On Wednesday August 18th, we interviewing Anne Abernathy aka “Grandma Luge” who is the oldest woman to compete in the Winter Olympic Games and the first woman to participate in six Winter Olympics.  In the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics, she became the first woman over the age of 50 to ever qualify for the Winter Games.  Anne is a motivational speaker, writer and recently teamed with TENA and HealthyWomen to launch the Be TENAcious (BeTENAcious.net) campaign. She can be reached at www.grandmaluge.com

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Anne’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

To completely commit yourself to a goal, project, person(s) or idea, both physically and mentally with your heart, soul and mind.   Passion is a commitment so great that it is nearly impossible to separate the person from the passion. For example, when a person is passionate about their dream, they will not let anyone or thing keep them from pursuing it.  Mentally they become open to every opportunity that will enable them to achieve their goal.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Prior to my first Olympics I was diagnosed with cancer.  My doctor told me not to train for the Olympics.  I asked, “why not?” He said that I needed to focus on getting well.  My response was, “my job is to get to the Olympics, your job is to get me well.”  The next time I went to the clinic, I was no longer the cancer “victim,” but the “Olympic Hopeful”.  Everyone’s attitude had changed.  They came on board as members of my “team,” all with the goal of getting me to the Games. In a word one of the key factors of my success – attitude.

SO: What technique or exercise gets you through the challenging times?

I take my dreams and give them purpose and focus by defining small steps as well as the ultimate result.  In addition I set deadlines to them.  That turns them into achievable goals and the timeline creates a certain sense of urgency. In all walks of life, there will always, always be challenges and barriers to overcome.  When I stumble, crash or hit a brickwall, I just return to my dreams.  By turning my dreams into result driven goals, I avoid having them turn into nightmares.  If I don’t make a deadline, I don’t stop dreaming, I just adjust the goal. For example, in February 2001, I crashed in a World Cup race and sustained a severe concussion and closed head injury.  The Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games were just 12 months away.  My goal of qualifying for those Games had just hit a major hurdle.  After searching and finding the top medical professionals and convincing them to share my dream, I set a deadline of June 15th 2001.  That was the day that I would have a medical test that would determine if I could start training again in earnest for a berth on the Olympic team.  Every day, five days a week, I would enter the clinic for treatment and tell the doctor, “June 15th”.  To my team, it seemed like an impossible dream, but for me it was an achievable goal.  As the day grew nearer, I found it necessary to keep encouraging my medical team. While my doctor may have been doubtful, my focus, passion and enthusiasm were contagious. The week before my medical exam, he told me it would take a miracle. The day of the test, he met me at the clinic where I was to be tested. Afterwards in the parking lot, he looked me and with a tear in his eye, he said, “you got your miracle”.

SO: What or who drove you to be who you are?

There is not one person or thing that drove me to who I am. There is no one individual teacher, or coach, or experience that shaped my life.  Certainly there are those that influenced me and encouraged me, and events both good and bad, that made me stronger. If I had to select one group of people that impacted me more than any other, I would have to say that it was all of those who said you can’t.  As stubborn and passionate as I am, I just had to prove them wrong.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

In the middle of my Olympic journey, I started having bladder issues.  Obviously it was a potentially embarrassing problem, and I thought I was the only woman that ever had this issue.  I could have let it sideline me and knock me out of elite competition.  But I secretly searched and experimented with different products while I was in Europe and found a product line that provided me the protection that enabled me to continue to compete. I broached the subject one night with my fellow female competitors about the whether or not having a partnership with a company that specialized in bladder protection products would be detrimental to the sport.  To my surprise they not only said it would not be a problem, but encouraged me to pursue it. What I thought would be the biggest hurdle, wasn’t an obstacle at all. In fact, I’ve now teamed TENA, the same company that created the products I used on the race circuit, to launch the Be TENAcious campaign.  The sole purpose is to encourage women to talk about their issues and learn about available solutions, not just about bladder control issues, but in all things, so that they can continue to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Opening up about bladder control, a subject which was once taboo, has encouraged others.  I was stunned when I discovered 1 in 4 women have this problem and many suffer in silence.  Because I was willing to stand up, others are now able to take control of their lives rather than having their bladders control them.  It’s extremely rewarding to be part of a program that empowers people to Be TENAcious.

SO: Who is your biggest “hero” in your life and why?

In literature a hero is one who in during times of adversity, weakness or danger displays courage for the good or sake of others. In real life, one need only look in any children’s cancer clinic or medical facility to find the most amazing heroes.  I don’t have one “hero”, I have dozens. Kids, who despite months and sometimes years of medical treatments, constant trips in and out of hospitals, and subsequently restricted lifestyles, still manage to joke, smile and encourage their family, friends and medical teams.  Many of them know that their time of life may be limited so they embrace what they have with gusto. Whenever I start feeling sorry for myself because I’ve had a “bad day”, I just remember one of my many “heros” that I’ve met over the years and realize that I’ve got a lot of living to do.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, the important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well…” Baron DeCoubertin, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games. This quote kept me going through all of the ups and downs of my Olympic career.  However, many people can’t relate to struggles of Olympic athletes.  So I encourage others with the following piece of advice.  When an unforeseen opportunity presents itself, never step back.  If someone says you can’t, always think why not?  And daily, embrace the motto, “Don’t be timid, Be TENAcious!”

