Stay Connected

Communication is key to health, relationships and engaging others. Communication was an area I had to change in my life or lose out on having great relationships in my life. Habits were formed that were not effective. I was put to the test of my communication skills when my daughter challenged me. Consistently, I reacted with a strong comment and getting to the point was easy. When Candace told me, mom you don't listen - I thought I was. Definitely not!! Communication has a ripple effect on health, relationships and engaging others. You want a ripple of inspiring, honest and engaging connection.

Ripple one - you say: life is challenging however I trust my abilities I can get through them
Ripple two  - this comment tells the brain, life is manageable and will be okay - stress free
Ripple three - positive thoughts to family, friends and others will have them wanting to engage
                       with you

This example gives you one idea of how your communication can effect you and others. I am not naive about life having difficult conversations. Real conversations test you. How you handle them will tell you what outcomes you will have whether negative or positive. When dealing with a difficult situations, ask the question - What is happening? This allows the other person to say what they want and you respond using words that they said. This tells the other person you are paying attention and hear what they are saying. This is a gift when someone feels heard. This relaxes others and you can express your thoughts with less tension. How much time do you take to listen to someone or is your brain too busy thinking what to do next.

Igniters, we are in the business of communication. How are your communication skills? At Igniters, it is important we connect even if we are unable to be at the club. I know I am in this position as my business is demanding more of my time and I will be missing some Tuesdays. I am challenging myself and all Igniters to stay connected by sending a note to say I will be away for the month, or congratulating someone on their success or sharing what is happening in your life. We care and we want to hear from you. Stay connected by staying in touch with us. The Dali Lama has put a challenge out to the world. I am asking you to join me to "be a force for good for health, relationships and engaging with others..." Stay in touch and communicate with care and compassion.

MENTORING TEAM

AWARDS NIGHT

Our mentoring team was congratulated and given Awards and Toastmaster Mentoring Pins for all the support they gave to Ignitor's throughout the year. Their guidance helped each of us work through our Competent Communication Manuals.
Thanks to Nandini, Chris G., Stephen, Mona (Mentor Leader), Marvin, Marion, Chris C.,  Glen and Diane for all the energy they have put into Igniter's  and the time you have spent with our new members. 

Exciting meeting this week.

We had a fun filled evening at Toastmasters this week. We began with a speech by one of our newer members Michael. Michael made sure to let us know the best ways to save money for our retirements. As usual Michael used very logical and well organized thoughts and suggestions that we can all benefit from.

Next up, our Past President Marvin shared his vision for our Igniters 10th anniversary party which is only a few weeks away. Marvin incorporated a well crafted call to action to solicit some volunteers for our celebration. For more information on our celebration please visit : https://calgarytoastmasters.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/igniters-toastmasters-10th-anniversary/

Mona our mentoring coach was up next with a speech to inspire us each one of us to "Be Yourself". Mona wove in some very funny and personal stories for us to learn from while being entertained. Chris C organized a very creative group evaluation for Mona which gave many of us a chance to try our hand at evaluations as well as provided Mona a wide range of feedback.

Our club president Nandini organized a MMM Membership contest as a project toward her Competent Leader Manual. Each member who promoted the club by blogging, tweeting, passing out membership cards or magazines was entered into a draw. Our mentoring coach Mona baked us a basket of goodies as a prize. Chris G is the lucky winner of the basket, although expect to see a few extra pounds on Chris in the next couple of weeks!

Make sure to join us in our meeting next week. We're sure that it will be an amazing evening.

Mentoring Makes A Difference!

Mona Cooley, DTM did an awesome workshop and Webinar tonight about Mentoring.  Our members and many guests left with new ways to approach our strengths and challenges in life and Toastmasters.

Do you want support to achieve your personal goals? Let us help you find your strengths and identify your challenges.

We were delighted to have District Governor Doris Henn, DTM (oversees clubs in Alberta & Sask.) visit and we all had an opportunity to sign and have a photo with the Distinguished District banner. The banner will be displayed at the International Convention in Las Vegas in August.

See you next week. Lots of opportunities to grow!

Bren