81
I sat at my desk today and stared into space. I thought about everything and I thought about nothing. I wonder what would the future hold for me, and what parts of it would be based on my past lessons. I wondered if I would make more mistakes of the same, or did I learn lessons that would be invaluable to my future. The one real way to find out is to jump right into life head first and learn from EVERY moment.
Life really is a funny thing. If you take the time to realize that you can do anything you want, life becomes wonderful. Life becomes more amazing and more open to possibilities than you ever can dream about or imagine. Sitting, wishing & dreaming is great, but not following & fulfilling those dreams is not.
I hear people around me all the time say "I wish I had done that" or "I wish I could do this". I don't like wishes that are in those contexts. I want everyone, including myself, to live the life of their dreams. Don't just sit and think I wish I could. Do it. Take every opportunity that is handed to you with a smile and accept it with my gratuity. Don't leave this earth with prayers and dreams that were unfilled. Denying opportunities is denying your dreams.
I leave you with my all time favorite quote.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Life really is a funny thing. If you take the time to realize that you can do anything you want, life becomes wonderful. Life becomes more amazing and more open to possibilities than you ever can dream about or imagine. Sitting, wishing & dreaming is great, but not following & fulfilling those dreams is not.
I hear people around me all the time say "I wish I had done that" or "I wish I could do this". I don't like wishes that are in those contexts. I want everyone, including myself, to live the life of their dreams. Don't just sit and think I wish I could. Do it. Take every opportunity that is handed to you with a smile and accept it with my gratuity. Don't leave this earth with prayers and dreams that were unfilled. Denying opportunities is denying your dreams.
I leave you with my all time favorite quote.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
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Life
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83
UFIT owner wins BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for Prince Edward Island
Eireann Rigby gives fitness a whole new shape
CHARLOTTETOWN,
Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec
People don't need to wear Spandex to fit in at Eireann Rigby's UFIT classes. Eireann, 34, broke the stereotypical fitness club mold when she developed a business from her vision of an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, fun group activity. With thousands of Islanders from all walks of life embracing her pay-as-you-go, $5-a-class concept, Eireann has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for P.E.I., which she will receive tonight at a ceremony in Ottawa.
"When I started UFIT, I chose the name to mean 'you belong' as well as to refer to fitness," Eireann points out. She had played professional basketball in Europe before starting her business seven years ago and had come to realize that people who weren't involved in organized sports had few opportunities to get active in a group setting. "I had a vision of an equal playing field for all, where it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, what you do. I wanted to create a place where all feel equal and comfortable and non-judged and excited." One of Eireann's goals was to make it easy for people to attend her classes, and that meant making it inexpensive and flexible. That resulted in the $5-a-class fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. "It hasn't changed a bit in seven years," she says. "I have fought hard not to raise the price, even with costs going up."
As the UFIT approach caught on, the business expanded. Eireann now employs eight instructors who provide 20 classes per week in eight locations across the province, with average attendance of 100 people per class in a big street party atmosphere. "We have people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, ranging from young children to grandmothers in their 70s."
For Eireann, the success of UFIT is due in large measure to the team of instructors and volunteers she works with, including her husband, Gordon McNeilly, who is both a master trainer and a motivational leader. "Gord and I work together and UFIT wouldn't be what it is without both of us," she says.
Feedback from class participants is what continues to drive Eireann and her team. "Nothing beats the feeling you get when people tell you that you have changed their life."
Beyond the gym Building on its growing success, the company has branched out into providing motivational seminars that help organizations manage change, under the banner "The Power to Believe," and has produced two fitness videos.
It has also created its own foundation, UFIT CARES, fuelled by the enthusiasm of UFIT participants. "People who had been helped by UFIT wanted to give something back," says Eireann. "We created the UFIT Foundation when we decided to do something at Christmas for needy families. Last year, we gave food, toys and clothing to 125 families."
Five years ago, UFIT put together a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. From a small start, the team grew to well over 100 and went on to win the Society's team spirit award. This year, the Cancer Society developed an award in their name to be presented to the most spirited team.