On Wednesday August 11th, we interviewing Sean Adams, a former NCAA All-American athlete, turned his love of sports into a life working with others through the medium of sports. His first book, “Sports for Life: Daily Sports Themes for Life Success,” was published in 2006. His second book, based solely on attitude and titled, “It’s Okay to be Crazy!” was published in January 2010. Sean is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, ESPN radio co-host, author and cultural critic. For more information, visit www.seanadams.net.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Sean’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is desire.  Desire is sometimes confused with “wants,” but it is something totally different.  Passion is not something that you are born with; it’s something you develop and something that you are taught from a very young age.  What becomes important to you is what you will have passion for and where you will focus your energy.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Hard work, managing failure, cheering for other people, and being realistic with myself.  Blessed!

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap and what wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

The biggest lesson is to plan as much as you can but remain flexible because the plans never flow at a 100% success rate so flexibility is a must.  Don’t be scared to fail and learn everything you can from the people that already know what you need to know.

SO: What or who drove you to be who you are?

I think my family did a great job of making sure we drove ourselves to be the best we can be at whatever field we chose to take part in.  I believe in the old axiom that you encourage more passion not by lighting a fire underneath someone but by lighting a fire within them.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenges have been my own doubts.  If I work under the expectation that my dreams and goals are too important to be in the hands of another person then the only person that can slow down is me.

SO: Who is your biggest “hero” in your life and why?

My best friend Mark and my brother Lamar are probably two people that could be deemed “heroes,” if there is such a thing.  They both have battled tough times (tougher than most) and have found their ways through it and experienced large amounts of success in life.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

Never allow a person to tell you, “no,” who does not have the power to say “yes.”

This month’s Passioneering theme is “Creating a Powerful Support Network” – that is, how you build a cheerleading team to support you in thriving at what you love and making a difference in the world.

Deborah Osgood is Cofounder/CKO of Knowledge Institute, experts in small business development,  education and entrepreneurial communities including www.BUZGate.org. Recognized for Excellence in Business Services, Enterprising Woman of the Year, and SBA Women in Business Champion, Deborah has successfully launched of over 57 entrepreneurial resource communities, developed and published several training programs, written numerous articles, and volunteered countless hours consulting, presenting, and personally mentoring thousands of business professionals and young adults around the globe on issues dealing with how to start, grow and succeed in their professional endeavors. You can reach her at: www.BUZGate.org Click here to hear here June 2009 Blog Talk Radio interview with her.

Below is Deborah’s guest blog.  Thanks Deborah and Happy Passioneering

Building Support Networks

By Deborah Osgood

Into this world we arrive on our own and we depart on our own. While here, however, we don’t have to go it alone.

In fact, most anything worth experiencing in life happens while working with and through others. This includes parent-child, employer-employee and entrepreneur-customer relationships. In each case, taking the time to step back, expand your consciousness and identify your objectives will provide a great foundation for making connections that support a meaningful, purposeful and joyful life.

Family Support Networks

Family is one of the most common support networks since the dawning of mankind. At the same time, it can be the most complex. In yesteryears, family support networks came from local community where the butcher, the baker and candlestick maker represented a network of give and take relationships. Today, these same give and take exchanges remain important, yet how we develop them is a lot more complex.

Support is available through local face-to-face exchanges, or through social media and other global networks. This includes support for most any interest or need, such as physical, mental, spiritual or just plain fun. Simply use a search engine, enter the key words specific to your interests, and then “reach out and touch someone.” A site like MeetUp, for example, helps people with shared interests connect by meeting or forming online clubs in communities around the world.

Career Networks

We can spend 40 hours a week working, plus travel, plus time getting ready and winding down. In total, this might mean 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week working. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to “do what you love, and love what you do!” While easily said, figuring this out and finding a way to do it, can be challenging. One place to start is using a no-cost career self-assessment and planning tool. In 4 easy steps, you’ll have a better idea about what you want and where to go to get it. LinkedIn can also be a useful no-cost option, particularly for professionals seeking to network about business or finding a job.

Entrepreneurial Networks

As a result of current economic conditions, many individuals are looking into starting their own business. Just like family and career, building support networks in this area is important to progress. Fortunately, there are thousands of no-cost governments and nonprofit business assistance programs across the country to help you start, grow and succeed in business. This includes help with business planning, counseling, marketing, franchising, funding, import/export and most any business question you can think of. A good place to begin is BUZGate.org, which is a free state-by-state directory of business assistance agencies, information and resources.

