Are you willing to give up what you have, for what you want?

I gotta admit it. I’m scared.

Two years ago I finished my first book. I sent it off to my top 3 agent picks, and got signed up almost right away.

Now I’m back where I started. Revising that same book, with an eye to what the market wants, and how the publishers see they can sell it.

When I open my Scrivener program (that’s where I write my books—it’s awesome!), and read the words I spent years crafting and refining, it seems almost impossible that I can do it all again, only better, in a fraction of the time.

I see these perfect lines of text that make me want to laugh and cry all at the same time, and I’m afraid to touch any of it, for fear I’ll only mess it all up.

But that’s the point.

I get to…mess it all up, that is.

Because I know how I can make it better.

And because I know I have to be willing to give up what I have, for what I want.

Is there something like that in your life? Maybe it’s a relationship, a business, a book or some other passion project.

Something that requires you rolling up your sleeves and throwing it all up in the air, so you can tackle it a fresh way, with all new results.

I bet you’re scared too.

But I believe it’s worth it. Do you?

Cat xo

PS: If you’d love to have someone who will stand in the mess with you as you write your book, someone who can help you make sense of it all, message me. I am that person.

PPS: If you are writing a book, remember to save your last version, so you can go back to it if you want to! Unlike other areas of your life, you can do that, you know!

Where are you on your hero’s journey?

Are you experiencing victory, or defeat?

This was coming up for my transformational leadership students today, as we approach the half-way mark in the program.

Some are feeling cool and collected, like they’ve made it—they’ve mastered their leadership, themselves, their life. They’re feeling like a 10 all over the place and like they’re finally winning the game of life.

Sound like you, or the main character of your book?

In the hero’s journey, according to one of my favourite guides on writing, Save the Cat, midpoint is the part in the book or movie where the main character can experience victory.

But what they don’t know—yet—is that this victory is an illusion. And the big test/battle/final challenge is yet to come, leading to their true transformation.

LOL do I have your attention now? 😂

So what about those who are feeling defeat?

In the hero’s journey, those who are feeling defeat are also experiencing an illusion—things are not as bad as they seem.

In fact, this defeat can mean that you are on the verge of a breakthrough.

You may be feeling like one giant heap of a mess, like your life is falling in pieces around you, but really you are just leaving the old you behind so you can step into your greatness.

That’s what the second half of the book/your life is about. 😉

So take a moment and think about it:

Are you (or the main character of your book) in the midst of a false victory?

Or are you in the throes of a false defeat?

What tests/challenges lie ahead, to experience full transformation?

And what do you get to leave behind?

I’d love to hear your share.

Cat xo

PS: If you want to explore the hero’s journey further—be it for your book, or your life!—let me know. I’d love to step into this adventure with you.

You’ve got all the time in the world

Have you heard of Einstein time?

Last week, I was feeling overwhelmed. I had so many plates spinning in the air, I was feeling anxious that at any moment one of them might come crashing down.

The next morning, something had shifted in me. While I still had all the same plates spinning just as high and just as fast in the air, all of a sudden I was at ease. Peaceful with all my various responsibilities, and trusting everything would work out okay.

You see, time really is plastic. Like Einstein said, it’s all relative.

I believe it was my friend Don who first talked to me about Einstein time.

In short, Albert Einstein's theory proposes that time is an illusion that moves relative to an observer.

Have you ever experienced that?

So what does this mean for you?

So often we get in our own way. We use time as an excuse, or as a crutch, or we’re just plain bad at managing it. We say we don’t have time for something we care about, but then we end up scrolling social media for minutes or hours.

The truth is, time is the quality that we ascribe to it.

The truth is, if you’re willing, you can bend time to your will.

Which means that everything is possible, and there is plenty of time to be, do, have it all.

So what are you going to do with your time?