"Eireann had a vision and, with hard work and conviction, she has turned it into a growing concern. It's more than a successful business; she has also infused it with passion that she is igniting in others," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"We've realized that UFIT is more powerful than an average aerobics class," says Eireann. "It has been a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people."
Eireann, I cannot say to you, how excited that you have won and been honored in this way. Ufit has changed my thinking about working out, making it exciting and most of all fun. I cried at my first class not because I couldn't keep up with your amazing energy, or because I was in pain, but because I loved it so much. My heart was just exploding with excitement. Their was no judgment in that room, people of all ages, sizes and strengths did what they could. I looked around in amazement as you shared your enthusiasm and happiness for life, as people smiled! I couldn't believe what I saw. People smiling while working out? How could this be? I think it could be because of your contagious smile, and energy. I encourage everyone to try just one class of UFIT because I know you will be back!
I am proud to say I am a huge supporter of UFIT along with a friend of you and Gord's. Congratulations on the award Eireann, it is well deserved.
Eireann Rigby gives fitness a whole new shape
CHARLOTTETOWN,
Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec
People don't need to wear Spandex to fit in at Eireann Rigby's UFIT classes. Eireann, 34, broke the stereotypical fitness club mold when she developed a business from her vision of an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, fun group activity. With thousands of Islanders from all walks of life embracing her pay-as-you-go, $5-a-class concept, Eireann has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for P.E.I., which she will receive tonight at a ceremony in Ottawa.
"When I started UFIT, I chose the name to mean 'you belong' as well as to refer to fitness," Eireann points out. She had played professional basketball in Europe before starting her business seven years ago and had come to realize that people who weren't involved in organized sports had few opportunities to get active in a group setting. "I had a vision of an equal playing field for all, where it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, what you do. I wanted to create a place where all feel equal and comfortable and non-judged and excited." One of Eireann's goals was to make it easy for people to attend her classes, and that meant making it inexpensive and flexible. That resulted in the $5-a-class fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. "It hasn't changed a bit in seven years," she says. "I have fought hard not to raise the price, even with costs going up."
As the UFIT approach caught on, the business expanded. Eireann now employs eight instructors who provide 20 classes per week in eight locations across the province, with average attendance of 100 people per class in a big street party atmosphere. "We have people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, ranging from young children to grandmothers in their 70s."
For Eireann, the success of UFIT is due in large measure to the team of instructors and volunteers she works with, including her husband, Gordon McNeilly, who is both a master trainer and a motivational leader. "Gord and I work together and UFIT wouldn't be what it is without both of us," she says.
Feedback from class participants is what continues to drive Eireann and her team. "Nothing beats the feeling you get when people tell you that you have changed their life."
Beyond the gym Building on its growing success, the company has branched out into providing motivational seminars that help organizations manage change, under the banner "The Power to Believe," and has produced two fitness videos.
It has also created its own foundation, UFIT CARES, fuelled by the enthusiasm of UFIT participants. "People who had been helped by UFIT wanted to give something back," says Eireann. "We created the UFIT Foundation when we decided to do something at Christmas for needy families. Last year, we gave food, toys and clothing to 125 families."
Five years ago, UFIT put together a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. From a small start, the team grew to well over 100 and went on to win the Society's team spirit award. This year, the Cancer Society developed an award in their name to be presented to the most spirited team.
"Eireann had a vision and, with hard work and conviction, she has turned it into a growing concern. It's more than a successful business; she has also infused it with passion that she is igniting in others," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"We've realized that UFIT is more powerful than an average aerobics class," says Eireann. "It has been a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people."
Eireann, I cannot say to you, how excited that you have won and been honored in this way. Ufit has changed my thinking about working out, making it exciting and most of all fun. I cried at my first class not because I couldn't keep up with your amazing energy, or because I was in pain, but because I loved it so much. My heart was just exploding with excitement. Their was no judgment in that room, people of all ages, sizes and strengths did what they could. I looked around in amazement as you shared your enthusiasm and happiness for life, as people smiled! I couldn't believe what I saw. People smiling while working out? How could this be? I think it could be because of your contagious smile, and energy. I encourage everyone to try just one class of UFIT because I know you will be back!
