or negative, results in a certain amount of required adaptability and stress on the body. In addition to eating well and using nutritional supplements, there are a number of lifestyle techniques to help better manage stress.

Commit to a routine of regular exercise to help to clear the mind.

Deep belly breathing is a helpful technique for calming and centering the mind. Inhale for a count of 3 – hold for a count of 3- before exhaling for a count of 5. This practice can be done at work, while driving or in any triggering circumstance.

Meditation is an excellent way of creating calm despite all triggering external circumstances. Simple meditations include focusing on and repeating one word or maintaining focus on one visual. It is a practice of being completely present in the current moment, not caught up on the past or future musings of the mind. This instills a sense of peace. Emptying the mind and extending ones awareness to the senses with deep breathing is an excellent practice.

When it comes to mental health, keep it light! Don’t take anything in this life too seriously. If you must worry, then set aside 5 full minutes per day for this task, put on a timer and worry away with the understanding that when the timer ends, so does the worrying. For the rest of the day be actively solution oriented. Write down solutions and options to handle the situation at hand. Take time to feel good and enjoy life every day. Seek out reasons to laugh every day.

A useful daily practice is to list 5-10 things which you appreciate and feel gratitude towards in your life. Speak about these things often to others. What we focus on expands, so be aware of the role the mind plays in dwelling on a specific thought. Worrying on a small issue can create a mountain. Similarly, changing what you focus on will change the end result. A solution focused approach, emphasizing peace and harmony through the chaos, will shift the state of the minds focus from negative dwelling to a place of positive appreciation.

- Katolen Yardley, Medical Herbalist, is in private practice in Vancouver BC. She is the owner of Alchemy & Elixir Health Group a healing oasis and wellness centre in the West End of Vancouver located at # 320-1026 Davie St. Clinic appointments can be booked at 604-683-2298 or info@alchemyelixir.com. More at: katolenyardley.com and alchemyelixir.com.

If you've never attended a multi day personal development intensive before, have a look at Think Big. If you have, well then you've probably already signed up.

I created Elated News with the intention of providing inspirational, educational and enlightening articles for all Vancouver to enjoy. I truly believe what you feed your mind determines the quality of life you lead. I take great pride in filtering what I allow in and finding the best books, audio programs and seminars to satisfy my need for growth. I apply these same standards to the writing and advertisers I allow into Elated News.

Personally I have found seminars and speaking events to be priceless in my personal growth. As satisfying as an article, book or dvd can be, nothing comes close to spending several days with mind blowing speakers and like minded individuals. For those of you who haven’t attended an intensive multi-day speaking event before, there is an amazing charge you experience. You’re energized for months afterwards with new opportunities, ideas and connections.

Few individuals share my philosophy as much as my friend Gabriel Faulhaber. As committed to bringing inspiration to Vancouver as myself, Gabriel is pouring his heart and soul into what is sure to be a spectacular event: The Think Big Super Conference. Try saying that 10 times fast.

The more I found out about this event the more I knew Elated News had to be involved. Well, I couldn’t be more excited to announce that Elated News is now an official sponsor of the event. That’s right, the whole team will be out shaking hands, kissing babies and delivering positive news for 3 days straight to over 1000 people. Did I mention, yours truly will be on stage as MC for all 3 days as well?

Like Elated News the event will be covering a variety of topics. One day will be on personal development, another on health and the third and finances. So if you love personal development, positive people and are a believer in continuous education head on over to www.thinkbigsuperconference.com. Right now tickets are only $77 for all 3 days.

Hope to see you in the crowd,

Dan Johnston.

Elated News is always looking to be a part of positive events that contribute to the Vancouver community. If you have an event coming up you’d like to see us at or have Elated News available for your guests, contact me at 604 988 8876 x 21 or dan@elatednews.com.

Empowering Vancouver with Positive Media

Elated News is a local, bi-monthly, publication in Vancouver. Our mission is to provide positive, enlightening, and empowering articles and editorials in print and online.

Each edition of Elated News features articles and stories written to enlighten and educate you.

Issue 3

The content of Elated News is uplifting, motivating and powerful. Each article leaves you in a powerful state with an opportunity to take action and make a change in your life or community.

Online, we’ll be offering you a collection of fantastic, original content, extensions on the articles you loved in the print edition as well as some interactive elements. Call your grandma and let her know. She probably doesn’t yet understand “that internet” but I think it is a safe bet you owed her a call anyhow. This is our first go at this, but we’re committed to succeeding. Help us out and send us your feedback, advice, article ideas and any other suggestions (we do accept compliments) to: ilove@elatednews.com.

