Archive for ‘Inspiring People’

January 4th, 2013

People Who Inspire Me

2013 has already started with a few unexpected surprises.

One started with this little comment I wrote for O magazine. It was the second Q&A comment that got selected in the past few years only this time I was writing from Kailua instead of San Jose. And that’s not the only thing that was different. The first piece got a sweet compliment from my mom who generously bought a copy. But not much else.

This time, however, I was overwhelmingly surprised.

When it got published, I didn’t even know it made it to the January issue. In Hawaii, magazines take longer since they got to come all this way to a little island. It was the comment from a stranger, someone named Jan who left me this comment on my writing site:

“I am reading the current “O” mag and if you are the Brandi-Ann on page 20, I’d just like to say that your wish for a superpower that would allow you to respond to any situation with complete compassion had me saying “YES”, that’s the one I have been looking for also. Thanks for putting it so beautifully.”

The idea that this person took the time out to find me on the internet to leave me a note like that brought tears to my eyes. It meant that someone actually read what I wrote. But not just that. It meant that someone got what I was trying to say and was affected by it. As a writer, you couldn’t ask for a better response. I was so grateful for Jan, the random stranger who made my day!

And then yesterday, I got another love bomb. A personal card came to me via snail mail. It was written by a woman who also read my short letter. She wrote about how reading it was an “ah ha” moment for her and how it changed the way she saw her business. This was my favorite part:

Thank you card thank you card inside

“Thank you for the courage to be open enough to share with the rest of the world your innermost thoughts…Thank you again for helping change my life!”

I don’t know if the short paragraph I compiled for O really had that much of an impact on the lives of these two women. But I know this for sure. Their letters changed my life. I wish I could thank them the way they took the time to thank me. It reminded me why I write and it inspired me to keep going.

Has anyone inspired you lately?

CategoryDaily Inspirations, Gratitude, Inspiring People | Comment4 Comments »

Tags:
January 23rd, 2012

Overcoming Sucky Days

{found on pinterest. from shirt.woot.com}

by: guest blogger

Today was just one of those days!

You probably know the kind I’m talking about. The ones that just drain all the energy from you.

You get home from work with a million things that need doing; but somehow, you just don’t seem to have any energy to do them. Instead, you end up on the couch, suddenly startled to see that it’s 11 p.m.

Where did the evening go? The TV was on, but you can’t really remember what you watched (or why).  The kids were in and out, fed and put to bed, but you were on auto pilot.

 

We’ve all been there, right?

I call these days the “suckies” cuz they just suck!  They suck the energy from you and they suck because they’re just rotten!

It seems like the suckies pop up in my life–like a lawn full of dandelions–when I’m most determined to make dramatic change.

The more determined I am to spend some serious time writing or creating, there they are. The suckies just won’t leave me alone!

I trudge in the door, fix some dinner, tell myself I need to sit down in the office and get some things done.  Somehow, I never seem to make it to the computer.

Ugh!  Another day down the drain, I think, frustrated.

 

How to Break Free of the Suckies

1. Ready? Set. CLEAR!

Have you ever seen a movie or TV show where someone is using a defibrillator? Think of yourself as the patient.

You have suffered an emotional and energetic heart attack.  You need to administer a jolt to your psyche. Get yourself re-calibrated.

How? (So glad you asked)

Break up your routine.

If you normally come home and get into something more comfortable and make yourself a hearty dinner…don’t.

Instead, come home, take off the tie or jacket and stay in your “work” clothes.  Grab a healthy snack–a granola bar or some fruit/veggies.  Then get directly to work. In an hour or two, you can take a break to eat something more substantial if you need.

By that time, you’ll feel re-energized because you’ll be engaged in work that is important to you and which energizes you.

If you normally come in and try to go right to work, change it up.  Take time making yourself a delicious dinner.  Enjoy your dinner.  Then get busy with your “important” work.

The vital thing is to change it up.  Don’t let yourself settle into the normal routine.  You deserve better.  You are better than that.

2. Create a List…Or Don’t

Make a short list of the things you want to accomplish.  Stay focused.  (Or don’t)  I’m a free spirit and can be distracted easily.  I sometimes need a list.

If your life is governed by lists and you’re super-efficient, then do the opposite.  Set aside your lists and spend time reconnecting to the tasks which expand your bliss and sense of joy.

Spend some energy just enjoying the wonderful process of engagement with the work about which you are passionate.  Experience what it feels like to just be present in the creative moment and creative space. (It’s exhilarating)

3.  K.I.S.S.

We’ve all heard the maxim: Keep It Simple, Stupid.

