Passion and Perseverance

By Elisabeth Manning

I am a poster child for perseverance from the day I was born. Perseverance itself was the beginning of my own dawn to pursue human potential, which led  to discovering my passion in work.

Persevere, according to Webster means to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.

I persevere now at a whole new level today, because I have passion for my life, my work, my self, my future, and the service I offer to planetary evolution. But I had a few hoops to jump through first to understand the value and source of passion and of human potential, and looking back I built a very big perseverance muscle which I learned comes easy when you have passion. Early on however, it was about survival.

How it all began you ask? Being raised in an alcoholic single parent home in a small town, living on welfare. My grandparents were millionaires, go figure.

Perseverance then was about showing up for a wounded mother.  Most of my family says I raised her. She checked herself into a mental institution when I was three but they threw her out and said she wasn’t crazy enough.

It was about survival and doing what had to be done. I was opening cans of soup by climbing on a chair at the kitchen counter when I was 5. I was allowed to miss school because my mom always got me out of bed at 2 am to listen to her cry to Barry Manilow records about how she was never approved of by her own father, and then she’d fall asleep drunk with a cigarette in her hand.  I would routinely transfer my pillow to her crooked neck, put out her cigarette, and crawl gratefully back into bed.

Perseverance then to me was about getting to school, my source of hope out of this cycle. Once I missed 21 days in a row because my mom liked the company. One day the principal came and we played possum and my mom squeezed lemon juice through the mailbox slot when he tried to peek in. Perseverance then was about having enough school supplies, so I stole them. Got escorted home by a nice policeman and had to go visit a probation officer who felt I had to have been wrongly accused, I was “too good”. So we had nice visits for the next 6 months while he scratched his head. Then I was taken away when I was 13 when mom was deemed “unfit.” But arguably in her defense, there was love. I just didn’t ever see her love herself.

Then came the day in psychology class at age 16 where we were introduced to Maslow’s Heirarchy of Self Actualization. I heard a voice and “it” took my pencil tip to the tippy top and said, “you are going HERE.” It was like an angel had given me a road map to life.

Fast forward 20 years of struggle, self loathing, self discovery, and finally consciously coming into my life’s work. It is no wonder I am passionate about sparing the children by helping parents see infertility as an opportunity to awaken to their potential to heal, and to consciously conceive, which leads to conscious parenting and broken destructive family patterns.

Today, I cannot NOT include my story in my current passion for my work. My life and work is ALL about stepping into our highest human potential to become worthy of the children coming into the world. And I wouldn’t change a thing, except maybe my definition of perseverance today: passion in action.

I couldn’t have had a better road map.

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Elisabeth Manning is a Certified Spirit Coach and is a teacher in training at the Foundation for Spiritual Development in San Rafael California. Unlike traditional coaching Elisabeth works at the spirit and energetic levels to get to the root of the issues blocking her clients from achieving their soul purpose and unlimited nature. At this level sustainable healing and growth is achieve whereby the clients become their own guru and healer. She has a practice called Conscious Conception empowering women and couples to co-create fertility in all areas of their lives to regain health and wealth of spirit mind and body, and to prepare to live a mindful parenting path.  You can reach her at www.consciousconception.net, and please click here for her radio show interview.

Beth Remmes is Founder of Zola Goods LLC. She speaks to entrepreneurs and businesses about key principles behind the green movement, and how they can be applied to any industry. Beth also speaks to groups of individuals and takes them through a day in the life of an average American consumer for a step-by-step guide to some of the easy and affordable changes we can make to help the environment. Zola has been featured in Atlanta InTown, Entrepreneur.com, Oprah’s Angel Network and various other publications. http://www.zolagoods.com.

Our Radio Show Interview with Beth

5/19/10, 5pm PST on  The Passions and Possibilities Project on Blog Talk Radio.  Listen live at 347-205-9038 or via archive on the website.

Thanks Beth, and Happy Passioneering!

Our Passion Q&A with Beth

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

I think that passion is our life force energy. It is drive that keeps us working on our mission, even in the face of setbacks and obstacles. It is a gift and a clue to the divine spark in each of us, propelling us on to make a positive impact in this world.

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

I would say that my passions all center around healing and connection. I think that people are disconnected from each other and the earth, which is why we are able to be so harmful, without so much as a second thought in many cases. I teach people that their actions to the earth and to each other do make a big difference in this world. My service is anything and everything from picking up litter, talking to classrooms about conserving resources, conducting workshops on how to shift consumer habits, or creating sacred space in a medicine wheel or oak grove and give people a safe place to meditate and become more in touch with themselves and their purpose and passions

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

My biggest challenge is wondering about all the “What ifs” or “How tos” that go along with running a business. However, when I stay in the present and focus on the task at hand, I am able to block out those distractions. When you know deep down that your work is inspired action and that it is about serving others, you don’t ask yourself “if,” you ask yourself “how”.