Welcome to the Elated Guide, Vancouver! This is our guide to featured businesses in Vancouver. We wouldn’t just patronize these businesses and services, but we endorse and support them. They share our values and beliefs and also strive to create positive change in our world. And, we want to help them grow!

At the most basic level, this is a business directory. Internet business directories help generate business, expose your brand, and creates a stronger online presence. Traditional print advertising is still very relevant and effective, but many good businesses are still not taking full advantage of the opportunities for growth presented by the Internet.

This profile page will act as your internet business badge. We can have images, videos, testimonials; basically, anything you can think of that will help craft your business identity. If you already have an existing website, this will further enhance your online presence and exposure. The Elated Guide profile page greets your prospective customer with an introduction to your business, and presents keywords that best describe your business or what you do, or sell.

The Value of Nothing. Kate Leinweber talks about how sometimes we need to take a day off and do…. nothing.

Special contributor for this issue, Katolen Yardley, a medical herbalist, outlines some effective solutions to relieve stress, the holistic way.

Also featured is part 2 of Quinton Carlin’s article on how to create your own reality TV.

Download the full PDF version here.

The reality is; I don’t care about “Reality TV”. I believe individuals can (and should) create their OWN reality. The inconvenient truth is we are surrounded by mass media marketing telling us what to do, how to act and what to buy. No wonder many of us feel overwhelmed.

I have a simple question & suggestion for you: How do you want to FEEL each day?
FEELING A: Worried, stressed, paranoid, overwhelmed and fearful? Or….
FEELING B: Happy, empowered, connected with your community, confident about achieving your personal and financial goals?

If you chose Plan A, no worries, keep watching and reading the same negative programming and publications & keep thinking what you’ve always been told to think.

If you chose Plan B, COOL! Welcome to our Elated Inner Circle Community. Get to know us (and read us), we look forward to getting to know you too.

Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”. If you want a different result or feeling than you are currently accustomed to, start taking different actions and thinking in a more productive and positive way. Start surrounding yourself with positive people, personal development programs that make you feel, well, more elated. Make sense? Good.

I personally Challenge you to take 90 days off all the negative influences in your life: no mass media, brain numbing TV, negative newspapers, and stop listening to “Greg” in accounting who is convinced the world will end in 2012. Take a vacation from your spouse if they are negative. Seriously. Unplug from all negative distractions that hinder your highest personal potential. You’ll be AMAZED at how much extra time, energy, creativity & resources you will manifest! Treat yourself to a good book & consider going on a retreat or vacation. Why? Why not? You deserve it, don’t you?

Enjoy your new found silence, solitude & serenity and SMILE Vancouver, it’s addictive.

Holistic Tools for Managing Stress in our Hectic World

In this world, change is the one constant throughout our lives. Nothing ever stays the same. Change and transformation is an inevitable part of our life experience. But all change puts a certain amount of stress on our physical body, even if the change is positive.

During times of change, taking steps to manage and support the body’s adaptability, is essential to a smooth transition, riding through the waves of change to the other side. Stress can lead to fatigue, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, a change in appetite, panic attacks and digestive problems. It can also lower immune system function, and can contribute to long-term illness. Stress can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as the body uses up key nutrients to help manage stressful conditions.

But there is plenty of good news. The foods we eat can keep our bodys resilient. It’s easy to reach for fast food. Resorting to comfort foods in times of stress is a common habit, yet this is the time to return to healthy eating habits.

Simplicity is the key, if the food does not grow directly from a tree or out of the earth it should not be eaten. Have you ever heard of an oreo cookie tree, or a cheesie shrub? No! Junk foods are heavily laden with artificial colors and preservatives and void of any nutritional value. Take steps to avoid all processed and packaged foods which contain additives, artificial sweeteners, chemicals and colorings (simply more stress on the body).

Avoid artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, junk food, pork, red meat, sugar, white flour, chips, preservatives, fried foods and caffeine. Instead choose to consume raw, fresh vegetables (all the colors of the rainbow) and fruit, whole grains and ensure adequate protein consumption, primarily from vegetable sources, such as beans, legumes, nuts and seeds and fresh fish.