When it comes to overcoming the “suckies,” I recommend doing something simple.  Sometimes all it takes is one small, simple action to draw us out of the suckies and help us to reconnect to our passionate work.

But I would like to modify the K.I.S.S. maxim to remind us to Keep It Small and Simple.  Don’t try to take on the whole debilitating and demoralizing project.

Just do one small and simple part.  Then do the next (and the next).  Soon, you’ll find that you have completed it.

***KISS= Keep It Small and Simple***

The Power Punch

The takeaway is to do what it takes to break yourself from your unconscious habit state and reawaken your awareness in order to engage with the power of your innate creative mind. The strength lies within you.  It simply requires a simple remembering and a small refocusing on what is important.

Now it is your turn.  What are your tips for overcoming the “suckies” in your own life? Have you used the techniques I have listed above?  How have they worked for you?

BIO: Steve Rice is the owner of TrueSpiritualAwakening.  He is an author and entrepreneur committed to creating a well-lived life and helping others to do the same. You can follow him on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

CategoryDaily Inspirations, Inspiring People | Comment1 Comment »

Tags:
August 31st, 2011

Part II: Living Joyfully with Bonnie St. John

via @Ethan King from Pinterest. Original photo from thedesigninspiration.com.

This was one of my first interviews. And still a favorite. If you’re feeling down about a recent failure or you don’t know how to go from where you are to where you want to be, then you’ll definitely want to read this…

I love what you say in Following Dreams about the difference with a gold medal winner is her ability to get up faster.  How do we apply this to our own lives?

Sometimes when things go wrong people can focus on the mistake and beat themselves up mentally.  Being able to forget about what went wrong and purely focus on how to make things better is an important skill that gets you much further.  Particularly in this economy, it seems that everyone is “falling down” or being impacted by the crisis in different ways.  Those who can put their energy into bouncing back instead of bemoaning what happened will be better off sooner!

Deciding to follow your dreams whether it’s starting a business or finding your dream job takes a lot of work.  What tools do you think dreamers need to be equipped with in order to keep motivated and stay the course?

There was a book that came out a long time ago called, “Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow.”  I tell people “Do what you love…and Follow the Money!”  What I mean by that is make sure that you understand how the market works in the area you love.  When I began speaking, for example, I loved doing workshops with small groups of people and having interesting conversations.  However, a friend advised me to aim for being a keynote speaker.  “You have a small child,” she said. “Keynote speeches pay a higher fee—you can go home to your baby more often!”  Understand who pays, why they pay, and how you can serve their needs as well as enjoy doing what you love.  Learn about how to manage your money and get a good accountant.  You need to learn to manage a business whether you want to open your own practice as a doctor or lawyer, be a musician or painter, or open a business sewing fashions for pets…being smart about the business gives you a lot more freedom to follow your dream.

It seems that when we begin to find our joy and follow our dreams, other people seem to want to pull us out of it.  What remedy do you have to deal with others and how do we prevent them from negatively imposing on our lives?

Always remember that you have a choice.  You can surround yourself with positive people and messages.  Even if there is one negative person you can’t get away from—a parent, spouse, or coworker—you can mitigate the impact by having more positive people to talk to, bounce your ideas off, and get advice.  Don’t try to convert the nay-sayers—that would only drain your energy.  Just shift your focus and energy elsewhere.

What do you think prevents most people from living their joy?

  1. Old habits
  2. Too busy
  3. Don’t know they can.
  4. Feeling smart. A friend told me pessimists are more often right, but optimists are more often successful!

In “Live Your Joy” you talk about a character called Mr. Smelly. Who is Mr. Smelly and how can he prevent us from living the life we were meant to live?

“Mr. Smelly” is the rude, flatulent, dirty houseguest I described in “Live Your Joy.”  He insults me, discourages me, and annoys me—yet I make him lunch and invite him to stay overnight!  Sound absurd? Yet, I allow in my head similar “guests.” I have thoughts in my head that are discouraging, rude, and insulting and I let them stay!  I don’t think I am the only one who feeds the negative thoughts and makes them comfortable!

Yet those negative thoughts bring us down, prevent us from believing in ourselves and living a truly authentic life.  It is important to battle the Mr. Smelly in our brains…and not let him get too comfortable!

Speaking of your new book “Live Your Joy,” tell us a bit about it and what inspired you to write it?