In summary, a meaningful life is all about “think it, learn it, do it well.” Be sure to take the time to know what you like to do and then build and nurture your support networks so that you don’t have to do it alone.

We are collecting and sharing Passion Feats – brief, inspiring stories of individuals and groups who have touched your heart and made passions possible for others in the world.   The intention?  To shine a light on those beautiful souls who are making the world a better place and to say THANK YOU!    Ring out the negative and ring in the POSITIVE!

The most popular Passion Feats will appear on our home page and be tweeted out regularly.   Very soon, we are launching a dedicated Passion Feats website and blog.

In the interim, please  submit your favorite Passion Feat as a short, 2-3 sentence description of the act or event, the difference that it made, individual/group involved, a quote, and the quality portrayed (e.g,. Courage, Faith, LOVE etc).  Thanks in advance for your submission via:  http://www.passionsandpossibilities.com/passionfeats/!  You can also use the form below.

Happy Passioneering!

cforms contact form by delicious:days

It Takes Courage to Live in the Unknown

By Guest Blogger, Terry Kohl

Recently, I was observing myself getting fearful over my financial situation. I was overdue in my mortgage payment, behind on several bills, and a number of clients were making excuses as to why their checks were not in the mail. When I realized all of this was out of my control—believe it or not— I relaxed, and began practicing what I so often teach; living in the unknown takes courage.

Fear, anxiety and worry are dominating the lives of many people these days. The media often heightens these emotions and at times, without realizing it, we mimic what we hear.  I was buying into fear by focusing on what I did not have and using as an excuse the news reports that we were all in the same boat.

As I explored this thought further, it occurred to me that adopting an attitude of courage in each moment was extremely empowering. I may not be able to do anything about the state of the world, or those clients who owe me money, but I do have control over how I view these occurrences. I am in charge of my courage button!

In reality, nothing exists outside the present moment we are experiencing, yet I discovered that I was either living in the future (fearful thoughts) or living in the past (memories of better times).

“Now, how crazy is that,” I asked myself?

I came to realize that living this way was extremely disempowering. The past and the future are illusions. They only exist to the degree we focus our attention on them right now. We create the past and the future by imagining them in the present, and consequently, we lose the only place where true living can take place—the NOW.

Wow. How cool is that?

I have discovered that having the courage to pay attention to the “now” is providing me with many joyful moments that otherwise would have passed me by. There is no someday.  There is only right now and right now I have all that I need….and right now, and right now.

Courageous practices from me to you:

• In every moment I choose thoughts that are positive and hopeful

• I create a joyful life for myself by living in the moment and avoid fear-creating thoughts.

• I choose the courage to commit to living a powerful, positive and happy life in every single “now.”

**************

Successful author and coach, Terry Kohl is our guest blogger for the next few months.   You can reach her at either www.LostYourJobNowWhat.com or www.TerryKohl.com.

Thank you Terry and Happy Passioneering!

We recently interviewed Debbie Harvey, Co-Founder of Helping Haitian Angels, and selected her to be our May Passioneer of the Month.  In support of her nomination, 25 supporters wrote in testimonials/quotes, some which we share below.  She will be joining our Blog Talk radio show as a guest on June 2, 2010. Here are some of the many quotes from supporters who “voted” for Debbie with their emails.  We also share her Passion Q&A below.  Thanks Debbie and Happy Passioneering!  You can reach her at www.HelpingHaitianAngels.org,

Dial in live via 347-205-9038 or the Blog Talk Radio radio show site:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Quotes from Supporters for Debbie’s Passioneer of the Month Award

