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

 

death

KC Baker KC Baker public speaking coach. charisma illuminator. well-spoken woman.

KC Baker founded The School for the Well-spoken Woman. She's a public speaking coach, keynote co-creator, and charisma illuminator devoted to unleashing voice, truth, and the raw power within. [www.kcbaker.com]

What I contemplate the most in my life right now is my death. For the past five or six years, death has been an inquiry for me. What is death? Is there a part of me that lives on after death? I’m simultaneously fascinated and terrified.

Increasingly, over the past few years, my relationship with death has become more meaningful, as has the reality of the preciousness of the time I have here.

Dying is such a huge clarifier. It’s given me the freedom within myself to really go after what I want, to express myself more fully in my life, and to not be as swayed by fears of rejection or failure. When I’m present to the reality of my death, of having a limited amount of time in my body – a limited amount of time to create and to be with the people I love – I feel greater courage to say what I need to say and to go after what I want.

There’s freedom in this inquiry about death, and there’s also sadness. I just got engaged to the most amazing man I’ve ever met and I have moments of realizing that I don’t know how much time I’ll have with him. At some point, one of us will pass away. This opens me to loving him better and more fully.

You know those moments in planes when the ride is jolty and there’s a bit of fear? I’m hoping the plane is going to get me where I want to go, but my whole body feels the fear. In those moments, I completely surrender. I’m not flying the plane, so there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s an amazing practice to turn it all over. In that moment of knowing that death could come at any moment, I ask myself What is most important in my life to do now? Some of the biggest clarifying, course-correction changes I’ve ever made have come from those moments when the plane takes off.

I feel like death is such a friend. Creating a rich relationship with death, preparing for death, is my key to leading a meaningful life. What I’ve seen in myself and others is that the moment we make a real commitment to serve life and people, we override so much of the fear and self doubt that could hold us back. Recognizing that, making that commitment – whatever it looks like – is the moment life becomes infused with meaning and magic.

– KC Baker

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Tara Stiles
    Tara Stiles Tara Stiles yoga expert. author. couch yogi.

    Tara Stiles is reinventing yoga practice, proving you don't need to call yourself a "yoga person" to make it part of your life. She founded Strala Yoga and is Deepak Chopra's personal yoga instructor. [www.tarastiles.com]

     
  • Jonathan Ellerby
    Jonathan Ellerby Jonathan Ellerby outdoor explorer. diversity accepter. extension of earth.

    Jonathan Ellerby, PhD, is a spiritual teacher, healer, author, and the CEO for the Tao Center for Inspired Living in the Mayan Riviera. [www.jonathanellerby.com]

     
  • Sandy Corso
    Sandy Corso Sandy Corso free spirited mom. life lover. plant-eater.

    Sandy Corso created Peaceful Daily as well her book, Peace Salad (100 Tips to Inspire a Peaceful Life), to create a community founded on principles of compassion, well-being, and taking action to make the world a better place. [peacefuldaily.com]

     
  • Ariel Joseph Towne
    Ariel Joseph Towne Ariel Joseph Towne Feng Shui Expert. Writer. Alchemist of Possibility.

    Ariel Joseph Towne is the author of Serene Makeover: Inner Edition (Feng shui your life from the inside out), which empowers us to address our "inner house" and make changes that can affect all levels of our lives. [www.thefengshuiguy.com/serene-makeover-inner-edition]

     
  • Tamara Jacobi
    Tamara Jacobi Tamara Jacobi technology reductionist. jungle adventurer. nutrition connoisseur.

    A catalyst for nourishment epiphanies, Tamara is a holistic nutrition coach and the inspiration behind the Tailwind Jungle Lodge & Yoga Retreat Center. She's passionate about guiding others on unique journeys of body and mind. [www.junglegirlhealth.com]

     
  • Harvey Karp
    Harvey Karp Harvey Karp pediatrician. author. parent's best friend.

    Dr. Harvey Karp is a pediatrician, child development specialist, and best-selling author. He's taught thousands of parents his secrets for making parents and children happy. [www.happiestbaby.com]

     
  • Arielle Ford
    Arielle Ford Arielle Ford  

    Arielle Ford is a leader in the personal growth and contemporary spirituality movement. She’s been living, teaching, and promoting consciousness through many forms of media.

     
  • Deepak Chopra
    Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra Author. Lecturer. Wellness Authority.

    Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing, a best-selling author, and the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. [www.chopra.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • James Lecesne
    James Lecesne James Lecesne narrative multitasker. life saver. creative activist.

    James Lecesne has been telling stories for over 25 years, though acting, writing, and teaching. He's one of the creators of The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. [www.thetrevorproject.org]

     
  • Jo Anna Rothman
    Jo Anna Rothman Jo Anna Rothman counselor. healer. sparkler.

    Counselor, intuitive, and healer Jo Anna Rothman assists people in releasing the blocks that hold them back from consciously creating and receiving all they desire. [www.BigSparklyLife.com]

     
  • Sean Stephenson
    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]

     
  • Sandy Alemian
    Sandy Alemian Sandy Alemian intuitive healer. spirit medium. frequency changer.

    With genuine warmth and gentle humor, Sandy Alemian is a messenger of hope, love, truth and healing. She is the author of two books, Congratulations...It's an Angel, and international bestseller What was God Thinking?! [www.sandyalemian.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Samira Asemanfar
    Samira Asemanfar Samira Asemanfar entrepreneur. nail fashionista. people lover.

