I have been waiting to make this fun announcement. If you know me well enough, you know I love great quality things, but only at the right price. When RetailMeNot.com reached out to me to partner up, I was thrilled! Who doesn’t love a great discount? As THE largest coupon site in the U.S., RetailMeNot.com has exclusive discounts for many of my favorite brands such as Target, Victoria’s Secret, Land’s End, Old Navy, Dominos Pizza, Macy’s, Forever 21, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Nordstrom, Best Buy and MANY MORE.

So it gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that I am now the Brand Ambassador for RetailMeNot. Yay!

If you are new to RetailMeNot.com, here is some info on this AMAZING site where you can visit, and cut out new coupons DAILY for your favorite brands. Plus, they are in the US and Canada!

“RetailMeNot.com (www.retailmenot.com) is the leading consumer destination for collaborative online coupon, deal and promotional code hunting and sharing. Our mission is to help consumers save money and enjoy a hassle-free discount shopping experience. Since November 2006, our users have shared hundreds of thousands of deals and offers from retailers from across the globe. Online coupons are rated and ranked by users, ensuring that quality deals rise to the top and expired coupons drop down the list. RetailMeNot.com is the world’s leading marketplace for online coupons and deals.”

The most online coupons and deals to the stores you love. Our goal is to be your go-to source for savings while you shop online. Save an average of $20 every time you shop!”

Awesome, right?

Online shopping has never been more fun, or more affordable at RetailMeNot.com. I encourage you to go daily, and check out their deals and discounts. Need something at Home Depot? There are coupons for that. Wanna buy something on Amazon.com? There’s a deal for that too! There are even coupons to Cirque De Soleil shows in Canada. And the grocery coupons are incredible. It’s truly an unbelievable resource for everyone, and therefore a perfect fit for Women On The Fence readers.

So, be sure to “like” RetailMeNot.com on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @retailmenot for all the daily deals. You can also sign up for the RetailMeNot newsletter and the best online coupons and deals will be sent right to your inbox.

I’d love to know your thoughts, and if you are already using RetailMeNot.com. Please forward this post to anyone who loves shopping and saving money!

And to my Canadian readers, wishing you all a very happy long Victoria Day weekend.

xoxEDxox

Disclosure: I’m proud to be a paid RetailMeNot.com Brand Ambassador.

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By Guest Blogger Valerie Tejeda

A couple of months ago, I was running some last minute errands on Valentines Day, when the strangest thing happened to me. I stopped by my favorite place in the world, Whole Foods Market, to pick up some items so I could make something special for my valentine. As I walked toward the dessert section, it was crowded with men who just like me, were trying to find some last minute sweets for their sweethearts.

I finally made my way towards the front of the crowd and was happily browsing the desserts, when a man dressed in a nice suit came up to me and said, “Hey, I really like your boots.” I’ve noticed that there are two types of men in this world: men who notice fashion, and men who are oblivious to it. However, anyone who is into fashion would have definitely noticed these boots! I was wearing “Steve Madden Lexeee Boots,” and the truth is they are pretty fabulous. After his compliment, I turned and looked at him and said, “thank you.” He then removed himself from the dessert crowd and I continued browse. I honestly didn’t think a thing of it.

The famous Steve Madden "Lexeee" boot

Less than a minute later, I felt someone tap me on my shoulder, and to my surprise it was the “boots” guy. “I’m actually shopping for my co-workers,” he said. “See, I own my own company, and we’re having a Valentine’s day party tomorrow, and I was just looking for some desserts for them. I’m not shopping for a significant other or anything.” He then continued by saying, “I just didn’t want you to think I was one of those ‘bad’ guys who compliments some young woman’s shoes, while shopping for their wife on Valentine’s day.” I was so confused, that all I could say in response was, “Ok.” He then picked up three boxes of organic heart shaped cookies and headed towards the cash register.

On my drive home I got to thinking about what the “boots” guy represented. He honestly did not seem like some “creepy-married-guy-type-trying-to-hit-on-me-on-Valentine’s-day.” I mean, all he did was compliment my shoes. But the strangest part of it all was, he wanted to make sure I KNEW that he was not some “creepy married guy that was hitting on me on Valentines day.”

So why did he care so much about what I, a complete stranger, thought of him?

