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

 

no apologies

Ifé Sanchez Mora Ifé Sanchez Mora soul-full musician. self seeker.

Ifé Sanchez Mora is a Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter. Her latest album, "Fire Inside of Me," has received praise from NY Daily News, Billboard, and American Songwriter. [ifesanchezmora.com]

Many are ashamed of the authentic person inside of them. They are disconnected with this person and resort to addiction to help fill an emptiness of not knowing how to connect with their authentic selves. Growing up, we are taught how to fit into our microcosm environment and then eventually teach ourselves how to fit in with our macrocosm society. This is how we have been conditioned for many years. Only recently in our society has a new understanding of connecting with our authentic selves come into light. But what does this mean? How do we connect with our true selves?

I am an artist. I sing and write music that I hope resonates with humans on a profound level. With age and gaining wisdom through a practice of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, a lot of reading, therapy and Bikram Yoga, I have learned that I cannot totally express profundity in my work unless I am able to let go of pretences, be vulnerable and become truly who I was meant to be.

I was raised to be a polite and respectable young lady. I was expected to be the nice daughter, the nice wife and the nice friend. “Nice” meant that I was not opinionated, I did not argue, I only spoke when I was spoken to, and that I was never uninhibited. To be an artist, one has to lose all of these constraints. Your opinions matter. You should have the courage to express them with conviction. You have to lose inhibition to express artistry. I felt in order to achieve anything or for someone to love me I had to conform to the societal standard of being “nice” to everyone all of the time, stifling my creativity and ambition.

I then began my new path of living authentically. I chanted and meditated for the courage, and I read a lot of books. My true self was ambitious, strong and believed she deserved everything she dreamed. I am truly happier because of it.

I encourage everyone to uplift your lives by beginning the journey of discovering your authentic self. You will discover a person who is dynamic, joyful and courageous. No need to feel ashamed for being human. You are who you are, and that is beautiful. Be who you are with no apologies!

– Ifé Sanchez Mora

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Keidi Keating
    Keidi Keating Keidi Keating word-wise fundraiser. worldwide contributor. butterfly embracer.

    Keidi Keating is an editor, ghostwriter, and publisher. She is currently living between Spain and the United States. Along with The Light, she writes books that spread Loving and Light to the world. [thelightnetwork.com/thelight]

     
  • Jeff Youngs
    Jeff Youngs Jeff Youngs business consultant. coach. effective team creator.

    Jeff Youngs is a business coach, author, and consultant. His rich experience and intuitive gifts are brought to every engagement in service to transforming his clients' businesses and lives. [www.youngscom.com]

     
  • Shajen Joy Aziz
    Shajen Joy Aziz Shajen Joy Aziz educator. author. discoverer.

    Author and producer Shajen Joy Aziz is a founding member of the Southern California Association of Transformational Leaders. [www.discoverthegift.com]

     
  • P. Frank Williams
    P. Frank Williams P. Frank Williams people watcher. public connector. everyday life inhaler.

    P. Frank Williams has won Emmy and Image awards. He produces entertaining and inspirational TV, film, and web content, including the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a music bio series. [www.prophetfromit.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]

     
  • William Ury
    William Ury William Ury peace groupie. mediator. life surfer.

    One of the world's best known mediators, William Ury co-founded the Harvard Negotiation Project and has co-authored global bestsellers about negotiation and peacemaking. [www.williamury.com]

     
  • Zainab Salbi
    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]

     
  • Don Jose Ruiz
    Don Jose Ruiz Don Jose Ruiz author. musician. shaman.

    Don Jose Ruiz dedicates his life to combining and sharing new insights and ancient Toltec wisdom. He teaches and lectures around the world. [www.miguelruiz.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Hiro Boga
    Hiro Boga Hiro Boga writer. teacher. intuitive alchemist.

