Take a Moment Today …

Take a moment today to reflect on what’s important to you. Breath and take some time to be grateful for the blessings that you have. I woke up! I’m safe and warm! I have food in my belly! I have amazing friends and all the support I desire! I have everything I could possibly need to make a difference in my or someone’s life! I can make change! And I will!

Photo Credit: Armand Flores @ ProfolioPhotography

Be Willing!

This week would have been my parent’s wedding anniversary. I reflect on what their marriage meant to me and the type of people they are. My dad is no longer with us but I speak often on the influence my dad had on my life. One major thing my dad taught me was to work hard and have pride in your work. I recently changed jobs and when you start a new role you work your ass off getting settled in, finding your way in order to make a difference and to have pride in your work. My dad had great work ethic. 

I share this story!

My father was the hardest worker that I’ve ever met. My parents moved to Canada not knowing the language and had little money. They had five kids and my dad being an immigrant didn’t have many opportunities for high paying jobs.  But what my dad had was the willingness and the drive to do great work.  

To make ends meet my dad worked three jobs for most of his life to keep us warm, happy and food in our bellies. He was driven to do his best job at whatever he did whether working as a mechanic and cleaning bowling alleys or managing a building as a superintendent – he was driven to do his best and he gave his best in everything that he did. He would never ask anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself. Hard work will take you far! It is so rewarding when you work hard, and it pays off. 

Be inspired by people who have great work ethic!

You Can’t Fake It!

Well, you can fake it, but you’d be cheating yourself. When we fake things it’s because we don’t want to admit that we are not quite there or trying to please someone. When we fake it typically it’s because we don’t want to own where we are and what we are doing.  

Barbara Corcoran says, “you can’t fake passion” and I totally agree.  What’s your passion?  Passion drives us to do things we typically wouldn’t do and have fun doing it.  It gets us out of bed in the morning and keeps us up at night.  Passion is defined as a strong and barely controllable emotion.  Out of all the emotions, this is a good one to have.  

I know someone that has that great passion.  Her passion is painting.  Her passion is so strong that she had the guts to make all the changes in her life to follow what she loves.  This delightful person is Allyson Thain.  Allyson (Ally) says “since hanging my first abstract painting of the South Saskatchewan River at age 5 in my parents’ living room gallery, I have never stopped creating.  I have worked with many different art forms and mediums over the years – drawing, papermaking, bookbinding, lampworking and watercolours –and I always return to painting abstracts with acrylics”.

Now let’s talk bravery.  Ally is so passionate about painting that she left her job in finance to pursue her painting full time.  Ally has participated in a number of art shows, painting wine nights and frequently does team builders for corporate events.  

Ally’s team builders are super exciting.  She has a wonderful offer called IntoxiArt!

IntoxiArt is a new team building experience that allows your group to relax, be creative and have fun. Your team will try out a trendy new art technique that uses alcohol inks which result in beautiful pieces even for those who aren’t artistically inclined.

Art engages your brain in a different way and, allows us to slow down and release stress. The IntoxiArt team will come right to your venue and provide all the materials, set-up and clean-up so you and your team can enjoy your experience and leave with original artwork.  Add adult beverages and you’ve got yourself a wonderful event where guests can take home beautiful pieces of art.  Look at mine!  My artwork is actually at my front entrance in my home.  I love them. 

I PAINTED THESE! I LOVE THEM!

Look at these awesome testimonials.  “Allyson lead an alcohol ink painting event for 40 of my colleagues. She made the planning process very smooth. During the event, she demonstrated a variety of techniques, and then set us loose to paint while she walked around and offered encouragement and assistance. She managed our group size very well. She provided a good variety of paint colours and materials, as well as extra paper to those who painted fast.  Since there weren’t set painting steps to follow, we all went home with different paintings and could chat, eat appetizers, and drink easily during the event. Overall, it was a successful team-building event and I would definitely recommend Allyson to anyone looking for a unique creative event lead by a friendly and skilled artist!”  -Ashley P. 

