Biography of Diana Bourke

 

In the Beginning . . .

Born and raised in Canada, I spent the first few years of my life in the Northwest Territories, brought into this world in Yellowknife, NT where my parents had met.  Before I can remember, we moved back to the area near my dad’s family in rural North-Central Alberta, where I grew up on the farm around horses, rodeo, playing in our fort, riding pedal-bikes and motorbikes.  Living life in a small town, with parents that were very active in the community, we knew most of the people we would see in town.

 

Influenced as a preteen . . .

My dad is a pipefitter by trade, but has always had an entrepreneurial spirit; therefore, he progressed from being a blue-collar worker (always the one in charge as the foreman or company superintendent), to owning a farm equipment dealership and then to risking everything to live his dream building a country nightclub.  Through these career changes our lives changed dramatically.  We went from living in an aqua-blue mobile home, with red shag rug and great 70’s décor, to a custom designed 6500 square foot home suited for entertainment.  Although quite young still, it was a very memorable experiences watching the performances of many different country & pop music stars and meeting some people like Johnny Cash, June Carter, George Jones, The Oakridge Boys, Tina Turner and many others, after their shows to get autographs.

My Mom is a role model of a traditional, exceptional wife.  While my dad lived his dreams, my Mom just rolled with the punches right by my dad’s side (not always in agreement of where their lives were headed mind you . . . but as they say “never a dull moment”).  Mom had to hold down the fort at home with us kids while my dad worked long hours and out of town; although, she did work at various jobs throughout our childhood, mainly in financial institutes. Mom always made sure that the meals were cooked, the house was clean, and us kids were looked after, and not getting into too much trouble, and I feel that Mom likely sacrificed her real career passions (which was probably nursing or in the medical field) to be a very good Mom and supportive wife.

 

The Teenage Years . . .

Alberta, in the early 80’s, was unfortunately hit hard with an economic recession; therefore, we saw a lot of homes lost and broken with ended marriages.  Of course, the entertainment was the first thing to go from people’s budget, and that meant the loss of my Dad’s dream and our family farm.  My Mom and Dad were able to make it through those tough times together despite losing everything and having to start over completely, but my teenage years were a bit challenging for both my parents and myself.  I seemed to take the route of being a bit of a rebel as school sports and activities were not really my passion or my talents.

Academically I did very well and I did have a few hobbies such as down-hill skiing and music; however, I unfortunately did not stay active with my love for horses.  The connection I had with my horse, especially my pony Red, was like no other.  He was my best friend and there was nothing like the feeling I had when on horseback at top speed, the wind on my face, and the sense of freedom I felt when I was with him.  I long to feel that again as it seems that since that time way too many other priorities and extracurricular activities (some of which I would not really recommend as a parent) have got in the way.  I’ve since lost my desire to get on a horse and just ride, or it seems to be so far down the list that it never happens.  When I do take the time to go for a horseback ride with my daughter, I still love it, and find that I want to stay there for hours.

 

A Young Adult . . .

I believe, because of my Dad’s hardships with some of his entrepreneurial adventures, he influenced us to get a good education and get a good job that would allow us to make a decent living.  That, at the time, made so much sense to me, but after high school my desire to go to school for 7 years to become a pharmacist completely disappeared – the money was just not enough to be “stuck” (my favourite word, NOT) behind a counter counting pills (no disrespect to any Pharmacists as I know some very successful wonderful people in that career – it was just not for me).  After reading Robert Kiyosaki’s book 20 years later, I realized that although my Dad lived with some of the “Rich Dad” philosophies, it was not the “Dad” that was speaking to us about career, but I know all he wanted was us to have a good life without struggling financially.  If working somewhere for the feeling of security is suited to you, then there is nothing wrong with that plan at all.  I just know for me, that freedom was always something I needed in any job I had, and the more I was confined the less I liked the job.