People were always asking me how I stayed so positive despite hard times—numerous surgeries to amputate my leg, abuse for years as a child, divorce, being a single mom, and more.  “Why aren’t you bitter?” people kept asking.  “Live Your Joy” tells people about how I work at finding joy, being joy, and creating joy no matter how difficult things are.  In “Live Your Joy” you learn the essential skills of joyful living and success through fun-to-read, modern-day “fables.”  There is a lot to take away and use, even though it is easy to read!

You can find out more about Bonnie and her new book, “Live Your Joy” on her website.  Thanks Bonnie for being an inspiration to all of us!

CategoryFollowing Your Dreams, Inspired Life, Inspiring People | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 11th, 2011

How to Feel Joy Again

Bonnie St. JohnWhen I first saw Bonnie St. John in the documentary Following Dreams” her story moved me to tears.  A best-selling author, mother and inspirational speaker Bonnie has met every challenge given to her with grace, courage and determination.  She is a hero to many (including me).  Bonnie definitely walks the walk, proving by her strength and ability to rise above abuse, divorce and disability that anyone can live joyfully and attain the life of their dreams.  From a little girl with big dreams to an Olympic silver and bronze medalist, author and motivational speaker, her life inspires others to live joyfully.  This is why I am beyond thrilled to have her featured as a Successful Dreamer.  Read on to be inspired.

1) You’re living proof that anyone can transform their life, no matter what their circumstances.  Can you tell us a little bit about how you got through one of the hardest times in your life and how it has helped shape you into the woman you are today?

I gotta be honest. I STILL get upset, scared, and negative when I go through a tough time.  You would think after everything I have been through that I am always calm and never ruffled.  I wish it were so.

Yes, I still get upset when the economy is down, when there’s pain in my close family relationships, or when I have to find a new health insurance plan in NJ.  What I can claim, though, is being good at pulling myself back up again after I fall down.

What do I do? I pray.  I talk with friends.  I exercise and get advice from experts and coaches. In short, I make the effort to reach for the positive.  It isn’t that I am never negative.  It’s just that I don’t choose to stay there.

2) Everything about you radiates joy.  It’s hard to believe that you are not always that way.  What tips/tricks do you use to stay positive and choose joy even during the darkest days?

read more »

CategoryInspiring People | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 8th, 2011

Quitting Corporate World for a More Fulfilling Life

Jaqui DuvallJaqui Duvall has a long list of accomplishments to her name.  She is a life coach, mentor, trainer, facilitator and public speaker.  But she hasn’t always been a successful dreamer.  Find out how this accomplished maven went from corporate world life to living the life of her dreams.

You were doing well in the corporate world, what made you decide to leave?

I had been working in a series of jobs for many years…but feeling unfulfilled. I had a growing urge to do something that would make a difference in the world and in people’s lives.  Through a series of experiences I realized that I had been holding on to the security of a paycheck and totally ignoring my need to create. So when I got laid off, it was very clear to me that it was time to do something different.

How did you know you were making the right decision?

I guess it’s hard to describe in words, but I just had a feeling. A part of me knew that this was the right path for me. Initially, I had no idea what I was going to do, but I felt so elated to be released from what had felt like a prison that I felt certain it would work out.

What drew you into coaching?

Within the first week after being laid off, I learned about Life Coaching. I felt overwhelmed with excitement and certainty that this was the right path for me. I was drawn to the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and to utilize my life long passion for growth and learning and especially to facilitate that for others. And finally, I discovered that coaching could be a very spiritual experience and since that had become a very important aspect of my life, I was delighted to find yet another way to express it.

On the road to fulfilling your dreams, did you have any doubts? Fears? How did you deal with them?

Absolutely. Whenever we step onto a path of uncertainty into an unknown future, there will be doubt and fears. In fact, I would say that fear is a good sign that we’re pushing against our limits and growing, as long as the fear isn’t paralyzing. In which case, we need to face it to the best of our ability and that is exactly how I dealt with it. Please realize this is not something that happened over night, it was a process that has happened over many years and still continues today. There are many processes for dealing with fear and all with the practice of connecting with our “inner” selves in a more conscious and present way so that we loosen the grip fear has on us. Then we can literally channel energy through us to the manifestation of whatever and wherever our creativity takes us.

Have you had a defining moment when you knew you were living the life you were meant to live?

I’ve had several. Times when I was teaching a class or working with a client when I saw a light bulb go on for someone. When something I said made a difference in someone’s life. There are times when I’m speaking that I feel like I’m “in the zone” so to speak, when the words flow through me without thought or effort. It’s times like that when I know that I’m doing what I was born to do.

What advice would you give others looking to face their fears and follow their dreams?