There are also some nutritional supplements to help manage stress: Vitamin B Complex contains the whole group of B vitamins, and is known as the anti stress vitamin, used for healthy nervous system function, memory enhancement and improving endurance and stamina.
Calcium magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety; it is useful to take at night to obtain a restful sleep. Vitamin C with bioflavinoids is useful for adrenal support (the bodies stress response organ) and for enhancing immune system function.

Herbal Medicine can provide excellent support during the time of stress a group of tonic herbs, known as adaptogens. Adaptogen herbs are used to increase physical and mental endurance, enhance vitality, and help the body cope with stress. They also improve resistance to infection, improve immune function and help maintain optimal adrenal function. Examples include Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Gingko, Rhodiola and Rosemary.

Herbal Nervines are known as relaxant non-habit forming herbs which support the function and relaxation of the nervous system of use for anxiety, tension, headaches and insomnia. Chamomile, passion flower and skullcap are some common examples. Herbs can be used in tea, capsules or tincture form.

- Katolen Yardley, Medical Herbalist, is in private practice in Vancouver BC. She is the owner of Alchemy & Elixir Health Group a healing oasis and wellness centre in the West End of Vancouver located at # 320-1026 Davie St. Clinic appointments can be booked at 604-683-2298 or info@alchemyelixir.com. More at: katolenyardley.com and alchemyelixir.com.

It seems odd but I see her point. We are so fortunate to live in a world with so much opportunity. Everyday we have a chance to better ourselves: get into better shape, overcome an addiction, switch careers, master the art of juggling.  The sky is the limit and I want to take advantage of all that is available.

It can feel overwhelming but there is no need to wait to get food poisoning to decompress.

A few days ago after an extremely busy and rewarding week I woke up and just couldn’t conquer my ‘to do’ list. I wasn’t overtired, but I was overexerted. So I decided to take a day for myself. No, I didn’t watch Golden Girl reruns and eat cheetos all day – though I’d be a liar if I told you I’d never done that. I did something much better. I honoured myself by living a day without a need to achieve.

I didn’t set my alarm clock or check my facebook. Instead I read a book for fun. It had been a while since I read something I didn’t have too. I just love David Sedaris. Then I went for a meander by the beach, played with my two kittens Dakota and Triscuit (my role models for the day), and I cooked myself a nice dinner.
In short, I got nothing done. The laundry pile was no smaller and I didn’t call back my mom right away. But the world didn’t fall apart. I was the same person I was the day before, no better, not changed, no major accomplishments. I was just a person enjoying life with a family and friends who still loved me unconditionally.

There is immense value in taking time to unwind. My break gave me a chance to remember who I am and why I do all the things that keep me so busy. It reinvigorated me so now I can seize all the opportunities and new possibilities of each day with a renewed sense of passion and enthusiasm.

The Law Of Attraction Put Into Action

"The Secret" or The Law Of Attraction Is Only One Component Of A Plan To Create The Life Of Your Dreams

While I am a big believer in Napoleon Hill’s teachings about the law of attraction I think this video points out the hilarity in some modern interpretations used to sell products. I think Tony Robbin’s say it best; you can believe all you want but if you’re running east looking for a sunset you’re never going to find it. Belief is an essential part of the success equation, but practical strategies must accompany belief. It is critical to remember that the success stories passed down involved more than visualization or desire, they also involved educated, well thought out action.

The Mainstream Media Commercial

Sometimes it takes complex, well written articles to help convey the message an author is trying to make. Other times Youtube is able to do it for them. This is one of those Youtube times.

Two American psychologists conducted a very interesting experiment to try and determine the benefits of gratitude. The participants were split into three groups and asked to record daily diary entries. The first group wrote about all their day’s events, the second about their unpleasant experiences and the third about what they were grateful for.

The study indicated daily gratitude resulted in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. In addition to experiencing less stress, the gratitude group was more likely to selflessly help others, exercise regularly and make progress toward personal goals. According to the study, people who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved – perhaps the topic of an article for our Valentine’s Day Edition. McCollough and Emmons also noted that gratitude created a positive cycle of reciprocal kindness since one act of gratitude encourages another.

Dr. Ed Deiner, a Professor of Psychology from the University of Washington, has found tremendous links between gratitude and well being. In his own studies he has shown those entering college more cheerful earned an average of $15,000 more upon graduation than their downer counterparts. It was also found that those with a healthy sense of well being have less stress, more friends and better sleep.

