pausing.

Looking back at 2012, this has easily been one of the best years (so far) of my life.

Some incredible opportunities have come my way personally and professionally, and I'm happy to say that I feel like I've been able to take full advantage of as many as I could.

Although the tweets, photos and posts may seem like this year was smooth sailing, there were definitely some down moments. There were a couple of rough days (and weeks) where no one was calling me back about any job prospects, dance gigs or things to do.

Maria Shriver spoke at the University of South California earlier this year about the "Power of Pause". This video came across my path on one of my down days, and reset the tone for my approach to life.

Shriver spoke to the communication graduates about slowing down, and instead of jumping on the "fast forward" lane, to instead, pause.

"Pausing allows you to take a beat - to take a breath in your life. As everybody else if rushing around like a lunatic out there, I dare you to do the opposite," said Shriver. 

I can see where she is coming from, however, with the financial pressures of paying for your rent, utilities, and well, just trying to have a life, how can we pause?

That's when I put two and two together. Pausing doesn't mean having to run away on a vacation. Maybe pausing means still working, still trying to figure it all out and still giving everything a chance.

This philosophy helped me I take some risks this summer. I didn't marry myself to anything that would have kept me away from projects I wanted to pursue (like working the Olympics). My pause included working as much as I could, doing anything - writing, life guarding, choreographing - but with a goal in the future I wanted to reach.

Having the stability of the work and power to call the shots before the Games gave me a refreshed and clear mind heading into that period of time.

I thought I would have no work after London 2012, and still took a risk to stay in Toronto. Since then, I've had the chance to participate in so many interesting projects and gigs. Had I moved home or taken the "safe" path, I wouldn't have had any of those opportunities.

In so many ways, I think I'm going through another "pause". I know a heck of a lot more about what I want to do now, and 2013 will be my year to attack those goals head-on.

If you have 20 minutes, I highly recommend listening to Shriver's whole speech. Even if you're en route on your path of life, it still puts things into perspective.

jackie.

Oh how time flies - I'll be back in Kelowna one week from today! 

2012 has easily been the best year of my life. This week has been fantastic in particular as well. Cheers for working mucho, rehearsing mucho, performing to a sold out crowd and celebrating it with all with good friends. 

That reminds me, I'm off to two more holiday parties ce soir...'tis the season! 

games.

If you didn't know it already, I'm a huge fan of Toronto-bred musician, The Weeknd. I remember downloading his free mixtape on a whim and becoming completely obsessed.

Back then, he was known mostly in the Toronto music community...now, he's headlining festivals like Coachella. No big deal.

This is the first time I have ever seen him perform on television, and I am absolutely loving this softer, more acoustic version of his song "Wicked Games". Enjoy.

deciding.

"Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future,

 stop figuring out how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want,

 and just see what happens." 

- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City 

November and December have been full of a lot of interesting projects, work, events and moments for me. 

Sometimes it's good to sit back and take a moment to appreciate what has happened. In so many ways, this helps me see opportunities more clearly, and thus grab onto the next one comes by. 

I know December has just begun, but the next 10 days are full of work, dance, writing and packing before heading to Kelowna for 11 days. I'll be teaching a plethora of classes when I'm home - make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates where they're taking place. 

playlist34.

I know everyone is saying this, but I'm blown away that it's already December. This means a crazy week ahead full of writing, dancing, training, rehearsal, holiday parties and performing in a huge show on Friday!

In between there, I'm finding time to choreograph combinations and work on pieces for the 12 classes I'm teaching in four days in Kelowna over my break.

Nothing says living the dream more than that my friends.

Thus, a good playlist is vital to keep me going this week (especially with my early AM start times). I'm pulling inspiration form all corners of my life for this playlist. A little from my show, some of what I'm feeling choreography to and little tidbits I "Shazam-ed".

I'm also going through a Pearl Jam and George Michael phase as of late - not sure where that's coming from, but it's good.

Enjoy this month's psuedo holiday/contemporary playlist.