On Wednesday, June 23rd, we’re interviewing Sandy Harper who is first and foremost a Mommy.  She is blessed to be the Creator & Coach of ‘Gratitude Boot Camp’, which affords her the opportunity to help others to live in Gratitude and create a life of happiness, peace, love, success, and abundance. She can be reached at www.GratitudeBootCamp.com.

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

Sandy’s Passioneer Q&A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion?” Passion is what drives you to be your best self; to work through the challenges that arise; and makes you excited that you’ve been given the gift of a new day.

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)? Since losing my parents as a teenager, I am often asked how I remain so strong and positive.  It is my passion to inspire and empower others to make the choice to live in Gratitude and Positivity, no matter what circumstances arise in their life.  I created Gratitude Boot Camp to coach people on how to accomplish that.  I also contributed a Chapter in a forth-coming book “Visionaries with Guts”; am writing my first book; and speak to organizations and groups about living in Gratitude.  Since giving birth to my son three years ago (as a single Mom), I have not had a chance to do much in the way of hobbies or to volunteer.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them? My biggest challenges are the time and money necessary to launch a new career while raising a child alone.  I address them by having a daily routine that includes counting my blessings & reciting positive affirmations; by sticking to a schedule that helps me to focus on my priorities; and by surrounding myself with positive, like-minded individuals.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success? Maintaining a positive attitude; expressing Gratitude; striving to serve others; a strong sense of humor; being a self-starter; studying self-development; and having successful associations.

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

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap? I have made plenty of bad decisions and have, at times, become complacent even while doing well financially in real estate (my career for 20+ years).  Whenever my child was born (which was my “later in life” miracle) and with my 50^th birthday approaching, I decided to pursue my lifelong passion of being a writer and speaker; which is leading to a type of prosperity that I’ve never experienced before…a type that encompasses every aspect of my life.

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap? That, when challenges arise, you need to pause…take some deep breaths & count your blessings…and then take the time to access the situation or crises and decide the best course of action to take, with a clear head instead of reacting hastily.

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it? I am blessed to be surrounded by a great group of friends…some have been with me since childhood and some are newer & yet give me such encouragement that I feel that I can accomplish anything!  I learned a long, long time ago that true friends are more precious than gold and that to have great friends; you must be a great friend.

Take it one day at a time.  Surround yourself with positive people who applaud your successes and who encourage you to hang in there.  And, know that it is okay (and necessary) to end toxic relationships.  Learn to forgive quickly (including yourself).  And…always remember to count your blessings and express Gratitude every chance that you get.

We’re interviewing Justin Sachs on Wednesday, June 16th, 4pm PST.  Justin is the best-selling author of The Power of Persistence, and the best-selling author of Your Mailbox Is Full (written when he was only 18). His work in personal development started at the age of 13 while working for Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, and ultimately, starting the Peak Performance Lifestyles Foundation in which Justin empowered teenagers to become leaders in their communities. Justin has spoken throughout the world to teenagers and adults on the topics of leadership, living the life of your dreams, and creating success.

He recently founded Motivational Press, Inc. a leading mid-tier publishing company of personal and business development titles in which he aligns with the greatest and most distinguished experts in the world to transform the lives of millions throughout the world.

Justin lives in San Diego, California. You can contact Justin for more information about his coaching services or book him to speak at your next event by emailing the following address: Justin@JustinSachsCompanies.com

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 4pm PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilties.

On Wednesday, June 16th, we’re interviewing Annette Pelliccio, The Happy Gardener who is a third generation garden business owner with a focus for educating home gardeners and communities on healthy alternatives to conventional garden and lawn care practices.  She has developed a line of organic plant foods, soil conditioners and lawn care designed for easy and economical organic gardening.  The Happy Gardener’s focus is on helping families, communities, school systems, golf courses, farmers…etc convert to healthier garden and lawn care techniques for the betterment of the wildlife & environment. They also sponsor the Plant a Row for the Hungry nationwide campaign to help communities grow extra produce for their local food banks and service facilities. She can be reached at www.thehappygardener.info

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

Annette’s Passioneer Q&A

SO: What’s the biggest reason for launching this project? As an at-home mom and avid home gardener, I wanted to use the healthiest fertilizers, weed control/pest control on the veggies, herbs & fruits I grow for my family. The increased health problem with fresh produce covered with harmful pesticides is outrageous and I knew there had to be healthy, organic options.

SO: Your biggest challenge so far with this project and how are you addressing it? Farmers, growers & landscapers throughout the US are set in their ways. They believe that chemicals work and are cost efficient while organics do not give the same results and are expensive. I address this issue by going out to their test plots/farms/vineyards and SHOW them how our organic products perform just as good, if not better than the chemicals. I SHOW them how they are easier to apply and end up being less expensive than the harmful products.