After playing around for a few years working in the city at administrative jobs, I soon realized some very key things about myself.  I still loved the country life, I did not want to live looking into other people’s windows and backyards, and I still loved my freedom!  Being stuck to a desk drove me crazy!  In fact, I was always in trouble at my first full time job for leaving my desk and not putting the phone onto my co-workers desk.  I am grateful that my aunt then got me a better paying government job as a file clerk.  I was actually recognized for my efforts and promoted to the phone clerk position, but then I asked for a demotion back to file clerk so I could at least run around with files instead of being “stuck” (there’s my favourite word again . . .) behind a desk answering phones and sorting mail.  I knew climbing that corporate ladder was not my life’s destination, as it has been for some.  In 1990, I decided it was time to figure out what post secondary education was right for me, would fulfill my passions and skills, and was suited to my character, and in a hurry, as the downtown high rises were making me claustrophobic.

 

The Schooling for the Career . . .

So with my indecisive career decision, I took some advice from my Dad (a very big influence in my life as I’m sure you have recognized), and I started my post secondary in something that was supposed to be “not hard work, but good money”, Instrumentation Technology.  However, I never felt so out of place, sitting in the classroom trying to understand what they were even talking about.  I struggled through the first year and decided that I wanted to switch into something I felt was more for me, Chemical Technology, and I achieved my diploma at age 24.  My career then began as a lab tech at an industrial plant and I thought that I was going to be a “lifer” there in the first couple of years, as that was what “good employees” did . . . plan to stay with their employer forever – “Oh my, how times have changed”.  I thought the job was pretty good at the time, but it was very routine, and the shift work did get to me, although that was rectified when I was able to switch to straight dayshift after facing some health issues.

Looking back now, that went from being a terrific opportunity that seemed like my destiny, to a very trying time in my life right from personal issues, battling cancer and other health issues, many funerals for family and friends, the company going through the challenges of splitting apart physically.  We all still had to try to work together under the same roof, but were employed by two separate companies so the morale was going completely downhill, and I realized after 3^1/2 years, I was not where I wanted to be anymore for many reasons.  The future at that company was not looking as bright as it once did, and I felt it was time to spread my wings a little and move more South. Once I decided to move on, everything came together very quickly. In the beginning of 1998, I took a position as an operator at a polyethylene research facility in a city three hours away from my hometown and found a nice little basement suite with some great people right close to my sister and her family, and that was when my life changed dramatically.

 

A Parent . . .

My health issues in 1996 and 1997, required me to have surgeries that directly affected the possibilities of me having children, and that was very hard physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically, especially when you cannot see your life without children.  I made the choice to allow myself to bring into this world a child, if I could, even though the circumstances were not ideal and there was a lot of uncertainty.  I did, however, have complete faith and no fear in my choice.  I believe, with all my heart, and I’m sure most parents will agree, having my daughter in 1999 was the GREATEST thing I have ever done.  My beautiful daughter is growing up very fast and now my miracle baby is a young lady. Throughout all the testing, procedures and diagnosis, and followed by the different options of how to proceed with the surgeries, I was determined with every cell of my being to have a baby if it were at all possible.

My daughter’s father has spent most of his time between New Zealand and working on yachts in the Mediterranean; therefore, I have been a single parent, raising her along with the help of my family, (whom I can never thank enough)!  Working full time to make ends meet has not given me the time with her that I long for SO much, or the life that I want to provide for her.  With the desire to bring my daughter up with more of my time, more fun things and more of what she LOVES, (that would be horses), I have recently opened my mind to allow opportunity to come my way, and it has.  However, it seems there is a journey here that’s going to take a lot of hard work and some definite goals and concentrated efforts to accomplish. This Blog is going to allow me to journal all that I learn and share my knowledge and my story with all of you . . . in hopes to inspire and help people that come into my life.

 

The Changes in my Life . . .