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

My favorite mantra around money is, “The more I have, the more good that I can do.” It is the freedom to do the good that you want to in this world. My family is very supportive and without that, I could not have taken that leap. However, when they put their support behind me, our prosperity as a family has increased, so even though it is not always through the channels that I want or expect, we are supported and I am grateful.

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

When I heard people say that they are following their passion, I almost always equated it with a unique talent, such as artistic or musical ability. So whereas, I always felt like I was meant to do something more in my life– I never knew what that “more” was, because while I am good at lots of things, but not amazingly gifted in any one particular area. But then I found my passion not by looking for hidden talents – but by focusing on what I was deeply concerned about, and I learned that passion was really about how we could each feel that we can best contribute to the world.

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

I like the visual of widening circles, like ripples in a pond. The main reason I have been able to stay the course is because I have had the sense that this is a divinely-inspired mission, so first and foremost, I have a practice that starts at my center – whether it is yoga, meditation, a hike in the woods, something that keeps my connection to a power greater than myself. From there, I try to be compassionate with myself and not take life too seriously and remember to enjoy what I am doing. Moving outwards to my family, I involved them in all phases of the process from reading the business plan, to discussing what it would mean for the family in terms of my time and finances. If I did not have their support, it would have been very difficult – if not impossible – for me to pursue my business. As I move out to the next circle of friendships, I found that as my vibration level rose, some new people come into my life and some other people fell away. I found myself saying no to things that in the past I would have said yes to out of a sense of obligation, and saying yes to things which are more in alignment with my passions. As a result I found myself in more energizing, rather than draining, relationships and activities, so that I had more energy and support to focus on this new chapter in my life.

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

I would say to start with a step rather than a leap. Don’t change your life all at once, start by doing something every day that relates to your passion or new business as this will help you to build momentum. This can be anything – from doing market research, to sending out e-mails, reading about industry trends, or simply talking about it with others. On the days where you feel like you need a break – read or watch something inspiring or say some affirmations – that counts too. The point is that you need to stay on course – and as Michael Beckwith says, “You need to become a participant – not an anticipant- in your life.” Just the thought – never mind the process – of starting a business can be completely overwhelming, but by staying in the present and taking it one item on your to-do list at a time, you are able to move through the fear and doubts. When you start to feel the anxiety, take a step-back, get still, and ask yourself can I handle this task, the one that is front of me, right now? This will help stop all of the what ifs – because it is our projections that cause the most stress. Trust that you can handle what you are given and enjoy each step of your journey.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Right now there are over 40 Zola Coordinators who are teaching people in their communities how to be more conscious consumers and helping them to make affordable, eco-friendly changes. I hope that the number of Coordinators continues to grow and I would love to meet like-minded people who want to share this business journey with me and help me grow the company so that it has a national presence and proves that you can be successful with a triple bottom-line approach of people, planet, and profit.

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

Passioneer™ Sue Oliver, Inspired by Dr. Joon Yun

Quote

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

Leo F. Buscaglia

Affirmation

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

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

Leigh is equal parts horse whisperer, professional therapist & spiritual guide. Her psychotherapy practice and educational workshops incorporate horses to guide clients in search of self-awareness and better relationship skills. Leigh’s practice attracts clients interested in personal growth, psychological, spiritual and energy work.
 
In 2000 Leigh founded Human-Equine Alliances for Learning (HEAL), a non-profit organization that supports clients in recovering from psychological trauma and other mental health and behavioral disorders. “The most meaningful work for horses today is to guide us in a new language of connection – to nature, ourselves and each other,” says Leigh. “The horses are responsive to each person’s flow of consciousness…A horse can function as bio feedback for the soul.” http://www.humanequinealliance.org. 
Her radio interview with us: 
 
Thank you Leigh and Happy Passioneering!

Whitney Washington is a student attending Full Sail University, studying Entertainment Business.   She started her company, Puzzle Piece Promotions,  4 months ago for a project for school, and is talented videographer. 

Check out her archived radio interview with us on Wednesday, March 31st, 5pm PST.

Thanks Whitney, and Happy Passioneering!

Joon Yun, MD, CFA is a partner and the President of Palo Alto Investors, an hedge fund founded in 1989.  Dr. Yun joined PAI in 1998 and specializes in the health-care sector. Dr. Yun was a physician at Stanford in the Department of Radiology where he served on the clinical faculty until 2006. Dr. Yun received his bachelor of arts in biology from Harvard University in 1990 and his doctor of medicine from Duke University School of Medicine in 1994.  He is founder of Palo Alto Institute, a non-profit think tank.  He has authored numerous medical patents and scientific articles, and authored a book, “Low Stress Foods”.