Once I started looking for this, I felt like it was everywhere! All week, I constantly noticed people saying random comments to strangers. First, there was a lady in Peets Coffee letting people know that the crying kid next her, was not her child. Then, there was an embarrassed teenager voicing to shoppers that the loud woman in H&M was not her mother, even though she so obviously was. Following that, there was a girl in Boudin Bakery explaining to the cashier that she never usually eats alone, but had to today since her friend canceled on her last minute. And the cycled continued for the rest of the week.

So, the question is, why do we care what strangers think of us? Why do we give so much power to other people? People we don’t even know? Why do we need their approval?

According to Tom Perry, CEO of YourCoach, the need for approval has been conditioned within us since birth.“Approval from others gives us a higher sense of self-esteem. We’re convinced that their recognition matters to our self-worth and how deeply we value ourselves.” Hmmm. Interesting.

I admit, I go back and forth between having moments when I care about what strangers or others think of me, and not caring at all. But why do we go through all the trouble? What is at play here? I do know, that the more secure I am at a particular stage in my life, the less I care.

~Val

–

About Valerie Tejeda…

Val is a freelance writer and one of the the founders of Glamonomics.com, a site about the “study” of glamour. Glamonomics is a California based fashion blog bringing you four different types of styles from four girls (Val, Jess, Maggie, & Virginia) across the state. Their goal is to share with you their styles, fab finds, fashion favorites, trend reports and celebrity fashion.

–

What about you… do you care about what strangers think of you? Are you on the fence here? Why do you think we care about what strangers think of us? I’d love your opinion.

xoxEDxox

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I have been waiting to share some great news with you. And it’s great because, it involves YOU, my fabulous readers!

You know that working with Brands is a big part of what I do. And when I align myself with one, it has to be the perfect fit. I have to share the vision. I have to believe in the vision. Otherwise, it won’t work, and I won’t put my name behind it.

But today, I am proud to announce my alliance with Dove® on their “Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul Campaign” and I am inviting you to come along with me to Canyon Ranch!!!! Yes you heard right! Canyon Ranch ladies. End of May. Arizona.

Why I jumped at the chance to work with Dove, is their message to women. Dove® is committed to helping all women realize their personal beauty potential.  Dove® believes that beauty should be for everyone, and that every woman deserves to look and feel her very best. When I first saw their self-esteem campaign, I knew I wanted to work with them. Watch this.

But this campaign is focused around the central theme of nourishment. Dove® Body Wash with NutriumMoisture® is a breakthrough formula that gives a deep hydrating nourishment to your skin. The theme of the trip is also nourishment and that connection between Dove® body wash nourishment, and the nourishment of you mind, body, and soul at the Canyon Ranch Resort® retreat. Sounds heavenly, right?

In case you didn’t know, for years now, Dove® has been the #1 Dermatologist recommended brand. Only Dove® has NutriumMoisture® to nourish your skin deeply – nourishment is better care for your skin vs. moisture alone. Nourishment helps build and maintain beautifully softer smoother skin. NutriumMoisture® is a technology that combines effective moisturizers and skin essential lipids that absorb to rebuild your skin’s own moisture and beauty, caring for surface skin 10 – 20 layers deep.

Alrighty, now let’s get right to the details:

Dove® Nourish Your Soul Contest
Timing to enter the contest: March 28th until April 22nd, 2012
Prize: 4 grand prize winners will come along with me and receive a nourishing getaway at Canyon Ranch ® Health Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona on May 25 – 28, 2012.

Canyon Ranch Resort

The Canyon Ranch® Experience:
May 25th to May 28th 2012
Where? Canyon Ranch® Health and Wellness Resort, Tucson, Arizona.
Each Grand Prize includes an itinerary with activities like:
• Individualized consultations and treatments
• Yoga and meditation
• Wellness activities and workshops
• Travel, accommodations, meals, a Dove® gift bag and keepsakes from the stay.

How to Enter:
Go to www.facebook.com/dove and click on the SKIN Tab at the top. Click on “Enter” and register for to be entered into the contest.

How to Win:
1. Enter the contest.
2. Share the contest with your friends on Facebook to earn bonus entries. This is the best part! Share the contest with your friends to earn extra entries!
3. Each friend you invite who enters through your link gets you a bonus entry, increasing your chances to win.

