Growing up outside of Portland, Alexandra describes her childhood as “growing up with hippies.” Always eating healthy, straight out of a garden to be exact, Alex as a young child always craved sugar.
“When I found out that the church down the street served cookies and kool-aid every weekend, I started going to church…by myself, just to have the cookies!”
By the age of 15, like most teenagers, Alexandra finally got to decide her own diet and what she chose to eat, especially now that she had a job and was making her own money. This continued for about 10 years, until she began to get extremely sick in her mid 20’s.
“I had migraine headaches about 3-4 days a week and put on about 20 lbs. even after the extra college weight.”
The first doctor she visited, wrote her a prescription for a cocktail of different meds, but it wasn't until her second (and different) doctor visit, that they actually found the core of the issues.
“He asked what I had been eating, and gave me a list of foods to eat and a list of foods to avoid. I wanted to cry! The list to avoid was everything I loved.”
It may have been a bottom-point for Alexandra during that time of pain and disappointment, but it turned into a love and passion for food, molding her into what we would call a “Food Junkie!” She attended culinary school at The Natural Gourmet Institute and began diving headfirst into nutritional research, specifically geared towards healing foods. Flashing forward to present day and the (thankfully) healthier Alexandra, she shares the story of how she met her husband, Morgan, and the film they produced together, that not only changed their lives, but the lives of the millions viewers who have ever watched “Super Size Me.” (And if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend it!) Listen in as Alexandra shares the science behind cravings, the power of healing foods and her extensive amount of nutritional knowledge, that I believe is vital for a healthier happier YOU!
“You cant just take away sugar, you cant just take away the foods that give you that dopamine hit. You have to also add in fun and play and pleasure in equal amounts.”
Going off of what Alexandra said, it’s about taking away AND adding in…it’s called a balanced life!
See more from the lovely Alexandra at alexandrajamieson.com and make sure you download her AMAZING & FREE meditations, through the link above! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Before the holiday storm arrives, if it hasn't already, I'm here to help you recharge!
It's important for your own sanity and for those in your company to set a daily recharge, for yourself, to really be able to live in the present and enjoy the most beautiful time of year!
Set agreements for your holiday company, don't be afraid to ask for help when you're feeling overwhelmed, but the key is to remain grateful that you even have this family/friends/things on your agenda! Could you imagine your life without it?! It would be so boring without the chaos!
"We want to wrap every memory in awesomeness!"
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author and creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the #1 Nutrition and Fitness podcast on iTunes.
A graduate of The University of Missouri – St. Louis with a background in biology and kinesiology, Shawn went on to be the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a successful company that provides Wellness Services for both individuals and organizations worldwide. Shawn is also a dynamic keynote speaker who has spoken for TEDx, universities, and numerous organizations with outstanding reviews.
As an aspiring athlete, Shawn had a bright future in football and other sports. Staying active and playing sports was a way of life, until a tragic incident at the age of 15. Breaking his hip while running on the school track, Shawn came to later find out that he had Degenerative Bone Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease.
“My physician at the time told me I had the spine of an 80 year old, when I was only 20 years old.”
As the years went by, due to lack of motivation and ability to be as active as he once was, Shawn began packing on the pounds. Not only was this disease effecting his body, but also his sleep. The pain it brought on from switching comfortable positions in bed, was unreal.
“I would take a special cocktail of medicines before bed, just to knock me out. But it was pseudo sleep, not the high-quality type of sleep.”
With the hopes and all of his trust of his future solely in the doctors hands, it didn't take long before Shawn realized that it was up to HIM to get HIMSELF better. “I cut away the possibility of anything else, besides me getting well.” And so the journey began…to where Shawn is now! Fast forwarding, and healing (Spoiler alert!) Shawn has become a Best Selling Author and a health/sleep genius! His joy became being of service to those around him, to sharing his story and helping heal those in need. Whether it be love and relationships, health and nutrition or even just the advice to become your own leader, Shawn holds a space to help us all! With absolutely, amazingly insane health and sleep tips, Shawn’s interview on todays podcast is one that I highly recommend you tune into! Did you know you could lose fat while you sleep? …count me in!
For the ultimate guide to maximizing your sleep and your heath, head over to theshawnstevensonmodel.com or follow him on social media @shawnmodel Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
"Living in worry invites death in a hurry.”
There’s a reason it’s called “disease.” It is living in a state of dis-ease. Worrying creates certain toxic chemicals which are then sent out to our body, putting us in a state of despair. Crazy to think, but choosing positivity over negativity can actually add years to your life!
“Worry does not take away tomorrow troubles, it takes away todays peace.”