    In 2006, entrepreneur Samira Asemanfar founded Bellacures, the first high-end, branded nail salon in Los Angeles. Since then, Bellacures has developed a devoted clientele and received countless accolades. [www.bellacures.com]

     
  • Benjamin Roman
    Benjamin Roman Benjamin Roman pop star. mentor embracer. dream pursuer.

    After surviving in L.A. doing everything from being a celebrity personal assistant to dancing on a box for tips, recording artist Ben Roman is also the Special Events Manager of the world-famous Magic Castle. [www.benromanonline.com]

     
  • Lynn Zavaro
    Lynn Zavaro Lynn Zavaro writer. creator. game maker.

    Lynn Zavaro guides others to know themselves and create the life they want. She's a writer, painter, teacher, and the creator of The Game of You. [www.gameofyou.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]

     
  • Kelly Lewis
    Kelly Lewis Kelly Lewis inner discoverer. gentle challenger. growth inspirer.

    Co-creator of The Bounce Collective, Kelly Lewis inspires her clients to ask their own questions and find their own answers, developing a more compassionate understanding of themselves, others, and the world they impact. [www.wecanbounce.com]

     
  • Tammy Camp
    Tammy Camp Tammy Camp venture investor. creative adventurer. giver.

    Tammy Camp is a venture investor, company advisor, and adventure traveler. She's taken part in numerous successful business endeavors, including facilitating over a billion dollars in sales. [www.tammycamp.com]

     
  • Tommy Rosen
    Tommy Rosen Tommy Rosen Yoga Teacher. Storyteller. Recovery Expert.

    Tommy Rosen is an expert in addiction and recovery, a gifted storyteller, and a certified yoga teacher. He helps people live more fulfilling, healthier lives.

     
  • Jaclyn Welsh
    Jaclyn Welsh Jaclyn Welsh blogger. photographer. joyful spirit.

    Jaclyn Welsh is a blogger, photographer, and marketer who strives to walk through life with kindness in her words, joy in her spirit, and peace in her heart. [http://polkadotteapot.wordpress.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Ashley Tudor
    Ashley Tudor Ashley Tudor designer. athlete. lifelong trainer.

    Artist and published author Ashley Tudor is a design strategist who helps create new businesses and innovate in the area of health. [www.sweetpotatopower.com]

     
  • Brian Center
    Brian Center Brian Center Writer. Philanthropist. Community Transformer.

    Brian Center has worked on the issues of violence prevention and strengthening families from many angles. He's the Executive Director of A Better LA. [www.abetterla.org]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Tara Gentile
    Tara Gentile Tara Gentile depression overcomer. potential pusher. scoutie girl.

    Tara Gentile is a business strategist for entrepreneurs making a difference through commerce. She specializes in guiding businesses towards people-focused development and service. [www.taragentile.com]

     
  • Brian Hyman
    Brian Hyman Brian Hyman spiritual connector. yogi philanthropist. magic carpet rider.

    Brian Hyman teaches donation-based yoga classes at Strand Street Yoga in Santa Monica, and 12-Step Yoga at various Los Angeles facilities. He's writing a book about his path to wellness. [www.brianhymanyoga.com]

     
  • Danielle Boonstra
    Danielle Boonstra Danielle Boonstra intuitive. writer. journey sharer.

    Danielle is a writer, coach, and intuitive who simply must share her journey with honesty, love, and beautiful words. She's married to her best friend and has two delicious children. [http://danielleboonstra.com]

     
  • Mason Summit
    Mason Summit Mason Summit melody maker. musical poet. aspiring artist.

    Mason Summit began performing and writing his own songs at an early age. Since then, he's played all over, including playing regularly at the Rapp Saloon in Santa Monica. He recently finished recording his first CD of original songs.

     
  • Tanya Zoeller
    Tanya Zoeller Tanya Zoeller actress. passion pursuer. creative meditation practicer.

    When Tanya Zoeller was young she found herself seeing plays and films and hours later pondering the questions they raised about what it meant to be human. She dedicated her life to becoming a part of these stories. [www.tanyazoeller.com]

     
  • Mathieu Bitton
    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]

     
  • Bill Cumming
    Bill Cumming Bill Cumming director. supporter. kindness power plug.

    Bill Cumming is Director of The Boothby Institute. He supports individuals, children, and teachers in schools; prisoners; and YMCA and corporate staff in discovering the power of loving-kindness. [www.theboothbyinstitute.org]

     
  • Abby Lodmer
    Abby Lodmer Abby Lodmer laugh giver. community embracer. comedic connector.

    Abby Lodmer traverses the world, bringing light and healing through humor. She's performed in comedy clubs around the globe, uplifting humanity through her show, Humor Healing Humanity. [www.humorhealinghumanity.com]

     
  • Nikki DiVirgilio
    Nikki DiVirgilio Nikki DiVirgilio writer. mom. soul reporter.

    Nikki Di Virgilio is a writer, mom, and wife who's interested in the soul-exploring journey we're all on. She's working on a memoir of her search for home. [www.nikkisacredspace.com]

     
  • Byron Katie
    Byron Katie Byron Katie author. worker. inquirer.

    Bestselling author, Byron Katie, has one job: to teach people how to stop suffering. When Katie appears, lives change. [www.thework.com]

     
  • Mastin Kipp
    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]

     
  • More

Connection


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