Susa reached out to me earlier this year and then we connected through Skype. Susa writes a fashion blog Susu Paris Chic . Her passion for fashion goes deeper than the surface, though. Fashion is a game for her, but she also longs to dig profoundly, to talk about issues that really matter. Susa struggled with anorexia and is still dealing with depression. She seeks to find happiness in the midst of these trials. Susa has lived in Finland, USA, France and now Canada. Her travels have molded her into an open-minded girl who has a heart for small things that can render life more beautiful.  She is just as sweet in person as she is on her blog.

This quote in my last post  gathered quite a few responses, “Passion is positive anger; it is anger harnessed into constructive action. For example, you feel angry that someone or something you care about has been harmed in some way; therefore, you resolve to do everything in your power to prevent such injustice from happening again. This is an example of anger harnessed to bring about positive change.” Readers and job seekers wanted advice to harness their energy into turning their dreams into reality, valuing themselves, and not losing hope.

Scott L Vannatter is the oldest of two children, having one sister.  He was born in New Castle, Indiana and lives in Middletown, IN in his grandmother's home with his cat, Tamika.  Scott is a published author of 7 short horror stories, 4 of which are currently in print and on sale with Amazon in both anthologies (paperback) and  on Kindle.  Scott has 2 Master's degrees, worked in computers for nearly 23 years and nearly 6 years as a special education teacher.  A massive hemorrhagic stroke in May of 2010 made him stop teaching and start writing.  He is, currently, an Independent Marketing Director for Team National. He has been divorced twice and has two wonderful children, one male and one female both 30 years or older. He is happy with life and believes that "all things work together in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it isn't the end."

How do you deal with anger?

You may be reading this question, afraid to admit that some occasions in your life have made you feel angry. But, you needn’t be wary of acknowledging your anger.  Everyone experiences anger at some time in their lives; anger is a normal human emotion.  What we do with our anger is when problems can arise.

Ever wondered what results from reaching out to someone who shares similar professional interests to you? A new connection and friendship can form. I'm excited that today, Tina Benigno, who I met from reaching electronically out while living in Toronto, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us.

Like many Canadians, turkey dinner is a special tradition in my family.  During dinner, we go around the table and say what we are thankful for.  This Thanksgiving as I looked around the table, I thought how special these gatherings are. People put their time and effort into being present and into providing an over-abundance of nourishment for our bodies, minds, and souls. Each year the makeup of attendees changes, yet the dinners are all special.

I'm really excited that today, Robyn Hussa Farrell is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us. Robyn is the Founder and CEO of Mental Fitness, Inc. (formerly NORMAL), an award-winning arts and education organization that teaches about eating disorders, mental health, and healthy coping through arts and media programs.  When Robyn approached me in early August to tell me about her exciting news, I had to spread the message; I invited her to be part of this series.  I have known Robyn for a couple of years now, and I am a strong supporter of her work.  Even though we live in different countries, we have similar passions. You can read her full bio here or see her "Profile of Perseverance" interview. 

I believe role models are individuals who have the courage to be real, to be vulnerable, to be themselves, and to share their journeys. For the past twenty years, the Backstreet Boys have been my role models. As you may know from reading Arianna’s Random Thoughts, I am a huge Backstreet Boys fan.  They provided encouragement and love through the highs and lows of my life.  For me and many other fans out there, they are “Larger than Life.” (Backstreet Boys fans will get this reference.)

Reece Sims is a passionate advocate for the professional development of Generation Y women. I'm a Personal Branding Strategist, Host of The Lovenoteworthy Show (listed as the #1 Business podcast in the New & Noteworthy on iTunes Canada) and Host for Behind the Brand which airs on Novus Television's Community Channel. I had the pleasure of being interviewed on The Gold Zebra and had to ask Reece to be involved in this series. Reece has really inspired me on my journey. I connected with her earlier this year as we both live on the West Coast.  I look forward to meeting her in person one day.  Reece speaks from her heart and empowers others on their journey!

It has been raining like crazy on the West Coast this weekend. Hope everyone affected by the storm has stayed safe and dry. I thought I would share 5 of my favourite quotes to brighten up a grey day. As you may know, I love combining my 5 favourite  motivational quotes with beautiful photographs I take throughout the world. Happy Monday Everyone! Enjoy!

Jenny Blake is a bestselling author, micro-business, coach, and international speaker who helps people move beyond burnout to build sustainable, dynamic careers they love. With two years at a technology start-up as the first employee, over five years at Google on the Training and Career Development teams, and two years of running her own business, Jenny combines her love of technology with her superpower of organizing information to help clients through big transitions — often to launch or elevate a book, blog, or business.

Happy First Day of Fall!

What are your favourite things about this time of year? Recently, the weather was so warm that it felt like summer was still here. However, waking up this past Sunday morning, I looked out my window and saw that fall had finally arrived. 

Swathes of leaves in the trees had changed colour: magnificent reds, yellows and oranges; the road was covered with the dull gold of crushed leaves. These sights made me excited!  This change in season brings about many things I can look forward to and appreciate during the following months of autumn.