Passioneering Moment #4: Creating A List of 100 Things that You Love

This Passioneering Moment is on Love, which is February’s theme.

As I get older, I notice that, more and more, what I love falls off of my plate.  It becomes more of a dessert than a main course, as life happens and I check off “to dos” on a ever-growing list.  In truth, it’s easy to forget what I really love – what sings my soul, where I lose myself completely and dive into the infinite, timeless spaciousness of the Divine.

During my coach training program several years ago, I was asked to write down 100 or more things that I truly love. At first I thought this would be easy – a piece of cake. Wrong! It was easy to come up with the first 35 things, and then I got stuck. Road block! I literally froze, and yet I was supposed to keep going regardless. For several minutes I hung out on that precipice, not being able to write a single word. It felt like eternity – as if the permission to express my joys would never sink in. Suddenly, as if a dam had burst, the passions came forth, and I couldn’t write fast enough. The remaining 65 items poured from my heart to pen to paper quickly and easily, as my list of Top 100 “Love List” was born.  In this moment, several years later, I realize that it’s high time to create another Top 100 list, in order to keep my passion connections strong.

My Invitation:
Write down 100 things that you love: activities, people, places, sensations, anything. Keep writing, even if you get stuck like I did. When you have completed your list, post it front and center in your life – where you will see it on a regular basis. I’m putting my new one on the vision board right over my computer. Bonus points for incorporating at least one item on your list into EACH day.  Then see what is possible!

For more information about coaching and consulting services for Passioneers – inspired and inspiring individuals who are giving back vibrantly in the world, or if would like to connect with a network of over 350 other Passioneers around the globe, please contact us here.  Happy Passioneering!

Passioneer® Harold James Wilkins, CEO and Owner of Tiny Green Cabins, Green Entrepreneur

We’re honored to interview Harold James Wilkins, CEO and Owner of Tiny Green Cabins, on the radio show The Passions and Possibilities® Network on Wednesday, 9am PST, January 19th.

For several years in talking with his sons, Jim urged them to pursue their dreams, and yet found himself unable to take the risk for himself.  The weekend of Nov 13, 2008, at a retreat in Northern Minnesota on Gull Lake, an idea and dream surfaced that he knew he had to follow. This time, it went further than just dreams and idle talk, and actually moved into a mind mapping of the idea. Before long, he had hard reasons on paper to follow the dream. He now builds small houses, tiny cabins, tiny homes, and tiny houses that honor the environment and vision to make a difference for others.  Jim’s been featured in a variety of media channels, and can be reached at www.tinygreencabins.com

Check out www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities for the show’s archive!

Jim’s Passionography:

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

Passion is the intense love and pursuit of my heart desires, the fire in the belly, the “thing” that makes me come alive with an energy that says this is mine to do.

SZO:  Which factors have been most important in your success? Vision, Faith, Perseverance, and Tenacity

SZO:  What has been your biggest challenge in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed it?

The critical voice, inner and exterior, that questions or challenges my beliefs and abilities to do what I desire to do. I listen to spirit, the inner voice and intuition, seek out mentors and friends that will support me in my passion, sought counseling to build self esteem and to identify that critical inner voice and make peace with some aspects of it. I have learned to celebrate the achievements, large and small, and rejoice in them by acknowledging/honoring them in some special way. I keep a win journal so that when I get discouraged, I can review the wins and milestones of the journey. And I remember, “This too shall pass” And finally, I have learned to listen to the “whispers” that float through while I am “being”, whenever and wherever that may be.

SZO: Do you have a quote to share that speaks of you and your passion?

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. –Goethe

Visioning is a process by which we train ourselves to be able to hear, feel, see, and catch God’s plan for our life or for any particular project we’re working on . . . it is based on the idea that we’re not here to tell God what to do or to ask God for things but to absolutely be available for what God is already doing, to open ourselves up to catch what’s already happening. —Rev. Michael Beckwith, D.D.

SZO:  What tips do you have for someone to create a bigger vision for their lives?

