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Home | Parade Magazine | Ask John: Which of the 7 Choices is the Hardest? | Cat staring at a tiger

Cat staring at a tiger

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johnoleary.inspires

Live + virtual speaker. 2x bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast Host. Best last: Husband. Dad.

Regardless of where the event is, how large the gr

Regardless of where the event is, how large the group is, or what the makeup of the crowd is, I love the audiences we get to serve.
By the end of our brief time together, there is always a connection, always a bond. That shared experience and exchange of energy is what makes this work truly life-giving. It’s also why I leave each room with more friends than when I walked in.
So to describe the feeling I had this weekend taking the stage at On Fire For Good, looking out at an audience that I ALREADY know and love as friends, and knowing that thousands more were watching from their own homes (enough to freakin' break the internet!) is difficult to put into words. But I’ll try.
▪️ I glimpsed siblings that traveled to support me (even though I told them not to).
▪️ I saw dear friends I’ve known for decades.
▪️ Families I’ve bonded with by raising our kids together.
▪️ Neighbors that will never truly know how much they’ve mattered to me.
▪️ Past audience members who have become true friends.
▪️ Clients that have become confidants.
It was emotional. It was humbling. And it was validation.
Validation of what I’ve talked about from the stage and the message I’ve written about, podcasted about and that will soon be the emotional center of a full-length feature film: That we can all—every single one of us--be used for good.
I didn’t come to this realization as a giver of support, but rather the recipient of it.
As a broken little boy, ... continued in comments...

Are you a turkey person? And no, I’m not talkin

Are you a turkey person?
And no, I’m not talking about the makeup of your Thanksgiving dinner plate this week.
I’m talking about a question that when asked the first time went on to change the life of the individual that heard it. And years later when I heard it, did the same for me.
It’s a question that’s poised to reframe not just our understanding of what it means to serve and love others but one that can transform the effort we bring to our relationships, our work and our purpose in the world.
Think I’m exaggerating? Keep reading.
An 18-year-old man from North Memphis is three times more likely to be dead or incarcerated by age 21 than in college. With this statistic fueling him, a man named Bill Courtney sought to make a difference through coaching high school football in this community.
But he was failing.
Instead of a storybook season, he had a losing team with only 19 players, most of whom weren’t putting in any effort.
@IAmBillCourtney wasn’t a stranger to the difficulties some of these students were experiencing. His Dad left when he was 4. His Mom’s 4th husband shot at him when he was 17. He didn’t have male role models at home, and instead he found them in the two places that went on to make the biggest difference in his life—the field and the classroom.
Today, Bill is a business owner, husband, and father who believes giving back isn’t a one-time flex—it’s a repetitive motion.
Which brings me back to turkey... continued in comments.

In 2007, @bradformsma had an idea to inspire peopl

In 2007, @bradformsma had an idea to inspire people around the globe to live generously. After selling his landscaping company, Brad became the Founder & President of @ilikegiving, a movement which has inspired more than 125 million people in 170 countries to live generously.
Today, Brad joins us to share practical ideas and inspiring stories on how we can use our thoughts, words, money, influence, time, attention, and belongings to live generously and create generosity ripples in our own community.
My friends, you’ll leave this conversation inspired to become more others-focused, and be reminded of how simple actions will make a long-lasting impact in our lives.
Listen to Brad Formsma on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 620. Now available everywhere you listen to podcasts!

“Let’s focus on the triumph and not necessaril

“Let’s focus on the triumph and not necessarily the tragedy.” Despite Kwame's divorce, their relationship brought – and continues to bring – many things to celebrate. Hear more from 39-time New York Times bestselling author @KwameAlexander on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 618.