SO: What do you see as the keys to your succeeding? As more and more media cover our products and the benefits of converting to organics, families & communities will continue to demand healthier growing practices. The US is becoming more educated on the food/produce industry which will be the best for my business growth.

SO: What one word/quality is best describing your journey at this point? AMAZING

SO: What is a big lesson that you’ve learned in making this leap into your project? Being a health conscious consumer I have always been educated and looked for information regarding what I’m putting on my garden and in my family’s mouths. I had no idea how many people have NO IDEA what is going on in the food industry. And I had NO IDEA how key people in the food industry do not care about what they are putting in our gardens and in our family’s mouths.

SO: What does your support system look like; how did you create it? My support system looks like families throughout the US who want to learn ways to grow their own organics for their families. They look like farmers who care what they doing to the soil structure and what they are growing for the families in their community. They look like passionate, future-driven landscapers who want to provide healthy, beautiful gardens for their clients.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about leaping into their own project? If you don’t do it, who will?

SO: Who else would acknowledge in sharing the story about your project? Any one of my thousands of distributors/consumers.

This month’s Passioneering theme is “Creating Powerful Support Networks”.  That is, to thrive at what you love AND make big, positive contributions on the planet, through other people.  As a recovering do-it-myself-aholic, I know firsthand that you simply cannot succeed alone. Answered prayers come through others, and the more “others” you have, the more abundance you can receive.   Rugged individualism  may have been the American dream in the past, but now it represents a sad, lonely saga.

We recently asked several Passioneers® how they created powerful support networks on their journeys.  Below are some of our favorite responses:

Beth Remmes, Founder of Zola Goods: “I like the visual of widening circles, like ripples in a pond. The main reason I have been able to stay the course is because I have had the sense that this is a divinely-inspired mission, so first and foremost, I have a practice that starts at my center – whether it is yoga, meditation, a hike in the woods, something that keeps my connection to a power greater than myself.”

Shelly Rachanow, best-selling author of If Women Ran the World, Sh** Would Get Done :  “Richard Bach once said, ‘Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.’  I’ve made a point to surround myself with friends and family who remind me that I can do anything I choose, and who never let me tell myself otherwise.”

Bill Roth, a green entrepreneur and creator of Earth 2017:  “One great advantage of putting your neck on the line is you find out who will chop it off for a buck and who will really help you. Going through those experiences are disheartening but really valuable in the long run because you end with wonderful, trusting relationships.”

Ryan Ray, radio and TV host of WakeUP! TV:  “Aside from my own mother’s consistent and unconditional support in everything I’ve ever attempted to do in my life, I’m blessed to have a tight-knit group of friends who share my passion for inspiring change in other people’s lives. When you move bravely forward into the unknown, your courage and sincerity will attract people to you like an electromagnet. Quite honestly, you’ll be surprised where your supporters come from, more times than not being the people you’d least expect!”

Tammy Gentry, the owner of CMD Gifts and the creator of Penny Stones®.

• “To make my dream a reality, one of my best first steps was to make an appointment with S.C.O.R.E advisors.  They helped me create my business plan, gave me invaluable critical feedback, and helped me think of my product as a business, not a hobby.

• I have partnered with other women entrepreneurs who manufacture products sold to the gift wholesale and retail market.  Developing relationships with people who can relate to your problems, concerns, frustrations, and accomplishments adds another dimension to the rewards of owning your own business.

• Next month, I will be joining a group of women entrepreneurs who meet once a month for three hours and discuss the challenges they face.  These women will become my Board of Advisors.  I have been looking for a support group like this and am very excited to have found one locally ( Akron , Ohio ).”

Jenny Pavlovic, Founder, Author, and Imagineer, 8 State Kate Press:

• “Believe in yourself and your purpose. Share your positive message and supportive people will appear in your life. Notice when they do, and reach out to them. Pay attention because sometimes when the right people appear it seems like a coincidence, but is isn’t. Be prepared to act.
• Limit the time and energy you give to negative people (even if you are related to them!). That will give you more time and energy to spend with supportive people who bring your energy up and share your passion. The law of attraction, you know…”

Patty DeDominic, Chief Coach, DeDominic & Associates:

• “Seek out people who are already doing what YOU aspire to do.
• Surround yourself with people with good attitudes and who are positive and resourceful
• If you can’t Be the Change YOU wish to see.. then find people who are working to make that happen and HELP!”

Scott Gabriel Hummel, Certified Bad Ass, Professional Adventurer, www.gabrielhummel.com:

• “Don’t quit your day job. Test the waters with your new passion before you jump ship completely.
• Focus Hard. If you are serious about making your passion your career, spend your time accordingly.
• Go for it. You won’t know unless you try.”

