Fall trees in Montreal

T Riman
, , ,

Inspiring Montrealers: Mirella’s empowering path to pure joy!

Inspiring Montrealers: Mirella’s empowering path to pure joy!

Have you ever considered a big lifestyle change and thought… I can’t. It’s too much. That’s not me… Or maybe… I don’t know where to start. I don’t have time. I don’t have the willpower… Or maybe someone else told you it was unrealistic… and you believed them.

If so, you are not alone. Consider the people around you. Those you know, those you don’t. Odds are, every one of them has something they really want, but they don’t even try because of their own negative voices, or the voices of those around them.

Mirella Atallah was one such person. But she proved herself and her naysayers wrong.

 

And you can too, because it doesn’t take superhuman strength to overcome negativity. What it takes is making the conscious choice to say, “No more!” To decide that people can say what they want. Your inner gremlins can say what they want. You’re going to focus on what’s possible and move forward, one step at a time.

Here is Mirella’s inspiring story, in her words:

Life’s road is long and filled with challenges. Along the way, we all accumulate baggage that we drag around with us.

In 2012, I found myself walking around in the freezing Montreal winter. I was far from my home in Lebanon, and asked myself, “What am I doing here? What am I doing with my life?”

I knew I wanted to change my life, and it had nothing to do with homesickness or frozen toes. I was 34 years old, about 200 pounds, with a malfunctioning thyroid, tachycardia, type 2 diabetes, and to top it all off, I was in a toxic relationship.

I didn’t just need a change. I needed a drastic change.

I started my journey at Tristar Gym in Montreal with two simple goals: to lose weight, and to get in shape.

Mirella Atallah fighting

At the time, I had no idea how drastically even my goals would change!

My first week, I felt so lost and nothing made sense. I was out of my element. A gym full of people who seem to already be in shape and know what they’re doing can be so intimidating to someone just starting out.

To make matters worse, a guy in the gym told me I couldn’t do anything and lacked the flexibility to improve. Not only can I not do it now, but he’s telling me I can’t even improve??!! I had already been dealing with naysayers in my personal life. I can’t count the times I’ve been asked, “Aren’t you too old for this?” So that guy’s comment was a huge blow to my confidence.

But I pressed forward anyway. Determined to shake things up and get healthy, I dropped all my medications, started kickboxing, and eventually added in boxing and Muay Thai. I was so curious about Jiu-Jitsu, but felt I was too heavy to even try.

It took three years before I gave Jiu-Jitsu a try, and once I did… I was hooked!!!

Jiu-Jitsu is like a never-ending puzzle. You are always trying to find the right piece for the right place. Against everything – the naysayers, the wounded confidence, all of it – I kept going back. Just six months later, I received a third stripe to my white belt. A year later, I earned my blue belt.

I went from being told I couldn’t even improve, to kicking some serious butt!

You see, I’m not too old and you are not too old. Nobody is too out of shape, too ‘girly’ or too much or not enough of anything, not matter your naysayers may want you to believe.

The only restrictions you have to getting in shape and finding something you love are the restrictions you put on yourself.

There is always a work around. Always a way to achieve what you want. Because it really does start with a single step. And there is always time, space and energy for one step… then one more… and another, and another… You need to believe in yourself and just BE!

In December 2015, I went back to Lebanon. My first love. My home! I looked so hard for a place to train, but no gym felt right. I was ready to move back to Montreal when I stepped into Atos Lebanon and met Head Coach, Daniel Hilal. I knew I had found my new Jiu-Jitsu family.

Mirella Atallah Jiujitsu

What Daniel has done for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Lebanon is unbelievable! Let’s just say he has made an incredible difference. Against all odds, he placed Lebanon on the Jiu-Jitsu map, worldwide, and I have so much respect for this selfless coach. By continually pushing forward, he even attracted another unique Lebanese Jiu-Jitsu athlete, Professor Said Khatib, a black belt from the Mendes Academy.

I can’t help but be inspired by these two outstanding athletes. They are bringing the game to another level in Lebanon and I’m so proud to have had the chance to train and work with them.

Fast-forward to now, I am back in Montreal. My second home!

The search started again, but this time with great focus! A friend recommended Brazilian Top Team (BTT). I went in and it felt right!

I have been so lucky in my Jiu-Jitsu journey. The people I have been fortunate to meet and work with have been so far removed from that laughably negative guy in my first gym.