Create a team, support group of like minded individuals for visioning your highest purposes. Each member of the team benefits from the insights and whispers they “catch” while visioning Find a coach or mentor that will be forthright with you, hold your highest vision, and support you in spirit, and is authentic and is in alignment with their beliefs.

SZO:  What tips do you have for somebody to do more of what they really love?

Identify what they love doing, and get curious about the possibilities of what you love doing. Know that you can do it and you can make a living at it. Remain open at the top, meditate and vision regularly, make a practice of it so you can check in on your vision as it reveals itself to you. Start a “win” file so that when things get discouraging, you can pull up your accomplishments and successes. Pick a song that reminds you quickly and easily of what you can do. For me, it is “Amazing Things” by Jana Stanfield.

Thanks Jim and Happy Passioneering!

Just Be It: Tips for Leaping Vibrantly into What You Really Love

Two years ago, I wrote the blog post below, which summarizes the biggest tips for leaping vibrantly and prosperously into what you love.  Things haven’t changed one bit since then!  In fact, with the continuing challenges of the U.S. economy, these tips are even more important.  If I could distill the biggest key from the 300+ Passioneer interviews, it would be this:  JUST BE IT.  WHY WAIT?

Top Tips to Express What You Love

Often I ask individuals who have successfully leaped into their dreams if they have any regrets. Without exception, they have responded with a resounding “No”! Their most common tip for individuals who are considering the leap is to stop procrastinating and to just do it. Below are some easy, powerful steps to move forward today.

  • Clarify Your Dream. By tomorrow, spend at least 30 minutes exploring the life of your dreams. Write it. Paint it. Sing it. Create a vision board. Let it out!
  • Hang Out with Passionate People. When two or more individuals discuss together their passions, magic unfolds. So over the next week, find at least one social or professional group that shares your passion. Attend one of their events.
  • Explore a Career Change. Your dream life may require a career change. Write down at least five alternative ventures that would allow you to more fully express your passions. Consider hiring a career specialist.
  • Face Your Fears. Write down your ten biggest fears about fully leaping into your dreams. Then examine which of the fears are facts and which are really your interpretations.
  • Stake Your Claim. This week, when others ask you what you do, create a new sound track. Instead of describing an old role or job, declare your passion as your new occupation. “I now am a ___________________” (fill in the blank).
  • Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech. Know what target market you want to serve with your passions. Then use a simple, conversational approach to describe who you are. Here’s my blurb: “As a passions and possibilities coach, I support talented, driven, and successful individuals in taking the next big leap into their dreams”.
  • Order New Business Cards. You could have polished calling cards for your new venture by the end of the week. Several online vendors offer very low-cost choices, so order them today. There’s no excuse not to!
  • Spread the News. Tell at least ten people that you are pursuing the life of your dreams now. Ask them to tell at least ten people. Leverage new and existing venues, especially social networks on the internet.
  • Build a Cheerleading Team. Make a list of ten individuals who could be strong supporters of your dream. Meet with all of them over the next month, and make a specific request for their support.
  • Find a Mentor. Learn from the mistakes of others, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls along your journey. Use your connections to find five successful individuals who are already expressing a similar passion.
  • Hire a Professional Life Coach. A great coach will help you organize countless baby steps into a powerful game plan for your dream. Seek out someone who has solid experience, a successful track record, and with whom you have a strong connection.
  • Assess Your Finances. As you leap into your passions, take your financial pulse. Have you already saved at least one year’s worth of your expected expenses? If not, you will need additional income until your new venture is profitable. So don’t quit your day job right away!
  • Hire a Financial Expert. If you are facing major debt challenges or complicated finances, spend the time and money to hire an expert. You will avoid many headaches and be much more likely to prosper.
  • Take It Slow and Steady. Your progress towards your dreams, after taking many baby steps like these, will simply astound you. Consider Dick Miller, the man who ate a 2,800 pound car. How did he do it? One mouthful at a time.
  • Start Today. Take at least one step into your passions today, even if it’s a small one. Words without action are meaningless, so what do YOU commit to?

