Karen Horneffer-Ginter, Ph.D. is the author of “Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit: Nourishing the Soul When Life’s Just Too Much” (Hay House).  She has been practicing psychology and teaching yoga and contemplative practices for more than 16 years. Karen co-founded the Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she currently offers counseling and other classes and workshops. The aim of Karen's work is to reconnect people with the wisdom of their inner-life by reclaiming what gets lost amidst the busyness of day-to-day life: qualities such as stillness, self-care, creativity, joy, humor, gratitude, and compassion. Her intention is to support people in finding a sense of balance and sacredness in their lives.

As I said in my last post, conversations change lives. For me, one of those conversations was seeing Mo Isom being interviewed on Ellen. Watch the video here. Mo's story really inspired me and I had to reach out and connect with her.  I'm so excited that today, Mo Isom, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us. 

At just 23, Mo Isom is recognized as a powerful, fearless female voice rising up for her generation. Her unique personal story and athletic endeavors have provided her with a platform to inspire, empower and encourage others to live boldly, despite their circumstances. Having faced great personal tragedy—including battling an eating disorder, overcoming the suicide of her father, and surviving a horrific car accident—Mo is passionate about speaking on a wide variety of topics and is able to connect with men and women of all ages and demographics. 

Jen Saunders is the creator of Wild Sister Magazine  and the Wild Sisterhood . She’s a tie-dye wearing daydream believer, writer and spirit junkie. Jen's got so much love for women who own their power, smile at themselves and believe that happiness is a choice – so if that's you, give her a wave at any one of her online homes (Facebook, Twitter) so you can connect! I am really inspired by Jen's vision and the Wild Sister Community so I asked her to be part of this series as she is a mentor to me. 

Elizabeth McKenzie is a  twenty-something speech pathologist + life coach (and kinesiologist in training) from Australia. Her home on the interwebs is Your Highest Self  where she helps women rock their life with confidence, passion and purpose, showing them how to make that seemingly impossible dream life a reality. She is also the creator of Bringing Sexy Back Bootcamp, an ecourse to help women get their mojo back, speak their truth and learn the skills necessary to create a life they’ve chosen for themselves.

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.

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."

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.

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. 

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!

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.