I’d love to share the 5 things you can start doing NOW, to switch your mindset:
And now that I’ve gotten your attention, I’m really just here to turn all your worriers, into WARriors!
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Health and fitness expert Mark Sisson is the Best Selling Author of The Primal Blueprint and one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. His blog, MarksDailyApple.com, has paved the way for Primal enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom’s diet and exercise principles and take personal responsibility for their health and well-being.
Mark’s efforts to promote primal living extend to a line of nutritional supplements, a book publishing company, a Primal Kitchen line with healthy mayonnaise, salad dressing, and other functional foods, and the burgeoning Primal Kitchen Restaurants fast casual restaurant chain.
Mark is a former elite endurance athlete, with a 2:18 marathon and a 4th place Hawaii Ironman finish. His latest book, Primal Endurance, applies the primal eating and lifestyle principles to the challenge of endurance training—helping athletes overcome the common conditions of burnout and carbohydrate dependency.
With the combination of Evolutionary Science and Modern Genetic Science, Mark shares his overflow of knowledge with us, in the field of health and wellness.
“It’s all about the food you eat, the types of movement you choose to do, your sun exposure, the amount of sleep you get and even the amount of play you give yourself.”
The above is what Mark likes to call, our “Primal Blueprint.” Looking for ways to live your healthiest and happiest life while enjoying every bit of food you eat? Mark’s life hacks and tips allow us to do so without the feelings of regret and/or sacrifice.
“I want people to arrive at a space where they are intuitively making the kind of choices they feel good about in real time, but that don’t compromise their health long-term.”
Mark helps us understand that we in fact CAN have it all. The great foods, the fit bodies, the healthy heart etc..Our one life to live shouldn't have to revolve around sacrificing the food and things that make our mouths happy.
“It’s also about the movement. It doesn’t have to be something we dread. I like to find ways to move that are fun, so it can become something you look forward to, and enjoyable experience.”
Getting rid of all processed foods and “sweets” is on the top of his tip list. Re-wiring our brain to curb these cravings will help substantially. Listen in, to hear what Mark substitutes in, when he has those sweet cravings. (I’ve never even heard this one before!) With the most positive outlooks on intakes, Mark’s great advice will have you amped to be the healthiest version of you!
For more healthy and sustainable tips, you can find Mark at marksdailyapple.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Happy Thanksgiving!
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” -Melody Beatty
Although I truly believe that every single solitary day should be filled with an abundance or thankfulness and gratefulness, it is important that today, before the hustle bustle and family/friend fun that you take a moment to sit in gratitude. You can not attract more of the good stuff, without already being grateful for what you have!
“Be thankful for what you have and you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you DON’T have, you'll never ever have.” -Oprah Winfrey
Before eating tonight (just another thing to be grateful for,) go around the table and have everyone name one thing they are “thankful for.” Creating bonds and family traditions are my favorite, so join me! Stop. Drop & Get GRATEFUL! Have a happy and healthy holiday!
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Lisa is the creator of the I AM Initiative: a self-defense through self-empowerment curriculum for pre/mid teen girls and the author of ‘I AM: A Girls Guide To Harnessing Superpowers’.
The purpose of her workshops and book is to empower girls and demonstrate the necessity of self-love in relationship to self-protection. Lisa Van Ahn is a professional boxer and kick boxer. She found her way to the sport after being exploited as a child, years of believing she was unworthy, and living as a victim. Once she began kickboxing, her self-esteem soared and she was able to heal the wounds that were inflicted in her younger years.
She started her fighting career in 1996, and quickly rose to the top of her sport with a regional Championship title and moved on to fighting professionally winning a national Kickboxing title in 2000. After winning her kickboxing title Lisa found fights difficult to procure and decided to take on the world of boxing. She boxed professionally in Las Vegas from 2001-2004 and fought on many prestigious cards and arenas including the Arco Arena SAC, and the Philips Arena, ATL. She also appeared on ESPN’s Friday night fights. Lisa still fights for the U.S. kickboxing team and won a bronze medal at the Pan Am Games in 2012. In 2015/16 she also participated as a competitor on the popular NBC show, American Ninja Warrior. Lisa’s passion for finding her inner superpower stemmed from her difficult childhood of being exploited. By the young age of 15, Lisa started having unfortunate suicidal thoughts after feeling like all her darkest secrets had been exposed. Coming from a place of deep salt-blame, Lisa struggled as a child, teen and young adult. Playing the “victim role” was all she knew, which again led her to making poor choices. At only 19, Lisa found herself in an abusive relationship with a much older man.
