Passioneering Tip #12

“Trust that every moment is perfect, that you are always taken care of, and that there is more than enough to go around for everybody.”

~Passioneer® Harriette Knight

Quote

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

~Winston Churchill

Weekly Passion Challenge

Before next Monday, spend at least 30 minutes courageously connecting with another human being.  That is, letting down your guard and letting go of your need to be heard, look good, be right, or otherwise get something from the other person.  Instead, listen boldly with your heart and soul.

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Enjoy and Happy Passioneering!

We recently interviewed Harriette Knight on our blog talk radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Project.  She  is a Master Healer, Psychic-Medium, and Author of CHAKRA POWER! How to Fire Up Your Energy Centers to Live a Fuller Life. Her positive outlook on life and intuitive abilities have helped many people learn how to live a fuller and more purposeful life. She is a motivating speaker who through radio shows, lectures, workshops, and healing sessions encourages and enlightens others how to reclaim their personal power and achieve their goals and dreams.  For more information, please visit www.HarrietteKnight.com.  Thanks Harriet and Happy Passioneering!

Biggest points that I personally gleaned from our conversations:

• Life CAN be easy and graceful.  When it is, you know that  you’re on the right path and headed in the right direction.
• Trust, especially trust in yourself, is the most critical element in leaping into your passions and thriving.
• Fears may come and go along the journey, and to succeed, you must operate from a place that transcends them.

Her Radio Show Interview

Her Written Passion Q&A

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

When I wrote my book, CHAKRA POWER! How to Fire Up Your Energy Centers to Live a Fuller Life, I realized I was motivated by my passion to educate others so that they could feel happier, healthier, and more alive.  My definition of passion is described by feeling excitement in the pit of my stomach and allowing it to radiate outward so I can share it with the world.

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

My belief system is based on being of service to others  so everything I do reflects that.   As a healing practioner, psychic-medium, and author, my purpose is to connect with others, put them at ease, and give them something that is easy to understand that can help make their life more fulfilling.   Whether it is through healing sessions, books, radio shows, workshops, speaking engagements, or the line of Charity Clarity Healing Jewelry I design, my path is defined by passion, good will, and optimism.

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

I believe that passion is the driving force that cuts through any challenges that may arise.  Because of that, I feel that any challenge can be overcome so that goals and dreams can be realized.   I have taken many leaps starting new businesses, and trusting that working for myself is the best option for me.   Fear is not a factor when doing what you love to do.

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

Ah, the key is TRUST.  Trust that every moment is perfect, that you are always taken care of, and that there is more than enough to go around for everybody.  Being in prosperity consciousness means that you know you will always have what you need, and manifesting becomes a fun game to play.

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

I have learned to act on my own intuition and trust how I feel about certain situations and opportunities. If it “feels” right, it usually is.  I have learned that if I am taking care of myself, those around me will be taken care of.  I have also learned that doing what you love to do feeds your soul on a daily basis.

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

I am fortunate that I have a foundation of support from wonderful parents, friends, and my children, which has paved the way for me to want to be successful.  Currently, I am part of an excellent network of groups such as Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Women Moving Forward Mastermind Group, and Betty Ferguson Foundation to name a few.  I created my support system by being open to the opportunities that have come my way, and attracting like-minded people.  I have also become a fan of social networking and through Facebook and Twitter, I have found excellent sources of support professionally and personally.

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

Ask yourself the question, “What would I do if I had no fear?”  That question can lead to many opportunities for change.  Fear can either paralyze or motivate.   My advice is to never put yourself in the position to ask, “What if?”

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

So many things are on the horizon!  Currently I co-host a Blog Talk Radio Show every Wednesday called Harriette Knight’s Psychic and Healing Hour.   My new book, EASY ART FROM THE HEART,  A Rhyming Guidebook for Parents and Teachers with 100+ Art Projects for Kids Ages 2 and Up was just released, and my next book will be a flip calendar of Harriette Knight’s Daily Healing Wisdom.

We recently interviewed Jill Nussinow, a.k.a. The Veggie Queen TM, is a Registered Dietitian who has been teaching vegetarian cooking at Santa Rosa Junior College, in Sonoma County and throughout the country since 1985. Her award-winning cookbook, The Veggie Queen: Vegetables Get the Royal Treatment, was published in 2005. Her first DVD Creative Lowfat Vegan Cuisine came on the market in December 2004. She has just released a new pressure cooking DVD (October 2007), Pressure Cooking: A Fresh Look, Delicious Dishes in Minutes. Jill is a vegetarian, vegetable and plant-food expert. You can find out more about Jill at her website www.theveggiequeen.com, www.pressurecookingonline.com or read her blog at www.theveggiequeen. blogspot.com.