• They have been faithful to help those less fortunate than themselves and have a great passion for those Haitian orphans! They have regularly put this mission before their own comforts and desires.
• She is more passionate about helping these needy children than anyone I know or have ever known. She is truly doing God’s work, asking nothing in return.
• Reading about Helping Haitian Angels and e-mailing back and forth with Debbie Harvey I can feel her passion for their angels and for HHA’s mission. Someone who has inspired me and I am sure others that you truly can make this world a better place.
• Debbie is a wonderful, caring person who has committed so much time and energy to helping the children of Haiti.
• She’s passionate about street kids in Haiti!
• UNselfish efforts in the behalf of the less fortunate and personal time and finances to make a difference in the lives of these children. Tireless efforts not to accept defeat even in the eyes of the Earthquake that just occurred in Haiti.
• Bill and Debbie have been successful at getting the word out about the great need in Haiti. You can’t mention their name in our town without people knowing that they are the couple with the orphanage in Haiti.
• Unequivocable Determination!!
• Long before the earthquake, Debbie and Helping Haitian Angels were there lending support to the Haitian people. She has made this her life’s work. She is an inspiration to many of us. Her spirit and generosity is infectious.
• This is the most amazing group of volunteers — what started as a simple mission trip a few years ago has led to a mission to help so many orphaned haitian children. They have founded and funded an orphanage, built playgrounds after the devastation in haiti with this last earthquake. They have hired a full time pediatrician to provide medical care, food, clothing and schooling for these children. They rebuilt a home and raised funds to provide new, healthy mattresses for the children to sleep on. The list goes on & on. Debbie Harvey is an inspiration and example by which so many should follow. It’s all about paying it forward, and she does that beautifully in a way that makes a difference in the lives of so many others. She is truly a GREAT PASSIONEER!!!
• The Harvey’s manage to help others around the world while being busy with their own families, kinds, and careers.
• I had the pleasure of assisting with the cause in Jan, and I fell in love with all involved. As I mentioned before, I have never been surrounded by so many selfless people at one time.
• Debbie is a tireless supporter of the children in Haiti – she displays such passion and excitement and outright LOVE when she speaks about them – she is not only a great help to them, but a real inspiration to her family, friends and community. She is an ANGEL herself!
• Debbie has personally helped the orphans in Haiti by working with them by helping improve their living conditions. She has also shown strong leadership here in the U.S.on behalf of the Haitian orphans by doing news shows and public speaking forums to help spread the news regarding the great need in Haiti.
• A woman who is changing the lives of children, housing them feeding them, educating them so they too may become productive citizens in their home land of Haiti
• I am a part of this awesome passioneer. I love these kids, and will always do my best to make their lives better. I support them monthly, and go to Haiti to see them 3 times a year. I am one of their mamas, and being a part of this has changed my life for the best.
• This organization has done so much in helping the beautiful orphaned children of Haiti. They’ve brought the children clothes, provided monies for food, education and even built beautiful playgrounds. It’s an honor to nominate Debbie and the entire staff of Helping Haitian Angels.
• Bill and Debbie are selfless and caring people that want the best for humanity. They back-up their beliefs with action and positive results.
• Her devotion, enthusiasm and constant daily thoughts and actions for Helping Haitian Angels is EVER PRESENT. It’s amazing and contagious!
• She has always ‘walked her talk’, and is continuing to do so much to help others. She follows her intuition/Spirit, which has led her to playing Tibetian and crystal bowls in both concert settings and individual healing sessions. She is a constant source of motivation for the possibilities that await someone if they just ‘go for it’! She’s a beautiful person and very much deserving of recognition. Thank you for providing a means by which that can be done publically and ‘officially’.

Debbie’s Passion Q&A

Debbie:  In 2008 I went to Cap Haitien, Haiti and found 40 starving, dying, abandoned children squatting in an abandoned building.  I decided I had to see that these kids did not die.  Without thinking (that’s where the passion comes in!) I had a party, raised enough money to feed these kids, applied for a 501c3 and now have an orpahange where these same children (and many more) get 2 meals a day, education, church, and LOVE.

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

I believe passion is an energy that’s observable and cannot be faked. It means taking a leap of faith. It means doing something you love for hours and the time flys by.  It means holding and loving profoundly poor children that have no one.  Some tell my that my passion is “contagious” and that’s why I’ve gotten the support  I’ve been blessed with.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

Helping Haitian Angels is my passion…serving orphanaed, hurting children in Haiti.  I also serve the youth at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Va.  I lead the Bull Run Middle School EDGE club (a middle school teen christian club).

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

My biggest challenge is knowing that there are so many abandoned, abused, and starving children in Haiti.  I would love to  help them all.  I know that’s not possible.  We are working now on opening a second orphanage in the country area of Cap Haitien.

SO: They say that when you do what you love, the rest follows.  What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

Oh have we prospered at HHA.  We have 35 beautiful healthy, loving children that have shelter, a bed to rest on, a school where what they learn could lead them to change the country of Haiti, they have food that sustains them and most importantly they have adults who LOVE and CARE for them.

SO:  What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

I’ve learned that you MUST take the leap!  How will you ever know if you could have lived your passion or dream if you don’t take the leap?  It may be overwhelming, scary, but it’s worth it.

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

I have a wonderful support system. My husband and I have a group of 8 people that help with all operations, fundraising, support etc.  We didn’t have to create our support system, it created itself with people that went on trips with us to visit our orpahange and decided they wanted to be a part of HHA.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

God will provide if we do what we’re called to do…what we have a passion for.  When you have passion you can make anything happen.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Opening our 2nd orphanage is our BIG goal for 2010.  We want to get 40-50 kids off the street, get them in school (education is freedom), church, and to a place where they’re comfortable and loved.

Each month, we are thrilled and grateful to share a guest blog by a Passioneer on that month’s theme.  May is the month of Courage, and we a featuring a guest blog by best-selling author Alyson Mead (contact details below).  Thanks Alyson and Happy Passioneering!  If you or someone you know would like to share their story and/or guest blog, please let us via our  Contact Form.

Passioneering Courage

By Alyson Mead

Sometimes, you can’t plan it any better. I had started writing this guest blog when my overworked mind gave out. Why had I volunteered to do this in the first place? What did I know about a huge and lofty subject like courage?

