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A Master Class on Resilience

The Return of Isolation, or: A Master Class on Resilience!

The Premier of Quebec has spoken – it’s time for everyone to go back home & stay safe.

Frankly, when all this started, I was watching Legault religiously every day for 4 months. I felt ready to attack anything in the morning but after watching the press conference at 1:30pm, I felt a significant drop in energy & I had a hard time concentrating. Something in my head could not process. I repeated to myself: “everything is going to be okay”, but a little negative voice followed… “or is it?”

I decided that I had to stop cold turkey and cut myself off from all the bad news to save my sanity. That’s exactly what I did when June came around. Unconsciously I thought to myself ‘it’s nice outside, summer is coming, school’s out, the sun and the heat are here, it is going to be okay, like I said’ …unconsciously.

The Survival Show

In March when things sounded really bad, I wanted to make a difference. I could not run to hospitals to offer my help so I decided to do what I do best: communicate & promote great people. It started with an idea of a show where everyone would tell their story & give their top 3 survival tips.  I called it “The Survival Show”. This show was a dream I’ve had for a very long time. I’m a PR girl.  I meet tons of amazing people & I was dreaming of a platform, a media to make them shine.  The dream had just been sleeping inside my head & Covid woke it up.

 It started with a test drive with my sister (Boutique Josyben) & my friend Paul, an amazing investment teacher.  Michael Wallace (business coach at Fascinnovation) gave me the push I needed, telling me to “stop testing & just do it!” I’m so grateful to Michael for giving me that little push I needed – it’s no wonder you are a great coach to so many business people! Take a look at our interview here.

Laurie from OM Creative was next up. She spoke about life storms, what she learned while suffering from Lyme disease & what we can all learn from life storms.

Melissa Dawn, who you might have seen on morning TV, taught us how to be the CEO of our own lives.

Marie-Chantal Millette, one of the 100 colour experts in the world, gave a lesson on how to use colours to help impact our day to day. She did this all while feeding her newborn son, demonstrating another gift from Covid: truly authentic moments!

Laur Fugère, a performer, voice coach, and ex singer in big productions like Cats, Les Misérables & Le Cirque du Soleil, almost made me cry. Watch for my moving chin in the video. You can see me trying to keep it all in but with great difficulty as I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of her voice. Tell me you don’t feel the same when you hear her sing at the end of her interview?!

Daniele Soaré, first woman to work on the Toronto Stock Exchange, had it all: a luxurious life, big hotels & limousines. She left it all to live in Montreal offering her services as a Financial Coach.  Seeing how zen she is, it seems like it was a great choice that has given her a much more rewarding life!

Marie-Reine from Face Yoga Passion told us how facial yoga can help us feel better & look better! Learn more here.

Martine Lafontaine, who became a Mourning Counselor after the tragic death of her child, tells us about the fact that 95% of people have unresolved grief.  We live difficult chapters of our lives and we often think we have moved on when in reality, we’re not quite there yet.

Frankly, I find all my guests amazing.  I wish I could tell you about all 30 of them. Everyone has a story, something we can learn from. All of them offer their top 3 tips to you in my Survival Show series.

I have a favour to ask.  Please head over to the Lionzest YouTube channel, click on one of the videos & watch it.  Like them, comment on them.  Pleasssseeee give me suggestions below on what you would like in the next season of The Survival Show – your feedback lets me know how I can improve to bring you better content!

I am working on interviews to help new entrepreneurs & interviews to help you keep a healthy body and mind. I am preparing these right now & I can’t wait to introduce to you some more incredible guests so you can hear their stories & tips!

So yes, the bad news is that “stay home stay safe” is back, but there’s always a bright side. The good news is this: you are not alone, I am right here with you, trying to figure out new ways to get a message of hope to you!

Oops! I almost forgot – stay tuned to see my whole new look (new name, new branding, new blogs). I’m sure you’re going to loveeee it!  Keep an eye on my Instagram as well, where you’ll be able to keep up with my latest videos.

Stay home & stay safe,

LiZ

Lionzest

 

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Are you ready for the world to see your business with fresh eyes? Contact Lionzest to discuss how we can energize your business and make you shine.

 

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Top 18 Ways To Escape Without Leaving Quebec This Summer

While this summer may look different than we had imagined, I’m looking at it as an opportunity to explore the places we call home! I’ve travelled across Canada before & I know we have many beauuuutiful places that we often take for granted, starting with my incredible province – Québec!