Cat xo

PS: I had so much fun with my Hack the Book Writing Retreats, I’m opening up 2 more dates in May! Join me Saturday May 14 or Monday May 16 for a fun, collaborative day connecting with other writers and getting clarity and strategy on your book. Message me for details!

I can help you write your book in JUST ONE DAY

How would it feel to have your book completely figured it in just one day? With a detailed plan of action to carry you through to completion?

An entire day dedicated to you and your book.

A day centred around:

• Getting clear on the book you want to write, and your ideal reader

• Creating an outline for your book to map out your writing

• Putting a strategy in place to help you meet your desired completion date

• Getting answers to all your questions on writing, editing and publishing your book

Here’s what I’m offering today:

My Hack the Book Writer’s Retreat will walk you through all the steps to make your book writing experience fun, effective and efficient.

In an intimate group setting, you’ll gain all the tools you need to set you up for success in your book writing journey, so you don’t waste time on trying to figure it all out by yourself for the first time, or on self-doubt and procrastination.

You can move confidently through your book writing experience with a clear map of what to write and when. And you’ll also have the opportunity to get feedback on your book idea to make sure it is as compelling and reader-worthy as possible.

To top it all off, I’m including 6 months of book coaching—free! That means 6 months of support, accountability, feedback and community.

I’ve opened up a few dates on my calendar for this writer’s retreat, with limited spots. Sign up today to secure your place for this fun, fulfilling, creative day!

Cat xo

PS: If you’re thinking this sounds amazing but it’s not the right time—know that this is a one-time offer. If you don’t want to spend years writing your book when you can nail it in months, grab this offer while you can! Click on this link and fill out the registration form, or hit reply to secure your spot!

Get unstuck 👉🏼

I was chatting with a fellow coach about her book yesterday.

She knew exactly what she was doing. She knew how many words she had to achieve, had set a date for her goal and had figured out what her commitment looked like on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. She even had an outline!

But something bigger was stopping her from making as much progress as she would have liked, and worse—it was sucking all the joy out of the journey!

In her head all she could hear were voices of self-doubt:

I’m not worthy. Who am I to write a book? Who cares what I have to say? I’m not a writer!

Sound familiar?

If that’s you, then you’re exactly in the right place! You’re the perfect person to write this book and this is the perfect book for you!

People want your vulnerability. They want your authenticity.

If that’s your come from, you’re doing it right.

So instead of freezing up or running away when those voices of self-doubt rear their ugly head, lean in and keep writing anyway. That’s where your heart will meet the hearts of your readers. That’s where you win them over.

That’s where you make a difference in other people’s lives.

Cat xo

PS: For Want some support and encouragement in your book writing journey? Would it help to know if you’re on the right track?

For just $199 a month, my Get Started book coaching program includes biweekly 1-1 coaching, feedback and accountability. Or sign up for my $350 a month Book Accelerator book coaching program for weekly 1-1 coaching, and we can finish your book in 6 months or less!

Schedule a call with me if you want to learn more!

You are absolutely still in charge

Do I have your attention now? 😉

I was chatting with a friend/client the other day. It was late and my thinking was cloudy. I was trying to help her evoke her big vision for her life, and understand what was in the gap so I could support her with getting there.

She kept steering her focus to the steps she felt she needed to build a business. But we both knew she had the answers to that, and I could see that it was something else that was standing in her way.

The truth is, the problem is usually us, and the solution is often getting out of our own way.

Intention over mechanism is a phrase we use a lot in Leadership.

In other words: Everything is figure-out-able.

Whether it’s hopping on Fiverr to find someone to help you with your new website, hiring a cleaner or babysitter to free up some time in your day, or applying for a loan to help you get your business off the ground—there are a million different ways to make progress and move forward.

When you draw your bow and aim your arrow, with a clear and visible goal of where you want to go, the rest really does just fall right into place. 💫

The tricky part is getting clear on what you really want—and whether you believe you can actually have it.

Do you believe you can actually make your dreams come true?

And are you willing to do what it takes to make it happen?