“I remember specifically one day as he kicked me out of his Bronco, I landed in the front entrance of a kick-boxing studio and had two options…I can sit here and cry or I can walk myself into that studio.”
Sometimes, it’s in our darkest moments that we find our truest selves. Lisa knew that was the perfect time to stop playing the victim, stop saying “I cant do anything about this,” and decided to turn her life around!
“Very often the world is going to put you down or give your mixed messages. You have to be able to recognize yourself!”
Young or old, still in search of your inner superpower?! Let Lisa be the one to help dust off the cobwebs on your wings, and if you're not even sure where to begin, recite the following with me:
“My thoughts guide my attitude. My attitude guides my actions and my actions create my reality.”
Don’t let anything fool you, the universe is always on your side of the ring! (Pun intended)
Find out some more BADASS inspiration at lisavanahn.com or iaminitiative.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -Frederick Conan
Do the “expectations” of the holidays sometime’s bring you down? You aren't alone! We are inundated with commercials and TV shows/movies of the most perfect holidays, but let’s be honest…life happens.
First, it’s important to recognize and appreciate what is in you OWN home, right under your nose and secondly, if you do want more of that “commercial feel” you need to plan for it. Planning some games and/or quality time is the perfect way to add more happiness to your home. Accepted or rejected, it doesn’t matter! Haven't you always heard, “it’s the thought that counts?!”
Accepting everyone and anyone who joins you at the table this year, is a sure way to have the most perfect holiday. In fact, it is all of your differences, that make you a “family.”
Let us not forget, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Dr. Amy Cannatta is an international coach, innovative business and life strategist, #1 International Best Selling Author for her book titled, PURSEpective; From Ruin to Resilience, podcast host, and blogger for The Huffington Post. She is passionate about teaching you how changing your perspective can turn tragedy into personal transformation. Focusing on resilience, perseverance, and positivity, she has personally developed a signature coaching program using her DREAM framework, the same strategies she used herself to transform from domestic abuse victim to VICTOR, doctor, and entrepreneur. Her personally developed coaching programs that combine her expertise as an intuitive, holistic chiropractor, business owner and life coach. When she is not getting caught red handed on her secret stash of sour patch kids or getting glares from her teenage daughters for dancing around the kitchen, she can be found outside enjoying nature and being a spirit junkie.
Growing up on a small farm in Connecticut, Amy went on to graduate high school and begin the Business School route in college. After completing her first year, Amy decided to drop-out. (I love a good “college drop-out" to awesome entrepreneur story!) Working any and every job you could possibly think of, Amy felt that she wasn't put on the earth to work the typical minimum wage job.
Being on the health and wellness career path now for about 10 years now, Amy has just recently shifted over from chiropractic work, to the “mentorship” side of things, helping high-aching women in the health and wellness field, try to start their businesses!
“Have never even gotten an adjustment before, I followed my faith to Chiropractic school. It just kind of lined up for me.” (No pun intended on alignment ;))
Aside from her many life accomplishments, Amy takes a moment to get super deep and personal. She’s a great example of the “perfect life scenario” when really, on the inside, no one knows the truth. Having been dealing with domestic abuse from her then husband, she takes us back to the exact day in 2002 when she felt the most humiliated in front of her classmates, yet the most relieved she had ever felt, as the wave of a “I will rise above” mindset shifted for her. Sometimes, it is in the most horrendous moments that we find such pivotal answers for ourselves.
“You cant have a rainbow, without the rain.”
From that day forward, Amy knew she had a message to share. One that could change the lives of others just like her, forever. She wasn't going to let this mess take her down.
“I wasn't going to survive, just to survive. I was going to thrive and then I was going to be a transformational healing voice for the world."
Want to follow Amy and her awesomeness? You can find her on both Facebook at Dr. Amy Cannatta and Instagram @Dr_amycannatta!
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“Peace, it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
In times of chaos, whether it be because of the holiday season, our country’s situation or maybe even something personal like your love life and/or job. It is remembering that peace is an inside job, that will help find the light at the end of the tunnel.
We are all guilty of getting wrapped up in the noise of a busy day, but it’s important to listen to our noise within, our inner voice. Our intuition and what speaks without words, can be the loudest.
“Grace and Space,” the two most incredible gifts to give yourself this holiday season.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Samantha Skelly is Canada’s leading emotional eating expert and the founder of Hungry For Happiness, a movement to support women around the world who are suffering from disordered eating and body image issues. She is a award winning, sought out international speaker who delivers inspirational presentations to empower those who struggle with the relationship they have to food and their bodies.