How Dove Will Judge the Winner:
The winner is based on a random draw. (See full rules and regulations:  http://www.dove.ca/en/docs/pdf/nysrulesandregs.pdf )

Ladies, I am so excited about this, and I encourage you to share this with your girlfriends (there are tons of sharing buttons below)!! I wish you all GOOD LUCK, and I look forward to nourishing my soul with you in May at Canyon Ranch in Arizona.

I am also giving away 3 bottles of Dove® Body Wash with NutriumMoisture® to try! To nourish my soul, I religiously take a nightly bath (with lavender) when my boys go to sleep. It’s my daily “me time,” which is sacred. Tell me, how do YOU nourish your soul? Leave a comment below to win a sample of Dove® Body Wash.

xoxEDxox

* 3 random Dove Body Wash winners will be chosen based on leaving a comment below. Please enter your email address so we may contact you if you win.
* 3 winners will be chosen Friday April 6th.
* The 4 Canyon Ranch contest winners and 3 free body wash sample winners must reside in Canada.
* Disclosure: I am Dove Ambassador receiving a trip to Canyon Ranch on behalf of Dove.

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Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate ALL women, ALL around the globe. Here’s to you, ladies!

So ladies, wherever you are around the globe reading, cheers to your womanhood!!! Today is our day!

My wish for us today is courage to keep fighting, celebrating and advancing in this world.

What is your wish for today? And tell us, who inspires you on this International Women’s Day?

xoxEDxox

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• Off The Fence and “Inspired”
• Guilty Part II

I have to thank my good girlfriend Allison who forwarded this to me. It is said to have been written by Maya Angelou. She has denied the claim.

I love sharing good wisdom every few Wednesdays. I think this is powerful.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a youth she’s content to leave behind….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to
retelling it in her old age….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …..
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who
lets her cry…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a feeling of control over her destiny…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
when to try harder… and when to walk away…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that she can’t change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that her childhood may not have been perfect…but it’s over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to live alone… even if she doesn’t like it…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
whom she can trust,
whom she can’t,
and why she shouldn’t
take it personally…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
where to go…
be it to her best friend’s kitchen table…
or a charming inn in the woods…
when her soul needs soothing…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she can and can’t accomplish in a day…
a month…and a year…

–

I’d love to know what YOU think every woman should have?

xoxEDxox

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In case you didn’t know, blogging can be quite isolating. If I’m not traveling for speaking engagements (where thankfully I actually INTERACT with other human beings), or at events, at the radio station, or coaching, I’m literally alone. Alone at home, or alone with my computer at Starbucks. Writing can sometimes be a lonely life.  There’s no flagship location where all the bloggers can come, and work together. We are virtual, online friends separated by city, state, province, country, and continent. And with the exception of a few incredible blogging conferences, I just don’t get to see these amazing women often enough. I’ve been at this new gig for two years now, and I can honestly say, I am right where I was meant to be. I am in the flow. I am in the groove. I have unlocked the PASSION badge at Foursquare (if you’re a social media maven, that would make sense to you).

So to honor these relationships, a great blogging contemporary of mine Vera Sweeney named today as NATIONAL HUG A BLOGGER DAY. It’s the day where you hug a blogger (yes, my kids hugged me this morning), and where we bloggers virtually hug all our blogging friends, and post pictures of ourselves, with them, hugging (or not).

I ain’t gonna ramble. I’m just going to say, that when I started this blogging thing on September 11, 2009, I had 3 readers– my mother, my father, my husband. And when I clicked ‘publish’ on that very first post titled Hello World… I Finally Did It (on a FREE WordPress platform to boot), I knew I was home.

I am thankful to the bloggers below, who have helped me along in my journey, who I consider real friends, and who are just a FAB bunch of people.

I love you. Sniff sniff.

Here they are, in no particular order.

–

Me and Audrey McClellan, fabulous gal and fashion blogger at Mom 2.0 Summit.