Those are the two most important questions to ask yourself.

There are no easy answers to these two questions, but the good news is that it’s really all up to you.

You just need to decide the answer is yes, and then don’t stop until your dream has come true. 🏃🏻‍♀️

Hit reply if you want to ask me about Leadership and see what’s possible when you get out of your own way.

Cat xo

PS: Is writing a book part of your vision for your life? If so, schedule a call with me and I’ll support you any way I can!

Are you ready to break out of your box?

Every year, I volunteer 4 months of my time to support others with stepping into their leadership.

I do it because coaching others on leadership helps me grow in my own. And because I want my children to grow up in a world of kind, compassionate, loving, responsible leaders, and that means filling the world with them one person at a time.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Just this weekend, I could feel myself resisting the challenge to grow and expand. After a rigorous 4 weeks of intense, 16-hour trainings, I wanted to rest. I wanted to relax. I wanted to chill!

It’s so funny how badly we want to stay where we’re at, in our comfort zone, when all the things we deeply, really want are beyond it.

That’s why I’m setting a money goal for the next 3 months. I’ve hovered at the same benchmark for the past decade or so. A comfortable number that covers the necessities while creating space in my life for all my other passion projects, including my books and my family.

I’m ready to let that go.

Like the saying goes, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

It’s a little bit scary and definitely stretchy. And I’m committed to making it happen and shattering the illusions of what’s possible for me.

How about you?

Connect with me if you want to ask me about Leadership and see what’s possible when you break out of the box!

Cat xo

PS: Is finally writing that book the goal you would set for yourself if you could break out of the box? If so, schedule a call with me and I’ll support you any way I can!

You and your dreams matter

Do you feel like your dreams are taking a back seat to, well, life?

The past couple of weeks, I’ve been spending 14-16 hours a day in an online training room, coaching people into their leadership so they can make the life of their dreams come true. 💫

It was powerful and moving and challenging and beautiful and inspiring…and then I woke up.

Saturday morning was an onslaught of bad news—on the TV, social media and in conversations with friends and family. I was so overwhelmed with sadness I just cried and cried.

Fortunately, I’ve surrounded myself with supportive communities and networks. I shared my breakdown and grief, and a friend of mine shared this quote with me, from Esther:

“Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.”

And damn, did that call to action ever light a fire under my ass. 🔥

It’s no coincidence you and I landed here and now. So what are you going to do with your gifts and time in this life?

If you haven’t noticed already, life is now, and there are no guarantees of tomorrow.

Make a difference today. You matter. 💖

Cat xo

PS: Do you know what you want but have trouble committing to your dream? Would you like help figuring out what your vision/purpose even is? Book a call with me and I’ll support you any way I can!

Do you trust yourself to make it happen?

Today I was chatting with one of my students about trust.

For much of my life, I let self doubt run the show. I second guessed. I could never make up my mind. I even returned things (hello, buyer’s remorse!)!

During my leadership training, I learned to trust myself again. And a HUGE part of that was being my word. Declaring I would do something, and following through—no matter what.

Faith has been on my mind more than ever of late. It requires that we put our stake in the ground, even before we have the answers. That proverbial leap of faith. 💫

When I declare I will complete my manuscript by such and such date, it’s a leap of faith. When I commit to writing 500 words a day, it’s a leap of faith that I will pull it off. And yet, I get to place my stake in the ground, and then follow through.

And when I do that, I build trust. With myself and with others. Isn’t it funny how it it all works out?

So my invitation to you today, when it comes to making your dream come true, is to place your stake in the ground. Take that leap of faith. And be and do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Not only will you build trust and confidence that you can do amazing things, but you’ll also be well on your way to making your passion project happen.

Cat xo

PS: Have a passion project or book idea you’d like to explore? Book a call with me and I’ll support you any way I can!

How far are you willing to go?