Samantha has appeared on Global TV, Shaw, NBC and CBC to share her mission on an international platform. Hungry For Happiness creates online accessible and affordable recovery resources to those who are suffering in silence.
Samantha was awarded ‘Top 24 under 24’ in September 2013, In 2014 she was a finalist as the ‘Best Emerging Entrepreneur’ by Small Business BC. Samantha aims to create a disruptive company in the eating disorder recovery space. Her vision is to create the largest and most impactful online resource to support those who’s lives are negatively affected by issues with food and their bodies. For the majority of her childhood, Samantha was a stunt-double, dancer and child actress.
“If I wasn't on stage, I was in front of the camera.”
Everyone at school looked at Samantha like she had the coolest life, but to her it was normalcy. At the age of 14, Samantha auditioned and was chosen for a stunt-double role on the well known show, “Smallville.” But it was by age 18, that she wasn't even too sure of who the REAL Samantha was…
“I hit this wall where I didn't even know who I was besides a dancer and an actress.”
It was in that moment, where she decided that her future education wouldn’t be determined through a degree, but more from real life instances and traveling. Lucky for Samantha, her supportive parents were all for it. Moving to Australia, by herself, it was time to start the search for the real Samantha. Knowing no one and not even sure where to begin to “find herself,” she became obsessive with her body image and dieting. Being in a foreign land, it seemed to be the only thing she had any control over.
“I become so obsessive, that I found myself in the hospital after depriving myself of food and only eating about 4 tablespoons of yogurt a day.”
Not having found what she set out for, Samantha’s next move was England. Becoming a personal trainer there, she found it ironic that she enjoyed helping people get healthy, but behind the scenes she was slowly killing herself.
“I would weigh myself up to 20 times a day.”
Whether it be over eating or not eating enough or even just not completely and wholly loving the person in the mirror when we walk by, I feel like every one of us can somehow relate to where Samantha speaks from.
“Connecting our worthiness to our bodies can be really intense.”
Seeking a help coach and learning that it is okay to spend some time on your own, Samantha began to find healing through meditation.
“The most confronting thing I ever had to do, was close my eyes and really get into my own body.”
Samantha teaches us that waking up each day with a new mindset is the first and best habit to get into, no matter the issue! Pretending that we are already “there,” that we are already at our goal, will teach our bodies to feeling and live those positive side effects.
You can find Samantha floating all over the internet at www.hungryforhappiness.com, Facebook: hungryforhappines, Instagram @hungryforhappiness and even on YouTube! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Are you ready for some inspiration overload? Have you ever wondered why “the magic happens” for some but not for others? Well, it’s really quite simple…let me spell it out for you!
“'Freak out mode' is your opportunity to surrender!”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Amy E. Smith is a certified confidence coach, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Founder of TheJoyJunkie.com, Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-love. With acute focus on helping people "find their voice", she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor and has been a featured expert on Fox 5 San Diego and YourTango.com. Traveling all over with assistants and company cars in your early twenties, as a professionally make-up artist sounds amazing, am I right!? Amy thought so too, but the feeling was short-lived. Seeking medical help, for the anxious and rundown feeling she was feeling, Amy had an eye-opening pivotal moment. It was time for her to take her career path into her own hands.
“I felt like I was working myself to the bone for someone else’s dream.”
From one end of the spectrum to the next, Amy began taking personal development courses, to 1. better herself and 2. to learn how she could serve others around her.
“Over the passed 3 years I've been heavily focused on helping other 'finding their voice.'”
Saying YES and people pleasing when its not 100% authentic, gets old, frustrating and actually quite tiring! We get ONE life to live. It’s our personal choice how we want to live it! As the old saying goes, “There is a time and place for everything.” If constantly saying yes to your parents, your boss, your husband/wife isn't making you happy, then its about time you look deeper into why you’re trying so hard to people please. Growing up in an extremely conservative Born-Again Christian family, Amy had to learn when and how to flex her “voice muscle.” Conforming to others views just wasn’t working for her, as it shouldn’t. Our body muscles aren't the only thing we like to flaunt and flex. Allow Amy to help you find your voice, to complete the total package!
We all need a friend like Amy! Visit thejoyjunkie.com for your daily dose of realness! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Have you ever wanted to change someone? Has it ever actually worked out for you? Asking people to change or conform to our ideals may work for a short period, but in the long run it’s pretty impossible and to be honest, pretty unfair. Do you want to know whats NOT impossible? Changing our PERSPECTIVE on how we are viewing these individuals. Headed towards the mountain in the distance, with or without someone’s support is what should be your main focus. Of course, it seems more enjoyable to feel the extra love and support from who we are closest to, but that’s not always a guarantee. Instead of pushing and forcing a change upon someone, seek what you are “lacking” in yourself FIRST and watch how it can positively effect them, without even saying anything!