Dial in live to the show on Wednesday May 12, 9am PST (347)-205-9038 or via the website:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities.   Thanks Jill and Happy Passioneering!

My Three Biggest Lessons from Jill’s Story

• Be clear on who you are, the value that you contribute to the world, and be willing to receive the prosperity that you deserve.
• Have fun and laugh along the way.
• Stick with it.  Thriving at what you love doesn’t happen overnight!

Her Blog Talk Radio Interview:

Jill’s Written Passioneer Q&A:

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

I am passionate about teaching people about vegetables, vegetarian, plant foods and pressure cooking, and why eating this way allows you to feel better, look better and gives you more energy.

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

I pride myself on being a role model for others. I shop at the farmer’s market, I share recipes on the spot (in person), I blog, I volunteer for the Vegetarian Nutrition Practice group of The American Dietetic Association and for SOMA Mushrooms (Sonoma County Mycological Association) and do yoga on a regular basis, which keeps me grounded. I also support local farmers in a variety of ways. I find teaching moments outside of the classroom whenever possible. My goal is to teach people individually or in groups who will pass that knowledge on, in the “teach a man to fish” model.

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

I want to do “it all” and often that is too much for me to do.  I have learned to say no more often, especially if someone else can do what I don’t feel that I can. It’s like pruning a rose bush – the more I get into it, the clearer it becomes what I need to cut away or say no to.

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 believe that doing what you love attracts people to you but if you don’t have business skills you aren’t always able to attract the money to go with it. You have to also realize that what you do is valuable and that charging for your skills and experience is what business people do. There’s nothing wrong with that. So, I have built my abundance-ness counsciousness over time.

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

The ability to be resilient along with talent, experience, skills and probably most of all humor. I love having fun and the enthusiasm to share it with others. I am also grateful for everything that I have in my life and encourage others to find their passion and become inspiring people.

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

Clearly define your goals. One of mine is that what I do must be fun for me or feed me in some way. If it doesn’t, then the money isn’t usually worth doing the task. And the more that I’ve said no to the things that don’t work for me allows the more joyous and often lucrative events into my life. And also, you must persevere (and not burn bridges) because events don’t always happen on the timeline that you have in mind.

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

I have an assistant who helps me at my classes and she is invaluable. I didn’t create it – she asked if she could help me and I gladly said yes. I could have more support but have not yet found the ideal virtual assistant.

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

Think about the worst that could happen if you don’t move ahead, and what’s the best thing that could happen if you do move ahead. What feels better? Hopefully it’s the best thing and if not, then you need to figure out why you don’t want to be more successful. Just do it, keep your eyes open for learning opportunities and get others who can encourage and support you.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

I am having my website redesigned and working on my next book. I am also developing my speaking platform in a more serious way and hope to reach more people with my message about how eating affects your life. 

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

Shelly Rachanow comes from a long line of butt-kicking women.  She is the author of If Women Ran the World, Sh*t Would Get Done and What Would You Do If YOU Ran the World?, two books that celebrate all the amazing things women do.  Her mission is to inspire and empower women around the world to recognize how fabulous they are.   She joins our radio show today at 5pm PST.  We welcome your input, questions, and comments by dialing in to (347) 205-9038.  .  She can be reached at www.ifwomenrantheworld.com.

SHELLY’S PASSION Q&A

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

I think passion is that sense of aliveness we experience when we give ourselves permission to pursue our dreams.  I know I feel the most passionate when I am doing what I love and living how I want to live.  For me, it’s the opposite of that stifling feeling I experience when I’m trying to please others at the expense of what’s really important to me.

SO:  What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)?

One of my favorite quotes is Eleanor Roosevelt’s, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”  My dream was always to be an author who writes books that inspire people and help them recognize that anything is possible, which is what books have always done for me (reading is one of my biggest hobbies).  It’s really through my writing and speaking engagements that I’m expressing my passion and serving others.

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

I originally worked as an attorney, but I was really unhappy in that profession.  A few years back, after a friend in his late twenties died instantly of a heart attack, I realized I didn’t want to live the rest of my life doing something I didn’t love.  That’s what gave me the courage to pursue my dream.  I made a promise to myself that I would never again live with any regrets or what if’s, and once I made that decision, there was no stopping me!

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

I see prosperity as being able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. Giving myself permission to pursue my dream of writing books has helped me be able to do just that.  I’m no longer slaving away at a job I dislike.  Instead, I wake up everyday excited about the projects I’ve chosen to work on.

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

To never settle for less than what I really want.  That I am worthy and deserving of the life I want to live.

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

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.

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

Sometimes a fresh start really can be the start of something amazing.  You don’t have to make major changes all at once if you’re not ready.  Just be willing to take that first step.  It’s the only way you can get somewhere new!