Here are 18 more ways to build your powerful Passioneer pom pom squad:

1. Remember that when you ask for support, you’re creating an “opportunity” for someone to give.   Let go of niggling worries that you’re bothering someone by asking.
2. Take time to clarify exactly what support you need. A business plan, even on the back of an envelope, helps.
3. Learn to make clear, specific requests for support, including what you want and by when.
4. NEVER EVER pre-judge another person’s ability or willingness to support you. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised!
5. Create at least 3 mentoring relationships with experienced, thriving Passioneers who are several steps ahead of you.
6. Read, read, read. Explore everything that’s ever been written and who’s been successful in your passion.
7. For those who believe in a higher power, remember to connect with it on a regular basis through prayer, meditation, and reflection…when things are going bad AND when things are going well.
8. Remember that your support network can be global with a reach far beyond your neighborhood.
9. Let those you can trust know about your dreams for making a big difference and thriving.
10. Remember that support comes in many forms, not only with shared time and finances.
11. EVEN a naysayer can be part of your support team. What becomes possible if you actively solicit constructive criticism, without being overwhelmed?
12. Be grateful for and regularly thank those who are already supporting you. You simply cannot appreciate them too much.
13. Your biggest competitors can be your biggest allies, if you change your perception. What if you collaborate instead of compete?
14. Building a support network is just as much giving as it is receiving. When you ask “How can I help you?”, the other person automatically considers how he might help you too.  So be the support that you seek!
15. Create an advisory team of at least 12 people. Then double it. Advisory team members are those who have subject matter expertise and want to share it with your great cause.  They might also be individuals who exemplify key strengths and values that complement yours.
16. There’s never a perfect time to ask for support. One thing’s for sure: if you wait until the “right time,” it’s too late.
17. Being vulnerable is NOT a weakness, it’s actually a strength.  Ditto for surrendering.
18. Remember that the bigger your dream, the bigger the challenges and the greater the naysaying. Consider that significant opposition can be the highest form of flattery and much better than apathy.

Best wishes and Happy Passioneering!

On Wednesday, June 9th, we’re interviewing Chef Ryan Hutmacher, co-founder of Centered Chef Food Studios.  With his fun-loving attitude, Chef Ryan finds inspiration for many of his innovative dishes by blending his knowledge of food with his hobbies.  With a passion for travel and a love for endurance sports, his expertise is in creating meals that harmonize flavor, texture, convenience and nutrition.  His vision captures the flavors of “Clean Cuisine”.  Though Chef Ryan realized his passion for food while cooking at a restaurant during his undergraduate studies, it wasn’t until three years into an uninspiring career sales management that Chef Ryan sought to re-invent his career as well as his lifestyle.  As he puts it:  “I was at my physical and mental worst.  At age 24, I was 5’7” and weighed 230 pounds. I was over 40% body fat!  My doctor wanted to prescribe anti-depressants, blood pressure & cholesterol medications.  This compounded with the fact I was deemed a pre-Type 2 Diabetic, had asthma and smoked cigarettes…something had to change!” Since co-founding …Centered Chef Food Studios, Chef Ryan has lost more than 50 pounds.  Beyond his physical and mental wellness, Chef Ryan leads an active lifestyle by competing in triathlons and marathons.  He recently received recognition as an Ironman, upon the completion of Ironman Cozumel.  Watch his amazing Ironman documentary.  Aside from physical activity, he also enjoys mentoring with organizations like the “Healthy Schools Campaign” and Pathways Seminars. Chef Ryan holds a B.S. in public relations from Illinois State University and graduated at the top of his class with an A.S. from the culinary arts program at Kendall College.  He can be reached at www.centeredchef.com.

Ryan’s Passioneer Q&A

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

Passion is an outward energy that encompasses idealism, trial and error and humility, but in no particular order.  To know it is to be willing to jump from a ledge, fall down, dust yourself off, and learn another way to fall down and get back up.  It’s not about duplicating the mistakes, but gaining efficiency from them when they happen.  I think this is the difference between those who say there passionate vs. those who are just dreamers.  There are real risks involved, like failing, and having no one but your self to blame.  The true indication of passion is when you see that you’ve created a culture that works and thrives around your vision, even when you’re not around.

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

I am a big fan of self-made people.  Whether it’s a millionaire who had an innovative idea or someone who lost 100 pounds because they were tired of being “sick and tired”, I love to be inspired.  People who still choose to do the right thing, even though they are currently facing adversity also inspire me.  These are the types of people who I love to share my experiences with.  People don’t want to be talked to, they want a connection. My platform blends the realm of nutrition with culinary arts.  I teach a lot of cooking classes and do several forms of media outreach, all with the intention of connecting to regular people who want to take head to the implications that poor diet is having on our health.  People trust me, because I choose share my own stories of struggle and imperfection.  They also trust me because I listen to them as I’m sharing anecdotes to everyday nutrition scenarios.