Don’t try to do it alone. Even coaches have coaches. Each of us is limited by our own beliefs, it’s very difficult especially in the beginning to see outside that box. Its helpful to have perspective from caring, objective others. Become a non-judgmental observer of yourself. Begin to notice the feelings, thoughts and body sensations that are communicating your inner experience. They are there for a reason and they have great wisdom for us. Journaling is a great way to begin this practice.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by uplifting and heartwarming stories of transformation and growth as well as compassion and love. People and animals crossing the lines of normal interaction and connecting to help and support others. I’m also inspired by beauty in nature and music.

As a coach and mentor you must see a lot of people wanting to fulfill their dreams. What is the biggest obstacle that people face in doing so?

Fear, fear and more fear.  It appears that fear of success more than fear of failure is stopping people. What I notice is that when we have low self-esteem or limiting core beliefs, pushing the bounds of our limited image of ourselves can be absolutely terrifying. I see people who are completely paralyzed or practicing self-sabotaging behaviors to unconsciously prevent themselves from ever achieving beyond what they believe they deserve. People have so much unhealed “stuff” that the practice of covering it up takes all our available strength and energy. If we learned how to actually process our feelings in a healthy way when things first happen, we’d have a lot less fear and a lot more people fulfilling their dreams.

What would you like people to know about you and life coaching?

There is a beautiful Buddhist proverb that says, “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.” Life has been my teacher and my own need for new skills has been my greatest motivator.  One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to ask for help when we feel stuck or uncertain. Coaching grew out of a common need people have for a guide to help us navigate the confines of our own thinking, to help us get out of our own box, so to speak. Among the services I offer are, Life Coaching, Spiritual Counseling and Workshops. To learn more, visit my new and continually expanding website at www.theevolvingself.com.

CategoryInspiring People | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
August 2nd, 2011

An Author Writes About Her Journey to Freelancing Success

Jordan RosenfeldWriters inspire me. They have the courage to face their fears on a daily basis. They deal with rejection about the most personal thing-their writing. Being a writer myself, I know the pain and joy that comes with the territory. That’s why I was beyond excited when contributing editor and columnist for Writer’s Digest magazine and fiction writer Jordan E. Rosenfeld invited me (!!!) to chat with her over tea and dreams. Come and be inspired with me.

What turned you on to writing?

I wish I could actually pinpoint the moment, the inspiration, but truthfully I’ve been writing since I learned how. I really do subscribe to that idea that everyone has a special talent in this life, and that some are lucky enough to find it. Mine is writing. It’s ALL I’m good at (well, and its offshoots, like editing). What I wouldn’t give to be good at sports, or a master chef, or a visual artist! But writing seized me. I have journals I kept that begin at age 8, which is also when I started writing stories. I do come from a family of avid readers, so perhaps that’s where the seed was planted. All I ever wanted to do my whole life was write.

How did you get your start as a freelance writer?

Through the back door, my favorite route! I had co-edited/produced a women’s magazine with a college friend. That gave me my first “clips.” After that, I was lucky to be on the end of a call for writers for a local newspaper after I graduated from college. I wrote a ton for them, then for the magazine they launched and by then I’d gotten my training wheels off and decided I would approach bigger (and better paying) publications. I just widened my “local” focus a little bigger and so on, until I landed my first national publication (which was Writer’s Digest magazine).

 

Does the fear and anxiety that comes with writing ever go away? If not, how do you deal with it so that it doesn’t sabotage your writing?

I would say that the fear/anxiety changes over time, and is different for every writer. In the beginning there’s more fear around impressing your editors. Later on, if you become established, there’s more fear about keeping a steady flow of assignments…and I don’t know that the fear of being found to be inadequate ever fully goes away. For me, the crucible of deadline pressure always wins over the anxiety. And strangely, since my first child was born 16 mos ago, I don’t experience nearly the same level of anxiety that I once did. I think children make you realize there’s more serious things to be anxious about than an article!

Do you think in this economy it’s still possible to make a living as a full-time freelance writer?

I want to be Ms. Optimism, but I have to answer honestly that I don’t know. I think if the writer is savvy about how publishing is changing (i,e. the transition from print to online), uses social networks wisely, blogs and does about 4x as much “hustle” as several years before, then yes, probably. I think every freelance writer needs to have several layers of projects going at all times, though. You have to be able to multi-task. For me, I also edit manuscripts, and teach online classes as well as write.

You’ve told me that “you don’t have to be somebody special to be a great writer,” but what do you think is necessary to be not only a great writer but a successful one?