After the birth of my daughter, I was invited by my dad to help him with another entrepreneurial venture.  It was perfect for me getting back into the work force with a baby under a year old. The product is called the CabanaCan , a portable washroom unit, and this particular model from 2000, was a heated unit designed for construction sites. This was my first little taste of marketing, a ground floor opportunity of a new product to a cold market, but not having a CLUE about anything to do with marketing and not even aware of any resources to learn from online because they likely never existed back then. It was fun; however, we did what we could with the product and needed a little different design for the market that was most interested . . . so I had to find a job in the meantime.  The ironic part is now, 2011, as I start my marketing career, CabanaCan is just rolling that brand new model designed for golf courses, back-yard pools, acreages, etc.

Back to year 2001, needless to say, I had to make the bacon and I ended up getting a job through my Dad’s employer working with the Instrumentation group bending tubing for Industrial pipe modules.  Yes, that’s right, working construction Instrumentation (the post secondary schooling I quit – see everything happens for a reason).  However, I was gone from my baby 13 hours a day and making just enough money to pay the bills.  Thankfully, that project was less than a year, and after it was finished it was time for me to part ways with that type of work as it still wasn’t for me – hence why I quit the schooling the first time.  Although, in 2002, I did actually go back to school for the 1^st year, 8 week Instrumentation apprenticeship program, since I had the work experience hours and the grant money I acquired (due to my change in my life path) paid for it.  I am very proud to say that I ended up near the top of most of my classes (unlike the first time around).  I knew that wasn’t really what I wanted to do for a career, but rather something that could bring me a decent income, but thankfully things came together after that.

 

The Career . . .

Something very significant happened in the first six months of 2002, even though, at the time I was unaware of it. Looking back, this was a proven moment of how the law of attraction works, how powerful the mind is if you stay focused and determined on what you want, and the fact that we truly do have control over the outcome of our lives.  During my 10 months in 2001 of working in the Instrumentation/Construction world (a job that I knew was definitely not my destiny, but needed to do to keep a roof over our heads), I was thinking about what it was I wanted to do to bring in income, but not be away from my daughter for 13 hours a day.  I started to say out loud what I would like in a career utilizing my background in Chemical Technology.  Because, in that construction type of work, there is no freedom, you are told exactly when to work, eat, make a phone call, have a pee and don’t be late or early because everyone will jump all over you about it, and not just the supervisors.

I became aware again how I wanted my freedom and independence in my job and although some really need that structure, that type of environment made me feel like I was being treated like a kindergarten child.  Some people function better in that schedule because they like routine or need the discipline to accomplish anything, I however, do not.  Everyone has their own special skills and unique personality traits, interests and work ethic that allow them to be better at some things than others.  So I said out loud, “I want a job where I have my freedom and can manage my own time, I get paid to talk to people (so I didn’t feel so guilty about friendly chat at work), have my truck, fuel and phone paid for, and something that is in my Chemical background”, knowing that it would be likely in a sales type role.

At that time, that job description sounded like a dream come true for me.  However, those types of jobs weren’t being advertised, so I applied for lab jobs that were available, but they didn’t pay enough money for me to live, and most importantly I didn’t really want to do that type of work again.  Thankfully, as it turned out none of them came through.  I remember being upset at the time and I couldn’t believe they didn’t hire me because usually once I had an interview in the past, I got the job.  Well, I know why now . . . because that was not what I was manifesting in my mind or truly desired.

March 2002, I happened to be at another funeral of a young person that I knew and seen an old friend and again, in conversation of what was happening in life, I said out loud to her that I wanted to get into Chemical sales as I thought it was more suited to me for all the reasons I spoke about earlier.  Well, a few days after that, I received a call from this friend’s husband saying he knows people that do Chemical Sales in the Oil & Gas Industry, so I should call them, and he gave me a name and a phone number.  I didn’t even know these type of jobs existed, but I did some research, and found some different companies that were in the same industry.  As it turned out, I went to work for the first guy I phoned as soon as a position was available, it took six months, but I knew I was going to work doing that type of job as it just was so perfectly clear it was right for me at the time.