With all these benefits you might expect to pay a hundred, perhaps a thousand dollars for a gratitude pill. Well my friends, today is your lucky day. We’re offering a complete gratitude solution, absolutely free – just don’t tell Pfizer. We’re keeping it really simple.

Step 1: Before 9 am each morning ask yourself “What am I grateful for today?” If nothing comes to mind, ask “If I was one of those really annoying positive folks, what would I be grateful for today?”

Step 2: Before falling asleep write down everything from your day you are grateful for, happy about or proud of.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Three years ago I started a 90 day media fast. No newspapers, no TV and no celebrity gossip for 3 months! How did I ever survive? I not only survived, I thrived. After those 90 days I never picked up the remote or newspaper again.

Since this is my debut article for your positive news publication Elated News, I thought I should do some background research on what I have been missing in the world of negative news. Here is what I found:

The 24 Hour paper seems to have all the reports on celebrity gossip covered. One particular article headline that caught my eye was “Obama calls Kayne West a Jackass”.

The Province was doing a great job pumping out poison with headlines like: “Two men found in pools of blood” and “Samurai sword used to kill burglar.” Wait it gets better: “Bullet Holes Found in Elementary school”. Talk about empowering the people!

I have to admit that I like the The Georgia Straight but the last few pages leave me feeling very dirty.

Nancy Grace

Now, the worst of the worst: CNN. I had to go to my friend’s place for a TV to indulge myself. After 15 minutes, I wanted to crawl into bed & hide under the covers in the fetal position! I’m curious; can CNN have any more fear based propaganda to negatively condition the collective mind of millions? I have studied Neuro Linguistic Programing, a science studying language and the brain. The underling messages that CNN are spewing out into societies’ conscious & subconscious minds are unbelievably destructive & dis-empowering. It literally makes me sick. I told my friend to change the channel but all we could find was mindless commercials telling us to consume useless products after a plethora of terrible reality TV shows. I wish I never knew that rapper Flava-Flav has his own reality dating show. Are you serious?

*Unfortunately my friends, this media rant went a little long today (hey, I had three years of negative news to catch up on, remember?). So stay tuned for the next edition to learn how you can remove the bombardment of negative news and how you can start acting & feeling more optimistic, positive & happy by starting your day the empowered, Elated way.

Read why being thankful leads to good health, why men and women are dying to meet you (if you’re single that is), and why CNN = Constant Negative News.

Find them in over 400 locations all across downtown Vancouver.

PDF Version

For Some Of Us Financial Success Is German Cars & Swiss Watches. For Others It Is Having Enough Passive Income To Enjoy The Beach or Countryside Undisturbed.

Surprisingly, most of us chronically overlook our most valuable asset, which is our own self! So how do you invest in yourself? The first often ignored step is taking the time to figure out what your ideal life looks like, financially, occupationally and otherwise, so that you can design your investing, and your finances in general, to complement both your long-term and short-term objectives.  Once you know what you really want, you are now in a much better position to create a financial blueprint by design rather than one by default. In other words, you’ll know what you’re doing and why. That can make all the difference in the world!

There are many different ways to invest in one’s self. A lot of people get stuck in investing ruts. They think that investing means mutual funds, or purchasing “hot” stocks. But there are many legitimate traditional and nontraditional ways to invest. Different investment vehicles can be smart ways to invest, depending on where you’re at in life, and what objectives you have. Every investment vehicle has its positives and negatives, but the point is that there is more than one way to invest, and many overlook one of the most obvious investment opportunities: Developing your own capacity to create real value in the world, which in turn leads to financial prosperity.

It is not so much that investment products are good or bad, it is whether they meet the objective or not. What you want is a plan that is not based on limits, but on the limitless possibilities of your own unique potential.

-Garrett Gunderson

Photo By Kenny Louie

I was running along the sea wall Thursday morning – the False Creek South side with the sloping bricks, not the downtown side. I run by an overturned garbage bin that had been thrown onto the slope, between the sea wall and the water. Someone should pick that up.

I stop running and look back at the garbage that is swarming with wasps and flies.

It’s too late though, I said the words and now I’ve got to climb down the slope, avoid cracking my head open and drag the garbage bin back up. All because I said those magic words, someone should.

This is your city, your country and your world. If you don’t take responsibility who will? There are two kinds of people on this planet: Those who look for someone else to blame or take responsibility and those who step up and create the world as they want it to be. If you’re reading this I know you are the second kind, even if you haven’t always been living that way.

