On Wednesday September 1st, we’re interviewing Melody Ivory who combines the eye of an artist, heart of a poet and discipline of a scientist, to help mid-career women get and stay on purpose with their life’s calling. She helps them to connect mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually with their essential selves through inspirational poetry, motivational talks and handcrafted natural care products delivered as part of The Dr. Melody Ivory Experience™. Over the past 20 years, she has worked as a computer scientist, performance poet, college professor, natural care products developer and author of six books. She can be reached at www.MelodyIvory.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Melody’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of passion?

Passion is bringing your full essence—your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual potential—to what you’re doing such that, in the process, you expand your potential.

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

Intention is the best word to describe my success. The five keys to my success are as follows.

• Intentional living—focusing on the what and navigating the how.
• Inspired changing—proactively moving toward what I want rather than away from what I don’t want.
• Instantly destressing—minimizing my response to stress.
• Intellectual balancing—developing and using both my analytical and artistic talents rather than buying into the left-brain/right-brain myth.
• Introspective Relating—understanding that every relationship begins and ends with me and cultivating desired relationships from the inside out.

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

My biggest challenge was walking away from my job as a computer and information science professor at the University of Washington (something I studied and prepared for nearly my whole life), a 6-figure salary and the prestige of being the world’s leading expert on automated web site evaluation to leap into being a passionate champion of women…with no connections, no clients and no clue how to do so. I choose to follow my heart anyway, because I knew my calling was not to teach about the outer technology, but to teach about the inner technology. I also knew I needed the freedom to be fully self-expressed. For the past five years since walking away from academia, I’ve stayed focused on my intention (using all my gifts to empower women to be the living works of art they’re meant to be and to make the contribution they’re meant to make). I had to rearrange my whole Self and my life from the inside out to get aligned with this intention. Slowly, step-by-step I’m realizing the intention I set years ago.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

Two years before I left my job, I contracted meningitis and nearly died while working as a professor at the University of Washington. That experience was a major wakeup call for me. I knew that I was a teacher at heart, but I was in the wrong classroom. The question became, “Will you die teaching in this classroom and having never fully shared your journey, gifts and the powerful lessons you’ve learned?” Today, I’m working on my one-woman show titled, “The Road M Traveled,” which chronicles my life of abuse and abandonment at the age of 7 by both parents. It takes the audience through the maze of foster homes I grew up in and describes how, despite these circumstances, I became valedictorian of my high school, ran away to college at the age of 18, became a single parent two years later, went on to graduate with a double major in honor’s computer science and mathematics and, after years of struggling with an attention deficit disorder, became the first African American woman to graduate from the University of California at Berkeley with a Ph.D. in computer science. After my bout with meningitis, I reflected on my life story and knew that I had to switch to the public classroom to teach, heal and lead.

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

Be the masterpiece you’re meant to be. This quote is my mantra. It is a reminder that we are so much more than we can even begin to imagine ourselves being. We are the living works of art.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

My hope is that people will say that I gave everything I had to give to the cause of uplifting humanity to its highest potential—a reality in which each and every one of us can be the masterpieces we’re meant to be.

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

1. Be comfortable with not knowing.
2. Be willing to be different.
3. Be disciplined to keep going.

On Wednesday August 25th, we interviewed Barbara Shaiman. Throughout her career, noted educator, businesswoman and social entrepreneur, Barbara Greenspan Shaiman, has used her skills and ability to empower others to create social change. In 1995, she founded Champions of Caring, a non-profit organization that has empowered over 10,000 youth in Philadelphia and South Africa to become leaders in public service and active, engaged citizens.  Through her new book, Live Your Legacy Now: Ten Simple Steps to Find Your Passion and Change the World, and her Embrace Your Legacy speeches and workshops, she is guiding adults of all ages and backgrounds to embrace their legacies and use their passions, skills, and resources to create projects for personal growth and social change. She can be reached at www.embraceyourlegacynow.com

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

Barbara’s Passioneer Q & A

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

The driving force that propels you to make a meaningful contribution with your life. I believe that everyone has a passion, they just may not have found it yet – whether it is something that they love to do, or something that angers them to the point that they are motivated to take action. That is my goal through Embrace Your Legacy – to help individuals to identify their passions, and then translate that into creating social change.

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

One word would be tenacious. I am also a risk-taker and very positive and creative. I believe in networking, networking, networking – I share my mission and my passion for making the world a better place with everyone I meet.

