On a random shuffle of the songs on my Ipod this week at the gym, the song "So Small” by Carrie Underwood played. I have been inspired by Carrie ever since I saw her on American Idol in 2005.  I hadn’t heard this song in a while and forgot how powerful of a message it had. 

Michael Fear grew up in a small town in Indiana. Being an aspiring athlete in a small town brought its own disadvantages. There was no easy way to find and connect with the proper coaches or instructors that he needed to get better. After many months of searching, instructors were found through word of mouth. Michael and his dad were forced to drive 4 hours roundtrip, for hitting lessons. Michael thought, "There has to be a better way!" Therefore, he developed his own business, Get Better Today.

Bestselling Amazon author, speaker, and poet, Heather Grace Stewart was born in Ottawa, ON, and currently lives near Montreal, QC with her husband, daughter, and three feline friends.

Heather wrote her first poem at age five, inspired by falling down a lot while trying to figure skate. ‘At the Arena’ was published in her school newsletter. From that moment on, she was hooked on writing.

Linda Bacon, PhD, is a researcher on the inside track of weight regulation science – a scientist whose three graduate degrees, research, and clinical expertise uniquely prepare her to understand and translate the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural underpinnings of weight control. An internationally recognized authority on weight and health, Dr. Bacon has published her work in top scientific journals as well as the highly acclaimed popular press book, Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight.

I have loved the song "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz since the first time I heard it. It moved me to tears a couple times.  I'm a huge fan of his voice and his prior work.

"The story of the video (I Won't Give Up) is that we all have our stories. We all have out own version of suffering….and everybody has many things to not give up on," Mraz explained in an interview.  I had to share this song as it encourages us to persevere.

Today Robyn Hussa is sharing with us about perseverance. I first connected with  Robyn when I was interested in getting involved with the blog, We Are The Real Deal, where she is the editor. I'm a huge supporter of the work that they do and had to share my story on their site. We Are The Real Deal has built an amazing community of contributors, bloggers, and readers who have their heart and soul into being positive about their body image. Check them out after you finish reading the post.  Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your story with us! I admire your accomplishments.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend the David Foster Foundation Miracle Concert this past Saturday night at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena in Victoria, B.C. I had thought I was in for a night of beautiful music.  However, I didn’t expect to be blown away by an experience that has changed my life.

Let me explain. I found out a while ago that the David Foster Foundation was having a concert to support his charity.  I have known about David Foster and the work that he has done (professionally and philanthropically) and wanted to support this cause.  All proceeds from the Foundation go to support the families of children needing organ transplants and education surrounding organ donor registration in Canada and the US. Since I have a good friend who has had two life-saving organ transplants, this cause is really important to me.  

I'm excited that Dr. Ashley Solomon is sharing her thoughts with us today about perseverance. I really admire her career and accomplishments. Thank you, Ashley, for taking part!

Ashley Solomon, Psy.D, is a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, trauma, and serious mental illness. She loves ice cream, yoga, and sleep. You can connect with her on her website (www.nourishing-the-soul.com) or on Facebook and Twitter.   I recommend that you do.

I'm truly honoured that See Beautiful has awarded me with the title "Woman of the Month" for June. See Beautiful™ strives to be a place where girls and women feel empowered and recognize their beauty. I'm so flattered and humbled by the award.  Thank you, Lydia Cryss Mays, for this and for being such an active contributor to my blog. I'm so glad I connected with you. Keep up the amazing work! Please check out the See Beautiful site after you read this and connect with them too!

I'm delighted Tara Jacek, who I met through the WordPress blogging community, is sharing with us her thoughts on persevering as a young professional. She provides advice to young women entering the work world.  She is a loyal contributor to my blog and also designed the beautiful graphic in my "About Me" section of my blog.  I’m blessed to know her.  She continually inspires me and encourages me to persist. She rocks! Thanks Tara!

I just heard the song "Unstoppable" by Rascal Flatts for the first time in a while and was inspired.  I want to print out this lyric and post it so I can see it everytime I am working.

"REMEMBER WHAT ONE DREAM CAN DO. YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!!!"

This song is so beautiful and empowering, you should check it out. Let me know what you think after hearing it :)

Dr. Susan Biali, MD, is an award-winning medical doctor, wellness  expert, life and health coach, author, and flamenco dancer. Based on  over twenty years spent studying principles of health, happiness, and  success, Dr. Biali offers hope, inspiration, and tools for life to  people worldwide. She speaks internationally, personally coaches a wide  range of clients from stay-at-home moms to military leaders, blogs for Psychology Today and is frequently featured in media such as the Ricki Lake Show, The Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, Martha Stewart Living, and The Washington Post.  She is the author of the bestselling  book, Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You.  You can find out more on her website: www.susanbiali.com