“Monkey see, monkey do.”
Some of the most beautiful things, comes from our biggest critics and our biggest lessons.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Ryan Blair is a New York Times bestselling author, self-made multimillionaire and serial entrepreneur who established his first company when he was twenty-one years old and has since created and actively invested in multiple start-ups. Now at age of 38, he has founded and sold numerous businesses for hundreds of millions of dollars, runs global healthy lifestyle company, ViSalus, and is a venture capitalist. In March 2013, Blair released his paperback version of his #1 New York Times Best Seller, Nothing To Lose, Everything To Gain: How I Went From Gang Member To Multimillionaire Entrepreneur. Uncensored and raw in his account of growing up in the face of adversity, Blair effectively imparts lessons learned from obstacles he faced and provides a road map for entrepreneurial success. Blair is no ordinary businessman: he’s a master of personal reinvention. His captivating story was also a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine, bestseller amongst others. Through a candid and unfiltered voice, Nothing to Lose speaks to everyone, from struggling youth to thriving businessmen alike, illustrating how to turn failures into successes. In April 2014, Blair debuted Nothing To Lose: The Documentary, which follows his inspirational story as he overcomes challenges and adversity as well as his personal hurdles while building ViSalus into a household brand. The documentary has won the “Best Producer” award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and “Best Documentary” at the Los Angeles Art-House Film Festival. On October 4, 2016, Blair revealed his second book, Rock Bottom to Rock Star: Lessons from the Business School of Hard Knocks, which explores how he rose to the top and shares his personal formula for going from rock bottom to "rock star” to be the absolute best at what you do.
His biggest endeavor yet has been the overhaul of ViSalus, the company behind the Body by Vi™ 90-Day Challenge, a weight and fitness transformation platform. In 2008, as CEO, Blair went all-in, personally investing his last million dollars on a new business model that would later revolutionize the 118 billion dollar direct selling industry. In just 21 months, ViSalus went from 600,000 to 30 million dollars in monthly sales, and in 2011, they increased sales seven-fold from 34 million to 231 million dollars. In September 2014, Blair, with his co-founders, announced ViSalus and former parent company, Blyth, had reached an agreement to sell back 90-percent of shares to the founders of the company. Blair appears regularly on CNBC, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV, CNN, and Fox. He has also been featured in major publications including Inc Magazine, Fortune Magazine, BusinessWeek, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times. Blair took a turn in movie production serving as Executive Producer of Man in the Glass: The Dale Brown Story, an award-winning documentary about the legendary LSU Basketball Coach. Growing up in a “Brady Bunch” family environment, Ryan shares with us how his life wasn't always as grandiose as it is now. Being a child in a veteran a family, at the age of 13 he witnessed his Fathers downward spiral, leaving his Mother alone to raise the children. Being paid just above minimum wage at the deli job she accepted to pay for her family, Ryan remembers a life of unfortunate poverty. Being forced to move “to the other side of the tracks” due to their financial situation, Ryan gets real about life on the other side. After his sisters best friend lost her life in a drive by shooting, Ryan decided to retaliate, indulging in the gang scene or “illegal entrepreneurship activities” as he called it. Growing up first-hand in the “rock bottom” kind of lifestyle, his real life experiences made it easier for him to write about it all, and gave him that extra motivation and push to not end up like his other brothers and sisters. Ryan wanted a plentiful and peaceful life for himself and his own future family. Thankful for his spiritual upbringing because of his Grandmother, Ryan goes on to share with us that at times, it was truly his spirituality that he leaned on heavily, to get him through life, along with love the he had for his Grandmother and Mom.
“They had always told me, 'You can be anything you want to be.'”
And Ryan did just that! In fact he went far beyond his wildest imagination. If you're in need of a shot of inspiration, you've come to the right place! Ryan’s interview is the answer you've been looking for.
Couldn't get enough of this interview? In need of some more rock star tips and advice? Visit rockbottomtorockstar.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Clear roads and smooth sailing gets boring, can we all agree? It’s the rough waters and pot-holed roads who make us who we are. With major life choices arising in my own personal life, I thought it would be important to share with you all, how I deal with making a clear and positive choice.
“Doing what is right, isn’t always easy.” - Unknown
Making a choice in order to ease a situation or appease people, is a sure way to have it come back and bite you in the butt, sooner or later.
“The most successful people make the tougher decisions faster.”
