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Four years ago, #AmyWolff spent $140 on 20 yard signs to show support for those struggling with #suicide in her small town. Today, the life-saving #DontGiveUpSigns are seen across the US and 26 countries.

http://bit.ly/Amywolff

15 Apr

After a year of uncertainty, struggle and unrest for so many, this week's #LiveInspired Podcast will inspire you to be generous with love... for yourself and others.

Hear the story behind the iconic #DontGiveUpSigns.

http://bit.ly/Amywolff

15 Apr

Don't Give Up.
You Are Enough.
You Got This.

Have you seen #DontGiveUpSigns in your community?

Hear what ignited this life-saving movement from the mastermind herself.

@ApplePodcasts: https://apple.co/2TEUEKT
@Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
Web: http://bit.ly/Amywolff

15 Apr

Overwhelmed by the staggering suicide rates in her small town, Amy Wolff never anticipated her idea would ignite a life-saving movement of hope, love + encouragement.

🎧
🍎: https://apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
Web: http://bit.ly/Amywolff

#DontGiveUpSigns

Don't give up. You are worthy of love. Your mistak

13 Apr

My #MondayMotivation essay is my notes for forthcoming 2021 commencement speeches. #graduates thinking of you: https://johnolearyinspires.com/2021/04/the-one-sentence-commencement-speech-for-2021/

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As winter surrenders to spring and the number of t

Research suggests that our experiences in childhoo

It’s easy to not respond, remain passive, indiff

In April 1994, nine-year-old @jeannecelestinelakin

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1 day ago

Don't give up.
You are worthy of love.
Your mistakes don't define you.

These simple phrases launched a global movement. Overwhelmed by the staggering suicide rates in her small Oregon town, Amy Wolff was determined to support those struggling.

With her husband and two young daughters, Amy anonymously staked 20 yard signs with encouraging phrases across their community, never anticipating it would ignite a powerful + life-saving movement of hope, love and encouragement.

Today, these phrases are displayed on yard signs, wristbands, stickers and cards across the United States and over 26 countries.

After a year of uncertainty, struggle and unrest for so many, today's conversation will inspire you to be generous with love... for yourself and others.

Listen to #liveinspired Podcast ep. 350:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
My website: bit.ly/Amywolff

Don't Give Up Signs Movement
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4 days ago

As winter surrenders to spring and the number of those vaccinated soars past more than 100,000,000 Americans, our office has been receiving far more requests for both live and virtual presentations. This is phenomenal news not only for our organization, but for all still reeling from forced shutdowns; a clear sign that we are finally coming through this crisis.

Currently, several clients are considering us as their commencement speaker.

As such, I’d have less than ten minutes to speak with graduates who are turning the page on an important chapter of their lives, stepping into a post-pandemic world, and likely dealing with significant anxiety around what their life will be like next. These young people are dealing with their own personal struggles, managing their apprehension, imagining what’s possible, and launching into the unknown. And I’ve only got ten minutes to congratulate them on graduating, encourage them to remain bold, and challenge them to do worthy things in their lives.

My friends, I’m not sure I can even tie my tie in less than ten minutes. So in those fleeting, precious moments, what should I share with them?

Well, I’d start by affirming that their life is an invaluable, priceless, gift. It’s worthy of boldly, vibrantly living each day, finding gratitude for all they have, staying open to all that remains possible, and remaining diligent in the pursuit of both personal success and selfless significance.

I’d then remind them that it will be easy to get discouraged as they journey forward. We all do. In this light, I’d encourage them to remember that it’s not the demanding circumstances and temporary setbacks that define us, but rather our choices during them and the way we choose to live after.

I’d share how common it is to pursue ease, dollars or status. A society that loves to celebrate the busy and brash, glamor and glitz – often tracks success through the wrong metrics. I’d encourage them to utilize their talents for a cause that is truly worthy, that might change the world, one life at a time. Starting with their own.

I’d concede the recent uptick of pessimism and cynicism and nihilism and tribalism. And then implore them to push against it by stepping forward as a living, vibrant, beautiful embodiment of all that is good, right and possible.

I’d acknowledge the cancel culture is waiting for them. One errant word, misstep or wrong action could elicit the virtual mob’s wrath on any issue. And yet, our graduates must recognize they win nothing, ever, by canceling those who feel differently than they feel. Instead, use their disagreements and differences as a way to learn; through further discussion and new relationship. If everyone in the room chose to do this, might it not draw those who feel disenfranchised and disconnected into a collective solution?

Most importantly, I’d remind them that they are launching into a world of individuals acting as if they’ve got it all figured. But when it comes to personal finances, intimate relationships, family dynamics, professional growth, emotional wellness, or physical health, we are all constantly in progress and need to lean into one another to become our best. Made for community, we benefit by being there for each other. Asking for help doesn't make us weak, it makes us real. And if there is one thing we absolutely need, it's real people to do life with.

But then, I’d look down, see my watch, and realize I’m 45 minutes into the commencement speech, the proud parents are restless, teachers angry and graduates nodding to sleep.

So, I’d simply share how nervous I was when I was preparing to launch from high school and venture off to college. I wasn't sure who my friends would be, how I’d fit in, what I would major in, and how to do my own wash. That evening, through the unknowns and unspoken concerns, my grandfather handed me a card with a short note jotted in it. I can’t remember what the note read, but below his name was written, “Micah 6:8.”