You must be: Blindly persistent. An auto-didact (a self-teacher). Flexible. Resilient. Willing to keep learning and changing as needed.

Anything you’d like others to know about yourself or about your services?

Well, I’m rather fond of these online writing classes that I teach. My most popular class is called “Fiction’s Magic Ingredient.” There’s still room in the November, 2009 session! They’re mostly teaching fictional techniques, but I’ve got some non-fiction classes in the works. Also I do edit fiction and non-fiction manuscripts and come with references.

Thanks Jordan! Check out her website for more information and inspiring posts on writing.

CategoryInspiring People | Comment8 Comments »

Tags:
July 28th, 2011

How One Blogger Turned a Hobby Into a Career

I believe things happen for a reason and my recent run in with inspiring blogger Annabel Candy is a good example of that. Call it synchronicity. Call it a god wink. Call it mere coincidence. What I know for sure is that finding Candy was sweet synergy to me.

I first spotted her on Problogger. She was a guest blogger, posting the popular, “Getting Over the Blogger’s 6 Month Itch.” I was so intrigued that I ventured over to her site Get in the Hot Spot to check it out. When I discovered that her mission was to help others follow their dreams, I was sold. That’s why I’m thrilled to feature here as this week’s Successful Dreamer! I hope that you’ll be as inspired by Annabel as I was by her. So without further ado, please welcome inspiring writer and world traveler, Annabel Candy.

Where’d you get that fabulously creative name for your blog Get in the Hot Spot

I set the blog up to put myself ‘in the hot spot’ and force myself to write, so the name came from that idea. But there are a few other meanings of ‘hot spot’ that fit nicely too.

A hot spot’s a lively, active place and I want my blog to be a fun, informative centre for personal development with the focus on helping people achieve their dreams.

My personal dream involves travel and a lot of my readers also want to travel, yearning for warmer climates and exotic places. Get In the Hot Spot is a place where people can come to dream, to learn how to start working towards their dreams and to stay motivated. The idea is that me and the readers each enjoy living in our own personal hot spot.

Give us bit of info about your blog. What was your original purpose for writing it and where do you see it going in the future?

The aim has changed. At first I did it to get myself to write. That worked.

Then I decided to see if I could get 1000 subscribers to convince a publisher I had a readership and get my manuscript published. But I had more fun writing the blog than the manuscript!

I’m still working towards getting 1000 subscribers in a year but I have until March 2010 to achieve it. If that works the next challenge will be to see if I can make money out of my blog because that way I can carry on writing it without my husband complaining that I spend too much time on it:)

I’d love to keep getting more readers and help more people to start working towards living their dream.

What is one of the most important things you’ve learned on your journey to follow your dreams?

If you don’t follow your dreams you won’t be happy. If they don’t work out it won’t matter, you’ll be glad you tried and good will still come from that. For me true happiness lies in following our secret dreams, no matter how big, small or silly they are.

Can you describe a huge hurdle in your life and how you tackled it?

I can think of three big hurdles:
Doing an MA in Design for Interactive Media when I didn’t even know how to turn on a computer was hard.
Giving birth to an 11lb baby at home was hard.
Travelling round Central America with three kids aged 1, 5 and 8 was hard.

But I love to take on challenges. I get stuck in and do it. The hard part doesn’t last long when you look back and the final rewards are brilliant.

When you set yourself a challenge and do it you end up feeling as if you’ve conquered Everest. It’s a real confidence booster that makes you think you can do anything. It gives you a winning attitude which encourages you to challenge yourself more.

Have you ever doubted your ability to be a full-time writer? How have you managed to overcome this fear?

Yes! All the time. I think a lot of writers do.

The only way to overcome doubt or fear is to face it. So I wrote and shared my writing then I got some positive feedback and that persuaded me to carry on.

Like most things writing takes practice. Now I write daily my writing is faster and hopefully it’s getting better too.

What is one advice you wished someone had told you about pursuing your passion and following your dreams?

Go for it. My parents warning me not to become a writer because it was “too competitive”. I want to encourage my kids to do what they love and try things out for themselves. You have to learn by experience.

What do you love best about your blogging?

Two things. When you get a new idea for a post – the aha moment is great.

And I love reading comments from people thanking me for inspiring me and helping them. That’s why I write so it’s great to know when I’ve achieved my goal.

Successful Dreamer

Thank you Annabel for your words of wisdom and inspiration! Please visit Annabel’s website Get in the Hot Spot to be inspired. She would love to hear from you and is open to answering your questions and assisting you in pursuing your dreams.

CategoryInspiring People | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
« Older Entries