Top 18 Ways To Escape Without Leaving Quebec This Summer:

 

1. Go to Provence without leaving Quebec

Lavender Fields

When you picture lush lavender fields you may be thinking about France, but what you might not have known is that we have them right here in Quebec! You can find them less than an hour from Montreal at Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, or venture a little further out to Bleu Lavande in Stanstead. In addition to its beauty and calming effects, these lavender fields are the perfect place for a summer photoshoot!

2. California vibes…(wellll, close enough):

Have you ever tried paddle boarding? If not, now’s the perfect time! At Sup Montreal you can rent a board, take lessons or participate in a planned excursion. Paddle boarding is super fun and a great workout – the perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

3. Unwind at the largest outdoor spa in North America

Improve your health & relax at Nordik, the largest spa in North America! Be sure to reserve in advance to take advantage of their wide array of massages, body care treatments and rituals. You can also visit the little village of Chelsea while you’re there!

4. A walk & swim in the park

Specifically, Parc de la Mauricie! With over 150 lakes and a variety of activities offered from canoeing and hiking to camping overnight, there’s so much to do and see here.

5. A bike ride & wine

Brome-Missiquoi’s wine route is home to 20 vineyards, 21 restaurants and 4 routes to drive or cycle! Reserve in advance if you want to join a guided tour and come ready to be wow-ed by Quebec’s wine culture.

6. Drive-in – just like the good old days, but better

Retro is back in style, and drive-ins are no exception! This is a great way to spend a summer night while following social distancing regulations. Now all you have to do is decide if you’re team rom-com or action.

7. All about the birds & the stars at Parc Mégantic

Take part in the park’s astronomy activities or see what birds you can spot while you hike. Make sure to buy your access right online before heading to this amazing National Park!

8. Sleep with wolves

Spend the night in Parc Omega’s Wolf Cabin, marveling at the panoramic views of these fascinating canines. The cabin can sleep up to 4 people and is fully equipped with everything you need for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

9. Take a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson

Ever wanted to learn how to wakeboard, snowboard, surf, or sail? How about you combine them all into one sport and take a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson?! This extreme sport is guaranteed to thrill you – and we think there’s no better way to spend a summer day than out on the water.

10. Golf initiation

Golf courses are a great getaway! Take a golf lesson at a nice course that you don’t need to be a member of to get a taste for the sport.

11. OSM Classical flight from your car:

Drive to the Trudeau airport but try another type of flight! On August 5th, check out the OSM’s Classical Flight Benefit concert for a night of incredible music supporting the Orchestra’s mission of music accessibility and education.

12. How about a concert on a lake

Two musicians on a raft in a lake

You can hire Quebecois singer Stéphanie Bédard for a private concert at your cottage by the lake! This is a great option for those looking to do something special this summer.

13. For a longer road trip

Though the drive is long, it is completely worth it to experience the beauty of Les Iles de la Madeleine! Discover the nature, flavours and culture of the 8 islands while enjoying a vacation without leaving Quebec.

14. Another long drive with a worthwhile reward

L’Ile d’Anticosti! This is probably the most beautiful place in Quebec and with a range of accommodation and hiking trails, certainly has something for everyone.

15. Almost like flying

If you’ve been missing being up in the air, this could be the activity for you! Spend 1.5 hours among the treetops at Action Tremblant’s zipline adventure. Lines range from 230 feet to over 650 feet long and are sure to satisfy adrenaline seekers!

16. For a magical dinner

Make a reservation at Au Pied de Cochon’s Cabane d’à Côté to enjoy a magnificent orchard picnic featuring a fresh seasonal menu. What better way to enjoy the beauty of Quebec than by sampling some of its finest local products?!

17. Stop at a not so ordinary snack bar by the water

Located in Vaudreil-Dorion, this resto-terrasse is revamping fast food. Satisfy your cravings with a good french-fry or taco at Patate et Persil – we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

18. Hit the road

Get in your car, put on your favorite Spotify mix, roll down the windows, sing your heart on & drive for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or hours!  You can do the same thing on a bus but you might get a few awkward looks 😊!  Sometimes you don’t have to go far – music can easily transport you to better places.

 

If you want to see our latest articles – lists full of tips, inspiration & motivation – subscribe to our newsletter!

Are you ready for the world to see your business with fresh eyes? Contact Lionzest to discuss how we can energize your business and make you shine.