“I think you may be a natural, when it comes to your classes. You love the subject and just want people to love it like you do with no judgement, sounds like a perfect recipe”

Be an ALLY!  Follow your passion.  Be Brave!

If you’re interested a fun and exciting team building experience for your next event, click here!

Maria Martiniello ~ Be mindful. Be motivated. Be memorable

Zoo to New 2.0

I’ve been part of a zoo for 4 years. I worked for a conservation organization that maintains a collection of animals surrounded by beautiful gardens for study and preservation of endangered species and conservation. I learned so much about the amazing efforts that are required to ensure that we don’t lose precious species that will affect species survival now and in the future. I have made amazing friends and learned so much. I’ve been able to build many relationships internally and externally. And most importantly I have grown so much. The Calgary Zoo has allowed me to lead a spectacular group of amazing people and feel we have a bond that will be ongoing for years to come. 

With this, I also became more self-aware. Aware of when to say when and make important decisions about my career. Since turning fifty I have become more mindful of what I want, what I would like to accomplish and how I should pursue my career. I recently accepted a position that will allow me to create and execute business development and event sales strategies for Flores & Pine that will focus on customer acquisition, brand awareness and market recognition. Flores and Pine is a new restaurant and event space in a familiar location in NW Calgary (previously the Bear’s Den). This space draws on the heritage of this rural location to offer sophisticated comfortable dining opportunities and creating amazing exceptional events.

With spring fast approaching this season signifies revitalization and the promise of growth. Just as we know that mother nature will promise us beauty in our landscape the people I surround myself with serves the same purpose. In making my decision to move on the wonderful people in my life that I love and cherish support me unconditionally. Faith is a wonderful thing and when people encourage you and your decision it makes for an easy transition. Change is scary however change is exciting when people move forward with you. 

The universe provides us with what we need when we are open to receive and the people who grow with you are co-pilots and champions on this journey. It’s wonderful how an introduction that intuitively makes sense to your co-pilot can change your direction in the most positive way in a very short timeline. In this instance my co-pilot is Adrienne Buhr. This lady identified an opportunity and did not hesitate to put my name forward. Grateful I am to this wonderful person.

Next to your co-pilot, you need a champion that can look into the distance to see where you can be. I am fortunate that I have Armand Flores in my life that provides the opportunity to enhance my growth by being completely honest with me. This wonderful person supports my growth by seeing a vision for that I sometimes do not see myself. He sees me in the future and guides me toward a roadmap of where I can go. Maria 2.0 as he lovingly envisions helps me with my personal style and brand. This talented photographer of Profolio Photography and visionary captured me in a new light this week. Maria 2.0 is brought to you by amazing people that I love and love me. Keep your family close, your co-pilots in your cockpit and your champions in your inner circle. Remember to receive and reciprocate at all times. This is the recipe for success. 

Makeup credit – Adrienne Furrie

How Deep Is Your Lens?

There are so many different ways to give. When we think of giving typically we look at a monetary exchange to help a foundation or charity to help others. There are so many other currencies in how we can give to one other. People need people. People need support. People need to be loved. People need to be heard. People need to be inspired. 

In order to give you need to look after you before you can look after others. There is a reason that on flights when you are getting your safety chat in case of an emergency that you are asked to put on your oxygen mask first before your partner, kids, and seatmates. There is a reason for this. It’s to ensure that we are strong and able enough to look after others. 

I took life coaching way back when. When reviewing the modules for the curriculum ‘listening’ was the first subject matter we discussed. I remember thinking what the heck are we learning here. I know how to listen. Well as it turns out I did not. I work at my craft of listening each and every day. I admit, I’m guilty of thinking about what’s for dinner, what’s on my agenda the next day, how much psoriasis is on my black sweater (lol)….. But to truly listen is a valuable skill not to be underestimated. It’s likely the most important gift that you can give anyone. Magic happens when you listen. 