Everything in our life is a reflection of our choices. It is our job to see the rainbow through the rain and the light at the end of the tunnel. No one will do that for us. Do yourself a favor and ask yourself these 3 things: Is this going to make me happy tomorrow? Is this going to make me happy next week? Is it going to make me happy in a year? Give yourself enough space to FEEL a situation. Don’t just go through something, GROW through it!
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Jonathan Fields inspires possibility. A New York City dad, husband, award-winning author, serial entrepreneur, teacher and strategist, he founded a number of game-changing wellness-companies, taught thousands of students and led workshops around the world on everything from yoga and mindfulness to conscious entrepreneurship and innovation. His new book, How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science and Practical Wisdom, offers a gateway to a life of meaning, connection and vitality.
To celebrate the book’s release and inspire early interest, Jonathan is doing something pretty extraordinary. In addition to offering fantastic pre-order bonuses, he’s teamed with the One Tree Planted foundation to plant a 10,000 tree “Good Life Forest!” When you pre-order your copy of the book before the October 18th publication date, you’ll also be sponsoring a tree and doing good for the planet (and for you). You can get all the details at GoodLifeProject.com/book.
Now, working with his wife and a world-class faculty, he runs mission-driven media and education venture, Good Life Project®, where they produce a top-rated podcast channel and video-series with hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views and downloads. Good Life Project also offers in-person and online events and trainings, including their annual 400+ person Camp GLP gathering. Jonathan regularly keynotes at events and has been featured widely in the media, including The New York Times, USA Today, People, O Magazine, Vogue, Elle, Yoga Journal, SELF, Allure, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, FastCompany, Inc., Entrepreneur and thousands of other places that sound cool, but don’t impress his daughter all that much. When not writing, teaching, building things or telling stories, he can be found dancing around his living room with his wife and daughter. Coming from the typical schooling background, Jonathan continued his education to become a lawyer. After graduating law school, his body took a turn for the worst. Ending up in the hospital, Jonathan had some time on his hands to reevaluate life. Finding that two of his most passionate loves, were coming full circle: health and wellness and entrepreneurship, he decided to move forward with these new thoughts. Building his own businesses is what was next in line for Jonathan. He goes on to tell me that it was right around his late teens that he started asking himself “what are we all really here for?” and it was within the answer, that he knew he would go on to serve himself and his community on how to live a GOOD LIFE. Choosing his true passion over money, Jonathan knew it was the right choice to take a pay cut by following his dream, rather than staying in a profession that didn’t light up his life.You may attempt, but in the end you’ll realize that you can’t ever put a price tag on waking up happy. Steering towards a higher power to hear him out and be with him along the way, he tells us when this theory first started to set in. “
After becoming a Dad, I started asking more questions and exploring ancient philosophy and tradition. It’s built on the concept of one-ness.”
With his new-found higher power and his wife by his side, Jonathan created the Good Life Project, a media and education venture.
“Of course there are sucky days, but if you were to stop me on any given day and ask me “Are you living a good life?” my answer would be, OH YEAH!”
For more tips on how to lead a happy and healthy life head on over to goodlifeproject.com or find him on Instagram @Jonathanfields. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Long after our motivation and inspiration has simmered down, it’s our willingness and passion that brings a dream into reality. It’s the smaller, daunting tasks that we almost “hate” doing, that will separate the GREAT from the MEDIOCRE.
I have found that wherever there has been fear or doubt, I have just had to be willing to see the situation a different way. We are given two options, every single day, for every single situation. We can choose to see things through love or through fear. As stated beautifully by Gabby Bernstein in her new book, The Universe Has Your Back.
“There is only one thing required to change your life, and that is willingness.”
The willingness to love, to lose weight, to take a giant step outside your comfort zone, maybe even to forgive someone that has been weighing you down for years.
“Forgiveness is freedom for us. It’s not letting them off the hook, it’s letting us off the hook!”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Geoff Woods is the Vice President of The ONE Thing Team. After hearing the Jim Rohn quote that "you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" Geoff set out on a mission to surround himself with high level CEOs and successful entrepreneurs. Fast forward just 10 months, Geoff went from employee to entrepreneur, launching a company with the co-authors of the best selling book The ONE Thing. Geoff has been featured in Entrepreneur.com and is on a mission to teaching people how to live a life of focus so they can have more by doing less. S
tarting out in medical device sales, Geoff has found that one of his biggest life transitions happened only about 18 months ago. It just goes to show you that, “it’s never too late!”
Leaving a secure job, especially when the pay is substantial, isn't always easy. But what comes easily, isn't usually what’s “right.” Like many of us, Geoff knew something was off, something was missing from his day to day life.