That evening I had to look it up. I’ve not forgotten it since.

The words are as relevant now as they were 2,700 years ago when Micah spoke them.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To seek justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Seek Justice. Love Mercy. Walk humbly with your God.

In one short passage the graduates today would be reminded real success won’t be found in moving faster, striving incessantly, living selfishly, playing shallowly, or judging others.

That one line would remind them the gift of slowing down, recognizing what really matters, identifying what really doesn't and embracing the awesome gift that this life is.

It wouldn't even require the full ten minutes, but would be a great message for our graduates.

It would also be a great message for those of us in the stands.

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1 week ago

Research suggests that our experiences in childhood will have a profound impact on the overall wellbeing + trajectory of our life.

Never acknowledged by his father and abandoned by his mother at three years old, Steve Pemberton spent his childhood being shuffled through the foster care system where he was abused, neglected and forgotten.

Yet small gestures of kindness from ordinary people helped Steve forge a new path that that led to personal and professional success.

Today, Steve is a husband, father, bestselling author of 'A Chance in the World' and a trail-blazing executive championing workplaces where employees feel recognized, respected, and appreciated for who they are and what they do.

This conversation is a reminder that we’re all able to impact others simply by being a beacon of hope.

Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 348:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
My website: bit.ly/StevePemberton ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

It’s easy to not respond, remain passive, indifferent, busy.

But as I was reminded last week, the most effective, transformational and life-giving leaders are the ones who respond and pay attention. They are the ones who step up and step forward. And, they aren’t always the individuals you thought they’d be.

Last week, I wrote about a little boy who was burned terribly as a baby; and how his story, scars, courage and brilliant smile sparked something in me.

What began as texts with Deyvion and his mom has turned into a special friendship. I feel blessed to know, respect and love them.

Deyvion, now eight, has had a difficult time lately.

He had an arduous surgery recently and has another scheduled this Spring. During times of difficulty, it’s encouraging to have something exciting to look forward to, isn’t it?

So, I asked his mom to share a dream of his. She shared that something he’s always wanted is to just be a normal kid for a day. He imagined a day at the waterpark, playing with other kids and spending the night with his family in a hotel.

I knew we could help make this dream a reality.

Because it’s encouraging to have something to look forward to during difficult times, the Live Inspired Community rallied around our friend Deyvion.
I called the manager of a phenomenal waterpark resort. My message shared the struggles of this child, the dream he’s had and asked for help in making a special experience possible. We wanted to remind him that he is loved and this gift would demonstrate just how much people care.

There was no response.

About a week later, I tried again. No response…

So I tried again. And again. (Years of therapy as a kid resulted in dogged determination!) I left messages that anything they did we’d celebrate with our community of a few hundred thousand friends and that if they couldn’t do anything we’d understand and personally buy the gift certificate.

I never heard back. Believe me, I get it. We’re busy! There are rooms to book, employees to lead, revenue targets to hit and a life to live.

But there was also a kid in need.

Knowing that I was traveling to make a surprise visit at Deyvion’s house and needed something to share with him that he could look forward to, I skipped calling the manager an eighth time and just rang the front desk. A woman answered and I shared the story of the little boy, his dream and what we were trying to do.

She very quickly replied, “I want to help you. I’ll get the room for the family and the passes for the park.”

John O’Leary’s Live Inspired Together Community is changing the world, starting with their own.
I asked if they had a program set up that could comp this?

“No. I’ll be paying out of my own pocket. But it would be my honor to do it.”

The following day, I drove to the waterpark, delivered a massive bouquet of flowers to her and thanked her for answering the call. I told her that, although we could not allow her to personally fund the trip, her willingness profoundly moved me and my team.

The following day, a little boy opened the door and was shocked that John O’Leary was there. He was speechless when I handed him a framed certificate that represented the dream of his day at the waterpark.

I got the hug from Deyvion, but it was for our entire community.

The remarkable, humble, generous woman (who asked to stay anonymous) picked up the phone and answered the call. She made a difference for someone else. She is just one example of the amazing things our live inspired community members – YOU and all 300,000+ friends around the world – are doing. Changing the world, starting with our own.

She was unquestionably successful as indicated by the absolute delight on Deyvion’s face holding his certificate. My friends, the generosity of others constantly amazes me. I notice often that those who seem to have less are the first raise their hand, step forward and make the difference.

It’s common to ignore the need, not respond and remain passive, indifferent, busy.

Yet no life has ever been improved through indifference. Our lives change, and the lives of those around us are elevated, when we pause from the urgent and trivial busyness of the day to pay attention to the important and the relevant.

It’s a call worth answering and a message worth returning.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.
John O’Leary

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2 weeks ago

In April 1994, nine-year-old Jeanne Celestine Lakin's parents and nearly all of her adult relatives were some of the one million people killed during the Rwandan government’s ethnic massacre.

For 100 days, Jeanne and her three-year-old twin sisters hid in bushes to stay safe.

Heartbreaking and unimaginable, Jeanne shares her harrowing story of survival, courage and strength.

Jeanne reminds us that we all have the power to choose forgiveness, leave a legacy of peace and move forward.

Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 346:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
My website: bit.ly/JCLakin ... See MoreSee Less