by @bsainsbury
How did you get involved with the Metro Blenz News Squad?
It was Bonnie Sainsbury who invited me sometime late last year to be part of an exciting blogging project for the Olympics.
I had previously been invited by Bonnie and Marilyn to blog on their very own group blog www.blog987.com and had just discovered my love for blog writing. Of course I said “Yes! I’d love to participate! When can we start?”
What’s your Olympic memory so far?
So far, the Olympics here in Vancouver have been the biggest and most touching event that I’ve ever been involved in. I would never have imagined the dimensions of the event itself nor its impact on me. In so many ways and to a very deep level I have been moved, surprised, energised, inspired – even writing this out right now makes me shed a tear or two. I am in awe of the extent of human potential for achievement, creation and celebration, and I am so grateful for experiencing it so close by. What I also feel and will always remember and nourish is that grain of hope that has taken root and grown within me throughout the Olympics, hope for a world filled with kind, empowered and conscious people having joyful and inspiring experiences with each other.
What’s your take-away from the Olympic experience?
A renewed sense of belonging here – Vancouver is my city and I’m ever so grateful for the opportunity to live here and enjoy this amazingly beautiful city!
A strong motivation to go for my dreams and not hold back any longer – as inspired by many amazing athletes and their focus and determination to give it their very best that they have in store. Seeing some of their outstanding achievements is like a kick in the butt for me. I can’t wait to see the Paralympic endeavours – I already know that they will move and inspire me even more.
And then there’s so much joy and pride – I’m so very happy about all the fun people are having. And I am extremely proud of our city to have made these Winter Olympics such a wonderful and amazing experience and to have presented us Canadians and our contry so well to the world (yes, I’m saying ‘us Canadians’ and ‘our country’; although I’m still officially a German citizen residing in Canada, I consider Canada my true home and have gained a strong sense of national pride for Canada throughout these Olympics).
Last but not least, there is deeply felt gratitude for the chance to experience and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event in a number of functions: A proud member of the Metro Blenz News Squad blogging team, a Language and Customer Service Ambassador at YVR airport, a proud “Ask-Me-Button” bearer, and then a simple Vancouverite happily taking in my own city and all the excitement and buzzing energy.
What do you do? What’s your business?
Monika is the founder and owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching (www.ClearDirections.tel) where she assists others in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring curiosity, passion for possibility and soul-centred service. Through working with her people gain clarity for any area of their lives, and then Monika supports them in taking the necessary steps to apply the newly gained awareness and make their intentions and dreams come true. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. Monika works locally in the Vancouver area and internationally, in person or over the phone, both in English and German. In addition, she is a co-facilitator and coach with Emotus Operandi www.EmotusOperandi.com, where they offer a support system designed for small business owners or work teams that see their work as more than just a pay check. Monika is all about empowering others to embrace their passion and potential, and she enthusiastically encourages her clients’ success and happiness in who they are and what they do.