For the first day, I stared at the computer screen. Then I was saved by the beginnings of a cold. I’m not an avoider by nature, so my behavior puzzled. What did I fear might happen if I actually wrote this?

On the fourth day, it hit me. I was afraid of nothing; I was afraid of everything. Crap.

I looked up the word courage in the dictionary: ” The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.”

I wrote a few sentences, erased them, began again. After two hours, I wondered if my brain had evaporated. The last time I checked, I made my living as a writer.

A quick walk around the block produced little more than an accelerated heart rate.  Some sitting meditation revealed the usual suspects: Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, the Dalai Lama. Surely these folks knew what it was to face danger with self-possession. But what was the common denominator?

I read up on their early lives — struggle, leadership skills and great finesse with words. Certainly, they could communicate their ideas to large groups. In fact, more than a few of them were ready to die for these ideas.

My temples felt like they were going to burst when my cell rang. It was my grandmother. We have an old-fashioned correspondence by letter, and rarely speak by phone.

“Hi, dear. It’s Gram.”

“Hey, Gram.”

“What are you up to? It’s raining here.”

“I’m trying to write a piece on courage.”

“A dirge? That’s too bad. Did someone die?”

“No, it’s on courage.”

“There’s a joke about that — Dutch courage.”

I laughed. “Gram, I can’t write about alcoholism.”

“No, it’s from history. When the bubonic plague hit England, the Dutch were the only ones who would deliver supplies to the people there.”

“Wow.”

“They did want extra rum for their services, but …”

“All right, Gram. I should go. But thanks.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it done, dear.” That made one of us.

When I hung up, it hit me. Of course there’s courage in delivering supplies to sick people (rum notwithstanding), or standing up for your beliefs. But that’s not the whole picture. Courage isn’t confined to a grand gesture or historic moment. It lives in all the smaller ones that make them possible.

Gandhi wouldn’t have been able to do his work without the farmers that sustained him, or the weavers making his clothing. The Dalai Lama wouldn’t be half as effective if there were no airplane pilots, book publishers or translators.

Similarly, it’s the way we get through each day with some sort of crooked grace that starts to get at the idea of courage. It’s the process of doing what we adore that encourages the rest to fall into place. It’s in the moments we allow the strange and humbling events around us to blossom into being – even if that is a 92-year old woman pointing out the seemingly obvious.

Alyson Mead is the bestselling author of Wake Up to Your Stories and Wake Up to Your Weight Loss.  Her fiction, essays and articles have appeared in over thirty publications, and she has received the Columbine Award for Screenwriting, the Roy W. Dean Filmmaking Grant and awards from Writer’s Digest and USA Book News.  Her next book, Signs Point to Yes, chronicles her time working as a phone psychic while

Debi Waldeck joined us April 28th to share her Passioneering journey about wellness and her fabulous book trilogy.

My three biggest takeaways from Debi’s journey:

• Love of self is the most important success factor in thriving at what you love.  Debi invites us to look in the mirror and really love who and what we see!  Try it and notice how difficult it might be for you.
• The biggest barrier between you and your Passioneering success?  Not forgiving something or something.  Let it go guys!
• Stay focused on your vision and take ACTION to move forward.  You won’t create success by sitting at home and waiting for the phone to ring.   That is, to quote Debi:  “God does not need credit, God needs to be demonstrated.”

Thanks Debi and Happy Passioneering!

About Debi:

Debi Waldeck’s new trilogy, In the Beginning…There Was Wellness, details her account from despair to discovery to destiny! Defying the odds, Debi was told to abort her son due to complications from a medication but a still, small, sweet voice inside said different. Her son was born with numerous complications lasting eight years, fueling her desire to identify the why’s to the fourfold increase in chronic childhood illness and autoimmune disease. Her first book, Saving ‘Generation Next’ unveil the common denominator behind many disease states. Applying Debi’s discoveries finds her son now whole and serving at the United States Military Academy. Lessons in faith and health initiated her second book, Forever Young and Vibrant, which is a body manual that will cause you to never again be afraid that the boogey man will come like a thief in the night. Her last book, The Currency of Thought, identifies how our internal dialogue affects all relationships, including our relationship with money. Health, wealth and peace of mind… it’s all the same. You can reach her at www.DebiWaldeck.com.  A BIG invitation to read her books and attend her telecasts – Highly Recomended!