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

$$$-partner just left company, paying my employees, covering costs, making a living, being frugal, etc. Accountability to finish what I start. Trying to sustain my own personal health, among the challenges of $$$ and stress. Feeling balanced between working and not “feeling guilty about not working”

SO: Your experience of “prosperity” as you define it, in making the leap?

To finally have a connection with myself in understanding and celebrating my strengths vs. accepting my weaknesses and being ok with that is an amazing revelation.  The experience of prosperity becomes evident when your network of support (employees) begin to compensate your shortcomings. At some point, you will need to realize that “you can’t do it all yourself”.  When you let go of this control, it empowers others to embrace your vision even more.  They say the money comes… so for now my victory lap is in the culture I’ve been creating, that is both collaborative and supportive.

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

Life is about taking risks.  Not stupid risks like putting all your money down on “red”, but risks involving comfort zones.  What you thought was scary and inconceivable a few years back is barely a figment of your memory.  However, it was that leap that brought you to the next and so on and so forth.  If you get comfortable, then it’s time to move on.  Sometimes the direction can even be chosen for you, so in many cases the challenge was probably serendipitous. Embrace this uncertainty, because staying humble is what people who choose to do business with you relate to.

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

Who we surround ourselves with is the ultimate indication of how we project self-respect.      My support system is layered but very much intermingled.  Sometimes we can get so lost in life’s challenges, that we don’t know who we are.  Support is about people telling people what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear.  These are the people you need to surround yourself with, and whether you knew it or not, you probably already attracted these particular personality traits into your circle. My circle begins with my family.  Unconditional love is calming.  Integrity is the best attribute that can be traced back to my family values.  Knowing the difference between what is right and wrong is important, but choosing the first is the true test.  There are no shortcuts in life, only efficiencies that we create in relationships with others.  There is nothing we do in life that doesn’t involve other’s support in the equation.  My family, friends, clients and employees know I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I’m comfortable with that.  With nothing to hide, I spend more time collaborating on solutions that trying to pretend I have all the answers.  This is an amazing idealism that is truly working for me.

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

I realized that I used to make a lot of excuses and passed blame for things that did not go my way in life.  Support is all about the relationships that surround us.  The first one I needed to call to action was my relationship with myself.  I needed accountability.  We are our own toughest critics, so rather than being victimized by that, I chose to change the way I felt about myself.  That began with a physical transformation.  After getting my health back, I began to see that I was indeed capable of following through.  I began to trust myself, now I needed to look at this with others.  There is a level of vulnerability that you must concede to in order to fully get the support you need.  It’s scary to ask others for support; for fear that they’ll think you’re weak or even worse, needy.  I found the idea that others are not perfect and all-knowing as something profound.  The feeling that I got in supporting others seek out there own achievements, validated the idea that we ultimately want to help others succeed, but are too afraid to ask for it ourselves.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Financial stability will open the doors to amazing opportunities for my company.  As our economy begins to stabilize, the population at large can begin to serious look at the state of our American diet.  Unhealthy food is both affordable and plentiful.  Convenience has blinded us to the importance of understanding where our food comes from.  Does it come from fertile soil or from a science lab and what are the implications of this in association to rising disease rates?  Educating individuals, institutions and corporations on the benefits of culinary wellness related issues is my main vision.  Whether is be on TV, in a cookbook or in the privacy of someone’s home, I want to educate others to take the health of their families into their own hands.  Eventually, our society at large will begin to embrace the effects that “clean cuisine” can have on our mind, body and spirit, with less reliance on conventional medicine to dictate our physical or metal wellbeing.

A trial lawyer, turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit. After ten years as a lawyer moonlighting as a standup, she left her practice and spent two years on a solo trip around the world, including working with Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and driving the Alaska Highway. Upon returning home, she entered Union Theological Seminary in New York City where she earned a Master of Divinity and wrote an honors thesis on humor and religion. Currently, the Senior Pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman in its 160 year history), Susan has been featured in the New York Times, on such networks as ABC, PBS and CNN, as a regular guest with country music star Naomi Judd on “Naomi’s New Morning” on Hallmark Channel, and in numerous comedy clubs, including Carolines in New York City. Her new book, Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor, is due out in June 2010. You can reach her at www.susansparks.com.

On Wednesday, June 9th, 9am PST, we’re interviewing Rev. Susan on our Blog Talk Radio Show, The Passions and Possibilities Project.  Join us live or view streaming radio with your own insights and questions about thriving at what you love!

Dial in or stream in live with your questions and insights into thriving at what you love!  (347) 205-9028 or www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Rev. Susan’s Passioneer Q&A

My definition of passion:

Passion is something that comes from deep within.  It is the feeling that something or someone is a part of you.  In terms of work or career, passion means finding a path that makes you feel whole.  My “path” or “passion” took a while to find….

