Dear PB Readers,

There is a saying "when you lose, don't lose the opportunity to learn". Last week was one of those moments for me. I was a part of Hamilton's 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid that lost to the City of Halifax. The cities of Ottawa and the Region of York (North Toronto) were the other two candidate bid cities that came up short. I know key members from all four bid cities and appreciate how incredibly dedicated and sincere each group was. Hamilton hosted the first ever Commonwealth Games in 1930, and every four years since then, Canada has sent a team to the "friendly games". My bid-team from Hamilton burned the midnight hours over the past few months to ensure an incredible bid was offered up to represent Canada.

Sitting next to 2x Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medal swimmer Joanne Malar we waited for the announcer to make the final decision. With three losing teams standing in silence we watched Halifax celebrate their hard-earned victory. Whenever three groups are standing as bridesmaids in a contest that only rewards the winner, it's easy to complain. Politics, conflicts, bad decisions - as much as I truly believe that the Canadian bid needed to come to Ontario to put much needed pools, track and stadiums near the largest portion of coaches and athletes in the country, it's now time to support the great people from Halifax. In just over three months, Canada will send our 2006 Commonwealth Games Team to Melbourne, Australia and the Canadian (Halifax) bid needs to start lobbying the other 50+ countries to vote for Halifax in 2007. Its not easy losing and I stood for nearly fifteen minutes watching the excited Halifax Team provide interviews and quotes for the national media.

In our Hamilton presentation with the Commonwealth Games Bid Decision Makers I personally challenged them to find a way to rally the amazing energy of the three losing cities. Each city likely has one or two unique, creative ideas that collectively could help Halifax's fantastic bid be just a little bit better at the international level. Losing bid provinces and cities are extremely competitive groups and the easy solution will be to walk away from the experience bitter and frustrated. I personally intend on helping Halifax any way I can and I am hopeful that the other great administrators from the three losing bids can find a way to put their TEAM CANADA HATS on and ultimately help the athletes who deserve to have games come home to Canada. As Vancouver 2010 Olympics is doing for winter athletes and coaches, I hope that Halifax 2014 can do for our summer participants.

Regardless of your religious background there are so many reasons to enjoy Christmas. I was happy to hear that some very high powered Jewish businessmen and women from the USA are currently marching on behalf of Christmas and Christians. Their point is it is easier for them as non-Christians to protest on-behalf of Christmas then it is for Christians to protest the loss of the words Christmas and the celebration traditions. Many schools no longer have Christmas celebrations and the big tree in many of your City Halls is currently called a Holiday Tree. Hogwash! I coach and work with people of virtually every ethnic background and appreciate learning more about their cultures and traditions. I expect the same kind of respect for my culture and fully intend on saying Merry Christmas to anyone I see this week. Take some time this week to enjoy the friendships, meals and celebrations that only come along each Christmas Holiday.

Welcome to the new readers of our 271st consecutive Personal Best Newsletter. My personal belief is you get more of what you think about. While it would be easy to focus on being a member of Hamilton's losing bid-team, the reality is I had a chance to spend a month with some of the most amazing sport coaches and administrators I have ever met. I had a chance to spend a month with swimming superstar Joanne Malar and see more closely how passionate she remains for sport in this country (read more about Joanne's 2006 projects in this newsletter). My goal each week is to be a positive source for consideration. Please keep signing up your friends for our free weekly newsletter. Check out our website for on-going stories at www.personalbest.ca and send your ideas/stories to barrie@personalbest.ca. Have a great holiday week.

DEC 19th PB HIGHLIGHTS

* CHARLES DICKENS QUOTE
* ARE YOU PRESNT AND VOTING?
* HOW DO YOU DEFINE FAILURE?
* JOANNE MALAR'S NEW VENTURE TO SUPPORT ARTHRITIS
* FOUR STAGES OF LIFE
* STILL TIME TO BE AN IRONMAN
* PB EMAIL # 1 OF THE WEEK
* CARON SHEPLEY CAN STILL GET A DVD TO YOU BEFORE CHRISTMAS
* BARRIE'S HEALTHY MARCH AND APRIL TRAINING CAMPS
* DON'T MISS JAN 1ST C3 KICK OFF BREAKFAST RUN/WALK/SPIN

CHARLES DICKENS QUOTE

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else."

ARE YOU PRESENT ... AND VOTING?

Do you remember the story of Jeremy Bentham of London, England? He died in 1832 and left his estate to University College London. He stipulated that his body be embalmed, dressed up and brought in to preside over the annual meeting of university administrators. His preserved body is still there today, displayed in a glass cabinet. And it is apparently still wheeled into the annual meetings. For years, the secretary of the board added to the minutes of each session, "Jeremy Bentham, present but not voting." I've KNOWN people like that! Present but not voting. They live without passion. They seem to have forgotten the thrill and wonder of life lived in its fullness. They get through each day, but no longer experience joy. Alive, but not in full participation, not fully living. Like someone said, "It doesn't matter where you live, as long as you live where you are." It's about being fully present…and voting! Benjamin Franklin observed that many people die at 25 and aren't buried until they are 75. No matter where you live, are you living where you are? Do your voting by making a difference in the world each day.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE FAILURE?