So now I have spent the last several years as an Account Manager in the Oil and Gas Production Chemical Solutions, and I still have the same account even though I have switched employers three times now. This job has been perfect for me in so many ways for this part of my life raising my little girl.  Again, even though things have been a bit rough at times, it has always, in time, transformed into the outcome I truly desired, and what I really wanted has come to be as changes have taken place.  During this career path, what I have learned is that even though there has been some very nice perks, some nice bonuses, even quite a bit of freedom to manage my time and get my work done, I am still working for someone else’s dream.  No matter how much more I do, I will still be receiving that wage that essentially just pays the bills.

 

Shaping of Desired outcome . . .

I turned 40, and since then, my priority has been changing my career (my daughter would attest to that as it has come at a sacrifice of some of our time together).  Even though I was really happy doing what I was doing for a long time, things have changed and I don’t want to be in the work environment such as sour gas and chemical anymore.  It’s challenging, but more with a lot of unanswered questions, and can be a bit cut-throat at times with the competition.  Although, it has been perfect for me for a long time and lots of things about it have been great, I’ve realized it’s not my true passion and not the direction of my destiny in the rest of this life for me.   I am very thankful for having the job the way it is now while I’m in my career transition because it has the steady pay check and benefits etc , but will give up that security when I know I can sustain myself with my own business – everything just takes time and effort.

It is interesting that 9 years ago it was just the kind of job I wanted; something that seemed like a dream come true while raising my daughter.  It has been an incredible learning experience and looking back, again, it’s just made me realize how important it is to have clarity about where you want to be.  It is very exciting to see things just happen the way you want them to as you move towards that future you desire once you believe it with every cell in your being – so say what you want out loud.  Trust me, I did, and then some information came out of nowhere it seemed, and someone phoned me and said “call this person”.  I then took action to “make it happen” because I wanted it and that is without even knowing what I do now about the power of attraction, and how important it is to have positive thoughts in your mind, being aware of what’s presented to you, and then acting on the opportunities that arise.

I have spent the last 9 years on a huge journey of healing from a great deal of heartache and pain (and the physical ailments and disease it has all caused me).  2002 was not the lowest, but close to it that I have ever felt because my job ended and I was not going to continue working at something that wasn’t for me, and my personal life was also in turmoil.  So I was unemployed for months with a little toddler to support and had no spouse to financially or emotionally support me as I figured it all out.  However, I kept moving forward, and even spent way too much money on a career counsellor and came through it in a positive direction.  I decided, very clearly in my mind where I wanted my career to go, and although it went off on a couple different paths because other opportunities came my way, that maybe weren’t quite where I wanted to be but help me grow, in 6 months I ended up with the career I really wanted.

Another key point about that time is that when I went to the career councillor in 2002, the lady asked me where I saw myself in 10 years, and I said to her “I see myself owning my own business, and working with CabanaCan”.  My career councillor acknowledged my very clear vision of where I wanted to be in the future.  Ahhh . . . again, I said it out loud, and guess what, now almost 10 years later, I already started a Marketing Company of my own called CanB FreeD Marketing Inc., and CabanaCan has a new product that is now ready for market; in addition, I am working at establishing some other network marketing companies.  This is just an indication at how important it is no matter where you are now, to dig deep and find out right now how you want to fill your days, and make steps every day keeping your focus on how your life will look when you get where you want to be.  With continual persistence and determination and action with positive thoughts on what you want (removing any thoughts of what you don’t want) you can ACHIEVE!

 

Mindset . . .

