In Focus | Christine Patton

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Christine Patton.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Cambridge, Ontario and I moved to Kelowna in early November of 2016.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My absolute favourite people to spend time with are my two children. Alexandria turns 27 this April and Scott turned 21 at the end of February. They are both so intelligent, as well as emotionally intelligent, clever and funny. Conversation is amazing!

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Honestly, my recent move to Kelowna has been deeply satisfying on so many levels. It is paradise here and I count myself so blessed to be able to live here. I'll stay right here for now, thank-you!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I am not much of a shopper, but I do have to eat, so I love my neighbourhood Urban Fare. It has a great energy and great food, attractively displayed. Who wouldn't buy way too much there?

What is your favourite activity?
I love playing hockey and I take my stick and a puck down to Stuart Park in the early mornings. Drop by at 6:30am and you will see my boyfriend, Neil and I passing the puck or fighting for it.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Well, I love food and I am not really discriminating, except for a serious nut allergy. I love to be creative with pizza, there is so much you can pile on pizza dough, ya know? So, I’ll go with the 'za' choice!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Which time? Ha! Follow me around for a day and you'll see. I do remember throwing up on my desk in grade seven, thereby earning the nickname 'Puke' for the remainder of the year. Does that qualify? Pretty traumatizing stuff for a 13-year-old…

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Hmm, so many inspiring things happen to me regularly. I felt inspired, called if you will, to move from Ontario to Kelowna. Every ounce of energy it took to move here, in a very short period of time, has been well worth it. I cannot explain any of this, even to myself. It has to be inspiration that fuelled my choice! I felt inspired to live in a place with beauty, peace and wholeness abound! I am at home here and feel I am thriving, and vitally alive here.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Now we are digging deep! I have clear emotional memories of sitting at dinner with my parents, my sister and brother, and laughing way too hard, probably about stupid stuff. Laughing is definitely what I love to do! My family, including my kids, are all very funny people, so I am fortunate to be among them from time to time, to experience the true belly laughs that come with letting go. I really miss them all!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Since my arrival in Kelowna in November, I have joined the Rotary Club of Kelowna. I also have a special interest in young people, so I hang with the Interactors (student Rotary members) at KSS. Very special kids, they are spending their time raising money to help others. I have also supported the Mamas for Mamas initiative, through KWIB, and plan to help out with Karis and the John Howard Society very shortly.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Ah, the million dollar question. I want everyone to discover their POWER. I define 'power' as using our inner resources to get what we desire. I believe empowered people are happy people, and happy people change the world. When we all begin to love ourselves, we are in a place to love others. There is nothing else but love. BINGO! What would the world look like if that were the case?

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Judging by what I have been doing a lot of lately, that would be walking/hiking. I have been fortunate to connect with a Kelowna native, Neil, who informs me about every new location he takes me to. I love the history as well as the the vistas and the views here, AMAZING! Soul stirring it all is!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I have yet to sneak away alone, but it would be on a summit somewhere, meditating and communing with the lake and surrounding mountains. Ahh, I can just feel it now.I cannot explain it, but I feel calm, happy, balanced and whole when I see the lake from any vantage point. I also love the sight of the mountains, wherever I go. Having grown up in a place without mountains, it is a pretty big deal for me.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
A difficult question for me, as I have only lived here for four months. And, I must say, I have found Kelowna and its lovely people to be positive and loving so far. My friends here, and my colleagues are absolutely wonderful! However, upon reflection, I would say that I would dearly love to solve the poverty crisis that exists here, and in the world today. It stems from a variety of causes, but if you asked me, I would say that poverty of spirit and a distinct lack of love is largely responsible. What if we all could love a bit more, no matter who we are and how/where we spend our days?

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I firmly believe that the awesome surroundings, the lake and mountains, have drawn people here to be in communion with them. Who doesn’t become more peaceful by contemplating the gorgeous scenery? Let's not forget the wine, wine helps for sure!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) I intend to grow my businesses, in whatever form serves the most people, to be the most loving and supportive services that I can develop and share.
2) I intend to enjoy every minute that I am alive and, so far, so good, here in Kelowna.
3) I intend to be the healthiest, most vital human I can be, in order to accomplish my first two goals, and to be the catalyst for others’ transformations!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have become the silliest, most fun loving and carefree human these days. I almost don’t know myself. I am loving my life so much and doing exactly what I want to do. That is freedom, my second value!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Twitter

What is the name of your business/organization?
My sports performance company is called The Mental Edge in Sports Performance. I have a book (SHOWING UP-BECOMING THE ME I WANT TO BE-Aligning Your Life and Work for True Success) and I also offer coaching, as well as speaking services. On top of this, I am an independent HeartMath practitioner/trainer/coach, who addresses the needs of business offices, sports teams and individuals concerning resiliency, stress management, decision making and enhanced performance.

Why did you get into/start this business?
It has been a long and winding road from being a lawyer/judge, from 1989 to 2004, to where I am today. After retiring from law, I had the opportunity to learn and benefit from some beautiful teachings. I wanted everyone to know about them. So, I began a speaking business that eventually grew into the targeted delivery system that it is today, benefitting athletes, students (of all ages) and those in business, who want more out of life at the end of the day. The human performance industry is thriving for a reason, and I believe I have helpful and relevant answers for everyone!

What is the goal of your business?
Well, we’re back to one of the earlier questions. My goal is to coach, guide and mentor others to create really great lives, that they consider successful. In my opinion, it all begins by looking at life differently and gaining respect for our individual creative abilities. It is imperative to understand, in this process, that we can have, be and do anything in this life that aligns with us. Getting there, and gaining the success that we all crave is a formula. Everything that I talk about has been tested in the laboratory of my body and life, bringing authentic human experience to the table!

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My greatest lessons have all centred around being me, the real me. I believe that unless I am authentic and lined up with who I really am and what I am here to do, the right doors do not open. As I followed my heart and soul to move here, and have relaxed into a knowing that I am supported and cared for by my creative source, my life has become a thing of beauty, enriched with amazing people, opportunities and possibilities. I LOVE MY LIFE!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t be who I am today if I did things differently, and I kind of like what’s going on for me now. So, I’ll stick with the journey I know.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I find myself saying, 'What if we are here to play?', 'What if?' are the two most important words in the English language. Once you engage your creative imagination in what you desire and dream of, life gets really interesting.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
For some reason, the first person who came to mind was Bono. I would love to know what it would feel like to have the reputation and connections to do really momentous things in the world today. To enjoy abundance in a creative profession and be able to share that on the world stage, no pun intended.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I believe in building my community and seeding success into every business surrounding me. It feels good to give a bit of love with every dollar you spend, knowing that you have made someone’s life better, someone who you can see and interact with!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
No question, my children, Alex and Scott. I made a conscious choice to retire from the full-time practice of law to be able to raise them. I was so blessed to be able to do so! There is no one more proud of who her kids are, and who they are becoming. I miss their physical presence in my life beyond measure, but I know that I have prepared them to be the best they can be in this life, with or without me close by. Look out world!!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I really cannot isolate one person for a shout out, I have met too many awesome peeps in my journey so far, here in Kelowna! May I just say to all of you who are helping people in some way, with a conscious intent to improve lives and bring happiness to others, you rock! 'Nuff said!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shawna McCrea, I just met Shawna and she is a powerful, loving presence. She's a mover and shaker here in Kelowna!

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank-you for this awesome opportunity to share my thoughts and help others glean an insight into me and my businesses, especially because I am new here! KelownaNow rocks!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.