I am so thrilled to be sharing (and celebrating) my 100th podcast episode with all of you! I am interviewing one of my lifelong inspirational mentors, Marci Shimoff.   As little girls, she and I had something in common.  We both wanted to be dancers.  She used to dance around and dream of becoming a dancer. I did the same thing in my living room, in front of a wall, covered in mirrors. I would coax my sisters to perform with me with the stereo blasting. I just loved moving to the music. I still do!   Marci Shimoff and I were also both always personal growth junkies. I didn't know that's what it was called when I couldn't get enough of psychology class in high school.   She shares how, at age 13, she went to see an inspirational speaker named Zig Ziglar and knew that was what she wanted to do.  It impresses me that it had that impact on her at such a young age.  But when you know, you know.   So she followed the breadcrumbs, little by little, obtained a Masters in Training and Development and eventually built a business speaking and inspiring thousands of people every year.  She's doing what that young lady at 13 just knew she was born to do!   And she kept keeping the juice flowing. Those creative juices that contribute to your purpose and keep you in the flow of life.   To find a purposeful career she urges us to be SUPER honest and ask yourself these questions: What is your heart telling you? What makes you feel alive? (Write down 10 things) What makes you feel on purpose? Not how do I get there, but what can I do right now?   Ultimately though, believing and persistence is the most important part. Jack Canfield eventually went to 143 publishers who rejected his Chicken Soup for the Soul books before he got a yes from one lone publisher.  If he and Mark Victor Hansen had given up, that popular series of books would not exist, nor would Marci have co-authored several books in this series (and it's the best selling non-fiction series of all time)! How's that for persistence?   When contemplating the past, Marci wished she had learned younger to relax, and that it would all work out.  And to believe in herself.   She urges us to honor our wins and successes, instead of judging ourselves.  We grow much, much faster from celebrating our wins!   Finally, Marci reminds us that although maybe you can't create the miracle, you can create the conditions for miracles to flow into your life. She spends every day making sure people know this.  I am so glad she does!   We are all here to use our strengths and live a miraculous life. We are meant to thrive! Never give up!   Marci Shimoff is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a world-renowned transformational teacher and an expert on happiness, success, and unconditional love.  Her books include the international bestsellers Happy for No Reason and Love for No Reason.  Marci is also the woman's face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon in history, as co-author of six books in the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series. With total book sales of more than 16 million copies worldwide in 33 languages, Marci is one of the bestselling female nonfiction authors of all time. Marci is also a featured teacher in the international film and book sensation, The Secret and the host of the PBS TV show called Happy for No Reason.  She narrated the award-winning movie called Happy. Marci delivers keynote addresses and seminars on happiness, success, empowerment, and unconditional love to Fortune 500 companies, professional and non-profit organizations, women's associations and audiences around the world. Marci is currently leading a one-year mentoring program called Your Year of Miracles.  Her opening seminar has been heard my more than 200,000 people. Marci earned her MBA from UCLA and holds an advanced certificate as a stress management consultant. She is a founding member and on the board of directors of the Transformational Leadership Council, a group of 100 top transformational leaders. Through her books and her presentations, Marci's message has touched the hearts and rekindled the spirits of millions of people throughout the world.   She is dedicated to helping people live more empowered and joy-filled lives. www.HappyForNoReason.com www.YourYearOfMiracles.com My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

Not sure if you've heard (wink wink) - I wrote a book this past year.  I set out to write this book. It didn't happen accidentally.  I thought about it, I envisioned it, and I wrote it. Little by little. Week by week. I researched the best way to do it, and I set a schedule that worked well for me, and would allow me to do my best writing. Then I set a deadline for myself.  I told myself (and a few others), that come hell or high water, this book will be done by my next birthday.  Although I had the idea in dreams every so often over the years, I had the suggestion from my sister, Sarah, just a few years ago.  And after this lightbulb moment with her (on a walk along a beautiful path one day), I just knew it was going to happen.  So, if it was going to happen, why not make it so, celebrating it at my next birthday.  Turns out it would be completely written just a little over a year later. My guest this week, Emily Williams of the I Heart My Life movement, and I talk about writing our books and what they mean to us, along with what we hope they achieve. We talk about what other books inspire us. We talk about what other people inspire us. Emily's book is packed full of great tips and stories about loving your life as you go along on your journey.  We are very aligned about the power of possibilities and mindset. As Emily reminds us, very importantly, our minds can only focus on one thought at a time, so if you're focusing on the problem, your mind is not available to figure out the solution. Whether you want to write a book, start a company, find a new job, find the right person, or simply make your life better each day, if you're wondering about what you can achieve, look no further. Listen in as we discuss all of the good stuff that can come to you when you're believing in yourself, and going after your dreams! After all, anything really is possible!  We (me and Emily), are living proof! More about Emily: www.emilywilliams.com My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

She was a mother, raising her child, never even thinking about owning her own business, and as her daughter got older, she was threatening to go back to work, when the right thing came along.   Little by little, one introduction lead to another and she began working for someone who was willing to work around her schedule and requests.  She told him what she wanted, and then they began a trial period of 30 days to see if it would work.  It would work…   Along the way she's had several incredible breaks. Especially one day when Jack Canfield's VP was in her audience and then she got the call.  Jack Canfield called her and that began a new phase.   She learned very quickly that it's all about communications skills: tell people what you want.  And even more importantly, a sense of humor rules! (I couldn't agree more.)   My guest this week, Lois Creamer, very wisely reminds us: we're all selling and marketing ourselves, every day!   If you want to have a great life and love your work. Be sure to: Make changes, take chances, and follow your dreams Remember: there will always be ups and downs in your work or any area of your life   And from her famous, often shared words: "You risk a "yes" every time you ask for something. Are you willing to take the risk?"   As all of my interviews have been proving, it is possible to love your work and your life.    Ultimately, Lois has the life she has because she wanted to have no regrets. What a great lesson. This is exactly why I do the work I do! More about Lois here:   Industry expert Lois Creamer works with speakers who want to book more business, make more money and fully monetize their intellectual property. Clients include industry superstars as well as superstars of tomorrow! She presents at NSA, CAPS, PSA-UK, India, Ireland and Scotland. She is the author of “Book More Business: MAKE MONEY SPEAKING” as well as co-author of “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches” with Cathy Fyock. In addition she has appeared in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Business and Speaker Magazine   https://www.BookMoreBusiness.com   My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

What were you thinking about in eighth grade? Probably not being a CEO.   From intern to CEO, my guest this week finally realized she really needed to pay attention.  Because she had big dreams.  It didn't matter that she was a girl.   Laurette Rondenet came from a big family, listening to "Free to be, you and me". (Big blast from the past.) And she knew that she could do whatever she set her mind to (thanks to parents who encouraged her).   And then one day her dad asked her a defining question.  Check out what she said.   We talk about her journey, this past year as a parent with kids learning at home, and everything it's taught us.   Reflect on what you were told VS what you want Ask for help; then delegate the non-value added things Delegate to elevate Figuring out what you hate gets you closer to what you love Own your calling and be who you are   I think you'll agree, as a leader of a corporation, and in her family, she lets people shine.   And finally, she reminds us: the only way your family and team can grow is if you can continue to grow.   More about Laurette: Laurette Rondenet is President and CEO of Edlong, a global flavor ingredient developer headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL. Recognized internationally as a trailblazer in dairy and dairy-free flavors, Edlong’s focus on bringing Everything Dairy Can Be™ to life has helped leading food and beverage manufacturers innovate authentic-tasting, healthier, consumer-pleasing products for over a century. www.edlong.com linkedin.com/in/laurette-rondenet-82064911   My Book:   Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

I'm sure you'll agree my guest this week brings hope and humor to each and every day. Jeff Mauro is a very grounded family man. And he's living his dream, combining his gift for entertaining with his love of food, on The Food Network! But let me ask you: if you tried for something 4 times, something really big, and it didn't happen, would you keep trying? Or would you say, "this is it! I'm not trying anymore." As Jeff likes to say, he wanted to use both sides of his brain. He really wanted to combine comedy and laughter with creativity and food. So after graduating college, he opened a deli with his cousin and kept working at his craft.  For years! He wasn't afraid to be in weird situations. He kept developing those muscles (cooking, comedy, etc.). And then it finally happened.  On the last try, he won a major cooking competition on The Food Network (Food Network Star), and the rest is history. We talk about him having great parents who encouraged him, and how to be great parents to our kids. We talk about becoming authors and encouraging creativity every day. He encourages us to remember a few important ideas: You really NEVER know.  You just don't.  So try! If you have a glimmer of a gift, build on that. It's there for a reason. Create something every single day. Find the right person, it's quite possibly the most important decision of your life. Don't be afraid to put yourself in weird situations. And believe. In the wise words of Jeff "Make sure you're doing while you're believing!" They are both extremely important. (Listen to find out which is a little more important.) More information about Jeff Mauro: His book and Podcast comeonover.com For products: mauroprovisions.com   My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

My guest this week was a college swimmer. Playing college sports for four years and graduating on time is quite an accomplishment in itself.  Then comes the job.  Most people will tell you that to get a good job soon after graduating, is the ultimate goal.  And there's nothing wrong with that. It's a great goal. But what if that job isn't right for you? You try it, you know it, and you stay anyway.  Eventually the life gets sucked out of you, you start feeling purpose-less, and before you know it, 10 years have passed.    An even better idea (in my humble opinion), once you know it isn't right, you would then do something about it.  I'm sure you know by now that this blog is all about doing something about it!   That's what Kara Millaci did. After graduating and getting a really good job in New York, she quit her really good job and volunteered in Belize for months doing something she was passionate about.  Along the way there was an internship, several concurrent, part-time jobs working her tail off, and finally she reached her goal.  She became a Dolphin Trainer at SeaWorld! How many young kids dream of that?  And then actually get the chance?    Chance is another one of those words.  It's up there with luck, as far as I'm concerned.  It's not by chance that she obtained that job.  She worked for it and did all the little things she needed to do to land the job, slowly but surely.   However, I'm sure we all know, dreaming is one thing - actually living in the dream is another. Sometimes we get there (to the dream job, the dream person, the dream place) and it's not what we dreamt it would be. Or maybe it's our wants and needs that have changed.    Sometimes we're just flat out wrong.   It doesn't really matter why it's wrong.  It just matters that it's wrong.  And really, it's okay to be wrong.  What's not okay is to make it worse and continue on the wrong path.   So when she realized her dream job was wrong, and she was asked to come back several times, she bravely said again: "this isn't for me".  She knew what was right, and she stood her ground.  Then she proceeded along on a new path.   She urges us to remember a few very important things: If something else is calling, listen. Make each thing you do your new passion (as you figure it out). Don't follow another person's path; incorporate new untraditional paths.   More about Kara Millaci Freiberg: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @karalynnfitness Facebook: @KaraLynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-freiberg-92040498/   My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

From stunt car driver to working for a senator, then the CIA, then teaching with dolphins, my guest this week will blow you away. Oh, and she's also an author. I bet you never thought any of those things would go together - me neither!   How'd Belinda Farrell do all of that? No biggy, just throughout her entire life and career. Like anything worthwhile, it takes determination, fearlessness, and persistence to accomplish your dreams.  Belinda is no exception, except that she's accomplished way more than the average person.   During our conversation, she had many things to share. One of the most important concepts is that she felt the fear and then did it anyway.  I'm sure you've heard of that notion before.  But how many of us actually can or will do that?   Here's some of what she's told herself along the way (and just may help you to feel the fear and do it anyway): If I can be a race car driver, what else can I do? I have a fear of water; I will conquer this. I will search for healing. I can take risks. What keeps pulling at you? A rainbow is waiting for you. Love is all around and inside of us. She's been inspired, like many of us, by Tony Robbins and his theory: If you can't, you must; if you must, you will.  Listen in and find out just how…from one incredible lady. More about Belinda: Belinda Farrell, author of the book Find Your Friggin’ Joy, graduated with a BA in Spanish and English from the University of California at Berkeley and is trained in hypnotherapy, past life regression, NLP, Hawaiian chanting, and ancient Hawaiian healing (Huna). Belinda trained with Anthony Robbins (author of Unlimited Power) and has effectively used these skills in her own life. She has completed 18 firewalks. When Belinda was forty-eight, she collapsed with herniated discs and spinal nerve damage. Threatened with paralysis by her medical doctors if she didn’t have surgery, Belinda instead chose to apply the ancient Hawaiian healing practices she had been learning the previous three years, which are covered in this book. Her back completely healed, including childhood scoliosis. For fifteen years she has been sharing these healing practices with others, offering Reconnective Healing and Huna classes and taking clients to Hawaii to teach Huna and swim with wild spinner dolphins. www.Hunahealing.com   More about my book:   Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

Create what you're missing.  Doesn't sound so simple, does it?    Well, that depends. It depends on what you're missing.   I have done this, so I can add perspective.  So has my guest on this week's podcast. She always had to work hard to do well. At one point, she even wondered how she'd make it through college.   In first grade, Teela remembers being asked: what do you want to be? And she thought, an artist, or maybe a teacher.   And so, she was encouraged to start one thing. As she moved along in her life, trying to figure out what her true passion was, she began, playing podcasts in her car, on her head phones, during her lunch break - anything to learn.   And to finally figure it out and create what you're missing, she recommends this: Set aside time and dedicate that time. When something's not working, try something else. Use your "off" hours to explore your passions with no pressure. Consistency is SO important. Keep promises to yourself. Be kind, always. I couldn’t agree more. Creating what you’re missing is one of the secrets to a happy, peaceful life. Just try it! More about Teela: Teela is the designer and content creator behind Every Tuesday, which she runs alongside her web developer/designer husband, Spencer. Every Tuesday for the past 7 years, she has published a new free design, illustration or lettering tutorial on her YouTube channel which has amassed over 19 million views. In 2015, she and her husband quit their full time jobs to pursue Every Tuesday together and they are proud to have now shared their knowledge with over 200,000 students through their online courses. Website: https://every-tuesday.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/everytues Instagram: https://instagram.com/everytuesday Check out my book:  Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

My guest this week, Dan Kazmierczak, went from attending school at IIT (in Chicago) to working with chocolate - what an unexpected journey! But then again, aren't they all?    Along the way he learned life lessons from an expert caramel guy (yes, there is such a thing) and finally found what he was meant to be doing.   He made an impact.  He learned mutuality - (where everyone wins). And much, much more.   Below are a few things he's sure of now (and what he practices):   Don't sell yourself short We make our own chances Put yourself out there Be kind to others (there aren't enough kind people) Hard work is key Don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff - hmm, this sounds like a book…) Let things go more quickly Reset after you move on   Join me in this fun conversation. And learn a little something about chocolate I'm guessing you didn't know. More about Dan here: Dan Kazmierczak has over 20 years of experience in the food industry with 16 of them being in cocoa and chocolate.  He currently works at JB Cocoa previously worked for Blommer Chocolate, Barry Callebaut, Nestle and Barchemy and has worked with many customers in the areas of technical applications, product development and process improvement. Dan lives in the Chicago area and holds a Bachelor’s in Manufacturing Technology and Management and a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology and Operations from Illinois Institute and Technology.    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kazmierczak-25729b6/   Dan Kazmierczak is at [email protected]   Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book

Are you on the right ladder?   When talking with my guest this week, Keri Kelly, we mentioned climbing the corporate ladder and figuring out where we wanted to be, and how we've learned that we need to pay attention to what makes us feel alive and what feels expanding.   As we talked about climbing the "corporate ladder" we realized this: Shouldn't we first ask if we're on the right ladder?   This "ladder" we're on can apply to relationships, work, life, family, etc.   What if you're trying to move on, up, or through something and you're not in the right place?   What if you aren't on the right ladder after all?   What if you've been climbing the wrong ladder and that's why "it" isn't working?   Wow! We both agreed this was such an important concept. I hope it helps you.   This recently happened to me when I realized that I wanted to be back on a team because I missed the daily collaboration and connections SO much.  I want to share all I've discovered and learned, and working alone doesn't fulfill that need.  So I got off one ladder and jumped onto another one.  The right one.   So I ask you, are you on the right ladder?   The clearer you are about where you are and what you want, the sooner it (anything you wish for) can come into your life. More about Keri here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerikelly/ My Book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book