I am just in the beginning of making some more changes, and also recognize now in the last year of my learning how important it is to have a clear vision, set goals, say them, write them and make steps every day to achieve them and keep a positive flow of energy and thoughts in your mind.  When determined where you want your life to go and putting it out there the universe will deliver opportunities, but you have to stay positive, you have to be thankful for where you are right now, what you do have, and where you have been to get you there.  You have to move past your fears and take the chances presented to you.  I have seen how things have evolved because of the changes I’ve made in my life and because of the different mindset I have chosen.  I have recognized that I made choices that directly reflected what the outcome has been and I have allowed certain situations to cause me extreme pain because I let them happen.

What I know is that you cannot control a lot of things that go on in life with others, but you CAN control your THOUGHTS, your EMOTIONS and your REACTIONS to those things and that directly reflects the vibrations that are put out into the universe; therefore, the outcome and can drastically change the way things go from that point forward.  There are many lessons to be learned in life and if you don’t want the same pattern to be repeated you must change the way you deal with it and what you expect from the situation.  We must never let ourselves get “stuck” (there’s that word again) in a victim mentality because YOU and ONLY YOU are the only one who is creating the destiny of your life.

What has been extremely apparent is that people develop a rapport with YOU and find an element of comfort with YOU.  These relationships can be so strong, that no matter what the circumstances, they will stay with you – hence I have looked after the same account for several years at the request of the Oil Company.  I feel it is not so much because of my knowledge, as I know there are people out there with far more knowledge in my field, but ultimately because of that very comfortable, personable working relationship with the field personnel.  There have been a lot of changes during those many years, including a change in the owner of the field and the supplier that I have worked for.  As these changes occurred, I have been able to accommodate the needs of the field to maintain the integrity of the assets, and accommodate my own schedule as well.

 

Moving Forward . . .

My new career is now focused on Marketing, specifically online.  So what does my Oil & Gas experience bring to my Marketing career? Not really a whole bunch!  The most significant attribute has been developing the ability to introduce the products and myself to new customers, and sustain relationships with many different people from all walks of life.  However, to be successful in anything, that is really the most important part.

One other very important thing I have learned in my personal development journey is that being as independent as I am, is a bit detrimental.  I have recognized that the biggest power is love, and in fact, being more interdependent (working with a team together, even if you are working as an entrepreneur at the same business) actually allows you to get the most out of life in many, many ways, not just financially, but more in regards to the accomplishments you can achieve together.  In other words, networking, syndication, finding partners of the same passions, mindset and goals to edify one another and share content with each other’s following is the “secret to success”, not a competitive, greedy, cut-throat world of business that we may have learned.

I have chosen to share a lot of my personal history with you, and the point is this, when it comes to marketing, you need to stand out from the rest, you need to share your story so people can resonate with YOU, you need to have your own personal branding and you need to share value with people and for others in your network.  There are many different ways to market, some more effective than others, but the most important thing to do is move away from your fears, be honest, have integrity, tell it like it is, give back all the valuable things you learn and follow those who have done it successfully.

There are many different vehicles out there to be an entrepreneur; the thing is to find the one that is right for YOU!  Everyone has their own passions, their own unique personality traits, character and desires to fulfill in life and I would like to help you find the way to live your dreams.  Sometimes, your BIGGEST “WHY” is not so much about a product or a business, but it is what that particular opportunity can allow you to have in your LIFE and the legacy you will leave.  The most important part is that YOU must believe in it, and feel the passion, as that is what people are drawn to.  Like a magnet, the energy you are feeling is what you will attract, so anything you don’t like, don’t feed it with negative emotion or that is what will come back to you.

I feel stronger now than I did in the last few decades of my life, so I am willing to face every fear I have to change my life, and trust me, even with my strong independence, and want to “make things happen” attitude – there is so much growth one can do every day to be better.  As the saying goes, “we all must change and be better, for things to change and be better”.  I feel that there is a so many ways a person can grow in order to achieve their dreams and I am willing to share all of it with YOU as I go on this journey.  Follow me along as we rise to the top wherever you feel the top is in the authentic YOU!

Inspiring you to Live, Love & Laugh

Diana xo