Time is another way of giving. We have all been in a place where we just need someone to be with us. Near to us. We all live in our own heads. We are so occupied with social media and the immediacy of the technology we carry around. We feel that we need to be responsive at all times and slaves to our iPhone, iPad, and computers. When was the last time you really looked at someone? Whether you are at a concert, watching a speaker, talking to your boss, your mom, friend … whomever? We are always eyes down on our phones and rarely in the moment. Waiting for the next message. What if the message was right in front of us? In the exchange of two people when you are in front of one another. Look people in the eyes, watch their body language, when you don’t understand ask what the person means or to explain further. We need people and this exchange. 

I have been very independent my entire life. I used to think that it was a sign of weakness to openly talk about my problems or pompous to talk about my successes. I am always willing to help friends that need me. I want to help people but never let anyone help me. This changed recently. I met my new awesome friend Armand Flores from Profolio Photography. He knows me instinctively and he also believes in me. He believes in me so much that he wants to provide me with the tools I need to ensure my path is set up for success. He can provide some of this and does. This comes with no strings attached and I am happy to receive. We have mutual respect for one another and he shows me the value in his character and his art of photography. We share the same values and we will thrive and succeed together. Receiving is something that I can do today by way of generous people like Armand. Armand is selfless and his caring ways reminds me how important this is to life and survival. He shows me the value of his quality photos that help me with my brand & mission and is generous beyond belief. These are gifts in life that I can now receive. Armand’s strength really hits home for me. He has the strength and wisdom to put on his own oxygen mask then generously helps me with mine. Armand gives … and now I know how to receive. Enough said. 

ETc.

Recently I let someone that I know give me an amateur tattoo (actually x 2). Why you might ask? I will get to that. But first I would like to share a few things.

Aidan and Kyra are delightful young people and the children of my best friend Adrienne Buhr. I feel privileged to be friends with both of Adrienne’s kids (she’s pretty spectacular herself). I spend quality time with both Aidan and Kyra. They teach me things and I have a role in their life to add value where and when I can. We spend holidays together, have great conversations and share lots of laughter. When I spend time with this family I feel accepted and we can be who we are with one another no matter what.

As I go through my journey in life I feel safe sharing my hopes and dreams with these great people. And I love watching all 3 of these wonderful humans travel through their own journeys. It’s so exciting for me.

This is my clan and brings me to my first new tattoo. For Christmas, each of us received a heart contained by the number 4. A symbol of our unity and friendship. I wear this tattoo as a symbol of a bond with a family that does not share the same blood. That tattoo credit goes to Kyra.

Aidan is a delightful young man and after a late night conversation about my aspirations he came up with ETC. with a small ‘c’. He felt that the small ‘c’ represented my growth and where I can go and that I still have miles left on my journey. Smart hey? My second newest tattoo designed and created by Aidan.

The definition of etc. in the dictionary is as such; used at the end of a list to indicate that further, similar items are included. How fitting in my opinion. Reminding me to keep on doing the same as I have but an indication that there is more to come. 

Lessons I have learned from my young friends are this. Keep your hearts open and accept those that need a place to land and call them family. Respect those of all ages, they have the ability to teach you lessons in life that bring value. Trust yourself to love others freely. Support those around you and enjoy watching your family grow into amazing adults and remember to celebrate each other. My heart is full! 

02/21/19 was an AMAZING day!

For years I’ve been wanting to do an official public speaking engagement.  Thanks to Canadian Business Chicks and Women of Inspiration I was able to get this moment.  The title of my speech was “Inspired” and the subject was leadership.   Actually, a story on how I was inspired by others to become a leader.  

