Inspirations

Inspirations & Influences

There have been so many wonderful inspirational teachers who have been a part of my life and I would like to share some of them with you. Some appeared for a short time and then quietly exited; others have been a strong and powerful influence for many years. This is by no means a complete list, and it is not in any order. Some of them are public figures, world-renowned for their work and I encourage you to visit their websites and soak up their knowledge and wisdom. Others are personal, teachers who didn't know they were teachers, and have inspired me in ways they may not know. Each one on this page has my deepest respect and gratitude for showing up on my journey. Thank you!

Wayne Dyer

I am fortunate to have attended two Wayne Dyer lectures. Dr. Dyer is a psychologist, author and teacher whose psychological perspective evolved into a spiritual one. This is what I love most about this path: seeing how so many brilliant minds who had a focus on medicine, science, psychology or religion evolve and transform until they embody the spiritual. This confirms my belief that the closer we get to understanding any one of these fields, the more we see how spirituality is not a contradiction or an either/or; rather, it is the thread that runs through everything. Enjoy Wayne's timeless books that have spanned six decades.
www.drwaynedyer.com

Doreen Virtue

Doreen Virtue is the Angel Lady. She was born into a multi-generational clairvoyant family and has a background in psychology. I first saw her in the late 1990's at a Lightworkers Conference in Seattle where I met her and chatted with her in person. I've seen her three times since and find myself incorporating many of her teachings. She shares her love of angels and archangels through books, card decks and music. I was certified as an Angel Therapy Practitioner® after taking her workshop in Hawaii in June 2011.
www.angeltherapy.com

Cheryl Richardson

Cheryl Richardson is one of the most down-to-earth, heart-centred spiritual leaders in our world today. I was fortunate to see her at the I Can Do It conference in 2011 and again in 2012, and was impressed by how she comes across as a friend or neighbour. Her background is in life coaching and she has many books and Laser Coaching sessions on YouTube as well. She personally answers, responds and posts on her Facebook page, which makes her a unique and approachable person.
www.cherylrichardson.com

Louise Hay

Louise Hay is a pioneer in the field of mind/body connection, writing about how our thoughts and our physical manifestation of disease are inextricably linked. Therefore, healing is in the domain of thought as well. I was introduced to affirmations through Louise, whose simple positive statements are designed to replace a negative mindset. She is the founder of Hay House, which publishes many of the popular inspirational teachers and thinkers of our time. Hay House Radio broadcasts interviews, talks and call-in talk shows with many of these speakers. I've seen her recently at conferences, and this woman in her eighties is an inspiring bundle of energy. I still refer to her book, Love Yourself, Heal Your Life, to remind myself of the connection between thought and imbalance in physical health.
www.louisehay.com or to buy the best books, audio and video, and oracle cards, visit www.hayhouse.com

Deepak Chopra

On a trip to Hawaii a few years ago, my husband and I were making the long walk back to our hotel in Honolulu after climbing to the very top of Diamond Head volcano. We were pretty tired, and decided to stop at a bookstore to look around and rest. We came across a poster for a Deepak Chopra lecture that was happening the very week we were there. We were thrilled; we bought tickets and got to see Deepak in Hawaii.

Deepak Chopra is a medical doctor who took the path of alternative healing and spirituality. His books include wonderfully-written novels that combine spiritual principles with myth and imagination. He is a humourous and entertaining speaker, and we were blessed to see him a second time in our home town.
www.chopra.com

Susan Jeffers

Dr. Susan Jeffers has a background in psychology, and her book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway was one of the first "self-help" books I discovered, back in the 80s. This little treasure is timeless, and I returned to it over and over, lending it out, re-doing the exercises, and still quoting it after all these years. It helped to change the way I think. For these reasons, I am grateful for Susan Jeffers.
www.susanjeffers.com

Marianne Williamson

Marianne is a passionate speaker influenced by A Course in Miracles. I have seen Marianne in person, but my biggest connection to her is through her book Illuminata. It is a beautiful prayer book with inspirational words and rituals on all sorts of rites of passage in life, from births to divorces to death to world peace. I have used her prayers for years with my family, at Christmas and other important markers. My husband and I, when we married in 2007, used one of her marriage pieces for our wedding vows. It was really special.
www.marianne.com

Gregg Braden

Gregg Braden, with a background in geology and computers, is another favourite whose personal evolution combines science with spirituality. He has a passion for ancient wisdom from traditions around the world and through the ages. I am fortunate to have seen him three times now, once in Seattle in the late 90s, again soonafter in my home town and at the 2012 I Can Do It conference in Vancouver. He has a brilliant mind and his writings leave me contemplative. I think it is so important to have smart, masculine, spiritual males as relatable role models for men, and Gregg is just that.
www.greggbraden.com

Archangel Michael

Beloved Archangel Michael. I have been drawn to angels and the world of the unseen since I was a child. I have clear memories of being in my childhood home and having a very strong sense of being protected. I knew, as children do, that there was a force around me that would always keep me safe. My relationship with angels deepened during one of my spiritual awakenings, and I felt such a strong bond to this one in particular. Michael, with his powerful sword and mighty wings, enfolds them around me to protect me. He is also the angel to call upon when we need guidance with our life purpose.