The final stretch is where the magic happens. 💫

I’ve never run a marathon, but now that I feel like I just finished one, I’m inspired to try it.

Nineteen months. That’s how long it took me to write, edit and submit my second book.

Considering my first book took five years to finish, that’s quite an accomplishment—for me.

With this book, though, I took zero breaks. I lived and breathed it every day of those 19 months. It was my first thought of the morning, and my last thought at night. So yup, by the end, I was TIRED.

Exhausted.

Wiped out.

I had nothing more to give.

The cool thing about that is—for probably the first time in my life, I could truly say that I went all the way. I gave everything I had. I held nothing back. I really did do the best I could.

And isn’t that all we can ask of ourselves, and others?

Like I tell my kids, I don’t care how well you do at [insert school/sports/projects and performances]. All that matters is that you did the best you could.

What’s amazing is that in the last days as I prepped my book for submission, I felt like the universe was finally on my side.

The beginning of the book, which had essentially remained the same since I first drafted it up a year and a half ago, was swapped out with a completely new first chapter, just days of meeting my declared completion date.

The book title that I had agonized over for 19 months, finally clicked into place in the last 19 minutes.

And just as I was reading the final page of my book for the last time before sending it to my agent, the same song I was reading about started playing on my Spotify.

As I drove off to pick up my kids from school, just minutes after I sent the manuscript to my agent, another song came on my Spotify. It was the same song I was listening to when the idea for the book first unspooled before me.

If that’s not a sign to let go, I don’t know what is.

My point is, writing a book, or making any passion project, really, is freaking hard. You’ll want to give up. You’ll think of a million reasons why it’s not going to work, and why it’s a waste of your time. Your arms and legs will tire. Your mind will go blank.

And if you stick with it, when you think you’ve got nothing left, God and magic and miracles will step in to carry you the rest of the way.

Cat xo

PS: Have a passion project or book idea you’d like to explore? Book a call with me and I’ll support you any way I can!

Time to make it happen!

Change is coming! Can you feel it? 😁

The days are longer, the sun is sunnier, spring is on the horizon. For many of us, we’re finally finding our New Year’s groove, which means we’re ready to carve out space to return to our passion projects and goals that are more deeply aligned with what we really want to create in the world.

I’ve already had so many conversations this year with people about their passions. Some are finally committing to a project that’s been a dream of theirs for many years. For others, these past months and years have reminded them how precious life is and inspired them to seize the moment. Life is now!

If you’re struggling to find some time between your day job and other commitments, I’m reminded of my interview with Karma Brown, author of The 4% Fix: How One Hour Can Change Your Life. Karma inspired me to join the 5am club a couple of years ago. Waking up early, before the rest of the house and business world starts nipping at my heels, has truly been the secret to finishing my own passion projects—my books.

Something else I’ve been recommitting to besides waking up early is making declarations.

Wayne Dyer is an expert in manifesting, and as he points out here, phrasing your intentions as given statements is a great habit to develop to create a life you love.

As he writes, “When you place an intention in your imagination, do not allow a question mark at the end of your pronouncement. See your statement ending in a grammatical exclamation point. ‘I bring this into my reality!’”

What’s the intention you’re declaring today? Leave a comment and let me know.

One of my intentions this year is to serve as a book coach and help as many books come into being as possible. In speaking with writers, I’ve realized there are some new ways I can support.

I’m starting up a one-on-one coaching program that includes biweekly calls to keep you in your vision, to help you stay motivated and to support you with feedback and writing advice.

I’ve also launched ghost writing services for those who want to produce a book but are looking for a writing partner to help them make it happen.

If you’re not sure what you need, feel free to schedule a FREE book exploration call with me. I love chatting books and I’m happy to help you set a path that will take you through to completion. 💫

Cat xo

What’s stopping you?

So, it was a rocky start to the new year for me. 😳

Another wave. Another lockdown. The kids back at home doing online learning.

All the plans I had to hit the ground running? Pouf!

