Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

perspective

Alison Levine Alison Levine high climber. responsible risker. philanthropist.

Alison Levine is a mountaineer, explorer, teacher, and founder of the Climb High Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of African women by training them to be local guides and porters. [www.alisonlevine.com]

On any given day, on any mountain, I am, at best, average compared to those around me. Yet, on May 24th of 2010, I stood on top of Mt. Everest, completing the Adventure Grand Slam: climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents and skiing to the North and South Poles.

Here’s what I realized: Reaching the top of a mountain doesn’t change my life, nor does it have any impact on the world around me. I stand on the summit for what, 30 minutes or so? What’s important is the journey. What did I learn along the way? How am I going to take what I learned on that mountain and use it to have an impact on my community and on the world around me? So I’ve stood on top of the world. Now do something with my new tools – tools like digging down deep and asking myself for MORE, when I’m certain I don’t have any more to give – to make that world brighter. We all have more to give – it’s about tapping into our reserves.

Standing at the top of Mt. Everest isn’t “all that.” It just isn’t. Mt. Everest is a pile of rock and ice, that’s all. And getting to the top of it doesn’t mean you’re good at anything other than pushing yourself and maybe withstanding pain and discomfort for extended periods of time. It doesn’t mean you’re a great climber or athlete, because plenty of better, stronger, more skilled climbers turn back from the top every season due to factors outside their control – weather, gear malfunctions, altitude sickness, frostbite. The window of climbable weather is short when it comes to planning an assault on the summit. All your work during two months on that mountain (not to mention the months or years of preparation you put in before even getting to the mountain) is going to pay off or blow up on ONE FINAL DAY – your summit day. It’s not fair. Well, tell it to the Mountain Gods.

In 2002 I made my first Everest attempt and didn’t get to the summit. But I probably learned more from that experience than I did when I topped out in 2010. Embracing failure is part of what keeps us alive in the mountains. We learn when to push and when to pull the plug. If we make good decisions, we can always have another shot at the top. Your best might have been good enough that day, but tomorrow you get to be better.

– Alison Levine

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Amanda Enclade
    Amanda Enclade Amanda Enclade shadow reader. broken heart hugger. whole self lover.

    Amanda Enclade is an unschooler, DIY educator, progressive parent, far-out thinker, non-conformist, foodie, lover, inventor, aromatherapist magic mixer, and healer of everyday things. [www.auntvis.com]

     
  • Kyle Hermans
    Kyle Hermans Kyle Hermans creativity facilitator. inspired dad. theater baby.

    Kyle Hermans runs the West Coast division of Synecticsworld, a global innovation and creativity firm. He's deeply committed to releasing and enriching the creativity of others. [www.synecticsworld.com]

     
  • Lucia de Garcia
    Lucia de Garcia Lucia de Garcia multicultural leader. laureate poet. inspirational transformer.

    Lucia De García is the founder, president, and CEO of Élan International of Newport Beach. She founded the Multicultural Institute for Leadership and has been recognized for her achievements in international business and multicultural advancement. [www.luciadegarcia.com]

     
  • Antonio Neves
    Antonio Neves Antonio Neves storyteller. question asker. catalyst.

    Antonio Neves is an award-winning broadcast journalist and the founder of THINQACTION, where he coaches young professionals to transform potential into performance. [www.thinqaction.com]

     
  • Agapi Stassinopoulos
    Agapi Stassinopoulos Agapi Stassinopoulos unbinder. love giver. greek goddess.

    Inspiring teacher and published author Agapi Stassinpoulos conducts seminars worldwide for men and women, empowering them to recognize their individual gifts and create the lives they want. [www.unbindingtheheart.com]

     
  • Andy Lipkis
    Andy Lipkis Andy Lipkis environmental healer. practical visionary.

    Andy Lipkis is the founder and president of TreePeople. [www.treepeople.org]

     
  • Arianna Huffington
    Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

    Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

     
  • Dave Smiley
    Dave Smiley Dave Smiley filmmaker. former prison psychologist. transformationalist.