Unfortunately, yet luckily, two major events really hit Geoff right where he needed it. After witnessing a young colleague of his suffer a stroke and after receiving a 40% pay cut, it was time for him to make some serious life changes.
“You are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with.” -Jim Rohn
Surrounding yourself with those who can help you reach your goals is one of the fastest ways to success. After launching his own podcast The Mentee, in January 2015, doors of opportunity began to open, bringing him and his family to Texas to work with Gary Keller and Jay Papasan for “The ONE thing.” Flashing forward to today and the accomplishments he has made for himself, Geoff goes on to tell us about the important art of time blocking!
“Every single day you are either marching towards your goals or stepping further away.”
He teaches us that doing the same one thing a day may not seem significant, but if you stack it up over a period of time, as you know the day will come where you look in the mirror and not even recognize yourself. This could go one of two ways. The reflection you see in the mirror can be someone you've always wanted to be and who you are proud of, or someone you have lost sight of altogether. From this day forward, I am challenging you all to time-blocking. For yourself, your health, your ultimate goals and your dream life.
“In all of our research it shows that it takes 66 days to form a habit.”
Quit biting off more than you can chew. Whether it be your first time ever or not, set a goal, no matter the size and stick to it!
Join the challenge and you can thank me later.
You can find Geoff at GeoffWoods.com and all over “The One Thing” Facebook page. Be sure to pop in on some of his Facebook lives! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“If you can accept the worst that can happen to you and live with it, then you will become Superman/Superwoman. You can do anything because your mind doesn’t get in your way.” -Bob Parsons
Creating the Bliss Project event was like entering into the world of the unknown. Coming from a solely fitness background, surrounding my career around mindfulness and the ability to teach it unto others, was at first, a scary thought.
“Why would they want to listen to me? Where will I find my audience?”
But I accepted the “worst” that could happen. Maybe no one would listen at all? Maybe no one would come? Guess what….This event has become my biggest prize possession thus far and we have sold out the 2017 event in just weeks of launching tickets! Face your fears, find your superpower and fly with it!
“I’d rather a life full of 'oh wells!' than 'what if’s?'” -Unknown
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
A charismatic visionary and transformational teacher, Kute Blackson offers a fresh, bold look at spiritual awareness for a whole new generation.
Born in Ghana, West Africa, Kute's multicultural upbringing as the child of a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father has spanned four different continents. His unique lineage lay the foundation for his approach to breaking down barriers and unlocking an individual's true gifts and greatness.
Though Kute was raised all over the world, he had always dreamed of life in America. As if by kismet, he won a green card just after finishing school in London. He came to America alone just months later, with no connections or prospects. When Kute arrived in Los Angeles, all he had to his name were two suitcases and the dream of seeking out the spiritual and self-help icons who had inspired him when he was a boy.
Kute quickly learned that the "outside-in" approach favored by so many in the personal development space had to become an inside-out approach. So he decided to create his own method—a process that liberates the individual and the true self at the core and then pushes those gifts outward into the universe. This helps the individual get in touch with who they really are. It is a process of breaking free—so that the individual can live, give, and share the truest expression of their self. This is what Kute calls "Liberated Living."
Colored with experiences from his own incredible journey, Kute’s debut book, You.Are.The.One., published by Simon & Schuster and released worldwide on June 7, 2016, shows readers how to unlock their true potential and live a life they love, through love.
Kute is a next generation world leader out to awaken millions to Love and to Live their inspired destiny.
Always obsessed with spirituality, starting at a young age, Kute had witnessed miracles that others have only dreamed of. His childhood and experiences have helped create the liberated man he is today.
Around the age of eight, picking up his first self-help book, Kute began to ask the questions of “who are we, why are we here and what is the purpose of life?” Intrigued in spreading the answers, Kute also began speaking in front of thousands of people at his Father’s church’s. At only 14 years old, he became an ordained minister.
Knowing that this wasn't his ultimate path and “want” in life, Kute was afraid to speak up, thinking he would lose the acceptance and love of his father and people around him.
“After about four years of inner turmoil, I came to realization that I could follow the expected life, the save life, but if I became successful in everyone else's lives but not my own, then what was the point?”
Kute shares with us his memories of sneaking out of his parents tiny apartment, and into the church, in the middle of the night, with the lights off, to practice speaking for 3-4 hours to empty chairs.
“I would pour my heart out, speaking a message of inspiration and dreams, imagining souls in the chairs having real life transformations.”
When 18 came around, Kute knew it was time to have the talk with his Father about leaving the ministry to follow his dreams.
“Nothing was worth compromising my soul and compromising my happiness.”