My Mother Ingrid

I was at the side of my beautiful mother Ingrid when she made her transition on March 15, 2009, ten days after her 83rd birthday. She was from the old country (Norway) and a traditional woman who valued family, loyalty and simplicity. She has left her legacy in many ways, one of which is five children who adored her. Another is through her gift with knitting needles. I was so proud to have my babies dressed in the most beautiful, cuddly sweater sets. She must have knit over thirty little hockey jerseys for her sons and grandsons, and for the sons of friends. She would sit with her graph paper and plot out logos. Then she would knit while watching "the game": the faster the hockey action, the faster she knit. She would never take money for her sweaters, claiming that it would take the fun out of knitting.

Mom had a quirky sense of humour, a razor-sharp mind and her own way of blending old-fashioned religion with modern-day spirituality. I love you forever, Bestemor.

Erik, son III, born 1989

My Favourite Actor. This is my shining star. He was a handful to raise, and a delight to set free into the world. He knew at a very young age that his mission in life was to entertain and to make people happy, and he shares his light everywhere he goes. Give the boy a microphone or a stage, and you'll never get it back! He is one who has a true sense of who he is.

You are Stage.

Kerry, son II, born 1986

My Favourite Musician. Here is someone who has everything. He is one who records his own album, plays every instrument, writes and sings all the lyrics, and does the recording and production. My favourite memory is finding him asleep holding his bass guitar. The sensitivity within this soul is emerging as his gift to the world.

You are Sound.

Nick, son I, born 1984

My Favourite Writer. The wordsmith with the wicked wit. He has taken academia by storm with his talent for writing and dedication to creative individuality. This poet can speak with a paintbrush, a microphone, a keyboard, a megaphone, a computer and a pen. Mentored by many, ready to mentor.

You are Voice.

Gord

You are my husband and companion, my mentor and teacher, a fantastic example of forgiveness, humility, compassion, patience and dedication. Together we learn, laugh more than I'd ever hoped, travel, dream, make music and just be. We share an interest in personal growth and knowledge, and how wonderful it is to be read to from inspirational books! Through you, I have discovered my capacity for peace and happiness. You are my love and my rock.

Oreo

If a cat can be a soulmate, then Oreo is mine. Many people found her to be temperamental, but she was "my" cat, always wanting to be around me and always affectionate. She cuddled and slept by my head until I trained her to sleep in a little basket on my bed. She purred and drooled, and jumped up to nudge my face as though she were trying to kiss me. I loved this cat and will always miss her. She was an SPCA cat that lived as part of my family until she died.
Google: "images of tuxedo cats"

Dean Koontz

I discovered this prolific writer later in his career. I found out he was known for his horror novels, but some of his more recent works have supernatural and spiritual themes. I have felt inspired by his writing, and fulfilled and satisfied as I read the last page and closed the book.

Dean is also a dog lover, and canines play a central role in many of his books, often in surprising ways. I have enjoyed all the Koontz books I've read, but his work in the last decade really shines, in my opinion. Happy reading!
www.deankoontz.com

Trevor Linden

I have always been a hockey fan, with some phases of my life allowing for more viewing time than others! I am passionate about my team. There have been some inspirational players over the years, none moreso than beloved long-time captain Trevor Linden. He was the heart and soul of the Vancouver Canucks for many years.

Trevor's reputation as a dedicated and respected leader followed him on and off the ice, and he continues his philanthropy in his personal life after retirement from playing hockey. To have him back as a leader in the Canucks organization is a dream-come-true for many hockey fans. Go, Trevor, go!
canucks.nhl.com

Alice Cooper

Vincent Furnier aka Alice Cooper was a big influence on me as a young teenager. He looked so cool; I had never seen anything like him! He is an actor extraordinaire, giving life to a shocking persona that coexists with an ordinary person. I am not sure why a shy, introverted girl who loved school would fall in love with Alice, but I papered my bedroom with his posters, and listened to his early albums until they almost wore through! (Yes, I'm talking about LP records!)

Aside from the cool factor, I appreciate his longevity as an entertainer (spanning five decades), his dedication to his hobby (golf), his personal growth and transformation (recovery from alcoholism) and value of family. Alice may be one of the great examples of paradox!
www.alicecooper.com

Honourable Mentions

These are all the friends, relatives, and fellow travellers who have changed my life. I am blessed to have four siblings, friendships that have spanned 50 years, relatives in their 80s and 90s. I have had many "best friends" who were my saviours at dark times in my life, and others who inspired so much joy and laughter that my stomach would ache. I have had people who taught me about nature and shared their love of trees, rivers and rocks. I have had people who taught me about love, betrayal, compassion and forgiveness. I have had people share their deepest thoughts and fears and listened to mine. I have been among groups of people who prayed and meditated and made me finally know I am not alone. I have known seers and psychics and gifted healers and lightworkers. I have learned from people with disabilities and extraordinary challenges. I have had cats and dogs and horses and chickens and pigs and cows and even a goat play a part in my life. I have seen angel clouds and birds flying symbolically and feathers falling out of the sky and wind carving a path through a meadow as though a great spirit were walking through. Thank you, thank you!