Life lessons from my mother #1

Remember when you were growing up and you'd roll your eyes every time your parents would start lecturing you or giving you advice? As much as my bratty teenage self thought I didn't have time to listen to what my mom had to say, as I go through life I realize more and more how right she was.

As some of you have probably seen all over my Facebook, I am working my butt off to plan a charity event with some of my classmates as one of our assignments. I don't know if it should be called an assignment, it is worth 60% of our grade. More like a major project.

When we were first told we had to throw a charity event with ... wait for it... ZERO dollars. I panicked. However, the choice is to sink or swim, I decided, along with my group, to swim for my life and turn this into something great.

Sneak peek at our event space,
thanks to the amazing Craig at LoftRaum.

Ever since we started the planning process, I have spent countless hours calling and emailing everyone I can think of to ask for sponsorship. I have to sell our party like it is a great investment for them and they should want to get onboard as a great business move.

The problem with me is I might commit too much. I now think about this event pretty much from the time I wake up till the time I go to sleep. If you know me, you know I don't even think about my relationships nearly that much. It isn't even the grade that pushes me, it is the fact that our school's name, as well as our charity's name, will be associated with this event and I want to do them both proud.

Back to my mother. The way I treat this event, reminds me of something that was always drilled into my head growing up.

"If you are going to do something, you do it properly. If you're not going to do it properly, don't do it at all." 

These words capture how I live my life and I think it's important to remind yourself of this on a daily basis. If you are going to half-ass something, save yourself the time and trouble and just don't do it at all. If you are going to do it, do it the best you can.

Our event, which we are holding on Nov. 18, for anyone in the Toronto area (sorry I had to!) will be amazing if it's the last thing I do. Even if I have to get down on my hands and knees and beg people to sponsor us and believe in our cause.

If you would like to come support me and Kids Help Phone, you can buy tickets at https://phonyparty.eventbrite.ca/.

- JS