Me and pioneer mommy blogger, Heather Armstrong, AKA @Dooce

Me and the divine vlogger and TV show creator Kimberley Blaine hangin’ out at Mom 2.0 Summit

Me and one amazing mom and friend, Whitney Wingerd at Mom 2.0 Summit in New Orleans

Having fun with the funny Susan Kay Wyatt at Mom 2.0 Summit

More partying with bloggers Susan Kay, Whitney of RookieMoms.com and Kimberley, Mom 2.0 Summit

Filming Mommy To Mommy TV in LA with Kimberley Blaine on CBS’s set of Rules of Engagement

Still filming.

On the Sony lot, shooting our episode.  2 Bloggers – yahoo!

Me, Kimberley, and hysterical blogger Mama Kat in LA shooting.

More filming

We just finished shooting for the day, and we were celebrating with a little drink.

Backstage At Dancing With The Stars to see mommy blogger and friend, Brooke Burke.

Me and GMA Correspondent and blogger Tory Johnson– after I spoke at her Spark N Hustle Conference in Boston

Me with author and blogger, and one of my favorite people to read, Martha Beck, at the Oprah Conference.

Me and the AMAZING mompreneur and blogger Candace Alper in NYC

Another great shot on the streets of New York.

A shot of simply FANTASTIC BLOGGERS: From left: moi, Candace Alper, Eric Alper, Alison Kramer, Michelle Davies, Jen Taylor, and Loukia.

At Blogher in New York, From left: The brilliant Tech Mama herself, Beth Blechman, Kimberley Blaine, me, Mr. Unmarketing Scott Stratten, and the lovable and huggable Jeff Pulver.

In NYC, still at Blogher, my twin, my doppleganger and someone I respect, Mom101, Liz Gumbinner

More partying in New York with Beth and Kim

A New York City dinner I won’t forget, with 2 fab moms Yummy Mummy Club founder Erica Ehm and Alison Kramer.

Hello y’all! In Nashville for Fashion Week with some great ladies and bloggers, from left: Valerie Rowekamp, me, Whitney Wingerd, Jo-Lynne Shane, and Jamie Reeves

Me and Valerie

Bloggers blogging at the airport. Yes, cuz that’s how we roll. I’m on my blackberry AND computer. Yup.

And finally, one of my oldest friends, is a new blogger, and I couldn’t leave her out. Instead, here’s a picture of us at about 7 or 8 years old, the hysterical and lovable Liana Wiener.

So, if you’re a blogger, and you liked what I did, you can do it too!

Here’s how:

• Post a picture(s) of you hugging (or not) a fellow blogger(s) on your site.
• Explain why you love that person (sorry, I had too many pics to explain it all).
• Add the link to the linky.

And finally, because you know that the goal of this blog, in every post, is to somehow inspire you, guide you off the fence in any area of your life, let me remind you something quick.

Amen to that.

Happy Monday readers!

xoxEDxox

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I recently reconnected with a childhood friend, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who is as dynamic, passionate and capable as they come. If you are Canadian, you undoubtedly know who she is. Today, we are getting up close and personal with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Enjoy…

Not many people know this, but we grew up together in Montreal, two prima ballerinas dancing together for many years, both only children, both born in April 1975. It’s so fun to have reconnected with you. Tell us a bit about your childhood as well as your college studies and how you got into TV and communications (notably correspondent for ETalk Daily).

Wow, Erica. We REALLY do go way back (laughing).

My childhood was a happy one. I had lots of love from both my parents. Growing up an only child, I was both a social creature, who made friends easily, but also enjoyed the solitude. I really have always been comfortable being alone. Even today, if I am alone without my kids or husband,  I don’t feel lonely.

I literally lived in nature ’till I was 4, living way north of the city. My parents instilled in me a love and connection to nature that I still feel very connected to today.

In my teen years, I suffered with bulimia, an eating disorder and mental illness.  I was very conscious of it. I read about bulimia, and I knew I was suffering from it.

Growing up, I studied hard and was a good student. I had a real love for sports and the outdoors. I had an equally crazy love for boys.  I was comfortable hanging out with the boys, just as much as the girls. I was mischievous, but a good mischievous- almost good trouble, not bad trouble.

In college, I studied commerce. I idolized my dad and thought I would follow in his business footsteps. But I soon realized it was not for me. I switched to communications– writing, photography, PR. It was more me. In my first job, I worked as a receptionist at an ad firm and assistant to the President. He saw something in me, and I was promoted to Account Manager. But while it was a great job, it still wasn’t my calling.