Some of my key points were:

• Leadership is a responsibility to ensure that we look after one another
• People respond to the environment that they are in.  If we are always learning, encouraged, acting in a positive way and are driven like the leaders that mentored me and we do it consistently – how can we fail?   We can’t!
• We need to look after one another and have fun doing it 
• I’ve seen results – I’ve seen happy people that enjoy their jobs and we win together  

Lead with purpose, lead by example, learn from your experiences and others.  Treat your teams with respect and encourage them.  And most importantly leaders shouldn’t always lead – they also need to know when to be led by the empowered and strong teams that they’ve built. 

So many of my friends came out to support me and when someone asked me how it went the only way I could respond was “today was one of the best days of my life”!  These pictures say it all!   A big thank you to Armand Flores from Profolio Photography for these amazing pictures!

And a huge shout out to the Calgary Zoo for their awesome venue!

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Pay attention …

Pay Attention …

My Preference is on Top

Why does being on top make me happy?

It’s about taking control and maneuvering my way to happiness. Happiness is different for everyone and only you can identify and measure it. Happiness doesn’t always mean bringing me to ecstasy rather it’s enjoying the slow and steady ride.

My roadmap to happiness was to identify what it is I want, envision it, feel it and recognize when I get there. It is only of recent that I am truly understanding and receiving the benefit of this new found discovery. I’ve read many self-help books and gone through life coaching training but I was still searching for something.

My journey thus far has been confused by overthinking and searching for something that I always possessed but overlooked. I needed to understand and focus on my core values and what is truly important to me. My values are based on simple truths, kindness, and thoughtfulness and to live an authentic life. I surround myself with like-minded people which are integral to my happiness.

There was one thing missing and that was to identify and live my purpose. Once I embraced this purpose I needed to have faith in myself and the universe. The universe gives us what we need and when we need it. It teaches us lessons that are meant to be learned.

The curious thing is that I’ve subconsciously always known what my purpose is and what I wanted. The difference now is that I live with intention and open to receive the outputs that inevitably reward us.

This journey is far from over but now my path is paved with my personal values and unobstructed by my purpose. The road is secured with my intention and I can see the horizon with my unwavering belief in the universe. This makes me happy!

This is me being on top and I love how it feels.

Be Mindful Be Motivated Be Memorable

I Like It Hard

I enjoy being challenged!

Today I woke up knowing that we were going to do role play at school practicing cold calling.  I’m not sure I know anyone that loves this.  Before getting out of bed I role played a few scenarios in my head of faking my death, calling in “sick”, leaving the country all in trying to avoid this exercise.  Driving to Sandler I honestly thought about turning around at least 5 times but for anyone that knows me knows I love a challenge.  I parked my car, bought a chai and marched straight into the classroom with other sales professionals likely having the same thoughts.

We all take turns in mini-groups coaching and practising with one another and everyone gets a turn at being the “sales rep”.  Each time I do this I realize that you just have to jump in, take your time and enjoy the process.  After my turn was over I realized it wasn’t as bad as anticipated.  Working with people that support one another defuses the fear of looking or sounding silly.   Throwing yourself into these scenarios is when we learn something about ourselves and the topic at hand.

Every time I find myself in a hard situation riddled with fear Ithink to a time when I failed miserably and realized that I have not.   Somehow we get through these pesky challenges that we put ourselves into or the ones life throws us.  I’m not perfect but I get through all of life’s trials whether I worry or not, whether I think I can or can’t and/or paralyzed by fear.  Life is hard however life is wonderful when you live in the moment and embrace all that it has to offer.  Knowing that we all face challenges and by tackling hurdles as they arise gives us confidence and strength. This is why I like it hard.  

Overcoming hardship helps me realize that I have the strength to face daily challenges, gives me the courage to move forward and find comfort in my experience.

Today I can put another checkmark on my “I did it” list!

Accepting challenges is not a skill, it’s an attitude.

Be mindful.  Be motivated.  Be Memorable

A Tug and a Pull

Sometimes we need a gentle reminder from those around us to stretch ourselves further.

Last month I was brunching with friends and someone asked why I have not been contributing to my blog. Carlene Timmers of Carlene in the City reminded me that I have a wonderful network that might just love to see what I have to share. I was delighted with this comment and asked myself the same question.

