This time around we were going to spend most of the conference getting in touch with our feelings. Really! I had booked off 4 days to dedicate to my business and we were going to be touchy feely all weekend long? I am by nature NOT a "let's talk about our feelings" type of girl and therefore I was in total disbelief as the highlights of the conference were revealed. I kept waiting for Ann-Marie the founder of momstown to shout out "Got Ya" but it didn't happen. In fact our fearless leader stood before us and opened up the conference airing out ALL of her well kept secrets from beginning to end of how momstown evolved from conception to present day.She really laid it all out on the line and disclosed all of the challenges, heartbreaks, blood, sweat and tears she had shed to get this company to where it is now. I was shocked at her honesty and openness and most of all at her courage and perseverance to push forward through the darkest days.
Next on the agenda was FOCUS and CONCENTRATION. This was my favourite part of the conference because of the hands on approach. We were taken to a field and taught to take aim and fire at the target. We had to listen to the instructor for a very brief lesson and then put into action what we learned with all of the distractions of everyone giggling, chatting and asking questions. We also had to learn to adjust our stance , our aim or our draw in order to make the shot. If you think about it, this is what all entrepreneurs have to do - deal with distractions, learn through trial and error and seek guidance / expertise wherever they can get it. It was a great, fun,learning experience.
As the conference progressed we were joined by Jennifer Bodenham from Gleaming & Dreaming Inc. She took us through a number of exercises that had us dig deep into our selves to recognize both our gremlins and our core desired feelings. This is the only way that you can truly begin to progress in your journey in both life and business. We also learned about perspective and how to turn a negative thought cycle into a positive one with a few simple mind set changes. This was easy to relate to since it goes with my personal mantra PMA - positive mental attitude!
After a hard day of learning, we were able to kick back and enjoy each night with our fellow teammates. This was a great time to get to know each other better on a personal level. Dancing, drinks and a competitive Mattlel Games Night helped to bring out even the shyest of the bunch. What happens at Fern Resort stays at Fern Resort : )
I do have to note that the thing that I am going to miss the most is being SPOILED by the attentive staff. It was so great having a bed all to myself and waking up to such a spectacular view. I also enjoyed having a hot uninterrupted meal each day and finally getting to try the ever famous Peanut Butter Pie! I'm counting the days until my return with my family in July!
Speaking of getting spoiled, we were lucky enough to get a swag bag that was full of some AWESOME items that we were able to enjoy throughout the conference and take home from our friends at: Quaker Canada, Twistos, Goody Canada, Mabels Labels, Barilla Pasta, Post Cereal, Walmart Canada, and Adult Essentials and a special shout out to Baker's Ma'am for the creative cake!
As the conference came to an end and I had a little bit more time to absorb all that we had learned, I could see the positive affects that it had on our entire group. We were always a strong bunch but the confidence, determination and direction seemed to shine through even more as we packed up and got ready to depart back to our individual momstown communities. Can't wait to see the FANTASTIC results that will come of this session.