Catching and Holding Bigget Vision for Your Life

Vision = Clarity and Focus!

When you make the time to tune into the bigger vision for your life – to steep yourself in it with all of your senses, you can literally call it forth into your life.   Napoleon Hill said “What You can conceive and believe, you can achieve.”   Most folks don’t spend enough time in the conceiving part, so there’s no way they ever get to believing.   That’s where visioning comes in. The visioning exercise posted below was recorded during our first 2011 VisionCasting call, a monthly, free opportunity for you to tune into the vision for your life from the perspective of your Higher Power.

For more information on visioning, click here for the Visioning FAQ. To share your experience or wisdom with our Network or to sign-up for bi-monthly inspiration and tips, please contact us.

30-Minute Visioning Podcast (Facilitator, Sue Zeal Oliver)

(down-loadable version at the bottom of the page).

Transcript from the 1.6.2011 Visioning Exercise:

  • We’ll create a reflective, contemplative place for about 15 minutes and then will ask our Higher Power to share this vision with us. We’ll open up the phone lines at the end, for anyone who wants to share.
  • Please get at least 2 pieces of paper and pen, pencil, markers, or even crayons. Write the words “Vision” on one page, in small letters in the top part; then, “Be” on the back of that page (or use a new sheet); write “Release” on another side or sheet, and then “Anything Else” on the fourth side or sheet.
  • You can use these sheets to write down any images, sensations, words, etc., that come to you during the process, either as they come forth or at the end. I highly recommend doing so throughout.

Background of Visioning

  • Visioning is a tool for connecting with the realm infinite possibilities – your true nature. That which you do not know with your five senses.
  • It goes beyond visualization which is limited to what you have actually seen with your eyes (for example, imagining yourself successfully dunking a basketball through a hoop).
  • In visioning, you ask your Higher Power to share the biggest possible vision for your life. Or for a project, situation, venture – it can be used for any area of your life.
  • You can create time for visioning monthly, weekly, even daily…from a few minutes to several hours. I include it for about 10 minutes in my daily spiritual practice and for a few hours each month.
  • The technique here includes Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s line of simple questioning. You can find out more about his programs by Googling Life Visioning or going to his website.
  • I’ll be sharing four simple questions that you can record on your IPOD, phone or other device and use during your own meditation and journaling practices.
  • Ground rules:
  • Ask your censor, left brain, and inner critics to take a break. There’s no right or wrong way to do visioning. It’s highly likely that some of what comes forth will not make sense. That’s OK!
  • Sometimes the answer will come later down the line, and other times, it may not.
  • Please honor the reflective space and the variety of spiritual traditions.
  • Allow each person to share AND be laser like, focused in your sharing.

Visioning Questions:

  • What is the Greatest Good for my life in 2011? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste Like?
  • What am I to be in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • What am I to release in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • Anything else for me to know about this Greatest Good for my life?

Giving great thanks for what has unfolded and for the truth that as we believe it, it is so. That we are indeed here for a Higher Purpose – spiritual beings having a human experience.

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

Happy Passioneering!

PassionBlast #12: Tips from Successful Passioneers®

Twice a month, we share tips, stories, and quotes to inspire social and spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs who want to thrive as they share their talents and gifts.  If you would like to contribute your story or wisdom, please contact us here.  Our contributors receive a heads-up on our themes, articles, and story requests and full attribution and link-backs for their submissions.

“You can start with nothing. And out of nothing, and out of no way, a way will be made” ~ Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith

Tips for Thriving as You Give Back in the World

Passioneer® Melissa Plaskoff, Founder and CEO of Lemons to Aid

  • Figure out what speaks to you.
  • Decide how much of a commitment you want to give to your passion.
  • Find a way to make it happen (it may be a fun way, volunteering, starting a business) and it will all work itself out. When you find your passion, it really is simple. I’m doing it now!
  • Melissa’s full passion0graphy: click here.