I then went for it… I decided to go to radio and TV school. I had always felt my communication skills were my best asset. The moment I stepped foot into school, I knew I was home. I felt most like myself. I had found my calling.

I then landed a job in the newsroom, writing the ticker news. You know, the scanning ticker that runs across the bottom of your TV screen?  It was the worst job ever! I loved culture, arts, and movies. I heard about an opening for a reporter in the showbiz section. I applied, and got the job!

Since that day, life has been the most incredible adventure. Reporting on everything from wildlife, to team sports, to fashion and beauty, to wellness for radio and TV. I always say, the universe unfolds as it should, even when you doubt it.

How did I get the ETalk job? I was at a charity function, and the CTV people were there. They asked me some questions. I had a great rapport with one of the reporters. We then had a meeting, and five years later, I’m still there. I cover celebrities on their philanthropic work. I stay away from the gossip. It’s been a great opportunity for me to spotlight important causes.

Can you tell us how you met your handsome hubby, Justin Trudeau, son of the late Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau? Was it love at first sight? When did you know? We love juicy love story details.

I’ll give you the long story short. I’ve know Justin since I was a child. I went to school with his younger brother Michel, who died in the Avalanche. But Justin and I are four years apart- when you’re 12 and 16, it’s worlds away. I always thought he was handsome though.

Nine years ago, I  saw him in the newspapers. I had this weird feeling, like I was meant to be with him and didn’t know why. I told my mom, and she laughed and said, “You and every other girl Sophie! You know how many girls think that?”

One year later,  I co-hosted a charity function, and Justin was coincidentally my co-host. When we met again, I reminded him that I knew his brother, Michel. There was definitely a physical and emotional connection. We flirted. But I sent him an email then next day, and he never replied.

Three  months later I bumped into him on the street. He apologized that he never wrote back. “Can I have your number?” he asked.  ”No, I replied.”  I wanted him to work a little! Well, he found my number and called me.

We then went for dinner and on our first date, our very first date, he looked into my eyes, and said, “I’ve been waiting for you 31 years. You’re going to be my wife. We’re going to have a family together.”

The rest is history.

I read the newspapers and magazines in 2006 when you revealed your past struggles with bulimia as a teen, and I was so saddened to hear it. Can share with our readers how life spiralled out of control for you, and then how you were able to finally move past the darkness and towards the light.

I honestly don’t know when it started and ended. Addictions are biochemical imbalances of the brain, and binging and purging is a sign of a greater emotional wound. Eating was my only way of controlling my life, or so I thought. When you are addicted or suffering from a mental illness, you think you’re in complete control. But the opposite is true. You are, in fact, completely out of control.

There was a kind of mental isolation… I detached myself from my surroundings. I was losing weight even though I was bulimic, and started trembling and feeling weak. Being the active and physical person I was, I knew I had to stop it. I sat down one day with my mom and told her. She told me she had a feeling.  I then broke down crying, and finally said it, ” I’m suffering from bulimia and I need help.”  She told me that she and my father would do anything and everything they could to help me.

But, addiction and mental illness, which is what bulimia is, can be both a curse and a blessing- it brought me a higher sense of awareness that I never would have experienced had I not suffered. It taught me about resilience and emotional maturity. I had to let go of control, in order to gain it back. How ironic.

I lived. I hurt. I had the right support to be strong. I got help. It’s been my support network that has made all the differnece. I couldn’t have gotten through it alone. Do you know anorexia is the #1 killer of girls age 15-24?

I have really worked on myself.  I don’t say I’ve moved passed it, but rather, moved through it. And it doesn’t define who I am.

Can you also share for our mommy readers what the signs are to look for in an eating disorder. What were the signs that perhaps you hid from your family and friends. Please share with our community. Your words may help a teen girl, or even an adult.

It’s tricky depending on the condition.

If you are a mother who suspects her daughter could have an eating disorder, a few signs to look for:  Eating patterns. Is she going to the restroom after meals? Does she eat ALONE? Is there trembling or bloodshot eyes (from vomiting). Loss of hair. Vast weight fluctuation. Social isolation. Less hanging out with friends. Depression. Control and obsession with food. Obsession with her appearance. Extreme physical activity (example, spending hours in the gym, jogging for extended periods of time, etc).