At BTT, I have had the opportunity to train with top athletes like Leonardo Saggioro. I felt welcome from my very first day, and the level is incredibly good under Professor Fabio Hollanda. There are also so many top female athletes to train with, especially the Head Female Coach, Juliana Mendes Nogueira. What an inspiring BJJ athlete/mom! She is a real role model for women.

At every training session, I’m reminded that Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport. It’s a therapy; a type of meditation. When I am on the mat, I am ME.

This is a sport that will give you a voice when you feel you have none. Weakness is not an option when you have to be strong. You’ll discover that you are not actually weak. You just are not strong, YET! And you will get there. You will become strong through your own perseverance, and with the support and encouragement of the Jiu-Jitsu community.

On a deeper level, every woman needs to defend herself from any type of abuse, physical or emotional. I know, from personal experience, that Jiu-Jitsu will build you up with the confidence and skills to defend yourself from both types of abuse. Jiu-Jitsu boosts your self-confidence. You will learn to defend yourself, and to use people’s power against them. It’s an entire physical and mental workout. If your main goal is to lose weight, you will lose those extra pounds. But, more importantly, you will train your brain to be calm and to find solutions for the toughest roadblocks on your journey.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really is a lifestyle. It teaches concepts like respect, commitment, humbleness, persistence, and care. All of which are tools needed for a productive and purposeful life!

Parents, I strongly encourage you to enroll your daughters in these amazing martial arts classes. Teach them to be strong and confident. Allow them to break the norms and gift them with the empowering knowledge that they can be self-sufficient. They will learn that they can stand up for themselves and navigate through the roadblocks of their lives.

For all the times I’ve heard, “Oh, you are so strong! I wish I could be like you!” I have to say, “Of course you can! You just have to believe in your capabilities! Be patient and never give up.”

I didn’t start out strong. But it’s where I am now. And I am happier now than I have ever been.

It is not an easy path. There were so many times I felt frustrated and wanted to give up. Instead, I found myself on the mat doing those drills again, and again, and again…

Your Jiu-Jitsu community is supportive and empowering. You will gain friends from all over the world, and will never be alone. The numbers are growing and the community is getting bigger, with more and more women enrolling. Why not you? Why not your daughter?

I’m now 41 and received my purple belt in December. I train 6 days a week and compete as often as I can.

Whenever someone asks how I do it, I say age is a state of mind. The only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. It’s not to late. Now is always a perfect time to start! I know that if I can, you can too.

If you are looking for a place to train in the Middle East or Montreal, please reach out to me and I’ll give you the right contacts.

Follow me on Instagram. I’ll be happy to answer any questions and welcome you into the community!

 

Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor

With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide.

Tarek on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter 

 

/by
T Riman
, , ,

CMC – Creative Marketing Conference 2019 | An event not to be missed!

Creative Marketing Conference 2019 By JMMA A Feature on John Molson Marketing AssociationPhoto by Samuel Charron on Unsplash

Calling All Concordia Students: An event not to be missed!

 

Everything is marketing and marketing is everywhere! Maybe that’s a bit extreme, but think about it…  

 

  • Are you in finance? You need to know how those marketing dollars are being spent (and possibly how they can be better spent).
  • Are you in human resources? Understanding the inner workings of any department is to your benefit but, above that, can you use marketing techniques to improve internal communications? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)
  • Planning a career in politics? Do we really need to explain how marketing comes into play there?

Creative Marketing Conference 2019

There are so many fields where a knowledge of marketing, particularly marketing technology, can be a huge benefit. Even if you’re planning to write the next graphic novel to be turned into an acclaimed Netflix series, you’re going to need to market your genius to get it into the spotlight.

 

Enter, the John Molson Marketing Association’s flagship event, the 2019 Creative Marketing Conference! Also known as the CMC, this event is open to all Concordia students, of all majors.

 

This year’s CMC focuses on the future of marketing in a tech-heavy world, and breaking down the barriers between marketing and technology. The event is a full day of speakers, panel discussions and workshops led by marketing and industry leaders who are blazing new trails in the world of marketing and technology. You’ll hear from some truly inspiring individuals and companies, including Montreal Tips’ own Tarek Riman, who will be leading one of three workshops throughout the day.

 

This highly anticipated event takes place on March 16 at the uber-trendy Le Livart on St. Denis, near Duluth.