I am proud to say I am a huge supporter of UFIT along with a friend of you and Gord's. Congratulations on the award Eireann, it is well deserved.
Christian Anderson:
What an eye opener, and awesome story! I have never been to Ufit but look forward to checking it out. I remember doing a Christmas party for ufit as a server a few years back and the energy in that room was contagious.
(10.21.09)
SueAnne:
Congrats Eireanne....what a great story!! I think I wanna join you Rachel and attend a class or two....for a dance party!
(10.21.09)
Natalie:
Oh My God! Eireann's eyes are AMAZING in this photos!! Love them!!!! Congrats Eireann...you deserve it!
(10.21.09)
Kim "MSMF":
Congrats Eireann! I hope to be back to your classes soon. You guys are amazing.
(10.21.09)
Jennifer Collings:
Sounds like an wonderful class, if only I was in PEI, I would def be trying it out! Congrats!
(10.21.09)
Suzanne:
These pictures of Eireann are amazing, you've really captured what a BEAUTIFUL person she is! :) I am so happy that Eireann(and Gord) have gotten this well-deserved recognition! CONGRATULATIONS
(10.21.09)
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Entrepeneur of the YEAR!!! Congratulations Eireann!
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76
As we drove along heading toward Goderich, Ontario, I looked out the window. As I watched the fantastic colors go zooming by, I felt extremely thankful. Most days I am full of thanks and great fullness in my world. This time of year, it always increases to maximum capacity.
We stopped a few times, to check out the harvest markets along the way to our destination. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, corn, all for sale, families all together smiling and laughing, and we were doing the same. We each choose a delicious Honey Crisp Apple to snack on. We enjoyed the fresh delicious apple in between stories and laughter and talk of the upcoming seasons and our plans.
The summer full of wonderful weddings, brides, new friends and families are slowing moving past for the year. The air is so fresh and crisp. The sky is always clear and colorful as are the leaves on the trees. I always feel a bit more sentimental this time of year as this beauty is all going to end very soon, and we will be surrounded by cold, and the earths pallet will be monotone. So as I drove along and ate my apple this past Thanksgiving day, I let all the color and love that surrounded me, soak into every inch of me.
We stopped a few times, to check out the harvest markets along the way to our destination. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, corn, all for sale, families all together smiling and laughing, and we were doing the same. We each choose a delicious Honey Crisp Apple to snack on. We enjoyed the fresh delicious apple in between stories and laughter and talk of the upcoming seasons and our plans.
The summer full of wonderful weddings, brides, new friends and families are slowing moving past for the year. The air is so fresh and crisp. The sky is always clear and colorful as are the leaves on the trees. I always feel a bit more sentimental this time of year as this beauty is all going to end very soon, and we will be surrounded by cold, and the earths pallet will be monotone. So as I drove along and ate my apple this past Thanksgiving day, I let all the color and love that surrounded me, soak into every inch of me.
Jennifer Collings:
Wow your writing is as amazing as your photography!
(10.15.09)
Cynthia S.:
Your work is beautiful.
(10.15.09)
janelle:
oh my gourd! i love these pics!!
(10.16.09)
Natalie:
There is one word that comes to mind. Beautiful!
(10.16.09)
Lori F.:
Love them!
(10.16.09)
Jennie Cameron:
I get so excited for each new post. I check everyday. Love your shots
(10.16.09)
Courtney:
I love honey crisp apples. Great shots.
(10.16.09)
Lori K:
Great work, keep it up
(10.16.09)
Pam :
These pics should be in Martha Stewart Magazine.
(10.16.09)
Christian Anderson :
Sounds like a great day! The pictures look great, the colors are so vibrant!
(10.17.09)
SueAnne:
Keep up the great work Rachel...AWESOME!! Oh one thing the guy holding the apples, has nice hands!
(10.20.09)
Nataschia Wielink:
You are great!
(10.20.09)
Matthew:
Nice...nice...nice!!!!
(11.30.09)
kim:
hey I know those hands so very well.....your a great photographer Rachel!