After ten years as a trial lawyer, I left the practice to pursue a career in ministry and standup comedy–a job that frankly, didn’t exist.  I had felt a call to the ministry for some time, but was unsure how a comedian would ever fit into organized religion.  I decided to travel around the world hoping to find some – any kindred spirits. I traveled for two years doing everything from working for Mother Teresa and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to driving my Jeep Wrangler from NYC to Alaska.  Everywhere I went, whether it was the laughter of Buddhist monks or the Sacred Clowns of the Navajo, I found examples of how comedy – joy and laughter – was an integral part of the Holy.  Consequently, I returned and entered Union Theological Seminary, graduating with an honor’s thesis on humor and the sacred.

Today I have turned that dream into a reality, as I am the senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first women in its 160 history).  I am also a working standup; my most recent shows were a tour with a standup Rabbi and a standup Muslim comic.     http://www.rccongress2010.net/speakers/multifaithcomedyteam.shtml

Most exciting my new book entitled “Laugh Your Way to Grace:  Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor“ was just released!

What are the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Believe.  That’s the one word that describes it.  You have to follow what your heart calls you to do—no matter how improbably it seems.  As a standup comedian, where was I going to find a home in the church?  Please.  But, paths open up that you never expect and here I am negotiating a career that up until now did not exist.  Whatever you do, don’t wake up one morning after a long career in something you hate and realize forty years are gone and you can’t get them back.  Believe.  Just believe…

What technique or exercise gets you through the challenging times?

Humor.  As a comedian and a breast cancer survivor, I know first hand about the healing power of laughter in hard times.  In fact, an entire chapter of my new book is dedicated to it.  I entitled it “Into the Ark” from a poem by Nobel Laureate poet Wislawa Szymborska: “An endless rain is just beginning. Into the ark, for where else can you go.”   To me, humor is that ark.

Humor is the ark that will allow us to rise above life’s hard times. It is God’s way of lifting our burdens, if just for a split second, to allow us a moment to breathe and to heal.

Suffering is not who we are; it is what we are experiencing.  When we find something to smile about in a place of pain, the balance of power shifts and we reclaim control. We take life back.  Laughter reassures us that no matter what comes at us, even if it defeats us, it will never define us.

Who drove you to be who you are?

My mom was my encouragement.  She grew up in a time when women did not have the full opportunities to work or pursue their dreams.  She not only encouraged me to go after my dreams, she taught me to honor the freedom and privileges I now have that she never did.

My biggest challenge in leaping into my passion for serving others and how I addressed them?

1-Not having any role models.  Sometimes you just have to blaze a trail.  Just because the world isn’t doing it yet, doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

2-Money.  I had significant student loans and couldn’t afford to leave the practice of law to pursue seminary.  I decided to take a huge risk, leave my job at a large established bank and take a job with an upstart bank that could well have gone under.  Instead, within a year they were bought out and I almost instantly had enough money to pay off my loans and go to seminary.

Who is my biggest “hero” in my life and why?

My partner Toby is my biggest hero.  He worked in a high stress, difficult job for years—commuting three hours a day back and forth into New York City.  He finally reached a point where he could keep working and simply make more money, or he could retire, live a modest life and do what he loves.  He took the latter option, left the desk job and today spends his time but as a woodcarver, fly fisherman, long distance Harley rider and chef.

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

I think my motto is best summed up from a quote in the movie Kung Fu Panda:  “Our destiny is usually found on the road we take to avoid it.”

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.

On Wednesday, June 2, we’re interviewing Dr. Rachel Anne Ruotolo, a craniofacial and pediactric plastic surgeon who is an angel to many children by performing surgeries to correct cleft palates and other deformities.

Dial-in:  347-205-9038 or stream in via:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, joined Long Island Plastic Surgical Group in November 2008. She is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ruotolo graduated Cum Laude from Duke University in 1994.  She received her MD degree from George Washington School of Medicine, graduating with distinction. Dr. Ruotolo received her General Surgery and Plastic Surgery training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She then pursued specialty training in Pediatric Congenital and Craniofacial Surgery as a fellow at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas under the tutelage of Dr. Jeffrey Fearon.   Dr. Ruotolo performs a broad spectrum of reconstructive procedures and has a special interest in pediatric plastic surgery with an emphasis on craniofacial surgery.  She is affiliated with North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System through Schneider’s Children Hospital and the Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center and has privileges at Winthrop and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Thanks Dr. Ruotolo and Happy Passioneering!

Dr. Ruotolo’s Passioneer Q&A

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

I suppose my definition of passion is something that you feel strongly about and something that is consistent with your inner drive, morals, and how one lives their life.  I suppose my “WHY” for being on the planet is I just think that everybody has the opportunity to contribute and to make a difference, and I think that there are a lot of people that just go through each day just to get through the day and onto the next without purpose or without contributing, and I think that if each person had a passion to contribute in any way that their heart drove them, I think that the world would be a very different place today.