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

The recent deaths of both my father and husband initially stopped me from finishing my book, “Live Your Legacy Now!: Ten Simple Steps to Find Your Passion and Change the World” and starting my new LLC, Embrace Your Legacy. But upon reflection, I realized that writing the book was a cathartic experience which gave me resiliency and enriched my life. It allowed me to get beyond my own challenges and empower others to live their legacies.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

My parents, who are both Holocaust survivors,  taught me a great deal about humanity and responsibility. My mother, Carola Greenspan, is the sole survivor of a family of sixty-five people. My father, Henry Greenspan, worked for Oskar Schindler. They taught me that the best response to violence and hatred is love and caring, and that it is our responsibility and privilege to make the world a better place.

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

“Flaunt Your Humanity.” Instead of flaunting our possessions, let’s flaunt what we are doing to give back and contribute to society.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

She embraced her legacy and inspired others to do the same.

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

-       Dream big, but start small

-       Be creative

-       Be deliberate and relentless

On Wednesday August 25th, we interviewing Sandra Boissier,  a gifted angel channel and spiritual activist.  She is a champion of the soul and a catalyst for transformation. Her life’s mission is to invoke a personal revolution that incites progressive action for all mankind. She can be reached at www.angelenergy.org.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Sandra’s Passioneer Q & A

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

Passion is when my heart is aflame with a powerful energy that rises within me and is followed by a profound sensation that there are no choices to be made.  It’s a driving force, a one-way ticket to my destiny!

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

I have great humility.  Every time I sit with the angels and open up the channel to sacred energy, I am in awe and deeply humbled.SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?  My biggest challenge was self-acceptance.  I only recently realized how valuable my life experience was in conjunction with the angel energy I carry.  I had been influenced and projected into believing that I had to be separate from my humanness.  I have since learned differently and embraced it fully.  Finally, within me lives a newly birthed grace that is authentically powerful.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

I was a volcanic eruption waiting to happen a few years ago trying desperately to keep my gifts under the radar.  Ultimately, divorcing after a 12-year marriage was my catalyst.  My soul could no longer hold back the gifted energy, the mission nor divine timing.

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

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. -Albert Einstein

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

That I walked around with an expectation of miracles & angels that touched them deeply and inspired their soul into action!

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

If there is something inside of you that wakes you up every morning and rocket-fuels your energy, it is a message from your soul that you cannot deny.  Do something about it! Take the risk!  Because it is a RISK but do it anyway!  The ever-ready angel net on the other side will catch you!  Have faith…the proverbial leap of faith-kind of faith. Remember always that God has the better plan!  No matter what YOU plan, there is always a better one and it’s divine!  So, no attachments please because you will be limiting an authentic, blessed expression of an outcome.

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

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

Anne’s Passioneer Q & A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Wednesday August 18th, we interviewing Megan Hill who is a nonprofit consultant specializing in grant writing and social media. She’s a two-term AmeriCorps alumna and is writing a memoir on her year with AmeriCorps NCCC. She can be reached at www.serviceispower.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Megan’s Passioneer Q & A          

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

I define passion as the unwavering drive towards a goal or ideal.

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

The key factors to my success have been my intense self-motivation and ability to make my own way. The one word that best describes this is “creativity.”

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

With determination and a strong sense of self, making your own leap is something you both owe to yourself and will be successful at in the long run.

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

This is something that’s hard to put my finger on, but probably goes back to that internal motivation and drive towards my goals. I’ve been described as a “go-getter,” and there’s just a built-in ability to pursue my aspirations.

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

My biggest challenge is the fatigue that creeps in from constantly having to work for new leads and find new opportunities. I generally try to take some time to myself, go for a walk or bike ride, read a book for fun, to hit the proverbial “restart” button on my psyche.

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

I don’t believe in selecting individuals and canonizing them as heroes. It denies them the chance to be fully human, for us to recognize both their faults and their attributes. And in the end it will likely lead only to disappointment for those who hold them up as such. Instead, I find myself admiring certain qualities in the individuals I’ve surrounded myself with, which allows me to take the good with the bad.