Passion Q&A with Debi:

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

Many people pursue an end goal with fire or passion.  Often I have seen that fire come from a burning ember of for instance, an unpleasant experience that one wishes to change.  Therefore, anger turned inward is self-destructive or depression, anger turned outwards is violence or vandalism and anger turned upwards is passion-driving us to fulfill our destiny.   Through the process of directing that energy we can move through many steps; from despair to depression to anger to guilt to complacency to action to contentment to hope and ultimately to joy and love.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

My biggest passion is self-empowerment and creating hope, inspiration and action.  I personally moved from despair, to discoveries to destiny by learning through that process that we participate in creating our experience based on how we respond to situations and that we can actively participate in creating our future by controlling our thoughts and actions today.  We do not have to succumb to a life of prescription drugs or to the maxed out credit cards.  We do not have to succumb to a life of mediocrity.  More important, many are looking for a one word answer, a 140 character tweet or fixes in a pill… yet, many are getting sicker, fatter and poorer…. The answer is knowledge.  Knowledge is the true gold.  Therefore, my passion is transformation and in that, I have a coaching series called 52 weeks to a renewed you. that teaches for instance, how body systems work together, why there is a fourfold increase in chronic childhood illness, how the immune system is developed based on the quality of the development of the intestinal area, and how our thoughts affect all relationships including our relationship with money.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

• FOCUS- any of us who wish to make a difference must absolutely ignore those who say it can’t be done, or no one will listen. Brian Tracy-the most successful author of all time (chicken soup for the soul).. spends 8-10 minutes per day visualizing his desired outcome.
• PERCEPTION-I had to decide and accept that commercially marketing my message does not detract from my message, academia or professionalism.  In order to make a difference, my message must get out and that requires marketing or selling me.  That was very hard at first.  I had to balance the female and male part of this project (my books and message) the female is the creation of the product, of the book and message.  I birthed my baby, but the male or masculine energy is that which provides for and takes care of this project.  If you had a cure for cancer-would you keep it to yourself or would you be unable to sleep each day unless you shared your message…promote yourself!-don’t hide your light under a bushel.
• DISCIPLINE-craft our day so that we do what needs to be done first before we do what we want to do.  Over time, what needs to be done will become what we want to do.
• NETWORK-why do some attract the right person who helps launch their dream?  2 things-they visualize the breakthrough and they get out so that the opportunity may present itself.  Many stay stuck behind the computer or in their home praying for the breakthrough.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success?

• DECISION-the decision to make a difference and take action
• EXPECTATIONS-Expecting to make a difference-setting ambitious goals
• VISUALIZE-I have Debi Waldeck-New York Times best seller posters in many places in my home, I have a dreamboard and intentions that I focus on daily.
• ALLIANCES-I am and have created alliances with like minded people who agree to focus together on our desired outcome of making a difference and significantly decreasing the numbers of children with asthma, ADHD, allergies, autoimmune disease and more.  This is a power group which is different from a master mind group.  A mastermind group brainstorms the best idea…. A powergroup utilizes what is known as the MAHARISHI EFFECT which was studied in 160+ social science journals where a small percentage of a population could focus on a desired outcome and what was seen was a predicted outcome of change.
• BE A GIVER-identify a charity and give a % of your proceeds to them-speak to like minded groups for free…
• NETWORKING:  Join as many associations as you can, meet people.
• ACTION-DO IT AFRAID….JUST DO IT…. we will never be perfect before we take action. GOD CANNOT DIRECT YOUR STEPS IF YOU ARE NOT STEPPING.. it was about putting out my message, book, web-site, webinar series… knowing it was not perfect yet, but accepting feedback and constantly improving.   JUST GET STARTED

SO:  What one word/quality best describes your journey?

INTROSPECTIVE- for me, due to many factors, I found myself alone in many ways.  Therefore, I relied on the ‘still, small, sweet’ voice inside, on prayer and meditation, on observations and interpretations.  I think all of that caused me to be able to think outside the box.  Look, most people whose kid has asthma puts them on an inhaler and it is done, or if the child has ADHD, they put them on medicine and it is done…they are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and that becomes their reality.   I always asked the world and God WHY?   I looked for the root cause and rather than addressing the symptom-I addressed the cause… whether this was in illness, finances or a very disruptive teenager…. By addressing the cause, we altered the course forever.

SO:   What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

For me, Prosperity is being 100% connected to God or what some called source.   When we remove ego from all situations and judge situations as neither good or bad, when we live in the now, when we choose to be happy regardless the experience, then we are connected and in that, all good things will come.  We were meant to have abundance and to have health, wealth and peace of mind.

SO:  What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

When it is done in the spirit… it is done.   It just takes time for the physical to catch up.  A wave crashes on the shore but the energy that created that wave happened long before the physical manifestation of the crash on the shore….

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Took me a long time to even realize how important that was.  My family is in Virginia….  So I never had family around for our children and family.  When it came to business, it seemed the same (honestly…. I seemed to find women who wanted to compete rather than be friends.. or men that wanted something other than business…)… therefore, my support system primarily has been God or source or whatever you want to call it, my husband and children.  I take very good care of them and they do the same for me.  I have been a coach, mentor or leader for a long time.  I kept praying, when the student is ready the teacher will come, right??  But I realized that we attract what we need to learn.  I listened to the speech,

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.  There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you…as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
–Nelson Mandela

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap? It’s trust, love, wisdom triangle…

Why do we resist change?