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

I suppose how I express my passion is simply in my profession.  I have a passion for helping children.  I absolutely love my job.  I love coming to work everyday.  I even welcome all the challenges that come with what I do.  I honestly feel so blessed to have found a career, which is so in tune with who I am and who I want to be in this world.

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

I really do not see there being many challenges in expressing my passion.   As long as you make yourself available to these children and do not have many limitations on time. I think it takes a lot of personal dedication, as far as time commitment to this career and to these kids, but I do not necessarily see that as a challenge per se.  So, in essence, in answering the question, I think that I do not really find that there is any specific challenge in expressing the passion in my job.

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

I think that this is something that I have been trying to share with a lot of my colleagues and friends.  There are so many people that I encounter on a daily basis that just either feel apathy towards their jobs or careers or actually detest them. We spend the majority of our lives or at least a large portion of our lives in our careers or jobs, so I just think that it is so important that you actually love what you do, which thankfully I do.  I mean I just truly, truly feel blessed that I have been able to have the type of career and pursue the type of practice that I have always dreamed of.

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

I think, discipline is the most important thing.  Everybody attributes intelligence, I suppose, to achievement, and although this is a part of it, I think that the largest reason for my “success” in life and career simply comes down to discipline and sacrifice.  I didn’t do a lot of the social things, and I gave up a significant part of my personal life for a very long time in order to achieve what I have achieved.  I have no regret whatsoever, but I think that there is an element of talent and skill, I suppose, especially when you are talking about surgical skill, but I think the most important thing is dedication and discipline.

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

I suppose it is just that not everybody shares your happiness and passion in your career and just not to let other people’s negativity bring you down and not to allow that attitude to become contagious and to stay focussed and maintain direction.

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

My primary support system has always been my family.  Even though for 17 years I lived away from home due to college, med school, residency, and fellowship, I spoke to my mom, I think every single day, I do not think we actually missed a day during those 17 years.  My family has been unbelievably supportive of my career goals.  I know its a very long time with all of the schooling and training.  They were behind me the entire way and not everybody that I trained with had that type of support system, and I think that really truly made a big difference.

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

I think to just stay focused and keep an eye on what your goal is and what you want to achieve, and as long as you keep that focus and believe in yourself and in that achievement, it will happen and it is just so worth it.  A lot of people look at the amount of schooling and training it takes to achieve, e.g., what I have, but you kind of cannot look at the 17 years that it took.  Out of high school, I did not sit there and think, “Oh my goodness!  I am not getting my first job for 17 years.”  You really have to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process every step of the way.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

I think there is so much more I want to achieve on the national level in my field of craniofacial surgery.  I do want to be the “go-to” craniofacial surgeon certainly in Long Island and then New York area and then even nationally.  I would like to contribute to my field with new innovations in surgical techniques and continue to publish in our literature.

Last year we began interviewing hundreds of bold, talented individuals and groups around the world who are leaping fully and vibrantly into their passions for making big, positive differences in the world.  We call them Passioneers® and are focusing on documenting their journeys to inspire others who are scared, discouraged, stuck, or dispassionate about their own journeys.   You know a  Passioneer when you meet them, mostly by how you feel in their presence:  uplifted, inspired, and ready to take on the world.  So what’s the secret sauce?

A decade ago, Paul Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson coined the term “Cultural Creatives,” in their book, The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World. Their term refers to individuals who meet ten or more of their twenty Cultural Creative traits (See your score).   Their research estimates that there were nearly 150 million Cultural Creatives around the world in the year 2000 (50 million in the U.S.; 80-90 million in Europe).   The twenty criteria range from a love of nature, optimism for the future, equality for men and women to a dislike of modernism and concern about big business.   The research points to the possibility of Cultural Creatives’ linking arms, hearts, and programs around the globe and collaborating for a brighter future.   This possibility is becoming an imperative as we witness more and more disasters like the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.  Watch our brief video on our WHY!

Initially my definition of a Passioneer was how I described my closest friends and colleagues – the like-spirited souls whom I really click with, instantly, synchronistically, and at depth.  More recently, I realized that my best coaching clients are Passioneers, since they are truly willing and ready to make big steps to transform the planet.  The reality?  A Passioneer is a Cultural Creative who lives the mantra of “doing what you love and having the rest follow.”  A Passioneer thrives at what she loves (no starving martyrs please!) and wants to leave a big, positive legacy on the planet and support others in doing the same.  Don’t get me wrong:  each of us has a burning, crazy-ass Passioneer inside who’s just aching to burst on the scene and make a difference.  Still, it’s only the true Passioneers who follow their thought and talk with ACTION!