And to be honest, I kind of gave up for a moment. I kind of let go—it’ll happen when it happens. Maybe next week, or next month, or next year.

And that’s not me in my leadership.

Thankfully, I’m surrounded by a lot of incredible people. So I got coaching. And within 24 hours, I got back in my power. I shifted. And I’m now back into the land of possibility and, most importantly, urgency. Life is now. I matter. And if it’s to be, it’s up to me.

Do you have someone like that in your life? How long have you been stuck? How much longer will you wait before you jump in, all in?

If this is resonating with you, schedule a time to chat with me. I’d love to be the person you can vent to (I’ll give you 2 minutes!), before we come up with a plan of action. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your passion project!

Cat xo

PS: If writing a book is on your Passion Project bucket list, schedule a call with me to explore your vision for your book and I'll help you get set up for success.

2021: Year in Review

It’s been a helluva year 🤭

Seriously, though, as challenging as it’s been at times, I feel like I’ve personally come closer and closer to living the life I’ve been dreaming about for so long:

More time for my books, my podcast, my family. Meeting amazing, heart centred people and interviewing some of my favourite podcast guests yet.

I’ve stepped further and further outside of my comfort zone, and grown so much along the way, as well as creating new friendships, partnerships and communities.

How about you?

If you’re feeling a pull toward something but you’re not sure what it is yet, stay tuned for my Money & Manifestation workshop in the new year.

While I didn’t record another podcast season this fall, I’ve been busy compiling my favourite interview clips, which I’ll be sharing on social media as we count down to the new year. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook to catch these greatest hits and for your latest dose of Passion Project inspiration.

If writing a book is on your Passion Project bucket list, schedule a call with me to explore your vision for your book and I’ll help you get set up for success.

2022 is just around the corner, so until next time, keep dreaming, daring, doing—it’s your time now. 💖

Cat xo

Ready to make it happen?

I am so lucky 😍

I’ve had an incredible career as a journalist and magazine editor. It’s opened so many doors to me, and allowed me to speak with so many inspiring people, many of whom are authors.

That career led to my podcast, which is all about making your dreams happen. This season I focused my lens on books, and the people who write, edit, represent and publish them.

One of those people I got to interview was the brilliant writer Bianca Marais. She has an amazing podcast I love that is called The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Her team is putting on a virtual retreat in January, with a stellar lineup of experts and guests that includes Jessica Brody (Save the Cat Writes A Novel) and Lisa Cron (Story Genius—a must read for fiction writers!).

There are so many writers, authors, books, courses and resources on writing that I’m a fan of, and I’m happy to share them with you. You can email me, DM me or book a call with me to explore these and your vision for your book.

One thing that’s in short supply, though, is one-on-one support. Someone to hold your hand through writing and publishing your book, to give you a boost when you’re feeling stuck, to bounce ideas off of and who can simply let you know when you’re on the right track or not and what to do next.

That’s where I come in. 😉

My last two clients published their books on Amazon last week, after working with me for just 6 months. One of them is already a best-seller.

If you’re ready to play ball and make your book publishing dreams come true, I’m ready to play with you. Click here for more details on how I work with writers as a book coach.

I have some spots open in my 6-month book publishing program. Click here if you’re ready to commit to your book. If you’re looking at a longer game, that’s cool too—I offer one-on-one coaching in a year-long program to support you through writing, editing and publishing your book. Wherever you are in your journey is perfect.

Cat xo

Workshop highlights + links for more!

Missed my book writing workshop?

I know some people couldn’t attend, and some had to arrive late/leave early. That’s why I posted the replay in the Facebook group. Click here to join and for access to the replay!

Some highlights from the workshop:

• Life story telling expert Joanna Klein talked about how life story writing/memoir writing is much like writing a fictional novel—it gets to have character arch, setting, themes, dialogue. Joanna is hosting another workshop this month. Details here!

