What is your greatest childhood memory?
That would have to be standing and singing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush in hand, pretending that I was a “great singer” and having my pretend talk show like Oprah Winfrey. There were always lots of clothes on the bed for dressing up, make-up, heels, music and taking pictures just for fun. Oh, and I can’t forget talking on the phone for hours and signing my name away – there is still evidence of my signage by the telephone (that came in very handy and I do it very quickly).
What keeps me passionate?
Creating and receiving opportunities through my company East Point Productions Inc. This allows me to inspire people through what I do. It gives me great joy knowing that people/students enjoy my teaching/music/performances and productions and hearing their expressions of encouragement and desire for more.
What is your most precious moment?
Spending time with my family and especially being around and observing my niece, nephews and my fiancé’s daughter at work and play. They have taught me patience and a greater appreciation for life – how precious and fragile it is.
What is your biggest regret?
I can’t say this experience or that one, but really I have none. Everything that has happened in my life that may be considered a “regret” was [erased by] the opportunity to learn more about myself, someone else, you and how unchanging God’s love is.
A life-changing moment happened when . . .
I gave up dating to understand who I was through Christ. I was still making some unwise choices and as a new follower in Christ I saw very early the patterns or reminders of my old life. I realized that the fact that I ended up with the same outcome meant it had to be me and not the guy(s) I was dating. I felt strongly that in order to make better dating decisions, I needed to know who I was, what I wanted for myself in life, what I needed in a healthy relationship, and if all those elements (this time) were in line with God’s Word. I believed that He would provide the person
He wants for me in His time. That break has been one of the most beautiful and happiest journeys of my life thus far and it has made me much stronger and focused on life and what love is and isn’t. There is nothing like discovering yourself alone with God. It has been laying the foundation for a fulfilling life of triangular love to unfold – love for God, love for self and my fiancé.
My most treasured possessions are . . .
My Bible, journal, BlackBerry and my laptop.
The person who has had the biggest impact on my life . . . My mother Patricia Cadogan. She is a phenomenal woman who recently turned 60 – and for me, heading for 30, I am seeing more than ever how much she has impacted on my life. So much of what she was instilling in me over the years were lessons for a solid foundation for me and a prospective family someday. She has believed in my dreams from day one, and is a very rare mother. She is to my mind the bedrock daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her wisdom, incredible strength, resilience, flaws, honesty (even when I don’t want to hear it, but then she turns out to be so right) and humility have impacted greatly on me and continue to help shape the life I have today and for the future.
How did I ever exist without . . .
God and my family! He is also my very personal friend and my centre (I think it is very cool to have a personal relationship with the Creator of life). My family – my parents Benjamin and Patricia Cadogan and my sisters Jaime and Kaycee – I involve them in everything that I do and their support has made a big difference in my life.
What I love most about myself now is . . .
The increased inner peace, inner beauty and greater self-acceptance. I am having more fun and I am definitely more carefree.