So, are you a Passioneer?  Answer the questions below to find out (or watch our brief video):

1. Are you a big thinker with big ideas for your life and the planet?
2. Do you believe that happiness involves a healthy mind, body, and spirit?
3. Are you ready and willing to make courageous leaps in inspiring and serving in the world?
4. Are you clear about your passions and your purpose?
5. Does your definition of prosperity embrace way more than material gain but isn’t the “starving martyr syndrome”?
6. Do you follow a path of regular self-reflection, self-development, and spirituality?
7. Are you an open-minded, lifelong learner, and wisdom-seeker?
8. Are you big-hearted and compassionate?
9. Do you believe in the power of oneness, connection, and relationships?
10. Are you a good steward of the earth, including resources, plants and animals?
11. The Super-Duper Clincher:  Do you actively and consistently walk your Passioneer talk throughout your day and with every being that you meet?

If you answered at least 7 of the 11 questions with a “Yes,” then you are a Passioneer.  Bonus points if you answered #11 with a Yes!

In their research, Ray and Anderson also discovered some common values in Cultural Creatives that they asserted are “the best single indicator of real behavior”:  Authenticity, Engaged Action and Whole Process Learning, Idealism and Activism, Globalism and Ecology, Importance of Women, Altruism, Self-Actualization, and Spirituality.

For the Passions and Possiblities Project, we’ve distilled 200+ interviews into a core set of 12 values that show up the most in the Passioneers.  As you can see, there’s a lot of overlap with the Cultural Creative research.

1. Big Vision/Purpose
2. Fierce Commitment/Perseverence
3. Faith/Belief
4. Authenticity/Integrity
5. Courage
6. Prosperity Consciousness
7. Strong Connections/Relationships
8. Self-nurturing/Balance
9. Giving Heart
10. Consistent Action
11. Gratitude
12. Open Mind/Flexibility

Most importantly, we’ve found that Passioneers have clear, focused desires for their lives, including;

• Fully exploring and expressing their talents and passions.
• Prospering at what they love in all areas of their life.
• Being healthy, vibrant, and in balance.
• Living the life of their dreams.
• Making a big difference in the world and leave a legacy.
• Building and maintaining deeper, more committed relationships of all kinds
• Supporting others in the same.  That is, paying it backward, forward, up, down, and all around.

So, ask yourself, are you a Passioneer?   Do you want to be one?  For tips on making the leap check out our two related posts:  Do What You Love and the Rest Will Follow (Part I) and Part II.

Happy Passioneering!

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Sue Oliver is a Passions and Possibilities coach who supports bold, talented individuals in leaping fully and vibrantly into their passions for making bigger, positive contributions on the planet.  She offers full-spectrum success coaching from a mind/body/spirit standpoint through Powerleaps Coaching, via telecoaching and classes.  Sue shares 20 years of experience launching new ventures for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals.  Her mission is to prove that you can do what you love and thrive.  She hosts the popular The Passions and Possibilities Project radio show and founded The Passions and Possibilities Project.

Special thanks to Terry Kohl for sharing this week’s guest blog on the theme of Courage.  If you or someone you know would like to be a guest blogger, email us at info@passionsandpossibilities.com.  Thank you and Happy Passioneering!

Walking Your Talk

by:  Terry Kohl

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to advise others on what to do? I don’t know about you but I excel at this. In my Live Like You Mean It Playshops™ I am expected to teach, however, the teacher in me often takes over in my day-to-day life, and sometimes without being asked. Ooops.

Recently, I observed myself advising a friend on a subject that was challenging to me as well. When I realized that I could easily be advising myself, an epiphany occurred. I was “thunked” on the head with the awareness that I was not walking my talk.

Most of us have been guilty of the “all talk and no action” syndrome at one time or another. However, studies show that people pay more attention to what others do than what they say. This includes kids, big time!

As a child, one of my mother’s favorite admonitions was, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” The injustice of that infuriated me well into my early 20’s. Then I realized that she wanted to instill in me a better framework for action and decision-making than she was able to carry out herself. (Thank you mom!)

So what holds us back from practicing what we preach, or walking our talk? As I began to drill down into the real issue, I realized I was afraid. In reality, we are all afraid of something. The key is to recognize it and take action to overcome it.

My fear, and the one I so effectively help others to overcome, is the fear of being misjudged. But, as I explain to others, you can line up 20 people and get 20 different reactions to whatever it is you are asking for. Relying on the approval of anyone other than you is a one-way ticket to feelings of rejection and judgment.

Making the decision to walk my talk was the first—and frankly—the most difficult step in overcoming my fear. Many of us do not pay attention to what we are thinking. Thoughts are habit forming and become habit-forming actions. Where your thoughts go, your experience follows. Your talk is where you walk.

Being mindful of what I am thinking, and consciously choosing whether to speak those thoughts, has caused me to never miss a good chance to shut up. The real power is in our actions, not our words.

Where are your thoughts taking you? Are you on a journey of joy, discovery and self-love, or are you so intent on telling others what to do that you lose track of your own course. Make it a priority to decide to uncover your true beliefs and motives. It only takes a little courage to squeeze out the little fears one by one.

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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 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!