    Teacher, writer, and intuitive alchemist, Hiro Boga believes in the power of love and truth to transform the world. [www.hiroboga.com]

     
  • Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
    Gayle Tzemach Lemmon Gayle Tzemach Lemmon incredible woman. hard work welcomer. long shot pursuer.

    Bestselling author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon is a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and has published pieces on entrepreneurs in conflict and post-conflict regions. [www.gaylelemmon.com]

     
  • Eric Lumiere
    Eric Lumiere Eric Lumiere awareness seeker. conscious music maker. helpful exaggerator.

    Singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Lumiere is a Lover of Life and all things, and lives for the upliftment of consciousness everywhere. He is also graduate of Teen Insight. This piece is part of the Insight University and Life By Me week of giving back. [www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university]

     
  • Boni Lonnsburry
    Boni Lonnsburry Boni Lonnsburry master creationist. wayshower. feeling feeler.

    Boni Lonnsburry is the author of the book, The Map: To Our Responsive Universe, Where Dreams Really Do Come True, a step-by-step guide to creating a life you love. [www.livealifeyoulove.com]

     
  • Dr. Jeffry Life
    Dr. Jeffry Life Dr. Jeffry Life fitness expert. lifestyle changer. anti-aging guru.

    Jeffry S. Life, M.D., Ph.D. is the bestselling author of THE LIFE PLAN and MASTERING THE LIFE PLAN. He is a Senior Partner at Cenegenics, the world’s largest age-management medicine practice. [www.drlife.com]

     
  • Leigh Taylor Young
    Leigh Taylor Young Leigh Taylor Young actress. environmental advisor. world peace representative.

    Leigh Taylor Young is an Emmy Award-winning actress. She's also been a Special Advisor in Arts and Media for the United Nations Environment Programme. [www.lty.com]

     
  • Amy Jurkowitz
    Amy Jurkowitz Amy Jurkowitz entrepreneur. marketing expert. milkshaker.

    Amy Jurkowitz is an entrepreneur at heart. A marketing expert with a keen eye for design, she co-founded Milkshake, a daily online edition of good finds that give back. [www.getmilkshake.com]

     
  • Norman Lear
    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]

     
  • Tara Igoe
    Tara Igoe Tara Igoe communications expert. comedian. cool chick.

    Tara Igoe is a communications expert, comedian, and speaker who loves to share her insights and experience to help others. [www.taraigoe.blogspot.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]

     
  • Margaret Burns Vap
    Margaret Burns Vap Margaret Burns Vap yoga instructor. entrepreneur. latte-lovin' montana cowgirl.

    Margaret Burns Vap is a yoga teacher and entrepreneur in Bozeman, Montana. She's a former city-girl fashionista transformed by yoga and motherhood into an outdoorsy Montana cowgirl who still loves a latte. [www.cowgirlyoga.com]

     
  • Daniel Maltzman
    Daniel Maltzman Daniel Maltzman art devotee. fresh creator. eye-catcher.

    Artist Daniel Maltzman's work draws from contemporary influences and incorporates a pop-culture bent. He's the new name on the short list of savvy art collectors. [www.danielmaltzman.com]

     
  • Michael Neill
    Michael Neill Michael Neill author. coach. creative spark plug.

    Internationally renowned success coach and the best-selling author Michael Neill has spent 20 years as a coach, adviser, friend, mentor, and creative spark plug to people who want to get more out of their lives. [www.geniuscatalyst.com]

     
  • Kristen Wolf
    Kristen Wolf Kristen Wolf curious author. filmmaker. imagineer.

    Kristen Wolf is a mother, writer, and filmmaker who lives in the Rocky Mountains. [www.kristenwolf.com]

     
  • Madelin Adena Smith
    Madelin Adena Smith Madelin Adena Smith dream cartographer. promise keeper. sayer and doer.

    Madelin Adena Smith is a novelist, creative shapeshifter, and strategic visionary. She specializes in helping ambitious young women build road maps around their wildest dreams. [www.madelinadenasmith.com]

     
  • Cheryl Bigus
    Cheryl Bigus Cheryl Bigus truth seeker. voice attendant. nurturing teacher.