Dr. Yun has a fresh perspective on the topic of “Doing What You Love,” that you don’t want to miss!  His radio show interview was on Wednesday, March 31st, 9am PST (listen below).

Three tips to tune fully into what you love:

• Take the time to discover what you truly love. NOT what your parents, society, friends, or others say you should, shouldn’t, have to, or gotta.  What activities do you participate in where you totally lose yourself (i.e., time stands still?).  THAT is where to focus your time and energy!
• Schedule unscheduled blocks of time to refrain from turning your passions into a  big “to do” list. Transform your “to do” list into a “to be” list that’s fun and delightful.
• Empower yourself to create the life that you want to live. No one else is going to do it for you.  Each day that you’re not expressing what you truly love, you’re cutting yourself off from your purpose on the planet.  And you’re sending a message to the planet that it’s A-OK to stay mediocre.  NOT!

Thank you Joon and Happy Passioneering to all!

Michael S. Brown was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology.   A published author, Michael has worked in the fields of publishing, film, television and higher education and is the founder and CEO of Second Acts, a non-profit fundraising organization for animal rescue nationwide.  Michael joined us live on March 17th for our radio program, and can be reached at www.secondacts.org.

We interviewed Michael recently on Blog Talk Radio about his inspiring passioneering journey, both ups and downs.  Here’s the archive.  Enjoy!

Questions on Michael’s Passioneering Journey

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

An individual’s passion takes them to places he or she never knew existed.  Whereas our ordinary, day-to-day responsibilities consist of tasks and projects we need to complete in order to survive, our passions are the substance by which we find enrichment, joy and purpose in our lives.  Without the existence of passion, there is no learning, development or personal growth.

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

I have had the fortunate opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained by teaching and volunteering.  Acting as the vessel through which others can obtain personal and professional growth has provided me with great satisfaction upon seeing how I have been able to enrich the lives of others, including our four-legged friends in need of a new, loving home.

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

The initiation and launch of my own non-profit organization presented several challenges, the biggest being the creation of a company that would best serve our four-legged friends as well as fulfill the needs of an animal-loving public that wants to help but doesn’t know how.  The most effective way to address any challenge is to thoroughly research the information needed to reach that particular passion or goal.  The biggest stumbling block for most is a lack of focus and knowledge of how to make their passion a reality.

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

Prosperity is measured by how many people’s (or animal’s) lives I touch.  I have received such overwhelming support from the public, which confirms that I have made a successful leap towards fulfilling my passion.

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

The most important lesson one can learn is that one cannot accomplish anything alone.  Setting goals and pursuing passions requires the inclusion of others, and I consider myself very fortunate to have the support and encouragement I needed to make that leap.

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

My support system is composed of a healthy balance between personal (family, friends) and professional (Board of Directors).  The latter came together from years of networking and maintaining personal relationships with like-minded individuals whom I chose to join me in this journey.

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

If one is fearful or unsure about pursuing his or her passion, take small steps.  Do not listen to negative words from the past.  Surround yourself with those who really know you and who believe in your abilities; they will be there in case there is a misstep and help guide you in the right direction.  But it all starts with knowing who you are, concentrating on your strengths, and believing that an unsuccessful endeavor does not equal personal failure.

What’s your next big milestone?

Following a successful grassroots launch, Second Acts is ready to move to the next plateau, which will consist of national exposure and the creation of entities in each state to generate greater awareness of both the organization and the need to support animal rescue.

Happy Passioneering Michael and Thank You!

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

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

Happy Passioneering, and thank you Michelle!

We recently interviewed TV and radio show host, Ryan Ray, on our radio program.  Ryan’s passionate about sharing the stories of those who are pursuing their dreams!   Below is his radio show archive, as well as his “Passion-ography”.

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

People today have lost their sense of purpose – their own “WHY” for being on this planet. Instead of looking within ourselves, society has trained us to find our “WHY” externally in other people, places and things. My passion is to help people Wake UP!, remember their “WHY,” and remind them that their most heartfelt goals are still possible.

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

In August 2008 I began reaching out to the public through a web show designed to inspire others to remember their passion. As the weeks progressed, so did our audience and soon we had outgrown the internet TV studio I had constructed in my bedroom. On April 3, 2009 “Wake UP! Explore your Passion” the TV show was born as we made our debut on LIVE television in Pasadena, CA to 40,000 cable-connected homes in addition to our regular audience of 10,000 weekly viewers through the web.