(12.16.09)
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A little more sentimental
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75
Today is my birthday. I had a wedding. So many people asked me why on earth I would book a wedding on my birthday. I should be relaxing doing something that I love. Their lies the answer on why I choose to do a wedding on my birthday. It is because I LOVE weddings. I love everything about them. I love LOVE.
So today as I approached the brides house, I got butterflies of excitement. This is not unusual as I always get them when I am on my way to the first stop. When i walked in the door the bride and her Maid of Honor were waiting for me. Both of them were so excited. They told me to sit down and close my eyes. Monica said they had a surprise for me! Can you imagine? A surprise for ME on her wedding day? I had at this point forgotten it was my birthday. Then the singing started! They sang me Happy Birthday with the two biggest smiles I ever have seen. Then they presented me with the cutest pink little cake & a card, signed by both Monica & Matt - Becky & Mike (whose wedding I photographed last year)
I cannot believe how lucky I am. Of course I cried....that is no big surprise to anyone who knows me. Not the Oprah Ugly cry, just the bite my lip so hard that the blurriness it my eyes is there and only a few tears fall.
They told me I had to blow out the candle and make a wish. My mind went blank. It seems that I have most of what I could ever wish for in my life right now. The only thing I could think to wish was that it all continued for ever and ever.
Thank you guys for having me spend the day with your family and friends. It was a beautiful (despite the rain) day!
So today as I approached the brides house, I got butterflies of excitement. This is not unusual as I always get them when I am on my way to the first stop. When i walked in the door the bride and her Maid of Honor were waiting for me. Both of them were so excited. They told me to sit down and close my eyes. Monica said they had a surprise for me! Can you imagine? A surprise for ME on her wedding day? I had at this point forgotten it was my birthday. Then the singing started! They sang me Happy Birthday with the two biggest smiles I ever have seen. Then they presented me with the cutest pink little cake & a card, signed by both Monica & Matt - Becky & Mike (whose wedding I photographed last year)
I cannot believe how lucky I am. Of course I cried....that is no big surprise to anyone who knows me. Not the Oprah Ugly cry, just the bite my lip so hard that the blurriness it my eyes is there and only a few tears fall.
They told me I had to blow out the candle and make a wish. My mind went blank. It seems that I have most of what I could ever wish for in my life right now. The only thing I could think to wish was that it all continued for ever and ever.
Thank you guys for having me spend the day with your family and friends. It was a beautiful (despite the rain) day!
Sue:
That was so sweet, it made my eyed got all blurry Rachel :)
(10.11.09)
Monica:
Your welcome, Rachel! You totally deserve any wishes you can think you because you are a wonderful person and so talented! Thank you so much for doing such a lovely job! :)
(10.11.09)
JENN:
I hope you had a great b-day rachel. and had a great time at monica & matts wedding. Can't wait to see all the pics! xoxo
(10.11.09)
Jennifer Collings:
Wow, ever sweet. Hope to see more pics from the wedding.
(10.15.09)
little j:
What a sweet story! And the cake looks delicious despite not having any brown icing!
Sweet people are EVERYWHERE and aren't we lucky!
Lori:
Happy Birthday!
(10.16.09)
Kassie:
This is so cute, great that you are so loved by your Brides....:-)
(10.16.09)
Stephanie Martin:
So Cute! Happy Birthday
(10.16.09)
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This is why.
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72
When I first met Brett, it was a few years ago, it was like talking to a grown up. In the last few years I have seen changes, and he has grown into more of a unique teenager than I ever could have imagined.
I can talk about anything with this 14 year old. He has the smarts, the ambition, the skills to go very far in this world, and the passion that he has for life grows every day.
Brett is a student at wonderful Ridley College in St. Catharine's, Ontario. Brett was really excited to hear that he was asked to be part of their hockey team at Ridley. He had worked very hard and focused on the going to a private school for hockey.
Brett knew there would be challenges and it would be hard to leave his loving family. Brett and his family made the journey from his home in Prince Edward Island to St. Catharine's, and of course as his excitement grew so did reality. Brett would be living alone within a few days and he didn't know what to expect.