• Growth coach and author Robb Gilbear talked about the things we can do to minimize distractions and interruptions for focused, intentional work and writing, including blocking notifications and avoiding your phone when you wake and before bed. Robb’s book is out now! Learn more about him here.

• I had the chance to chat about my favourite thing to talk about—writer’s block, and how to beat it! The two keys for me have been ignoring the voice of self-doubt and moving forward anyway, and using writing rituals to help me get into the flow. To learn more about these and other ways I can support you, book a FREE book exploration call with me!

Remember to join the Facebook Group and keep an eye out for updates on upcoming events and meet-ups. I have a juicy workshop I’m cooking up for the new year!

Cat xo

Why grit matters and the importance of failing

I’m sure you’ve heard it before: About half of small businesses will have failed within the first five years.

The thing is, we get to rethink what “fail” means.

Remember that saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”?

Isn’t it funny that when it comes to starting a new business, entrepreneurs are expected to hit it out of the park the first time? 

Of course that’s unlikely. Of course most will fail. 

Of course the ones who succeed will do so because they’ve learned to pivot (“try”) again and again.

You can call this persistence. Commitment. Determination.

You can also call it grit. 

And whether your passion project is tied to a money-making goal or not, you’ll probably need some amount of it to see some level of success with it.

Case in point: One of my boys is an amazing artist. Anything he touches—pencil, paintbrush, camera, lego, building blocks—turns to gold. He makes magic with whatever he does. And he works at it. 

A few years ago (before COVID), we went to a Comic Con, and he struck up a chat with one of the presenting illustrators. I shared how he will draw an inch of a line and then throw the whole sheet of paper away and start a new one and how it drives me crazy.

“But you know, my man, don’t you? You know the line is just not right,” he said to my son with a knowing nod of his head.

As business coach Shanda Sumpter says in her book Core Calling: “We often think that challenges are fate or reasons to quit. Or we think that they are so big that what we are doing might not be right, and we give up. That is a faulty mindset.”

She goes on to write that if you can learn to roll with the moments of uncertainty that will come, you will get to your goal.

“If you begin a project, and then run into a brick wall, it tests your commitment to the project. An entrepreneur needs to follow a project all the way through to their goal; they must always hit their numbers.”

Shanda uses the example of one of her clients. She was struggling with her business, but Shanda she would not let her give up. Following through, Shanda explains, gave her client the opportunity to learn from her experience and evolve her business into the success story it now is.

Just like my son, it takes drawing the line over and over, in many different ways, to discover the perfect line that’s been waiting for you. That’s why grit matters, and why failing is an important part of almost every success story.

The truth about what dreams are REALLY made of

Can I be honest with you? I’m tired. 😴

Like full stop, due for a vacation, ready for a month-long nap TIRED.

So August, I am coming for you, hard. But in the meantime, I am slaying my July to-do lists and goals that I set for myself. Because I promised. And because I follow through. 

After all, you don’t give up on the race just before you pass the finish line, do you? And yet, that’s the hardest part. I have a meme on my vision board that says, “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” And time after time in my life, that’s proven to be true. 

Discipline, consistency, commitment — these are the (unspoken) things dreams are made of. 

So here we go, pedal to the metal. And when August rolls around, you’ll know where to find me. 🏖

LISTEN NOW

I’ve had a blast this past month interviewing some of my favourite writers. Bianca Marais is the author of the wonderful Hum If You Don’t Know The Words, and If You Want To Make God Laugh. She also has a brilliant podcast that really peels back the mysteries of the publishing world. If you’re a writer and keen on seeing your book on bookshelves, you’ll want to tune in. Listen to my interview with Bianca to hear about her own journey to the book shelf, what she says about OWN voices and her top tips for writers. Now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or watch it here. 🎧