    Dr. Dave Smiley, a former prison psychologist, had an awakening at age 52. Retiring early, he went on to create the first transformational film about spirituality, the mind, and weight loss. [http://TheInnerWeigh.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Jack Canfield
    Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

    Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

     
  • Claudia Pornaro
    Claudia Pornaro Claudia Pornaro blogger. mother. possibility creator.

    Claudia Pornaro is a mother, blogger, writer, and creator of amazing possibilities – now that she knows what she want to be when she grows up. [www.facebook.com/claudiapornaro]

     
  • Tal Ronnen
    Tal Ronnen Tal Ronnen vegan chef. author. king of yummy.

    Tal Ronnen is a chef, cookbook author, and teacher. He started the Veg Advantage program, which helps food-service operators integrate vegetarian options into their daily operations. [www.talronnen.com]

     
  • Christina Rasmussen
    Christina Rasmussen Christina Rasmussen happiness connector. thought shifter. soul communicator.

    Technically speaking, Christina Rasmussen is a Grief Counselor – she prefers to call herself a Strategist for Life After Loss. She crusades to change the way we cope with grief, devastation, and longing. [www.secondfirsts.com]

     
  • Ken Torino
    Ken Torino Ken Torino change encourager. appreciative friend. fresh starter.

    Ken Torrino is a web relations specialist for Elliman, brokers for New York City real estate. [www.elliman.com/new-york-city]

     
  • Gwen Olsen
    Gwen Olsen Gwen Olsen youth activist. spiritual traveller. non-judger.

    Human Rights Award recipient Gwen Olsen is a passionate activist for children rights who has published numerous health-related articles exposing the inherent dangers of pharmaceuticals. [www.gwenolsen.com]

     
  • Evelyn Resh
    Evelyn Resh Evelyn Resh author. depression overcomer. avid listener.

    Evelyn Resh is a writer, sexuality counselor, and nurse-midwife. She does all she can to lead a life filled with laughter, pleasure, and generosity towards others. [www.evelynresh.com]

     
  • Garret Kramer
    Garret Kramer Garret Kramer self-correcter. thought changer. inner explorer.

    Garret Kramer is the author of Stillpower and the upcoming The Path of No Resistance. His inside-out paradigm for performance excellence has been featured in various magazines, newspapers, and television programs. [www.garretkramer.com]

     
  • Lara Schwartz
    Lara Schwartz Lara Schwartz hand extender. curiosity embracer. self discoverer.

    Lara Schwartz is a conscious therapist in private practice and the co-founder of Tribe. She recently launched Speak Up!, a program designed to empower people to find their own unique voice. [www.laraschwartz.com]

     
  • Robert Greenwald
    Robert Greenwald Robert Greenwald producer. political activist. brave new filmmaker.

    Robert Greenwald is a producer, director, political activist, and the founder of Brave New Films, which uses moving images to educate and empower viewers to take action on issues that matter. [www.robertgreenwald.org]

     
  • Barbara Bassill
    Barbara Bassill Barbara Bassill writer. change-agent. actress with a vision.

    Barbara Bassill empowers women to live a life of joy, harmony and authenticity. She's a business woman and mother of three beautiful children. [www.barbarabassill.wordpress.com/coaching]

     
  • Anthony Capobianco
    Anthony Capobianco Anthony Capobianco martial artist. manifestor. stuff relinquisher.

    Anthony Capobianco is the founder of Zen Tea Traders where he shares his passion for tea with others through his company. [www.zenteatraders.com]

     
  • Richard Simmons
    Richard Simmons Richard Simmons fitness expert. health advocate. icon.

    Using his unique wit, passion, and enthusiasm, Richard Simmons, the nation's most revered fitness expert, continues his crusade to encourage people to take control of their fitness destiny. [www.richardsimmons.com]

     
  • Claudia Altucher
    Claudia Altucher Claudia Altucher yogi. truth pursuer. no bs'er.

    Claudia Azula Altucher is an ardent student and teacher of yoga, meditation, and philosophy. She has travelled the world in search of truth only to realize that it can only be found within. [www.claudiayoga.com]

     
  • Fenesha Hubbard
    Fenesha Hubbard Fenesha Hubbard fearless lady. radio inspirer. challenge acceptor.