My good friend, Olympic Coach Andy Higgins, defines failure as: Found Another Important Lesson Upon Reviewing Experience (FAILURE). I am sure today that a number of the bid-cities are disappointed and may have considered their bid as a failure. I challenge each of them to learn from the experience and find a way to leave some legacy for wellness and sport in their communities from their bid experiences. If you use Andy's definition of failure I am sure you will have many more opportunities to learn and reflect.

JOANNE MALAR'S BIG SWIM FOR ARTHRITIS

While it is not as well-known as cancer or heart disease the vast majority of us will one day have our lives negatively impacted by Arthritis. Nothing is better for arthritic people than swimming and few swimmers have done more for Canada than Hamilton's Joanne Malar. When I was in graduate school at McMaster, a teenage Joanne Malar was winning the first of her 27 national championships. A ten year plus national team member, Joanne's basement is filled with medals and awards from virtually every major games in the world. The tough as nails Hamilton swimmer is now working harder out of sport then she did in the pool. Canada will begin running a yearly BIG SWIM RELAY at pools across Canada in April 2006 (April 20-23rd). Modeled after the very successful BIG SWIMS FOR CHARITY in ENGLAND, Joanne will be the National Spokesperson for the Canadian events. I had a chance to work closely with Joanne on the Hamilton 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid and was incredibly impressed with her style, work ethic and commitment to giving back to the next generation of Canadian Swimmers. If you would like to help co-ordinate a BIG SWIM in your local pool anywhere in Canada contact the administration offices 1-877-BIGSWIM or 1-877-244-7946 or visit www.bigswim.ca.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE

1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.

TIME RUNNING OUT TO BE A PART OF BARRIE AND CARON'S 2006 IRONMAN EXPERIENCE

Every year Caron and I work with individuals who have considered (been intrigued) doing an Ironman Triathlon but just could never imagine how to get started. Each year we have taken absolute raw novices and helped them get successfully to the finishing line. One year 58 year old Larry Karasiuk had never swam a meter before we started the training regime in January. Each person's training is unique and individualized for their fitness level and goals. In 2006 we are taking athletes to Ironman Nice (mid-June) and Ironman Germany (mid-July). I have to finalize my 2006 race entries before Jan 1st. If you are interested in our program, please contact me this week. Regardless of your age or current fitness level, I am confident we can get you to the finishing line. Contact barrie@personalbest.ca.

PB EMAIL OF THE WEEK

Dear Barrie, your emails and updates are great. Mental and physical health. I look forward to the education and motivation. We met at the Hotel McDonald a few years ago when you were the keynote speaker in Edmonton. Thanks. G.K.

EDITORS NOTE: One of my greatest passions is spending a day or evening with a group as their keynote speaker or evening awards MC. If your organization is interested in a motivational or keynote speaker contact me for my 2006 available dates. barrie@personalbest.ca

CARON SHEPLEY CAN PROVIDE YOU A GREAT GIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Give the gift of wellness this Christmas. If you are tight on time and are still searching for a great gift consider having Caron express post you one or both of her new DVD's in the next 24 hours. Her two DVD's Power Yoga and Hard Core Conditioning Volume One can be sent directly to your house still in time for Christmas. If you are running out of ideas and time, email Caron within the next 24 hours so she can guarantee them to you before Christmas. One DVD is $35.00 and both are $50.00 including taxes and express shipping. Email Caron@personalbest.ca to order today.

BARRIE'S MARCH BREAK AND APRIL WARM WEATHER TRAINING CAMP

Imagine one full week of warm-weather coaching and instruction in Clermont, Florida. PB coaches run daily organized swim-bike-run-yoga classes for people of all levels. Each day you choose how much training (and how much laying by the pool) you want to do. Then the PB coaches develop a day of training or relaxing that meets your needs. With a heated outdoor 50m pool, a 400m track, a 50,000 square foot fitness and yoga centre, and endless miles to run and bike in Clermont (think 30 minutes north of Orlando) is the perfect warm weather location. Why not consider purchasing a gift certificate for a week for our 2006 Warm-Weather camp for the active person in your life? This camp is perfect for first timer and teenagers. For more information contact Barrie@personalbest.ca.

DON'T MISS BARRIE'S JAN 1ST KICK OFF RUN/WALK/SPIN

Each year Caron and I host a Jan 1st kick off session. The best way to start the New Year is with some physical activity, a bagel and some juice. You and your family can hike, run, or spin with C3, Caron and I at the beautiful Riverdale Fitness Mill in Inglewood. The morning starts with an activity at 10am with a light breakfast to follow. To register a free spot for you and any friends or family email the C3 office info@c3online.ca or contact Shirley at 905-838-2662.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON!