Ever had the feeling that you're not enough or get beat down by monotony, adversity or loneliness?
Melanie Shankle -The Big Mama Blog has a remedy and she delivers it with humor and authenticity. She's a devoted wife, mom and friend, as well as a 4-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host.
Today's conversation will remind you to step away from comparison and towards finding joy in life's ordinary moments.
Listen on episode 230 of the Live Inspired Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2SMfiLA
Spotify: spoti.fi/2HHzNCI
My website: bit.ly/2SZUUFF
"It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit." Noel Coward
Had an awesome, candid, wildly transparent, painful and beautiful coffee meeting late this afternoon with an old friend. He shared at the end how refreshing it was to be real with someone, to share what's really going on in life, to not have to hide or lie about it.
I thanked him, but reminded him he doesn't need to lie to his friends. And if he feels he really does, it's time to start seeking better friends.
My friends, from our political candidates to corporate leaders, we've become so accustomed to lies that it shocks us when they are actually honest about something.
Regardless your political leanings, why wait until November to demand honesty?
Start tonight with the person staring back in the mirror. Share vulnerably with your friends and loved ones. Then take it into the marketplace of life starved for it.
It may not be common, popular or easy.
But it will set you apart.
And it will set you free.
This is your day. Live Inspired. J
Several years ago I was talking about “leading with love” to a group of business owners and their families… and half of the room had no idea what I’m saying.
Thankfully, we’re in beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica and I have a translator by my side.
My friends, it was a remarkable evening full of laughter, emotion and joy. And as memorable as it was, the following morning is one of the highlights of my career.
Our Costa Rican friend, Radolfo, picked us up early in the morning and drove us to the local children’s hospital. The final stop along the tour was a waiting room bathed in sunlight and jammed with parents, children, nurses and staff members seated, kneeling, and standing. They had gathered to hear the story of a fellow survivor.
Showing pictures of how I was burned and my experiences in a hospital, in therapy, in bandage changes, I reassured them (again, with a little help from our translator), that I understood what they currently faced and the struggle they felt. Then, showing pictures of my beautiful wife, four young children - a tragedy that has become a blessing - I reassured them that the fire, the pain, the scars aren’t the end of their lives, but in truth are just the beginning.
Going around the room, the parents and children asked questions and shared their personal stories. It was one of the most emotionally-charged and joy-filled sessions I’ve ever been part of.
As we were leaving, a three-year-old boy named Jorge asked in Spanish if he could hold my hand. So we held hands and then he kept repeating the same phrase:
“No me olvide. Por favor, no me olvide!“
Not understanding what he was saying, I looked away from the sweet little boy, over to Gary, who translated it for me:
“Don’t forget me. Please, don’t forget me!”
Jorge, I never will.
My friends, I hope you won’t, either.
Here was a little boy who left home at 3AM with his mother, drove five hours to be with us for 45 minutes, and drove five hours back to his village, radiating joy. Here was a little boy unable to walk and trapped in absolute poverty, revealing what overflowing wealth looks like. Here was a little boy, burned badly on his torso, midsection and legs, but absolutely on fire with life.
Choose to live like Jorge: impoverished, burned, oblivious to all that is wrong… and on fire for all that is right.
In the busyness of our lives, it’s so important to slow down. Pause. Take inventory of what we have, and recognize the calling to do more for others with it.
Don’t forget that. Please, don’t forget that.
Loved it when former United States Secret Service special agent Evy Poumpouras spoke of learning to “shut up” during her professional training… aiming to speak 20% of the time
Listen to our entire conversation on the Live Inspired Podcast (episode 228):
Apple Podcasts - apple.co/2uGq6kU
Spotify - spoti.fi/2UMFbfy
My website - bit.ly/38p2dNj
This is me...
Just had a very relaxing and wonderful Valentine's date night watching The Greatest Showman as a family....
Have seen it several times. And like it more each time. Great storyline. Love that the music celebrates dreaming, redemption, acceptance, and finally choosing who and what actually matters.
Oh yeah....
And awesome music....
So here's my question: Of all those the songs in the show, which is your favorite?
From now on, this is your night. Live Inspired. J
