Coleen Rajotte

What's Coleen been up to lately?

Photo at right: Ready to start cooking on a Vitality shoot.

Hello!

I hope everyone is doing ok out there. I had some very sad news yesterday that my cousin died of apparent heart problems at the age of 45. It hit our family with shock. How could this happen? Why so young?

I am very close to his mom and I went to visit her yesterday and have a cup of coffee. My aunt said something to me that is stayed with me all day, "Remember, sometimes there are no tomorrows". It made me feel sad that I don't call my aunt often enough, that I don't see my family often enough (they live far away) and all sorts of other regrets.

But that's the thing -- we can't hang onto regrets. We have to live our lives each day and hopefully make good choices as we truck along on our various paths. Why do we put off those phone calls? I know that sometimes I lack the energy to call someone because I don't want to be on the phone for 30 minutes giving a play by play of what's been going on in my life. But who would expect us to? Why can't we just call and say, "I am calling to say hello, to let you know that I'm ok. But I can't really chat because __________________ (fill in the blank: You are tired; your kids need help with homework; you are burned out; the cat is throwing up...)". And then chat for 5 minutes or so -- whatever feels right.

There are always positives in every event that happens. I find myself feeling very grateful for all the people in my life today. I am very busy (everyone who works here is very busy!) with wrapping up our new tv show, "Vitality". But the stress doesn't seem to have the same effect today.

I feel lucky to be alive. I am deeply saddened for my cousin's immediate family and we will be driving out of province for the funeral.

So, no matter how bad things in your world, take a moment to take a deep breath. Get on that project you've been putting off, call your mom or friend. Because remember -- sometimes there are no tomorrows.

When I said good-bye to my aunt yesterday, I told her that I loved her and gave her an extended hug. That alone reminded me that connections to people are much more important than anything else in this world.

Best, Coleen.

P.S. Our new show Vitality debuts on Feb. 19 on APTN. Check your local listings.

P.P.S. My new video, "In Their Own Voices" is out soon. Check here for more details soon.

Write to me by sending a letter or postcard to:
Rajotte Productions
676 Portage Avenue
PO Box 26127 RPO Maryland
Winnipeg, MB R3G 3R3

Email to rajotte@mts.net.