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

“The value of the smallest good deeds should not be underestimated, for even tiny flakes of snow, falling one atop another, can blanket the tallest mountains in pure whiteness.” –Sherpa Buddhism

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

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

Sean’s Passioneer Q & A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Wednesday August 11th, we are interviewing Sheevaun O’Connor Moran who has helped transform the lives of over 10,000 people through her unique vision, process, and programs. She has integrated esoteric principles, energy medicine, energy psychotherapy and the nature of the whole being into Paramitas the System. Sheevaun has authored four books, hundreds of articles, and over 20 CD’s  that help the novice to expert seeker learn to Master their Energy. She can be reached at www.SheevaunMoran.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Sheevaun’s Passioneer Q & A

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

Finding humor is every obstacle and looking for a solution has been key, along with perveverence.

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

Joyous.

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

I have been very blessed and my discernment along the way has been a huge help. The fact that I listened to my intuitions more often than not has been a great help.

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

Remain in awe and find peace at the end of each day.

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

You can either make a leap on your own terms or you can be forced to make a leap. If you are forced to make that leap then there are more challenging lessons to learn along the way. If you make it on your own then you’ll be more in the flow. Look for the positive in every single action or reaction, regardless of how long that may take. Know that you are entitled to great things and great things will show up. Lastly, forgive yourself for not being more perfect – you are perfect right now.

On Wednesday August 4th, we interviewing Qiana Martin who is a professional athlete, blogger and radio host. She travels the world playing and reporting on soccer, footvolley and futsal. Outside of her matches, Qiana shares news, inspiration and motivation with footballers and fans worldwide on the blog and Radio Miami International radio program, Eat Soccer. She can be reached at www.qianamartin.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Qiana’s Passioneer Q & A

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

Passion is an activity or experience that brings its participant an overwhelming feeling of happiness.

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

I attribute the following factors to my success: determination (to be my biggest advocate in creating the life that I envision), work ethic (to continuously put into action the wisdom that I gather along my journey), flexibility (to be open to better ways of reaching benchmarks), creativity (to turn obstacles into opportunities) and faith (to believe that everything is working for my highest benefit).  One word that best sums up my success is unbelievable!

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

My biggest challenges have been resources (How do I obtain the things that I need?), relationships (How do I meet those that can support me and provide me with opportunities?) and recollections (How do I press forward when facing perceived plateaus/stagnations?).  When pursuing your passion, it’s easy to take your experiences to heart, especially the challenges.  However, I have made a concerted effort to look at them objectively.  By utilizing the experiences of others (successful people/businesses) and combining this supportive knowledge with a running list of my prior successes, I have been able to turn these challenges into opportunities.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

My mother constantly gave me article clippings to read about people who were participating in unique experiences and engaging in living their dreams.  Inevitably, these clippings caused me to desire to visualize and chase my own passion.

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

If you want to be successful, help someone else become successful.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

In living her life with passion, Qiana inspired others, in her family, community and world, to do the same.

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

1. Your journey is unique.  Do not compare your path to others.  2. Find ways to use your passion to help others.  3. Find a formula that will help you to get out of your own way.  Make a point to mentally be your best advocate.

On Wednesday July 28th, we interviewed Douglas Busch, who is an inventor, designer, photographer, and teacher.  Hisphotographic work and architectural design has been published in numerous magazines in many countries and collected by museums and collectors worldwide including the J.Paul Getty, Smithsonian Institute, LACMA, just to mention a few.  He has patents on cameras, lenses, filmholders, and accessories as well as sustainable products for organic hybrid hydroponic vertical farming and a zero carbon heating and cooling system.  He lives and works in Malibu, California. He can be reached at buschdesign.com.

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

Douglas’s Passioner Q & A

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

My definition of passion is to do whatever I wish with fervor, joy, and obsession.

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

Dreaming large and following through.

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

I have not found any challenges, only solutions.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

Al Weber, my mentor has always been supportive of any direction I chose to go.

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

G-d is in the Details.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

I have always been giving and supportive of all who came into contact with me.

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

Stay focused on your path, follow it with fervor and conviction, find a supportive network of friends and like minded people.

On Wednesday July 28th, we interviewed Maureen Healy who is the founder of Growing Happy Kids, and parenting author of “365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids.”  With more than 20 years of experience she has traveled the world fostering the positive emotional health of children in developing and modern countries.  She also is a prolific contributor to field with a popular Psychology Today blog and as a frequent guest speaker. She can be reached at www.growinghappykids.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Maureen’s Passioneer  Q & A

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

A strong interest and willingness to “do whatever it takes” to make your vision come true.