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

If someone had told me that I was going to build an entire TV show, cast and crew from the ground up and that I was going to do it all on a shoestring budget, I would have laughed and thought it impossible.  Before I began down this path I had no background or formal training or experience in television production whatsoever. Needless to say, the learning curve has been tremendous. I believe that when you have a true, heart-centered passion for something, all the resources you need to be successful will make themselves available. While there have been stressful moments, it has been a dream come true and A LOT of fun!

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

In my experience, the single most common factor that people believe is holding them back from their dream is money. I believe that when the timing is right, everything will fall into place, including the money. The trick is to first become crystal-clear about your goals, today. That won’t cost a dime! Then, moving forward, focus on those things that you already have and begin putting those pieces of the puzzle into place. If your passion is true, when the timing is right and you are ready, the missing pieces will come into view, one-by-one.

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

First and foremost, it’s OK if it isn’t perfect. That doesn’t mean you do your work carelessly and pay no attention to detail, it means you do the absolute best you can, focusing on every detail as well as the big picture. At the end of the day, you pat yourself on the back, focusing first on what was done well and lastly on those things that still need improvement. Secondly, even though it’s your baby, there will come a time when you have to let go. The only way we can reach our full potential is to work with others, empowering them to be the best they can be. Only then can we reach our greatest goals.

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

No matter how far removed your life experience may seem, there’s something you’ve learned in your past that will help you reach your current goal. I studied graphic design and dabbled in web programming. My skills as a designer have saved me huge amounts of money in creating a web presence and promotional materials for “Wake UP! Explore your Passion”.

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

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

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

Though it’s been said before, it merits being said again: you are your biggest supporter and your worst critic. Regardless of your physical surroundings and regardless of the influences in your life, you have the power within yourself to be successful in ways you never dreamed possible. The true, heart-centered desires you hold deep inside, those that always seem to peek out at you in your happiest and saddest moments, will never die and demand fulfillment. It is your duty in life to listen and act. “How” you’re going to do it should be the least of your concerns. Your job is to become clear about what you want and then take small steps toward your goals. They will continue to evolve and grow as you evolve and grow.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

My mission, at its core, is crystal-clear: to inspire people to “Wake UP!”. Recently, we’ve returned to the airwaves, this time via an internet radio broadcast. Our goal: to expand the reach of “Wake UP! Radio” to inspire millions of people to put meaning back into their lives by working toward their most heart-felt goals.

Thanks Ryan and Happy Passioneering!

In the spirit of acknowledging stellar Passioneers, we are now accepting nominations for the Passioneer of the Month award, for bold, talented individuals who have met the following criteria:

(1) Have leaped fully into making the world a better place,

(2) Are living vibrantly and in balance,

(3) Are committed to supporting others in reaching their highest potential,

(4) Are not related to or working for anyone affiliated with The Passions and Possibilities Project.

Nominations for each month close by the 21st of the prior month.  Our judges then select our Passioneer of the Month, based upon a variety of passioneering qualities.   The Passioneer of the Month will be featured on the home page of our blog for the following month.  We will also make a special donation to the Soles4Souls Foundation on his/her behalf.

Please use the form on our Nomination page to submit your Passioneer nomination (click on this link).  We’re currently accepting nominations for our April 2010 Passioneer through March 21st.    Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT helps people around the world have less stress and more happiness, regardless what is going on in their lives. A clinical psychologist, physical therapist and author of the bestselling book “A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness,” Elizabeth has been interviewed and featured by some of today’s top media outlets including CNN, Newsweek, MSNBC, NPR, Glamour, Self, Elle, Redbook and Woman’s Day. 

This Wednesday, March 3rd, we will be interviewing Dr. Lombardo  live on our Blog Talk Radio Show, The Passions and Possibilities Project®, at 9am PST.  Our focus will be on her passioneering journey, ups and downs, how she has stayed happy throughout, and her tips for others.  We welcome your comments and questions, so please join us live: 347-205-9038 or via streaming or archived audio at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities. 

Special Drawing!  We will be holding a drawing at 9:30 am during the radio show to give away three signed copies of Dr. Lombardo’s new book, A Happy You.   To be eligible for the drawing, please join our Facebook fan page, The Passions and Possibilities Project  and also send us an email with your name and email address to passioneers@yahoo.com.     Happy Passioneering! 

We’re currently seeking two guest blogging Passioneers™ to share candidly your ups and downs along their journey to make a big difference in the world and thrive – to do what you love and have the rest follow.   “Reality blog” weekly for two months and include photos, video, or other snippets of your world.  One of you will receive the complimentary 2-month support of a success coach to reveal the importance of an accountability partner in your journey.

Send us a brief bio, media picture, and a short You Tube video (or audio recording) about why you think you would be a great guest blogger. 

Deadline for submission:  February 26, 2010

Happy Passioneering!