I'm excited to get started! Today, Pooky Knightsmith Hesmondhalgh, Ph.D., a specialist in student mental health and emotional well-being from the U.K., is sharing her record worthy practice with all of us. I met Pooky through the WordPress blogging community. Pooky has personal experience with the issues she teaches and writes about, and she shares her insight from a first-person perspective.

I found this quote by bestselling author Anne Lamott about lighthouses and it really speaks to my heart. I have been journaling and reflecting on the meaning recently so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Ever wondered what results from reaching out to someone whose story inspires you? A new friendship can form and you find strength to persevere. I'm excited that today, Tara Fall, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us.  I found her through her blog (http://findingstrengthtostandagain.wordpress.com/) by chance last year and am so blessed to have connected with her.  I think her story is so inspiring and should be shared with others. She has really inspired me to go after my dream, to persevere, and to overcome obstacles with optimism.  Check out the video of her story below before you read her interview to see what I mean.

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.

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.

Mara Glatzel is a self-love coach  and author of the Body Loving Homework e-course. She works with women who are ready to create the lives they want — and deserve. Her blog — Medicinal Marzipan — has inspired thousands of women to heal their relationships with their bodies, and treat themselves with relentless compassion. Catch up with her on facebook, twitter, or join herbody-loving mailing list for secret swapping and insider news. Mara inspires me with her words and I had to ask her to be part of this series. If you haven’t checked out her work – here is your introduction to her  Thanks, Mara, for encouraging everyone to love themselves and for taking part in this interview. You rock! 

Ever wondered how writing helps in eating disorder recovery? I'm excited that today, Anne-Sophie Reinhardt, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us. 

Anne-Sophie Reinhardt is an anorexia survivor, body image expert, author, and blogger at Anne-Sophie. She empowers you to achieve a healthier and more successful life by returning to your true purpose and values. Anne-Sophie has really inspired me on my journey. I connected with her last year and we've been friends ever since. I look forward to meeting her in person one day soon.  She has appeared on the blog before as a Profile of Perseverance and did a guest post on how to become a better blogger.  I was on her podcast "Your Life, Your Success" earlier this year too. Regardless of the medium used, Anne-Sophie speaks from her heart and empowers others on their journey! Blessed that we encourage each other.

Perhaps you were like me; you never really thought death or serious illness would happen to you or to someone you cared about deeply.  Then one day, you get the news.  Trust me, how you cope with it makes all the difference. I initially wrote this post months ago, but after hearing many stories of illness recently, I thought it would be fitting to share this story now.

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.