Passioneer Paula Caligiuri, Author and Career Coach

  • You cannot own your job but you can own your career.  Stay in control of your own development.
  • Have a well-formulated plan on achieving your career goal.  Sometimes one aspect of your career may need to fund another.
  • Manage all of your resources well:  time, money, energy.  Use your discretionary resources to move you closer to your career goal.
  • Paula’s full passionography: click here.

Passioneer Stephanie A. Jones, Political/Social Scientist, Founder of Geek Nerd Wonk

  • You must be prepared to work harder than you can conceivably imagine.  That means a 9-5 job to keep a roof over your head, and another 6 hours per day devoted to your true passion and/or volunteering, to whatever feels most authentic to you.  If you do not work 14-16 hours a day you will never escape your 9-5 job, when the goal is to be so successful at your authentic job you can do IT alone for 14-16 hours a day.
  • There is no vacancy waiting for you.  You have to claim your space. There is no room at the top just waiting for your particular brilliance, ready and willing to step to the side to enable your joining the hallowed ranks.  Educate yourself, give of yourself, establish your credibility, and then march in and claim your space.  Then work twice as hard to maintain your right to be there.
  • If you tell the truth. 100% of the time, you never have to remember anything you have ever said.
  • Stephanie’s full passionography: click here.


Passioneer® Melissa Plaskoff, Founder and CEO, Lemons to Aid

Turning Lemons into Lemons to Aid!

Melissa  Plaskoff was a stay at home mom who decided to make a change in her life after her  four-year old hosted a lemonade stand.  They have now reached out to the nation and kids across America are getting involved and learning about the power of giving!  Based in Dallas, Texas, Lemons to Aid is on a mission to use the simple, but memorable experience of hosting lemonade stands to instill the mindset of service and charitable giving in children at a young age.  Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, often generate a helpless feeling in adults and children wanting to help, but not knowing how.  Lemons to Aid provides the tools for families around the world to host lemonade stands and other creative programs, such as read-a-thons, bake sales, etc. to raise money for disaster relief and other basic need causes.  She can be reached at www.lemonstoaid.org.

We’re interviewing Melissa on the radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Network, broadcasting this Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 9am PST.  Tune in live via (347) 205-9038 or streaming audio:  The Passions and Possibilities Radio Show

Melissa’s Passiongraphy Q&A:

1.    What’s your definition of “passion”?

Finding what speaks to you and getting involved! If you figure out what interests you, it’s simple to get involved and make a difference!

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

I have made a decision to help others and everything else has fallen into place. It’s amazing how many people want to help you when you are doing the right thing. The one word that describes my success is “DETERMINATION.”

3.    What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenge with Lemons to Aid is how fast we are growing. So many people want to get their kids involved in making a difference and with our simple, kid-friendly ideas, kids across America and abroad are getting involved.

4.    Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

After the earthquake in Haiti, my 4 year old son, Hudson asked if we could have a lemonade stand at our house. I told him it sounded like a great idea, but we had to donate the proceeds to the earthquake relief. Well, we made $150 in less than 2 hours. I thought if this was so easy for us, this has to be shared with other families. We set up an informational website and a facebook page and the power of social media took over!!!  Check out www.lemonstoaid.org and see our In The News Section – it’s pretty amazing!

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

Considering random acts of kindness and selfless acts of grace remember that you don’t have to make some grandiose gesture….something as simple as holding the door for another person at the grocery store can have an effect on another person.  Random acts of kindness are like pebbles thrown into a calm  pond…their effects radiate outwardly long after the deed is done…when you take the opportunity to reach out to someone they are more inclined to then reach out kindly to someone else and  so on and so on……that one simple act of kindness creates a snowball effect touching many people….watch how the journey of your day evolves when you begin to continually extend these small gestures of grace….allow your actions and your words to flow from the innocence of your own heart.

6.    What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

I hope people say that I was a person that taught young children how to give to others at an early age. They are our future and I want to set the foundation for giving early.