Each year, my four children join their dad for one

Each year, my four children join their dad for one-to-one time on a work trip. It’s sacred time we get to spend together and is affectionately known as their “daddy trips.” Each child looks at my schedule, chooses where they want go, and plans out absolutely everything we do once we get there.
I act like it’s a gift for them, but those of you with little ones know it’s just me being selfish.
From the moment we leave the house until we return a day or so later, there’s only one thing I do on these trips: whatever the request, even if I am tired or not up for it, my response is to simply say “Yes” and then be excited about it.
Several years ago, my 13-year-old son Jack selected The Phoenician for his trip. It’s a resort I’d spoken at many times over the years. But it’s absolutely amazing how different the experience is when you’re with a child and responding “Yes” to fully participating in life with them.
It's why minutes after checking in we were swimming. It’s why we went down the waterslide. It’s why we ate lunch outside (in 103 degrees) and then went down the waterslide again. It’s why we went down the slide again after that. And after that time… You get the idea.
It’s why a slice of cake was delivered by room service at 1030 p.m. It’s why we shot baskets on the courts and played ping pong and Miss PacMan and shuffleboard. It’s why we took a tour of their cactus garden. It’s why a man who prides himself on working hard on business trips got absolutely no work done on this one.
And it’s why I had the one of my best trips of the year.
Tomorrow, my little boy turns 18.... Continued in comments.

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

2 days ago

Regardless of where the event is, how large the group is, or what the makeup of the crowd is, I love the audiences we get to serve.By the end of our brief time together, there is always a connection, always a bond. That shared experience and exchange of energy is what makes this work truly life-giving. It’s also why I leave each room with more friends than when I walked in.So to describe the feeling I had this weekend taking the stage at On Fire For Good, looking out at an audience that I ALREADY know and love as friends, and knowing that thousands more were watching from their own homes (enough to freakin' break the internet!) is difficult to put into words. But I’ll try.▪️ I glimpsed siblings that traveled to support me (even though I told them not to).▪️ I saw dear friends I’ve known for decades.▪️ Families I’ve bonded with by raising our kids together.▪️ Neighbors that will never truly know how much they’ve mattered to me.▪️ Past audience members who have become true friends.▪️ Clients that have become confidants.It was emotional. It was humbling. And it was validation.Validation of what I’ve talked about from the stage and the message I’ve written about, podcasted about and that will soon be the emotional center of a full-length feature film: That we can all—every single one of us--be used for good.I didn’t come to this realization as a giver of support, but rather the recipient of it.As a broken little boy, I received love I could never repay; as a struggling young person, support I could never have imagined; and as a man in a world that seems desperate to divide and demoralize, encouragement to keep going.Little by little, difficulty by difficulty, I witnessed the profound effect of sacrifice, faithfulness, commitment, and selfless love. Tiny deeds and giant gestures modeled by others literally saved my life.I will never tire of telling the story of how people have shown up for me. Nor will I tire of hearing from others about the ones who did the same for them.It’s why we hosted the event Saturday night. Not merely to feel the creative rush of starting something from nothing or simply to kick off the holiday season feeling something other than drained or even just to give you something fun to do on a Saturday night. (Although we did accomplish all those things in the process!).We hosted this event because we wanted to manifest a version of a world where the individuals who have shown up for YOU are celebrated like the Jack freakin’ Bucks they are. And we want to do it with you.We have so much more to share with you about how you can help us do just that in 2024. But for now, I’ll say this. Take a deep breath and get ready. If Saturday night was a spark, the months ahead will be fireworks. On Fire For Good and On Fire the movie launch with one mission in mind: to remind others of the power to positively change lives, starting with their own.If you were there in the room with us at the first ever On Fire For Good, know I’ll always be grateful seeing you smiling back at me. If you watched online, know that the idea that we brought love and light into your home brings us more gratitude than you will ever know. And if you weren’t able to join, know that you’ll have an opportunity to experience it soon.Friends, I love you and there is nothing you can do about it. Let’s continue the work of reminding the world that the most powerful weapon on earth is the human spirit on fire.I’m On Fire For Good. Are you? ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

"My brother Jim and sisters Cadey, Amy, Susan and Laura."Earlier today at a coffee meeting, I was asked what I was most grateful for today. The answer I gave is listed above. You see, all five of my siblings were going to be out of town this weekend. Two were supposed to be in Florida. Two in Chicago. One in Texas.Then they heard about our On Fire For Good experience tonight. And although I begged them not to change their plans when they heard it, all five did. Who does that?Love.It's who they were when as little kids growing up together. It's who they were when their brother was burned, their house destroyed and their parents drawn away from them and fully to my bedside. And it's who they remain today. Just love. I'm profoundly grateful for their example to me throughout our lives. And humbled by their support not only tonight, but in each day leading up to it. Now, on the chance you want to be part of the party, it's not too late! Although the theater is sold-out [I blame my siblings], you can still join virtually by visiting www.OnFireForGood.comStreaming begins tonight at 645pm CST; show at 7pm ... It's going to be the kind of night you'll be glad to share with friends and family. Come as you are ... And leave On Fire For Good! J ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