As Marianne Williamson said, “We are afraid of our own power.”

Why?

Because change gives you an opportunity to know yourself, and people are afraid to truly ‘see’ themselves.

Why?

Because people see themselves through the eyes of all who have come

before them.

Sadly, people do not look at themselves through the eyes of God because if they did, they would stare all day long.

Why?

Because many people do not know God

Why?

You start to know God when you

learn to love yourself. To know God means you choose to love yourself

exactly the way you are now – male,

female, black, white, yellow, red, fat, skinny, ugly, pretty. The problem is

that people seek man’s approval before

and above God’s approval.

Why?

Because people have no faith. Faith is the opposite of fear. People are in fear and the cycle begins again.

Okay, everyone knows that faith is not fear. We know what it isn’t, but what is faith?

Faith is to know that when you step into the unknown, you will not fall.  You will either find your way or you

will be carried. Faith is Trust.

What is Trust?

Trust is to know that you are loved.

But what if you have never been

shown love?

It’s the Man versus God thing again. Man must demonstrate love. To learn to trust, you must learn to love yourself. Only then will you come to know God.

Does self-love remove God?

Don’t worry that self-love takes God out of the equation.

God does not need credit,

God needs to be demonstrated.

We’re thrilled to feature Dr. LaVerne Adams on our radio show tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21, at 5pm PST.  Dr. LaVerne Adams, also known as “The Doctor of Destiny”, is a certified life coach and for nearly 15 years she has been a  pastor and community leader, helping countless individuals define their destiny. Dr. Adams is a graduate and adjunct faculty of Palmer Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Ministry and is passionate about sharing her wisdom from years of experience and training. She is also intentional about encouraging people to maximize their potential and live the life of their dreams. She can be reached at www.DivineDestinyDoctor.com.

Join us live with your biggest questions about leaping into your dreams!  By phone:  (347) 205-9038 or via streaming web:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Our Recent Interview with Dr. LaVerne:

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

I am passionate about motivating people to define their destiny and maximize their potential to live the life they dream about. I am the “goto guru” to answer “Everything you always wanted to know about your destiny but were afraid to ask!”

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

I spend a great deal of my time as a minister encouraging people with insightful ways for them to be their absolute best person. In addition, right now I volunteer my time to struggling professionals and celebrities with my coaching practice that helps people in a more systematic way to discover meaning and accomplish their goals. Some others who need my services may not be able to pay me but the rewards are immense when I see them operating optimally in their various professions.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

My biggest challenge has been getting people to see their value and sticking with their own plan. I see tremendous potential in them and for them but somehow they cannot see that their success will take all the work that they are willing to invest into it and quit too soon. I know that I cannot “do” their success for them. I can only support and encourage them along the way.

SO: The biggest keys to your success (e.g., talent, quality, skill, etc.)?

I believe that what makes me successful is my unique authentic passion. People see it and feel it and know that it is genuine. People believe me when I say that I care. People are looking for authentic models that they can turn to and emulate themselves. They are looking for people who genuinely care and are willing to make the investment in them. People are also looking for someone that they can trust and be accountable to.

SO:   What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

I absolutely positively love what I do! I love seeing the look on someone’s face who feels a sense of renewed value, maybe for the first time. I love hearing people say that they feel more motivated that they are going to do more with their lives and be their best possible person as well as when they say they feel a sense of clarity and direction. To me, this is “priceless” and this is the best prosperity that anyone could have. How can you put a price tag on that?

SO:  What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

I have made several leaps in my lifetime. The most recent would be my recovery after a painful divorce. I made a decision to be my personal best and help as many people as I can and bring glory to God. I made a decision to be better and not bitter and to take responsibility for the choices that I made to get me where I am today. I blame no one. I have learned that I can make another decision to make a better life for myself by making better choices

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Right now I have a great support system of two very close sisters who I can talk to about anything. Then I try to maintain coaching to help me to advance in whatever area I am focusing in at the time. Right now I have a business coach. I also have a writing coach and a publishing coach. I have a spiritual life coach. These people breathe into my life and help me to persevere toward my goals in inspiring as many people as I possibly can.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

I would say take the plunge! You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen? I live my life in such a way that I will die without any regrets! I never want to wish that I had done something that was in my power to do but didn’t because I was scared or discouraged. This helps to ground me and strengthen my resolve to do what I dream about in spite of the obstacles.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

On 10-10-10, the world will come face to face with their destiny. On that date I will release my new book, “Driven By Destiny: 12 Secrets to Decode YOUR Destiny” with the foreword written by Dr. Rick Warren. This book is like having 12 coaching sessions with your own personal-life-coach-in-a-book. That is a $2400 value. This is effective and the information in it is designed to help empower millions of people to define their destiny and maximize their potential to live the life of their dreams~! This is crucial at a time where so many people are unemployed and have lost so many things due to the economy. This material will help people to become strengthened toward self improvement and prepare them with the valuable tools needed to start over again.