The most important thing if you suspect an eating disorder, is to have the awkward conversation instead of remaining in silence. Move past the fact that it may be uncomfortable, and HAVE THAT CONVERSATION. Those awkward moments could save a life.

I know that giving back is very important to you. You have traveled to Africa with your mother in law, Margaret Trudeau, building wells and bringing clean water to remote regions in Africa. And I know you most recently became an ambassador for Plan Canada’s “Because I Am A Girl” Initiative. Can you talk to us about these, how you got involved, and what you hope to accomplish.

Margaret Trudeau and daughter-in-law Sophie Trudeau

This week, I hosted the UN Women’s Gala for gender equality and violence against women. I think that we have developed a lack respect for the womb of humanity. We’re paying a high price for it- it has created a huge imbalance. There is still much violence towards women around the world. It’s still happening too often in our society. Many basic rights are still being taken away in parts of the world for one reason -because they are a woman.

I’m devoting my life to my husband and children, but also to the women in the world who are suffering. We all have a responsibility to shake things up and do something about it. Being in the spotlight comes with social responsibility, and I wish to use it wisely. When I inspire someone, I feel inspired back.

My volunteer work brings me so much happiness and joy. I have also become a spokesperson for  eating disorders and a public speaker on self esteem.

You are a multi-tasking mommy to two children, (Xavier and Ella-Grace), like so many of our readers. Can you give 3 pieces of advice on how to rock mommyhood, wifedom and career without losing yourself in the process.

1. Prioritize. We can’t do it all. My husband is not here all week. I cook. I work. I work out. I take care of the kids. I’m trying to balance it all, but I let some things slide. I have since learned to say no… sometimes I want to say yes,  but I can’t because I have two kids at home. I think we need to re-prioritize and get back to core values.
2. Inner discipline- TO LET GO.  Yoga brings me stillness and calmness. It centers me. It brings me peace. Anyone who feels overwhelmed must find 20-30 minutes daily to have that moment where you can fully let go. For me, it’s yoga or composing music. For you, it might be different. The key is to have that inner discipline to just release.
3. Express yourself through creativity. And I don’t mean you have to be an artist. Whatever gives you a creative release- music, drawing, writing, cooking, any kind of activity where you are free to create, free of judgment as well.

What has being a mother taught you about yourself?

Motherhood has taught me to be more connected to other human beings. All mothers everywhere, we are all responsible for each other. We’re not different, but rather more similar than you think– so if you’re fighting a battle alone, choose not to fight it alone.

I literally had an out of body experience while breastfeeding. That we have a responsibility to save every child, and save each other. It made me feel closer to everybody on this planet.

What do you see for Sophie Grégoire Trudeau when you look to the future? What is the vision, the goal, the dream?

Ten years ago, I had a piece of paper with everything I wanted on it. It was all written down. And boy, I knew what I wanted!

Things have changed. I still have a vision- but I live it, instead of looking at it from afar. Do I want to create social movement? Yes. Do I want to make a music album? Yes. Do I want to travel the world with my kids? Yes. I still have dreams, but instead of having them written on a little piece of paper, I live a little bit of them everyday. I don’t expect something huge to happen everyday. I have found true peace and joy in everday life because I do what I feel in the moment, not what is stuck on that vision board. I used to stress out if the I wasn’t attaining my goals by their due date, but not anymore.

And finally, I have to ask. Do you think your husband could become the Prime Minister of Canada one day. You know the rumors!

Since I have been with Justin, there is not a day that goes by, that someone doesn’t stop him to talk to him about his father. The connection they feel to him is so profound, and they want him to be an agent of change in society. We’re not in politcs for us– believe me, it’s the least glamourous job and I never see my husband. We often ask ourselves, why are we doing this? But we are doing this for us… meaning for our country and our children.

Where it will bring us? I don’t know. The goal is not to become Prime Minister. It wouldn’t be for the right reasons if that was solely the goal. That position does bring power to bring about real change. I’d rather have Justin home as a father and husband (laughing again), but if it does bring us there, we’ll be ready. But for now, no.

—-

What do you think, readers?  Feel free to leave Sophie a comment. She will be reading.

xoxEDxox

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