The same way I trapped myself the moment I said someone should, you are now trapped. You will never again be able to say or hear someone should without a part of your saying that someone is me. Listen to that voice.

-Dan Johnston

There are two things all the aforementioned ‘advice’ has in common: First, it provides the illusion of a quick-fix to attracting the opposite sex and second, it encourages you to do attraction rather than to be attractive.

What that really means to you is that you’re moving away from being yourself. You’re putting on an elaborate show; dating and relationships become a complicated game with you constantly worrying about the next move.

And believe me, I’ve been there. From the pickup lines to the interesting style choices (black nails and fur hat anyone?), I was the master of doing. My biggest feat must have been trying to get the girl during class with an acapella rendition of Earth Angel. I did a phenomenal job, the class erupted in applause, and she still wanted to be “just friends”. And my journey began.

My journey to discover the difference that makes the difference. Hundreds of books and seminars and thousands of interactions later, here it is: Be comfortable with yourself. If you’re comfortable and confident in who you already are – with all your kinks and all – you will be amazed at the quality of people drawn to you. Start today, be grateful about all that you are, and allow yourself to evolve beyond the narrow-minded “doing” mentality.

Photo by Friska Bako

-Cheyenne Kamran

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to get a stranger to drop their guard and smile if you’re willing to be a little childish. Which situations in your life would the ability to make others smile come in handy?It is when we become too comfortable that we stop growing. Become OK with leaving your comfort zone and you will find limitless success. For this reason, we have the Elated News Comfort Challenge.

This edition’s challenge: In the next 3 days, it is your goal to make 6 strangers smile. The catch: do it without saying a word. Possible methods include, but are not limited to, the unsolicited high five, giving the biggest smile possible,
the creepy wink and the infamous spontaneous highland dancing.

Take the challenge and leave comments below with stories from your experiences.

View the full issue here, or right click to download the pdf.

What would your life be like if you made happiness today a priority?

Two people are sitting on a beach in Fiji. One spends most of their days on the beach, the other is there for a 3 day business seminar.

Fijian Islander: You are always on the go, working so hard, how come?

Canadian Businessperson: Well I need to work hard to make more money.

Fijian Islander: How come?

Canadian Businessperson: Isn’t it obvious? I need to work hard to get promoted so I can double my RRSP and eventually retire and spend my days on the beach!

Fijian Islander, Very Confused: But I spend all my days in the sun and on the beach.

Canadian Businessperson: Oh it is different in Canada. You just wouldn’t understand how real business works.

Many of us are living the Deferred Life Plan: Do what you have to do now so that you can do what you want to do later. No one plans to live this way, it just sort of happens. Financial commitments grow as fast as excuses, and next thing you know it feels like it’s too late. Change can be scary.

One way to start doing more of what you love without having to make radical life changes, is to make a list of your passions and all the things you would love to do, try or learn. Once you have the list, you must actively pursue items on it. I suggest learning one brain and one body skill at all times (for instance learning Spanish while learning to tango) and throwing in random new challenges whenever you can.

If the universe ever hands you an opportunity to check off an item, you must do it! If skydiving is on your list and you are invited you will be jumping! I recommend putting a small percentage of your income into a separate account for your list. As the money builds you’ll be forced to look at your list and start ticking things off.

Follow these steps and you will be surprised how quickly you’re hanging out of planes, visiting countries that have been on your computer wallpaper for years and becoming the envy of all your friends. Next issue I’ll reveal the secrets behind my 007 List.

-Dan Johnston

The Secret To Success:

Embrace Failure

Richard Branson Has Built His Virgin Empire By Taking On Huge Challenges and Never Fearing Failure

Failure is not giving things a go in the first place. People who fail are those who don’t have a go and don’t make an effort. Failures can’t be bothered. There are few people who’ve tried something and fallen who didn’t get enormous satisfaction from trying, and I’ve learned more from people who have tried and faltered than from the few charmed people for whom success came easy.

-Elated News

So what is Elated News all about you ask? It is the answer to all the negative news out there. Each edition will feature articles and stories written to enlighten and educate you. Our hope is that each article leaves you in a powerful state with an opportunity to take action and make a change in your life or community.

ElatedNews.com will focus on bringing the print content as well as exclusive content from our team of writers. Furthermore, we hope to foster a community that promotes interaction and discussion.

If you have any feedback or suggestions, please email us at ilove@elatednews.com or leave us a comment.

Thanks and enjoy!