The warm community of Ridley was very welcoming and the busy schedule didn't really allow Brett to be homesick. He called his parents every night and continues to do that still today. The first time he flew home to beautiful Prince Edward Island, it seemed like the soil was a little more, red and the grass was a little greener. It was kind of weird in the way that before Brett had left P.E.I he didn't really notice the fantastic rolling fields that the island presents. Or the wonderful people that make the island what it is today.. It seemed that Brett learned in the process of living away, that you really do appreciate things in life more, when you live without the simple every day things and you have to do stuff for yourself. If Brett didn't realize that he had to be more independent living away, he could have been struggling being away from home. As hard as it was for him being away from home, the support from his parents, peers, and teachers is what shaped him to be the kind of person he is today.
Brett is now in his second year at Ridley and was very excited this year to go back and see all of his friends and get back into the routine of school.
All the best to you Brett. I am sure that you are not far from more of your dreams coming true. You have every way of making them happen. You are a very special young man and I am proud to say that I know you and your family.
I can talk about anything with this 14 year old. He has the smarts, the ambition, the skills to go very far in this world, and the passion that he has for life grows every day.
Brett is a student at wonderful Ridley College in St. Catharine's, Ontario. Brett was really excited to hear that he was asked to be part of their hockey team at Ridley. He had worked very hard and focused on the going to a private school for hockey.
Brett knew there would be challenges and it would be hard to leave his loving family. Brett and his family made the journey from his home in Prince Edward Island to St. Catharine's, and of course as his excitement grew so did reality. Brett would be living alone within a few days and he didn't know what to expect.
The warm community of Ridley was very welcoming and the busy schedule didn't really allow Brett to be homesick. He called his parents every night and continues to do that still today. The first time he flew home to beautiful Prince Edward Island, it seemed like the soil was a little more, red and the grass was a little greener. It was kind of weird in the way that before Brett had left P.E.I he didn't really notice the fantastic rolling fields that the island presents. Or the wonderful people that make the island what it is today.. It seemed that Brett learned in the process of living away, that you really do appreciate things in life more, when you live without the simple every day things and you have to do stuff for yourself. If Brett didn't realize that he had to be more independent living away, he could have been struggling being away from home. As hard as it was for him being away from home, the support from his parents, peers, and teachers is what shaped him to be the kind of person he is today.
Brett is now in his second year at Ridley and was very excited this year to go back and see all of his friends and get back into the routine of school.
All the best to you Brett. I am sure that you are not far from more of your dreams coming true. You have every way of making them happen. You are a very special young man and I am proud to say that I know you and your family.
SueAnne Beauvais:
Love it Rachel...that "Boy with a Dream" .. I can proudly say is my son :)
(09.29.09)
Jeannie DesRoches:
I can proudly say is my Nephew & God Son : )))
(09.29.09)
Rebecca Wooldridge:
Absolutely a wonderful story about a great boy growing up and becoming an even greater man. His parents are truly blessed and must be so proud to call him their son.
Rachel...you truly have a way with words...a gift I wish I had!!!
(09.29.09)
Darlene MacCormack:
Aww...someone pass me the kleenex! Great job Rachel. The pics and your writing are amazing as always!
(09.29.09)
Natalie:
LOVE these pictures Rachel!!! Another AMAZING shoot!!! Too cute! Good luck at school Brett!
(09.30.09)
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Boy with a Dream
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That is a lovely tree, and my favorite quote too, but you knew that didn't you. You are right though, you can be anyone you want to be.
(10.28.09)You are so inspiring!
(10.28.09)Is that from Akeelah and the Bee? My favorite movie and also a beautiful picture to go with it. :)
(10.28.09)Beautiful! I would love to have that pic on the wall.
(10.28.09)Your pictures and words are so motivating to us beginners.
(10.28.09)Wow, where was this taken? Such a peaceful looking spot!
(10.28.09)Woohoo Rachel! AWESOME post...does that mean what I am hoping it means? Grab onto your dreams and leave the rest in the dust. You CAN do it!
(10.29.09)Love this Quote too...and you have such a way with words :)
(10.29.09)Love, love, love this!!
(10.29.09)