    Fenesha Hubbard helps women use their innate intuitive abilities to create profound changes in their lives. Find her teaching Kemetic Yoga, facilitating group learning sessions, and serving up fuel for your mind and soul on her radio show. [fenesha.com]

     
  • Elyse Glickman
    Elyse Glickman Elyse Glickman word samurai. story gifter. barrier pusher.

    Elyse Glickman is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor with more than two decades of experience in magazine and newspaper journalism, online content production, and public relations collateral production. [www.elyseglickman.com]

     
  • Sandeep Sood
    Sandeep Sood Sandeep Sood software developer. lead writer. badmasher.

    Sandeep Sood is co-founder and lead writer for badmash.tv, an animation studio based in Berkeley, California, and Pune, India. He's also the founder of Monsoon Company, a software development firm. [www.monsoonco.com]

     
  • Julie Simon
    Julie Simon Julie Simon former dieter. current helper. self acceptance discoverer.

    Julie M. Simon, MA, MBA, MFT is a psychotherapist, life coach, personal trainer, speaker and author of The Emotional Eater’s Repair Manual: A Practical Guide for Putting an End to Overeating and Dieting, based on her 12 Week Program. [www.overeatingrecovery.com]

     
  • Lilou Mace
    Lilou Mace Lilou Mace juicy liver. youtube star. battle vanquisher.

    Lilou Mace is an author and WebTV Host. Her videos about living and loving with an open heart have garnered over 19 million views on Youtube. [www.liloumace.com]

     
  • Brad Rassler
    Brad Rassler Brad Rassler organizational consultant. internal change agent. conversation starter.

    Brad Rassler is the founder and Chief Catalyst of A Sustainable Way, an organizational development consultancy. [www.asustainableway.com]

     
  • Elaine Norton
    Elaine Norton Elaine Norton college grad. registered nurse. little lady raiser.

    Elaine Norton is a single 60-something mama. She has been Registered Nurse for over forty years, currently working for an Infectious Diseases specialist in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her daughter, Erin, lives in Los Angeles.

     
  • Dr. Larry Dossey
    Dr. Larry Dossey Dr. Larry Dossey speaker. author. spiritual internist.

    Dr. Larry Dossey is a former internist and the author of eleven books on the role of consciousness and spirituality in health. He lectures around the world. [www.dosseydossey.com]

     
  • Judy Clement Wall
    Judy Clement Wall Judy Clement Wall author. lover. cheesecake enthusiast.

    Author Judy Clement Wall recently finished her first book, a literary novel about love (and some other things). She also has a blog, Zebra Sounds. [http://zebrasounds.net]

     
  • Marc Sachnoff
    Marc Sachnoff Marc Sachnoff strategist. buddhist. light bearer.

    Marc Sachnoff is a television producer, entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and a practicing Buddhist. He brings the Buddha to business, combining timeless wisdom and modern technology. [www.enlightenedent.com]

     
  • Ron McElroy
    Ron McElroy Ron McElroy surfer. heritage explorer. puanani.

    Ron McElroy is the CEO of Real Office Centers and the author of Wrong Side of the Tracks, a memoir about coming of age with a loving, hard-working mother's strong connections to her family's Hawaiian heritage. [www.realofficecenters.com]

     
  • Queena Lee-Chua
    Queena Lee-Chua Queena Lee-Chua empowering prof. student advisor. community inspirer.

    Queena Lee-Chua is a professor of math and psychology at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, and a daily newspaper columnist. She also works with government and civic groups to improve math, science, and education in the country.

     
  • Seth Godin
    Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

    Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

     
  • Jane Grossman
    Jane Grossman Jane Grossman Consultant. Game Player. Team Builder.

    Jane Grossman, Catalyst of A Sustainable Way, works with individuals and work teams, helping them reach new levels of excellence and satisfaction. [www.asustainableway.com]

     
  • David Hopkins
    David Hopkins David Hopkins millennial generation changemaker. supporter. collaborator.

    Author David Hopkins is committed to supporting and inspiring millennial generation changemakers to do well and do good in their careers. [www.DavidHopkins.org]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)