WATCH THIS

In June, I also had the chance to chat with Amy Jones, author of We’re All In This Together and Every Little Piece of Me—a novel that I just finished and so loved! Amy is a writing mentor with Flying Books and worked with Audrey Audrain on her buzzy, headline-making book The Push. Amy and I spoke about mentorship and the editing process, as well as feedback and her own author journey. You can catch our interview here and on YouTube. 📚

TRY THIS

I know I said I’d take August off but I couldn’t help myself: I’m partnering with a special guest for a workshop I’ll be presenting next month. Details to come but for now I invite you to play. Pick up a pencil, paint brush or camera, and let your muse take you where she will. Summer is a great time to indulge in our passion projects, whether that’s writing, painting, photography or just plain soaking up time with family and friends. (While you’re at it, take a snap and tag us @passionprojectpod on Instagram to be featured on our page!) 📸

Wishing you a dreamy July,

Cat xo

Turning your “some day” list into your HAPPENING NOW list

LIFE IS NOW.

That’s why I’m here: to turn your “some day” list, into your HAPPENING NOW list. 🔥🔥🔥

When I first created PASSION PROJECT, I was a struggling artist, finally reaching for her goal of publishing her first book. I found my joy by leaning in to my true passion, and I was so thrilled and excited, I wanted everyone to join me.

There have been people in my life who inspire me, who show me what’s possible, who give me hope that I’m not crazy to want or hope for things that most people wouldn’t dare aspire to or say out loud.

It’s been my mission with PASSION PROJECT to share these people with you, and bring others like them that can inspire you with your own journey. 💫

From authors and filmmakers and musicians, to life coaches and other motivational speakers, I invite them on the show so we can talk about what it took to get them where they are, and what lessons they can share to help you get where you want to go too.

It all began with books, though. And what I’ve found over these past few years, is that almost everyone wants to write one, or has a book in them and doesn’t realize it yet.

So, because books are the thing that brought me to you today, I only see it fitting to dedicate my new season to all things books. 📚

In the coming weeks, I’ll be speaking with authors, editors and others who take us behind the scenes of what it takes to bring a book to shelves across the country.

Ready to join me? Let’s do this. 🙌

WATCH NOW

The new season of PASSION PROJECT kicks off with book blogger Jen Bober, who shared her favourite author meet-ups and about life as a #bookstagrammer. Listen to our interview, now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 🎧

I’ve known best-selling author Marissa Stapley for decades as a fellow journalist. Her latest book Lucky is not only a juicy summer read, but it’s also been optioned for TV. Watch our interview to hear more about Marissa’s author journey, launching a book during the pandemic and about going from the page to the screen. 🎬

READ THIS

Be sure to pick up or download Marissa’s book Lucky, a thriller about a grifter who has a winning lottery ticket but can’t cash it. And check out book blogger Jen Bober’s picks for more hot summer reads! ⛱

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I’ve talked about creating your own Vision Board before, but I had never tried it on Pinterest before, until now! Whether it’s a new closet, or a new book, try playing some favourite music to create your own vision board to. I’ll be hosting a workshop on this soon. Sign up for the newsletter for updates and stay tuned! 🎈

Remember, for more inspiration, subscribe to PASSION PROJECT on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts to listen to past interviews and more!

Wishing you a magical June,

Cat xo

Book blogger Jen Bober’s top 10 books to read this Summer

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing #bookstagrammer and book blogger Jen Bober for the Passion Project podcast. Here Jen shares her top book picks and recommendations for Summer 2021:

Fight Night by Miriam Toews

Jen says: “I am a big fan of Toews’ writing and eager to pick up her latest book which features her classic wit and tribute to a very unusual family.”

All’s Well by Mona Awad

Jen says: “Awad is a fave author of mine. Her latest book follows Miranda, a drama teacher who is feeling old and broken by her chronic pain and is trying to capture her former glory days. When she suddenly meets three mysterious men, suddenly things start to turn in her favour.”

The Siren by Katherine St. John

Jen says: “Hollywood gossip and drama all set on an isolate island. A perfect summer read.”