I am excited about this book and its launch in October. My goal is to help 100 million people to live more productive lives filled with meaning and purpose and make positive contributions to society. At the release of the book, I will be giving away a book a day to those who really need encouragement to be more productive in their life. They simply have to email me their story at TheDoctorofDestiny@aol.com about where they are at right in their life right now and where they would like to be and why they want the book. I will be making selections daily for the most noteworthy story.

With the purchase of the book on October 10, 2010, they will be able to receive the “Driven By Destiny Discovery Manual” e-book, valued at $9.99, and the “Driven By Destiny 30 Day Devotional” e-book valued at $9.99 absolutely free for buying the book offered only on that exact day. Only for those who buy the book on that day at 10:00 am they will receive a free personal “Destiny Diagnosis” where I will personally help them analyze an area of their lives that will help to align them closer with their destiny. The book is only $25.99 and presents a tremendous opportunity for people to finally get answers to their questions about destiny but was afraid to ask.

Thanks Dr. LaVerne and Happy Passioneering!

Weekly Passioneering Tip #10:  Fall Madly in Love with the World

Passioneer™ Sue Oliver, Inspired by Dr. Joon Yun

Quote

Love is not some complex, mystical abstraction. It is something accessible and human that we learn through our everyday experience, as often at times of failure as in moments of ecstasy.

Leo F. Buscaglia

Affirmation

Today, I simply commit to doing and being what I love from hour to hour.  Even if I slip into the mundane, mediocre, or perhaps mean, I remember that my default is joy, delight, and passion.

**********************

We’re interviewing hundreds of Passioneers™ around the world who have leaped fully and vibrantly into their passions for making a big difference in the world.  Each week, we offer wisdom and tips from Passioneers, present and past, to inspire others.   We welcome your ideas, suggestions and new interviewees.  Thank you for serving and sharing the powerful message of infinite possibilities in the world.  If you’d like to subscribe to these weekly tips, please click on the link below.  Happy Passioneering!

The Powerful Act of Inviting

by Terry Kohl

A year ago I began noticing something. Upon awakening I would feel a lightness of being. For a few brief seconds there was nothing on my mind; the day had not yet mentally “dawned.” I felt the warmth of my down comforter, heard the soft purr of my kitty patiently waiting for breakfast, and lazily watched the movie dreams of the night before, evaporate.

As my mind engaged, and until I went to sleep again that night, a never-ending stream of thoughts would flow. Before I would even get out of bed, I was off and running, trying to keep up with my to-do list, that feeling of lightness far behind me.

Shortly after that revelation, I decided to begin practicing mindfulness; the art of living only in the moment. It was something that had appealed to me for some time. This was when I created my Act of Inviting, which has turned into a delicious practice for me, and one that I wish to share with you today.

Prior to my beginning my mindfulness practice, I allowed those thoughts that began filling up my mind in the morning to have their way with me. They would dictate my day and I, the obedient servant, would try to keep up with all the demands.

What we think about is what we see. I began thinking about “now” and how to stay in it!

I decided that my first step was to take advantage of those powerful moments just after I woke up each morning and before my conscious mind took over. On a piece of paper I wrote, “I invite miracles and possibilities into my day.” I tacked it up on the ceiling above my bed so that I would see it the moment I opened my eyes. I chose miracles and possibilities because I didn’t want to place any specifics on what might show up for me that day. I liked the feeling of the open-endedness of those two words.

The very first day as I opened my eyes and saw my invitation overhead I felt an immense relief. It was as if someone had miraculously showed up to help me. Throughout the days and weeks to come, those few words would pop into my mind throughout the day and eventually they formed a habit.

Also, that very first day something that I had been working on for over a year with no movement whatsoever, suddenly fell into place although not what I had wanted. It was an even better possibility!

Now, miracles and possibilities show up for me all the time. I still have my piece of paper stuck to the ceiling above my bed and smile as I look at it each morning. It reminds me to invite whatever I desire into my life. You can, too!

We recently interviewed Terry about her Passions and Possibilities journey  – Click here to read her profile and story.    Thanks Terry, and Happy Passioneering!

If you would like to be a guest blogger or share a story or article, please contact us at info(at)passioneers.com or by  submitting your information via our contact form.

Michelle Ward, aka “The When I Grow Up Coach,” is an actress/singer & certified life coach who helps creative people devise the career they think they can’t have – or discover it to begin with! Michelle has been featured in Newsweek and Metro News & can be found at www.whenigrowupcoach.com.  We interviewed her recently for our project, and she’ll appear on our radio show on Wednesday, March 17th.

Join us live at 9am PST on Blog Talk Radio where we’ll hear Michelle’s inspiring passioneering journey, both ups and downs.  Dial in:  347-205-9038 or link in at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities.

Happy Passioneering, and thank you Michelle!