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

My biggest passion is teaching adults (parents, teachers and others) how to foster a child’s positive emotional health as well as empower kids to live from a place of inner peace or lasting happiness.  My first book, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids, is how this passion has manifested as well as my organization, Growing Happy Kids (www.growinghappykids.com)

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

My biggest challenge was that my family is gone and I needed to start all on my own – so it’s either my biggest challenge or greatest strength (not sure).

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

Prosperity comes if you believe with your whole heart and mind as well as put the efforts in (big and small) everyday. Prosperity means abundance to me.  An abundance of opportunity opened up when I so fully began living my dream.

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

Stay true to your vision (despite what your publicist, publisher and parents want you to do!)

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

Wonderful partner and friendships around the world.  I connected to people because of living my passion.

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

Trust your instincts.  They are telling you something.  There is also never a time without fear – it’s in doing the things you fear that you grow!!!

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Good question.  I think it’s so close to my heart that I don’t share it until it manifests!!!

Terry Kohl has been a fantastic guest blogger for the past few months, generously sharing her gifts and talents.  Thank you Terry!  Details on her story are shown below, as we offer the final blog in her series.  We invite subject matter Passioneering experts to share their guest blogs with us in August and September!

Guest Expert Blog:  Passioneer

By Terry Kohl

Passion; the stuff romance and true love is made of.  The “I can’t get enough of you, can’t eat, can’t sleep,” syndrome.  Hot, sweaty bodies lost in a world where reason is not allowed….right?

Hmmm…been there, done that. And while I am grateful for those juicy moments, the passions that stir my soul now are all about life and how I wiggle around in it.

Passion is love of each and every day because it is a brand new beginning and consequently the chance for a brand new adventure. It’s loving myself and how I came to be the woman I am. It’s trying things on for size that I think I might really enjoy. It’s about not giving a hoot what anyone else thinks or does. It’s going with the flow of life rather than trying to staunch the river of experiences life hands me. It’s about growing, and sometimes being painfully aware of the little time we have on this huge rock hurtling through time and space. It’s falling into bed at night with such gratitude for all that life has shown me that my heart nearly breaks from joy.

Passion—it’s having an idea and running with it. It’s about allowing that fierce, sweet fire of creativity to burn itself out no matter how long it takes. It’s getting out my watercolors on a rainy afternoon and abandoning all I was taught and instead, creating something from my darling passionate heart.

Passion is about being in the now, which is truly all we have. All that is real is only ever experienced moment by moment; everything else is fiction. Passion is about the courage to walk towards the light so that the shadows are always behind you. It’s about digging in the dark, moist earth of your soul and harvesting an unregrettable life.

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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!

On Wednesday July 21st, we interviewed Ann Ronan who  is the vision generator at  Authentic Life Institute, a training and publishing company she founded to share what she’s discovered about achieving self-employment dreams and minister who founded the Virtual Center for Spiritual Living, using teleconferencing to share ideas about living a spiritual life in a practical world to those who do not live near Centers for Spiritual Living or who are unaffiliated with any religion. She can be reached at authenticlifeinstitute.com.

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

Ann’s Passioneer  Q & A

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

A feeling of joy, being in the flow, anticipation -when a topic or activity lights you up

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

Often people see themselves as so much smaller than they truly are -they limit themselves -or are not living THEIR life in a way they’d truly love to live.  Through writing, speaking and coaching I hope to open them up to acknowledging what they truly love and to do more of whatever that is.

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

I left a university career to create Authentic Life Institute – faced fear as I shed that “identity” and had to create a new one.  Addressed it by working with a coach to dismantle all my imagined obstacles and then just did it!

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

Persistence and consistency, listening to that small, still voice within that always guides me in the right direction, not being afraid to make mistakes

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

Enthusiastic

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

For me a prosperous life is one in which you live where you want to live, hang out with people you want to be with and do what you want to do – and money is a wonderful energy to be in flow with. I’m living in beautiful San Juan Capistrano, married to a man who is wonderfully supportive, have amazing friends and work from home doing things i love. I’ve tripled the amount of money that flows into my life since I left my former employment

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

When you have a deep desire you already have everything you need to bring it to fruition -sure you might need to gather information, learn some new things, and ask questions -and you can make it happen!

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

Husband -i began expressing the qualities I was seeking in a man – I realized how can i attract someone with certain qualities if I am not embracing them myself.  Friends – I listen deeply and make time to nurture these relationships -join biz groups and stay connected to other ministers via technology, phone calls

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

Take the smallest step you can to move forward -that tiny step will be “under the radar” of your resistance.  Keep moving forward -don’t try to do it alone -get support.