It was fear!

For some time now I’ve wanted to explore my creative side by contributing to a blog. In my opinion, doing this exposes myself and forces transparency. I submitted my first blog entry  14 months ago and I have to admit, pressing the publish button left me vulnerable and scared. I also shared the link on Facebook, so there was no turning back.  It felt right, I felt good and I received feedback right away.

Some of the feedback I received was not all positive, someone had questioned the content I shared and for some reason this left me feeling insecure, scared of being exposed. It wasn’t even criticism, just an observation, so why did I feel so insecure?

This last year has been one of great learning. I’ve become stronger when it comes to believing in myself, being intentional and following my intuition. I have been attending courses this year with Hamish Knox at Sandler and he is responsible for my increasing self-belief. Hamish recently shared an article called “Harnessing the Law of Cause and Effect”. The article is about, thoughts are things stating the “power of the subconscious being the reality that we reap the fruit of every day.” It says, “You are who you have programmed to be by the faith or fear that has been planted in your thinking mind.  In practical application, the effect of wrong thinking can be self-limiting in your quest for personal and business excellence.”  I had not been harnessing my power by my limiting self-beliefs.

I want to be fearless and choose excellence. I don’t want to be paralyzed by fear. I realized that I want to be exposed. Exposed to all the things I want to share. I have committed to positive affirmation along with gratitude exercises which I practice each day. Plus, not letting my self-talk rule my desire to push forward and execute my goals and dreams for future. 

I need to be very clear on what those dreams and goals are. I have always had the drive and ambition but the thing I was lacking was a clear output or vision. In December I designed a vision board out of magazine pictures, again with the very clever and talented Hamish Knox. This exercise allowed me to identify what is important now and where I want to go.

I am inspired by the wisdom and teaching that I received and supported by the people who care about me. A special thanks to Carlene at Carlene in the City for reminding me of my goal and challenging me to push forward.

I just needed a tug in the right direction and to be pulled back into believing in myself.

What do you need to push forward? I’d love to hear from you.

Please reach out to me if you need assistance as I would like to pay it forward.

Maria Martiniello

Be mindful. Be motivated. Be memorable

MM’s thought of the day: Choose friends that have the same values and beliefs as you do.  Be around people who support and love you.

Editing Credit:  Julia Rooney

Celebrate you as I celebrate me!

I’ve been wanting to write a blog for some time now.  There never seems to be enough time in our busy days so we tend to ignore the thing that’s most important .. YOU!  So this weekend I am taking the time to do exactly that and lo and behold I have my first post.

This weekend is the the celebration of me!  On the month of my birthday I have been known to take the time and celebrate me!  I plan my own party, I take a special time out to relax and I take the time to reflect on how my life has been treating me so far.

So where am I?  On my 48th year I find myself single, I have a great job, live in a wonderful place and part of town, I have great friends and I don’t long for much.  I should be ecstatic!

Most of us ask ourselves “what is enough?”  What is enough?  That I’m still exploring and will continue to do so.

I do take the time to do gratitude exercises every morning.  I am grateful for being quasi healthy (I don’t exercise nearly enough), I am safe, warm, food in my belly, enjoy ridicules amounts of wine, I am capable or learning and growing, I have friends that love and care for me, a ridiculously lovely fur baby named Roo, a good job, money in the bank, saving for RRSP’s, etc., etc.  I should be over the moon but I do long for more but what is the more?

This blog will explore my more and will hopefully be thought provoking for those who are also exploring their more!   Let’s take this journey together.

MM’s thought of the day:  make every minute count and end your day with no regrets.  Live the way you want to live, ensure that if this was your last day that those you love know that they are loved.  Saying I love you doesn’t cost a penny or hurt anyone’s feelings.  Be memorable by never being afraid to share love and let those around you know how you feel about them.  Remember that you always should and need to start with loving yourself!