With one of the most inspiring stories, I am ecstatic to share his love and light with my audience. He reminds us that the universe is ours for the taking and “no” is not an answer. Ditch the excuses, take responsibility, and go out there and own your power!
Get ahold of you power and follow Kute to continue to inspire you at kuteblackson.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Learn how to live an INTENTIONAL life to work toward happiness.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Gabrielle Bernstein has been named “a new thought leader” by Oprah Winfrey. She appears regularly as an expert on The Dr. Oz show, and was named “a new role model” by the New York Times. Gabrielle is the New York Times best-selling author of the books May Cause Miracles and Miracles Now. Her other titles include Add More ~ing to Your Life and Spirit Junkie. In the fall of 2016 she will release her fifth book, The Universe Has Your Back.
Gabrielle, a “spiritual activist” recently teamed up with Deepak Chopra to co-host the Guinness Book of World Re-cords largest group meditation. Youtube named Gabrielle one of 16 Youtube Next Video Bloggers, she was named one of Mashable’s 11 Must-Follow Twitter Accounts for Inspiration and she’s featured on the Forbes List of 20 Best Branded Women. She has been featured in media outlets such as ELLE, OWN, Kathy Lee & Hoda, The Today Show, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, The Queen Latifah Show, Anderson Live, Access Hollywood, Marie Claire, Health, SELF, Women’s Health, Glamour, Help Desk the cover of Experience Life Magazine and more.
The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear, To Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein is now available to purchase! As an avid reader of Gabby’s books, I will be the first to tell you, picking up a copy is a MUST.
“I wrote this book now because I believe that we are living in such a scary time, that without some type of faith, of our own understanding, that we will spin out during these times.”
It’s important to stay connect with a higher power. It’s not about the faith I believe in, or your best friend believes in, it’s about the power that gets YOU up in the morning. Gabby’s new book is a guide for peace, an easy-to-understand read to find your purpose and to serve.
“When we are out of alignment with that loving energy and loving belief system, thats when we are in fear.”
Filled with practices and tools, The Universe Has Your Back will shift you from fear to faith. Make sure to grab a copy today!
For more on Gabrielle’s work visit www.Gabbyb.tv or join her social networking community HerFuture.com for women to empower, inspire and connect. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“Never lose a holy curiosity” - Albert Einstein
There’s no denial we are curious creatures, but it’s unfortunate how often we tend to ignore our curious tendencies.
I truly believe that curiosity is what causes creation and creation is what makes the world go ‘round. Having a “safe place” or a network of people to be able to explore your curiosities, judgment free, is vital.
“I believe that curiosities are our soul telling us which place to go to next.”
Whether it is a comfort zone, or a completely new area, tapping into your inner curious feelings can lead you to indescribable adventures and achievements.
“If there is something burning in your soul, keep that question if your forefront.”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Jen Sincero is a New York Times bestselling author, success coach, and motivational cattle prod who has helped countless people transform their personal and professional lives via her seminars, public appearances, newsletters, products and books. In 2011, she gave up her home in California to travel the planet indefinitely, encouraging as many people as possible “to live lives of unbridled awesomeness.” She is currently staying in New Mexico. Starting out as a freelance writer and “broke as joke” as she called it, she knew there was so much more for her to be doing on this earth and so much more money to be making, on this earth.
“After decades of struggling and getting jobs here and there, I finally focused my energy on making money because it just wasn't happening for me.”
It’s never too late to learn lessons, and Jen finally learned that actually focusing on a goal and taking the necessary steps towards it, is the only way to achieve higher accomplishments. Sitting around and wishing for it to fall from the sky, will never happen (although that would be pretty cool.) Deciding to dive into self-help, money making and coaching books, she devoted her time to understanding how it all can work for you, as long as your energy and effort is 100%.
“That's how my book You Are a Badass happened. It was first me getting my act together and then teaching people how to get their act together.”
She teaches us how to put off the opinions and judgements of others, no matter what. Getting uncomfortable with your situation is the #1 way to make things happen!
“If you aren't ready to get uncomfortable, it’s not going to happen.”
Our belief system can by our best friend or our worst night-mare. What we believe, is how we feel and how we feel then translates to how we act.
“I had to change my thoughts about money and greed. I also how to change my beliefs about what people my think of me, especially my family.”
Unsure on where to even begin, to find your inner badass? Becoming really clear with yourself and your personal goals is the easiest yet BIGGEST first step you can take. It’s about the willingness to be able to step away from the old “norm,” to create yourself one BADASS life.
To learn more about Jen and her mission, visit JenSincero.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com