I forget exactly how I met Suzanne Hanna, but I'm so glad we connected less than a month ago.  She was such a great support when I lost my dog a couple weeks back. I'm so blessed!! Thanks Suzanne for sharing your story "The Importance of Grace" with us. 

Since the stories of the people I have encountered have influenced my thoughts and behaviours, it is only fair that these people be showcased. These individuals have touched my heart and encouraged me on my life’s journey. I hope you’ll find their stories as inspiring as I do!

I'm delighted that Elaine is sharing with us her thoughts on perseverance. She has extensive experience in education and sport, which gives her great insight on these topics. Thank you so much, Elaine! I contacted her earlier this year, as I am interested in positive organizational climates and reducing bullying in sport. I suggest you check out the program after you read her interview below. The work being done is very well needed!

Nicole Pyles is a writer, blogger, and social networker. These days, while she isn't hunting for a job, she's finishing her first novel, working on her blog, and fantasizing how great the future could be. Check out her blog World of My Imagination, where she posts about her experiences as a writer, as well as the fabulously weird world we live in.

Larissa and Ian Murphy represent to me a true tale of love and perseverance. I watched the following video yesterday, and their story was truly beautiful. The couple had been dating ten months and planned on getting married, when Ian got into a car crash.  He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury.  Instead of giving up on the relationship, the couple got married and are going strong! The video literally made me cry.  Watch it for yourself!

I had such a wonderful walk on the beach recently that I had to share my time with you. Looking at these pictures, I hope you are reminded to see the beauty in all you do.

Come join me on my walk :) This is my first all photo post. I hope you enjoy it.

A loyal reader of mine asked if I could share on the topic of unrequited love; they are coping with this situation presently, and would like some support.

Unrequited love is love that is not reciprocated or returned by the other person.  Basically, you fall in love with someone whom you can never be with for a variety of reasons.  It is really hard on the person who has these feelings for the other, especially when they think that the other person is the man/woman of their dreams.

I have heard about extreme dieting in the past, but the new diet, called the "K-E Diet" or " The Feeding Tube Diet,"  lives up to the name "EXTREME". The article I read this morning in the Globe and Mail discussed this trend.

Brides are paying $1,500 to have a feeding tube administered into their bodies which provides them with an 800-calories-a-day diet (i.e., very minimal food intake).  These women are using this method to lose the last few pounds so they don't "Look Fat" on their wedding day.  According to the diet, you lose twenty pounds in ten days.

I'm really excited that one of my sister's really good friends, Haley Moore, is sharing her thoughts on perseverance with us.  I have gotten to know her, and she inspires me.  Haley is an aspiring writer and the creator of the blog, Your Old Sweater. Feel free to comment and encourage her to go after her dreams :)  Hope you enjoy her encouraging words as much as I have. Happy Friday everyone!

Every individual that was interviewed for my series, myself included, has stressed the importance of social support in pursuing their passion. Friends and family help you persevere through the setbacks.

You will have many obstacles in your path. So, it is essential to your success to surround yourself with people who cope with these obstacles in a positive rather than a negative manner.

I encountered an “obstacle” in my life this past week with the death of my dog, Sable. I am so blessed for all the support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!You have helped me to cope with her passing a positive and healthy manner.

Today, Danelle Kabush, is sharing her experiences of perseverance with us, as she is a professional athlete and mental performance consultant. Danelle combined her love of psychology with her other lifelong passion, sports, and completed her doctorate in Sport Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2007. Along with competing, she works as a mental performance consultant to many different athletes in various sports. You can check out her website at http://danellekabush.com. Keep up the great work Danelle! Thanks for encouraging me to persist. I'm really glad I connected with you! Read Danielle's interview below!