7.    What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

  • Figure out what speaks to you
  • Decide how much of a commitment you want to give to your passion
  • Find a way to make it happen (it may be a fun way, volunteering, starting a business) and it will all work itself out. When you find your passion, it really is simple. I’m doing it now!

Thanks Melissa and Happy Passioneering!

Passioneer™ Jamie Dougherty, Health & Lifestyle Coach and Consultant

[private][private]We are SO excited to be sharing the Passioneering story of Jamie G. Dougherty, live on radio at 9am PST tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21st.  She’s  the Owner and Founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Consulting.  She is an AADP Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach with a private and corporate practice offering assistance nationwide.  She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in giving her clients the tools to transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.  She can be reached at www.jamieliving.com!

Dial in live at (347) 205-9038 or via our website:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities.  We LOVE your questions and ideas on making the leap into what you really love.

Our Recent Interview with Jamie

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

Passion is a feeling deep inside that drives you towards your dreams.  It is an urge of pure happiness and joy within your being that must be let out and set free.

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

My biggest passion for serving others it to make the world a better place.  I know that sounds cliché but there is no greater goal that bringing love and self-worth to the people around you. As a health & lifestyle expert, I give wellness lectures, one-on-one coaching, and cooking classes to groups around the country.  I provide people the tools to take care of themselves at the most foundational level.  From nutrition advice to relaxation and self-care techniques, I break wellness down into easy and manageable steps that will sustain them for a lifetime.

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

I grew up with a great deal of fear and the supposed truth that no one follows their passion.  A passion is something you pursue on the side, never anything that embodies your career.  Once I got past that I was also concerned those I wanted to serve, wouldn’t want my information.  Ultimately I had to look at what my real concerns were.  What was really holding me back? Once I got clear on the specifics of my fear and addressed them through self-exploration and a good deal of Louise Hay J, I was able move forward.

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

For me, prosperity affects every aspect of my life.  It equates to riches of the heart, riches that were inaccessible before I took the leap.   My economic and emotional prosperity has increased 10 fold since starting my nutrition coaching business.  I now wake up knowing I am following my passion and living the life I was meant to live.  Before taking the leap I was terrified to leave my job.  It was a “great” job with amazing benefits but the little voice inside kept reminding me, “This job is not for you. You are more, you are meant for something bigger.  You must follow your passion to find true contentment.”  I am blessed beyond belief to have the opportunity to live my passion and experience all the prosperity it has to offer.

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

There are two lessons for me:  1) Taking the leap is hard.  And you have to work at is every day.  But there is no greater satisfaction in life. 2) I can do anything! The world is truly my oyster and it is waiting for me.  I just need to go get it!

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

I have a wonderful husband who tells me every day he is proud of me.  I’ve also surrounded myself with successful people in my field who have wonderful ideas that they are willing to share.  Many of them I met at school and others I met through networking events and women’s groups.  Lastly, I’ve cut out any one who is negative or unsupportive.  There is simply no room in my life for negativity.

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

Taking the leap is certainly not easy.  I recommend looking inward and asking some deep questions:  1) Why do I want to make this leap?  2) How would my life be different if I took this leap?  3) Will I experience joy and contentment WITHOUT taking the leap?  4) What’s the worse thing that could happen if I made the leap?  5) Can I live with my life as it is, completely LEAP-free?

SO:  What’s your next big milestone?

I’ve got two milestones coming up.  I’m currently working on a book that focuses on my life through the lens of food.  Each chapter will regale a food story or experience with a correlating recipe.   I’m very excited about it.  And secondly, is my TV show Fix My Food.  We are scheduled to shoot another episode and I’m currently looking for directors, producers, and networks interested in picking it up.  It’s all quite thrilling and I still can’t believe this is where my career is headed!

