Two kids sledding down a snowy hill

2 days ago

Jake Harriman is a former Marine, founder of Nuru International and a leader who has dedicated his life to serving others. After first joining us in 2018, he returns to share his latest mission: helping Americans find common ground through The Brickyard, a veteran-led movement, and his new book, Rescuing the Idea of America.Today, Jake shares how his childhood in rural West Virginia shaped his heart for service, the combat experiences that inspired his work fighting extreme poverty, and why he’s now turning his attention to healing divisions here at home. We explore how listening with curiosity, serving alongside one another and choosing connection can rebuild trust and remind us how much we share.My friends, if you’ve felt discouraged by the division around you or wondered whether one person can make a difference, this conversation is for you. Jake offers a hopeful reminder that each of us has something to contribute. You’ll leave with practical ways to build stronger relationships, serve your community and take one small step toward the future you want to see.Listen to Jake Harriman on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 924 now. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

3 days ago

In the podcast conversation I shared earlier, Ingrid Fetell Lee reminds us that our surroundings can bring repeatable joy into our lives. So I thought I'd show you three walls in my office that bring repeatable joy into mine. I’ve shared about these walls before: One holds photographs of people I've interviewed, who make a difference and who I deeply respect. Another features individuals whose words, actions and lives changed the world. And a third is covered with photos of my family and friends. Every time I look up from the computer, these faces make me smile, remind me how much I have to be grateful for, and inspire me to make the most of each day. And that little dose of joy? It goes a long way. So I'd love to hear, friends—is there something in YOUR home or workspace that does the same for you?#LiveInspired #JohnOLeary #JoyInTheOrdinary #JoyfulSurroundings #DailyInspiration ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

3 days ago

On Monday, I shared how terrible I am at waiting—and how three hours in an urgent care waiting room reminded me of it. But revisiting my conversation with Ingrid Fetell Lee recently made me wonder if the room itself deserved at least a little of the blame!Ingrid is a remarkable design expert who joined me on the Live Inspired Podcast to share her research on the connection between our surroundings and our happiness. And through her “Aesthetics of Joy,” she encourages us to notice the sensory qualities in our space that bring us happiness.Beautiful colors. Pleasant sounds. Welcoming spaces. Not exactly the things we associate with an urgent care waiting room! 👀Fortunately, we have a little more say in our own surroundings.Check out the image to read some of Ingrid’s simple suggestions for creating moments of joy in the spaces we use every day. And remember—while it's important to look forward to what comes next, we can also find joy available right where we are.Check out the full episode with Ingrid Fetell Lee here:johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/ingrid-fetell-lee/#LiveInspiredPodcast #JohnOLeary #InteriorDesign #JoyfulSurroundings ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

In 2020, a hug was something to look forward to.So was gathering with family. Celebrating a birthday together. Visiting a friend and greeting them with a kiss on the cheek.We didn’t know when those moments would return. The uncertainty was difficult, and yet, even in that waiting, there was something beautiful: We recognized how much these seemingly ordinary moments meant.The invitation I shared last night—to choose something ahead and joyfully anticipate it—was also part of the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge in 2020. And when I asked what you were joyfully awaiting back then, these were some of your answers.Scroll through them, my friends. Notice how much of what we longed for is part of our lives again today.And consider: Have we become so accustomed to these gifts that we’ve forgotten to look forward to them?We don’t have to lose something to recognize how wonderful it is. The next gathering, the next birthday, the next visit with someone we love can still give us reason to count down the days.So, tell me in the comments—what are YOU joyfully awaiting? And if you recognize your comment from 2020, say hello! I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to now. ❤️#LiveInspired #INAWE #JoyfulAwaiting #JohnOLeary ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

5 days ago

Research shows we get more enjoyment out of something after we’ve had time to anticipate it.I wrote about one such example in my book IN AWE, where psychology professor and research center director George Loewenstein performed a study asking respondents: If they could receive a kiss from anyone they wanted, would they rather have the kiss today or three days from now?Which would you choose? Well, the vast majority of respondents chose three days from now. They wanted something to be excited about. They understood the promise of joyful awaiting.Anticipation, it turns out, is one of the things that makes life so rewarding. So, I have a suggestion for you this evening, friends:🗓️ Pick a date or event in the future and begin a countdown.⏱️ How many days remain until then? Write it down—on your calendar, in your journal, on your heart.😌 Then, as you watch the days tick by, resist the temptation to rush toward the thing you’re anticipating.Instead, savor the waiting. Let yourself get excited. Find joy in knowing something good is still ahead. Because sometimes the waiting isn’t simply the space between now and what’s next. Often, it’s part of the joy.#LiveInspired #JoyfulAwaiting #MondayMotivation #JohnOLeary ... See MoreSee Less

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