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Jen says: “This one just sounds so cute! A once famous gay television star must take in his niece and nephew after tragedy strikes.”

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Jen says: “Dubbed as a Schitts Creek romcom, this book follows the current ‘It’ girl who suddenly is cut off from her family wealth and moves to a small town. Of course, she butts heads with a sexy local who does not think she belongs.”

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters

Jen says: “Part mystery and part fantasy. Natasha’s sister has gone missing and she is searching for answers. Was nature and the creatures that dwell in the park the reason she disappeared?:

Seven days In June by Tia Williams

Jen says: “Seven days to fall in love, 15 years to forget it and seven days to get it back again. This is a sexy romance book about second chances for love.”

The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy

Jen says: “A disgraced influencer and struggling actor join together to create The Atmosphere, a cult to reform problematic men.”

You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Jen says: “A dark and twisted story of a man who wakes up on a beach and cannot remember who he is.”

Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Jen says: “My fave book of the year so far! A Young Adult book that is part mystery, part drama. A wonderful look into Ojibwe culture and some of the issues Indigenous people face.”

Check out more of Jen’s book reviews and see what she’s reading on Instagram at @Boberbookclub

You can also find Jen on Goodreads

Catch our podcast interview with Jen here. You can also download the episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and watch it on YouTube!

Why saying yes to “no” feels so good right now

Here I am, nearly two years after I watched it for the first time, laughing as Jim Carrey tries to weasel himself out of one opportunity or another, until he finally takes a chance on becoming a Yes Man. 😂

It’s all the more laughable as my own two-year cycle of “Yes”—including recently reading Shonda Rhimes book Year of Yes—feels like it’s somewhat coming to a close, or a pause anyway. 🤷🏻‍♀️

After four months of MASSIVE stretching as part of staffing an intensive leadership program, I’m now jumping into homeschooling full-out, with the kids projected to end the year in their virtual classrooms after a recent province-wide shutdown. 😥

I guess what I’m trying to say, is that after saying “Yes” for what feels like two years straight, I’m now finding myself saying “No.”

No to non-urgent meetings, calls and online meet-ups. No to more volunteering. No even to books that I start reading that I don’t feel like finishing. Simply put: No.

And you know what? That no is starting to feel a lot like “Yes” to me. Yes to treasuring my kids, right here, right now. Yes to smelling the roses and being fully present in the moment. Yes to me time/dream time/hell, even just plain watching TV time! 🙌

Yes to being a human be-ing, rather than a human do-ing.

Who knows, maybe next month, I’ll be writing to you that “No” sucks and I’m devoting myself again to “Yes.”

For now, though, I’ll take the pause.

WATCH NOW

If you know me, you know I love hearing about other people’s passion projects. And one that has blown me away recently has been the journey of my friend and Experience Church pastor David Eduardo Saenz, who is changing up what church looks, sounds and feels like. (Think less preaching to the choir, more salon-worthy dialogues and conversations for the curious.)

Watch our interview to hear his story of faith, resilience and reinvention. 🙏

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Mother’s Day is around the corner, and it’s always a struggle for me, how much to take it as a hall pass for my own secret enjoyment, how much to share it with the other moms in my life.

For some fun, me time/mom-inspired reading, check out my blog for Mabel’s Labels, where I talk about everything from having a big, loud, crazy family, to rounding up my favourite mom podcasts and feel-good holiday rom-coms for moms. 🤰🏻

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I gave up on reading my horoscope when there stopped being newspapers to subscribe to, but my sister recently turned me on to an app that has rekindled that former love.

The Pattern is a eerily accurate app that gives you a reading on where you are now, what you might be struggling with, and where you’re headed.

It was bang on about my current transition and commitments, and while it can’t make my decisions for me, it certainly made me feel like I was on the right track.

Wishing you and the moms in your life a happy Mother’s Day. 🌸

Cat xo