If you want to give yourself an edge in virtually any industry, CMC is not to be missed. Especially since it caps off with a networking and recruitment cocktail.

Early bird tickets are already sold out, but regular (and very reasonably) priced tickets are still available. Don’t miss out! Get yours now!

 

BONUS

Le Livart is conveniently located around the corner from two of our favourite Montreal BYOBs, Khyber Pass and Jardin de Panos. When you make those great connections at the event, why not continue the evening by picking up a bottle at the St. Denis SAQ and discussing the day’s insights over amazing food?

 

Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor

With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide.

Tarek on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter 

/by
Melissa Dawn
,

Concordia is Offering a Crash Course in Google Analytics

Concordia is Offering a Crash Course in Google Analytics

Concordia is Offering a Crash Course in Google Analytics

Listen up. We are in the midst of a Canada-wide unemployment LOW right now. If you think in real estate terms, we’d call this an “employee’s market”. That means, in many industries and fields, employees have a lot more bargaining power as employers strive to retain their top talent, and many job hunters may find themselves being wined and dined by companies struggling to fill open positions.

No better time to kick back and relax, right?

Wrong!

Now is exactly the time to focus on growing your skills through courses and workshops like Concordia’s latest, Understanding Google Analytics to Thrive.

Why now? Here are just a few reasons:

  • Underemployment remains an issue – People are employed, but maybe only part time or in roles that don’t take full advantage of their training. Growing your skills is one way to combat that, or get yourself ready to make a move.
  • It can fast track promotion – Do you want a job, or a career? The difference is growth. A career grows and evolves with you. But you have to take the reins on making that growth happen.
  • It makes you more marketable – Maybe companies are struggling to fill positions, but if your resume looks like everyone else’s, they may still wait for that truly knock-your-socks off candidate. Get some training, attend workshops, add some kick-ass sparkle to that CV.
  • Growth programs may disappear – The job market looks good now, but that can change. The last time it took a nosedive, one of the first things many companies cut was growth and development programs. Right now, they’re more likely to invest in these things to keep employees happy and on board. Strike now.

 

And for employers? Now is the time to invest in the growth and development of your employees, as it can go a long way toward retaining your top talent and attracting amazing people.

So… what kind of skills development should you look for? It depends on your current situation and goals for the future, but one approach is to look for skills, knowledge and expertise that are applicable in a range of industries and roles.

Google Analytics can be used by virtually any business with a website, and it can be used to optimize anything from marketing campaigns, to operations flows, to sales channels, to user experience, to design and beyond.

Knowing how to use Google Analytics makes you an asset because analytics gives incredible insight into so many aspects of a business, such as:

  • How people are finding your site;
  • Where people drop off;
  • How people interact with the site;
  • What areas of a website or webpage need improvement;
  • Where your most profitable traffic comes from;
  • Where investments are NOT paying off;
  • And so much more.

Concordia University’s full day workshop, Understanding Google Analytics to Thrive, led by Montreal Tip’s own Tarek Riman gives you a hands on, crash course in understanding Google Analytics and how to use it to make yourself and your organization thrive.

This is not just a day in a classroom. This is experience. At the end, you’ll know exactly how to dive in, get your hands dirty, and create real results.

Ready to thrive? Register today.

 

/by
Melissa Dawn
, , ,

Corrie Sirota | Grief, Loss and Bereavement Specialist

corrie

Someone Died – Now What?

If the title of this post caught you off guard, you should know that it’s actually the title of a profoundly helpful book written by Grief, Loss and Bereavement Specialist, Corrie Sirota.

Someone Died – Now What?: A Personal and Professional Perspective on Coping with Grief and Loss is described as “a GPS for grieving”, and that’s exactly what it is.

Though death can happen in an instant, the impact for those left behind can be enduring. Even in cases of expected and planned for loss – following illness or at the end of a long life – there can be a sense among family and loved ones of… Now what?

  • How do you move forward?
  • How do you experience the present?
  • How do you support those around you who are grieving?
  • What do you need to do in the moment?
  • What do you do with overwhelming sadness, anger, guilt or even numbness?
  • What can you expect in the immediate and distant future?
  • How do you create a new normal for yourself and your family?

 

One thing Corrie knows for sure, is that people experiencing loss often want (and need) direct answers to questions like this. They need guidance from someone with both personal and professional experience and knowledge to help them navigate what can be an overwhelming experience.