    Cheryl Bigus works with women who've neglected their well-being. She helps women regain vitality and hotness in their lives without punishing themselves through diets of deprivation or extreme workouts. [www.naturalvore.com]

     
  • Simon Mainwaring
    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]

     
  • Liz Phair
    Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

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

     
  • Ayn Carrillo Gailey
    Ayn Carrillo Gailey Ayn Carrillo Gailey author. columnist. creative strategist.

    Ayn Carrillo Gailey is a published author and creative strategist who uses words to power ideas, companies, and movements. [www.ayngailey.com]

     
  • Carl Honoré
    Carl Honoré Carl Honoré journalist. advocate. godfather of slow.

    Journalist Carl Honoré has written for The Economist, The Observer, and National Post, but he is best known for his advocacy of the Slow Movement. [www.carlhonore.com]

     
  • Tiffany Michelle
    Tiffany Michelle Tiffany Michelle lover. performer. card shark.

    Tiffany Michelle broke records at the World Series of Poker for largest field ever conquered by a female in live tournament history. She also competed as part of the only female team on the fifteenth season of The Amazing Race. [www.tiffanymichelle.com]

     
  • Benjamin Atkinson
    Benjamin Atkinson Benjamin Atkinson culinary artist. gracious foodie. grapefruit huller.

    Benjamin Atkinson launched The Dry Gourmet to re-make cooking wines. Along the way, he re-connected with food and grace. It is a journey he recommends for anyone. [www.drygourmet.com/the-story]

     
  • Courtney Nichols Gould
    Courtney Nichols Gould Courtney Nichols Gould miss smartypants. situational editor. grace dweller.

    Entrepreneur and advisor Courtney Nichols Gould is the co-founder/co-ceo of SmartyPants Vitamins. Their goal is to simplify health, putting it in the reach of more people more of the time. [www.smartypantsvitamins.com]

     
  • Panache Desai
    Panache Desai Panache Desai teacher. vibrational catalyst. emissary of love.

    Panache Desai is an old friend you asked a long time ago to remind you at this very moment of your brilliance, perfection, and connection to limitless potential. [www.panachedesai.com]

     
  • Justin Gold
    Justin Gold Justin Gold nut butter aficionado. ceo. green visionary.

    Justin Gold, Founder and CEO of Justin's Nut Butter, says he can't live without his maple almond butter, snow covered mountains, or moments that make his heart race. [www.justinsnutbutter.com]

     
  • Kimberly Brooks
    Kimberly Brooks Kimberly Brooks color mixer. mother. naked explorer.

    Kimberly Brooks is a contemporary American painter who exhibits internationally. Her studio is in Venice, California. [www.kimberlybrooks.com]

     
  • Dennis N. T. Perkins
    Dennis N. T. Perkins Dennis N. T. Perkins insightful author. curious explorer. obstacle conqueror.

    Dennis N.T. Perkins is the author of Into the Storm and Leading at The Edge. He is CEO of The Syncretics Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive under conditions of adversity, uncertainty, and change. [http://www.syncreticsgroup.com]

     
  • Vaishali
    Vaishali Vaishali choice advocator. fear extinguisher. transformation guide.

    Vaishali is an international health & wellness speaker who has appeared on The Dr. Oz Radio Show and Oprah.com. Vaishali learned to transform her life from the threat of two terminal disease diagnoses, domestic abuse, and financial devastation. [www.purplev.com/alivehealthy]

     
  • Andrei Najjar
    Andrei Najjar Andrei Najjar branding guru. joy receiver. authenticity connector.

    Andrei Najjar is an award-winning pop culture brand strategist who has curated large-scale initiatives and global campaigns for over 30 top-tier brands. He is an Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Vice-Chairman for the largest chapter of Meals on Wheels in the US. [www.ateliercollective.com]

     
  • More

Connection


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