Thanks Jamie and Happy Passioneering!
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Passioneer™ Jordan Mallah, Founder of Steadfast Freedom Yoga

[private][private]Jordan Mallah of Steadfast Freedom Yoga Jordan Mallahis a native New Yorker who has studied and taught yoga since 1996 both in the US and internationally. As a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, his uplifting and inspiring teaching style inspires students of all ages and levels of experience to live fully from their heart and celebrate life each day. Jordan specializes in helping people heal their minds and bodies by freeing themselves from the limitations of pain, drawing upon precise postural alignment and therapeutic biomechanics. Jordan’s myriad life experiences range from working as a corporate consultant with the global management consulting firm Accenture, to volunteering with the Peace Corps in Peru, where his primary focus was on helping indigenous Andean villagers curb their rate of malnutrition by creating sustainable, community.

Below is our recent interview with him on Blog Talk Radio, The Passions and Possibilities Project:

Thank you Jordan and Happy Passioneering![/private][/private]

Passioneer® Morgan Rich, Author, Coach, Visionary

Morgan loves spending time with young people. He is currently laughing, playing, reading books, and enjoying every day while raising his two young children. For 12 years prior to spending time with his own kids, he learned with teenagers about communication and increasing self-esteem. He spent time as a high school teacher, an adventure trip leader, a personal growth program facilitator, a mentor, an interim Dean of Students, an advisor, and a friend. These experiences, a Master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a trip around the world on a ship, helped him understand that at the heart of our success as people is confidence in our selves and support and love from other people. He calls these things “Know Yourself” and “Trust Yourself.” It is with the passion to make a difference in people’s lives that he coaches his clients to sustainable and long-term success. He authored the book Launch Your Life: 5 Secrets to Knowing What You Want in Your Teens, College Years, and Early Career. Reach him at www.playhuge.com.Morgan0330_large

Below is our recent radio interview with him, September 23, 2009:

Passoneer® Jasmine Graham, Coach, Athlete, Entrepreneur

bio picJasmine Graham is the Founder and President of Pace For Success Inc. She is a certified coach with the Road runners Club of America and an American Council of Exercise certified Fitness instructor. Pace For Success creates F.I.N.E. HUMAN BEINGS through Fitness, Involvement, Nutrition & Empowerment. Jasmine is currently running a very successful Health and wellness company. She offers Bootcamp Fitness sessions, Running programs and Nutrition programs. Her scope of service is not just limited to fitness and nutrition. Her newest endeavor is her talk show FINE WOMEN that will cover issues related to Fitness, Involvement , Nutrition and Empowerment in every show. She also wants to showcase ordinary people doing extraordinary things in every episode. She decided to create this show because she wanted to empower and effect people in a positive way on a larger scale. The pilot is completed and will be shopped to various networks. She has also been interviewed on various cable programs where she discussed how she changed careers and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Her life’s passion is to help people be the best that they can be and she is accomplishing that. She can be reached at www.pace4success.com.

Below is her interview with us on Blog Talk Radio, October 2, 2009:

Passioneer® Eileen Dey, MA, Actress, Speaker, Founder of Reiki Training Program

Eileen DeyEileen Dey, M.A. and Reiki master is the director/founder of the only state licensed Eileen is also a counselor and provides on-going “anti-career” support to adults in career transition. Reach her at www.reikitrainingprogram.com.

We interviewed her earlier this year on Blog Talk Radio (Passions and Possibilities Network):

Passioneer® Keith J. Davis, Jr, Entrepreneur, Founder of K. Jerrold Enterprises

Keith J. Davis Jr. is the founder of K. Jerrold Enterprises, a personal empowerment company that empowers, educates and motivates youth and teens to become future leaders through thought-provoking seminars, writings, networking functions, mentoring and more. Davis is the son of marketing innovator “Mr. D-MARS” (Keith Davis Sr.), owner of Houston marketing firm conglomerate D-MARS.com. Davis is a 2009 high school graduate of Cy-Springs High School in Cypress; he is currently enrolled at the University of Houston Main Campus. In his 18 years, he has launched a youth magazine, is a sought-after speaker, publisher, actor, model, and now the author of Young? So What! 10 Steps to Become a Successful Young Entrepreneur. Visit www.keithjdavisjr.com for more information.

Keith J. Davis, Jr.

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