 

Corrie holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Loss and Bereavement. She is also a licensed psychotherapist, facilitates a number of support groups, and has been supporting people in an official capacity since 1994.

Someone Died Now what book cover

But that’s just the official part. On a personal level, Corrie seems uniquely suited to help people through this process. Her unending optimism, deep sense of compassion, and enduring hope mesh perfectly with her professionalism and practicality, giving readers the reassurance that they are in capable hands.

 

Neither Corrie, nor her book, offer “quick fixes”. Instead, Corrie takes a strength-based approach, helping people work through their experience, building their own strength and recognizing or rediscovering their own abilities and balance in life.

 

Most of all, she knows that everyone’s experience of loss and bereavement is unique. She knows that you have it within you to work through your experience, and she will be your guide to do so.

 

Corrie’s insightful, inspiring, helpful and hopeful book is an incredible gift to yourself or someone you love who is experiencing loss or bereavement.

 

Corrie also has a wonderful Facebook page that shares helpful resources and powerful messages to help you see loss and grief through a new perspective.

 

 

Melissa DawnMELISSA DAWN : Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be | Corporate and Leadership Coach | Best-Selling Author | Speaker

I am Founder of CEO of Your Life, an organization helping individuals and businesses get clear on where they are, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there. Read more on Melissa

 

/by
T Riman
,

Lianas Senior Transition Support

montreal senior transition services

SPOTLIGHT: Lianas Senior Transition Support

If you have a senior loved one, or if you are a senior yourself, you know that this phase of life has the potential to be a wonderful experience, in many ways.

Unfortunately, it also has the potential to be challenging, discouraging, frustrating, even frightening.

And when it comes to moving into a retirement home or downsizing living arrangements, you also know that there is a lot more to consider than simply packing up and moving house.

Depending on your family circumstances, you may need to coordinate realtors, notaries, lawyers, and/or a variety of administrative and support services. You may want to compare and tour a range of retirement homes. You may need to consider in-home care or assistance, changing health or medical needs, and even work through the emotional or psychological struggles that can come with this life phase, for all family members.

With all that to consider… where do you even begin??

Well, you can start with Lianas Services.

Lianas Senior Transition Support

Lianas Services is an organization specializing in senior transition support. They help families with everything from determining and finding the right living arrangements (be that a retirement community, downsized home, or even your current home, with extra support), to packing up and moving, to working through paperwork, to coping with any stress or feelings of vulnerability, and everything in between.

The truth is, there are so many options, opportunities and services available to seniors. But, with so much out there, it can feel incredibly overwhelming to both seniors and their families.

Often, people put off the transition because of this sense of overwhelm. That can leave seniors isolated, unsupported and, most importantly, not fully enjoying all the opportunities available to them, or not getting the care that they truly deserve.

In many cases, seniors put off this transition because they (understandably) value their independence. But many of the services available can help them maintain, or get back, their independence and autonomy, so they can live life the way they truly want.

Lianas provides and facilitates access to a variety of services. You are matched with a Lianas Senior Advisor who does all the legwork of:

  • Finding the services that are right for you;
  • Coordinating appointments;
  • Meeting with service providers;
  • Arranging tours of retirement homes;
  • Communicating with you and your family throughout the process;
  • Following up with service providers and companies;
  • Even supporting you on a personal level by answering all your questions, listening to your concerns and needs, and truly putting the happiness and care of your family first.

The services of a Senior Advisor are provided at ABSOLUTELY NO COST to seniors and their families.

Additionally, Lianas’ Senior Transition Specialist, Stefanie Cadou, is also a residential real estate broker with Royal Lepage who specializes in helping families with all aspects of senior transitions including the sale of the home or condo, packing up and moving. These services are provided at a fee, to be determined based on the needs of the client.Matt-Del-Vecchio

The people at Lianas are true professionals. The founder and president, Matt Del Vecchio, is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (if his name sounds familiar, it might be because he is also the host of CJAD’s weekly radio show, “Life Unrehearsed”), and the incredible staff of Authorized Senior Advisors come from a range of professional backgrounds to uniquely meet the needs of the families who come to them.

 

If you, or someone you love, is entering into this phase of life, the Lianas Services team is the perfect guide to help you and your family experience this transition fully supported, with expert advice, knowledge and resources on your side.

Check out Lianas Services and be sure to watch and read testimonials from happy families.

 

 

 

Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor

With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide.

Tarek on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter 

 

 

/by