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Each of us has a glorious, divine purpose for making a unique and positive difference on this planet; that is, for leaving a powerful legacy.   And guess what?  Your passion and your talents together point directly to your purpose.  Pretty obvious, eh?

Most of us have a good inkling as to what our true passions are – what we would do for free or what we would even pay someone else to let us do.  In fact, most of us share our passions for free, either as a hobby or through volunteering.  Heck, some of us pay a lot of money to access our passions.

The Passion Conundrum: What’s between you and doing what you love fully and vibrantly?

Excuses, Excuses

If you’re like me, you’re probably telling yourself one of these stories:  “I’m too busy.”  “I don’t have enough money.”  “I’m not talented enough.”  You’ve probably got lots of “yeah buts” for why you cannot thrive at what you love, based upon your past experiences and ultimately upon F.E.A.R.   It’s funny how we take our past, project it into our future and then believe that it’s the truth of who we are.    As Byron Katie shares on her website (www.ByronKatie.com), “Fear is always the result of an unquestioned past imagined as a future.”  She also describes, in a 2009 Twitter tweet: “Fear has only two causes: the thought of losing what you have or the thought of not getting what you want.”

So what’s the fear about?  Fears of failure, looking bad, not looking good, not being accepted, and the fear of being homeless are just a few that I hear and have personally experienced.   The bottom line?  Your fears do not define who you are and they are a lousy story with an unhappy ending that you continually tell yourself, over and over again.  What a recurring nightmare!

Selling Out, Bigtime

In my own life, I sold out my passions several times to follow the path most traveled and headed into the illusory security of Corporate America.  Let’s flash back to my undergrad years, when I absolutely adored the French language and dreamed of becoming a language professor.  Most of my friends, meanwhile, were heading into law, medicine, or business.  When I solicited their opinion on my French passion as a career, I heard loudly and clearly “Teachers don’t make any money!”  I believed them.  I also believed that, especially as a woman, I should be more practical/realistic/logical/level-headed.   Sadly enough, by choosing to become a businesswoman (which I liked) rather than a professor of French (which I adored), I affirmed the fallacy that teachers can’t prosper in their passions and that I couldn’t either.  At the time, I reasoned that, if I was on the right path in pursuing my passions, I should be fear-less.   WRONG!    Now I know that true courage is feeling the fear and doing it anyway, whatever “it” is.

Passioneers Live Courageously

For The Passions and Possibilities Project®, we have interviewed over 200 individuals who have leaped fully and vibrantly into their passions for making big differences in the world (aka Passioneers®).  Every single one of them stated that they had fears during their leaps, and that they moved forward anyway.  You had better believe that fears were rampant when the following four successful Passioneers made the tough decision to fully unleash their passions:

• Ellen Whitehurst leaves a successful corporate career and 20-year marriage to become a feng shui expert. She later rockets to the status of Dr. Oz advisor and an author whose books, blogs, and articles are read by millions.
• Brooke Ellison enters the gates of Harvard on her first day of classes.  She then becomes the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard,  advocates for stem-cell research, and inspires Christopher Reeve to create a motion picture about her life’s story.
• Dr. Joanna Dolgoff gives up a thriving pediatric practice to tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity, an issue that very few doctors address.  She’s now one of the leading experts in the world.
• Missy Lavender decides that women’s pelvic health is more important than a lucrative real estate investment career.  She co-founds the Women’s Health Foundation, and gets interviewed by Whoopie Goldberg on the popular ABC TV program, The View.

Tips for Making Friends with Terror

Thank God that I now realize the creative power of our words and actions.  The Passions and Possibilities Project is my way to prove to myself and others that, when we do what we love, the rest DOES follow.  One of my mentors recently reminded me that, the bigger the game that you play in the world, the bigger your fears will be.  With my most recent leap into founding The Passions and Possibilities Project, I can honestly say that this is true:  there are days when I am absolutely terrified.  Below are three simple steps that I use and recommend to my coaching clients when the hairy scary monsters raise their ugly heads:

1.   Feel the Fear. Don’t run, hide, abdicate, medicate, or give up.   Action Step: Write down at least ten “facts” about your situation and then compare them to the”story” that you have been telling yourself.  Now that you can see the difference between fact and fiction, which would you really prefer?

2.   Move Forward Anyway. Miracles arise when you step out of your comfort zone and into your dreams.  Even by taking a baby step forward, you will find wings starting to sprout where dug-in heels used to be.  Action Step: Take at least three baby steps forward into your passions and see what happens.

3.  Build a Courage Club. It is true that you are whom you hang out with.  So, if you’ve been hanging out with passion wimps, it is high time to choose again.   Action Step: Call, write, visit, or bump into at least three people this week who are passion warriors, even if you don’t know them.  When two or more Passioneers are gathered, magic happens…a lot!

Best wishes on your courageous journey and Happy Passioneering.