SO:  What’s your next big milestone?

Beginning my next book!

We’re honored to be interviewing Gil Gido on our blog talk radio show today to share his Passionography and how he leaped fully into his passions.

Gil Gido is the Seattle chapter President of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and is passionate about building leaders in
the Asian community. Previous to that he co-founded and led the Microsoft Asian Professional Society. He recently left Microsoft to start his own social
media company and is the Principal Consultant at Ulysses’ Social Media Marketing Company (USMMC). He can be reached at www.gilgido.com.

Thanks Gil and Happy Passioneering!

Gil’s Passion Q&A

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

Passion is an energy that pulls one forward. There’s no resisting this energy because it’s so
strong. It’s also illuminating. People can see it. It’s very difficult to hide when you’re passionate.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?
Everyone wants in some way wants to make a difference, so as a leader I create and share about
opportunities for them to express and to fulfill on that need.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?
I believe that your own worst enemies are within you; that is fear and self-doubt. I find someway
by having people around me that support me and want me to succeed, namely my family, friends,
and mentors.

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

While there’s no substitute for hard work and commitment, I believe you need to share what you’re
doing and allowing people to participate. It’s amazing how if you’re passionate about something,
it’s a magnet and people by nature want to be a part of whatever you’re being passionate about.

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

Unpredictable

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

Prosperity means Celebrating the small wins and being acknowledged by others.

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

Go big. Get out there and share your passion with others.

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

I  joined a lot of groups (both in person and online) and took many classes.

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

It’s really all in your head. Have conversations with people in your support groups about what will
work. When you can talk about your vision with clarity, it’ll work because you’ll know what actions
to take

Passioneering Tip #11

“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?”

Passioneer™ Dr. LaVerne Adams

Quote

“If we’re growing, we are always going to be out of our comfort zone.”

John Maxwell

Weekly Passion Challenge

Take at least three baby steps out of your comfort zone this week.  Bonus points for requesting support from someone else.

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Enjoy and Happy Passioneering!

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 had the honor to interview Patricio Quezada today on our radio show.  He’s 19 years old and a Latino-American Teen Renegade CEO.  With his keen interest in technology and in  always being part of an elite team, he has started the Latino conglomerate company Coppola & Quezada, formerly known as Hispanics Learn.  For more stories on teen Renegade CEOs, please visit www.RenegadeCEOs.com, and for more Passioneer® stories, visit  www.passionsandpossibilities.com.

Biggest TakeAways from Our Radio Interview

• Our Gen Y/Millenials have tons to teach us as older adults.  During our interview, Patricio taught me some powerful nuances about patience and groundedness – no easy feat!
• Patricio’s biggest tip for those making the leap into what they love:  “You have to bet on yourself.”    He adds “One person listening is enough.”
• I was awestruck by Patricio’s heart for service.  He’s absolutely clear that prosperity for him is about making a difference in others’ lives and not about material stuff.

Thanks Patricio and Happy Passioneering!

His Archived Radio Interview

His Passion Q&A

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

Passion is defined as a strong, barely controllable feeling. Passion is a feeling that knows no limits or boundaries to what you do. In modern day, passion is often hidden and forgotten and without an individual passion, we cannot succeed.

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

I’ve grown up playing all different types of sports starting from being a bench warmer to a starter. All my life I’ve always been a team player as well as an individual with influence. To me I believe cold-heartedly in team achievement. One person can achieve all of life’s greatest accomplishments and that’s great for him but a team achievement inspires more groups of people which changes the world. It’s like they say there is power in numbers. That is why I started a conglomerate business. I started wanting to teach computer education to latino who weren’t born into the technology savvy generation but I started to see that aside from teaching I always participated in advocacy groups and always lended an extra hand. Now I can create a global environment for latino executives and those to be to share ideas, share feedback, and grow.

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

I dislike being the only one to take the leap of faith. I’ll take the fall by myself no problem but I like to make sure that my leap of faith has a purpose. Knowing that this is a problem, I’ve recently started to group together the people that always give feedback whether negative or positive, people who make me laugh, people who have those resources I lack and so on and so forth.

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

Effort, Teamwork, and Execution

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

Follow-through

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

That I don’t have to do it all alone and I also don’t need to give up everything I love to do it, but some sacrifice and devotion is necessary.

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

First and foremost my family, secondly my business coach Shonika Proctor, and lastly my daily latino/latina executives that always keep me on my toes and give me the greatest feedback. I’ve created this system by setting up various scenarios in which specific qualities of certain individuals are needed.

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

You have to be unafraid to think that the idea you have is a great idea and you have to realize that the way you see it coming together is not the only way that it can happen.

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!

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!