6 days ago

"Man, you must be hosting some party! Can I come?"The gentleman checking me out shared the quote above as he set the final box of Champaign in my cart. And he's right! This Saturday, Nov 25th, 7pm we're hosting a massive party. And although the theater we are hosting this bash is sold out, there is plenty of room for you virtually! We've got some of the most inspirational individuals from around the world joining us on one stage, for one night only, to remind YOU that the broken pieces of your life can be used for good. We've got four cameras bringing all the inspiration directly into your home! The entire experience is designed for you and when you join us you'll be reminded that the best of your life is yet to come. So, can you come?Absolutely! Come as you are. And leave On Fire For Good! Join us at www.OnFireForGood.com ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

20 years ago tonight at our rehearsal dinner, my dad read a poem he claimed he wrote himself. It went like this:Beth is patient, Beth is kind. Beth does not envy, does not boast, is not proud. Beth does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs.Beth does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Beth always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Beth never fails. When he finished reading this poem, the party tapped their glasses .... and I though it was a sweet gesture to my fiancé. Over the past 20 years, his words have been prophetic. Grateful for two decades with a girl who radiates love, beauty and grace everyday. J ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

Are you a turkey person?And no, I’m not talking about the makeup of your Thanksgiving dinner plate this week.I’m talking about a question that when asked the first time went on to change the life of the individual that heard it. And years later when I heard it, did the same for me.It’s a question that’s poised to reframe not just our understanding of what it means to serve and love others but one that can transform the effort we bring to our relationships, our work and our purpose in the world.Think I’m exaggerating? Keep reading.An 18-year-old man from North Memphis is three times more likely to be dead or incarcerated by age 21 than in college. With this statistic fueling him, a man named Bill Courtney sought to make a difference through coaching high school football in this community.But he was failing.Instead of a storybook season, he had a losing team with only 19 players, most of whom weren’t putting in any effort.Bill wasn’t a stranger to the difficulties some of these students were experiencing. His Dad left when he was 4. His Mom’s 4th husband shot at him when he was 17. He didn’t have male role models at home, and instead he found them in the two places that went on to make the biggest difference in his life—the field and the classroom.Today, Bill is a business owner, husband, and father who believes giving back isn’t a one-time flex—it’s a repetitive motion.Which brings me back to turkey.The struggling coach asked his team captain why there was so little engagement, and he learned it was because his players didn’t believe in him. They were worried he’d be like all the other people who were there to save them. The type who show up once a year, roll down their windows, drop off a turkey for Thanksgiving, roll up their windows, and leave.Then the captain asked him, “Are you a turkey person, Coach?”The question stung because immediately he recognized in himself the tendencies his team captain described. It was an uncomfortable epiphany. If his stint with the team was a stop-over on the way to something else—something more desirable, something easier, something more opportunistic- his effort, however, well-intentioned, wouldn’t stick. And because true service is never a one-way transaction, the turkey-person question went on to shape the arc of not only his life, but of every player that would cross his path for almost a decade.During that first season, Bill recommitted himself, and as the players witnessed Bill showing up, so did they. The 19 players grew to 75; a losing program became a perennial winner; and most importantly, 35 of the 36 seniors in the last two seasons went to college.Bill showed up for his players and community again and again and again. Bill is not a turkey person. And his story reminds us of the transformational power of steadfastly showing up for others.This holiday season many of us will show up with turkeys—and winter coats and canned foods and end of year donations. And please hear this: that work is critical. It matters. It makes a mighty difference.But in all those exchanges, and in every opportunity that follows, what if we asked ourselves, what other ways do we have to be generous? Can we be consistently generous with our grace? Our love? Our forgiveness? Our understanding?Can we be a generous listener? Can we be generous with our encouragement of others?Like with Bill, when you show up generously again and again, those that you serve are not only reminded that they matter, but they are also reminded of their own possibility to show up for others.This is your day. Be generous. And Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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