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

 

perfect

Marianne Williamson Marianne Williamson author. philosopher. connector.

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed best-selling author and lecturer. She founded Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. [www.marianne.com]

I took a summer school class when I was 14. In the catalog I saw a class on the topic of philosophic approaches to the question of God and I was so blown away. My heart just leapt. Even when I was very young, I had a fascination with all things philosophical – east, west, academic, esoteric –anything to do with this realm beyond what our physical eyes can see.

In A Course in Miracles it says we think we have many different problems, but we really only have one and that’s separation from God. No matter what the problem area is in our lives, at the causal level that problem has to do with our own consciousness. Whatever our brokenness is, it’s reflected in a particular problem. That’s the area of our lives where we need to take a closer walk with God.

Before I discovered A Course in Miracles, I’d struggled and sincerely worked to find the key to inner peace. What I got from A Course in Miracles that I haven’t gotten anywhere else (which is not to say it’s not anywhere else) is that my connection to God is inseparable from my connection to other people. The idea is that we literally only get to experience from God what we’re willing to give to others. I can’t feel God’s forgiveness unless I forgive you. I can’t feel God’s mercy unless I’m merciful towards you. I can’t feel God’s generosity, kindness, love, and compassion unless I’m open to giving those things to you.

Not long ago, I had an experience I’ve had before, but which is mind-blowing to me every time. I finally understood something and realized how long it had taken me to understand it. I saw how many times I’d made a mistake in that area or gotten it wrong, how obtuse I’d been for so long. But once I finally got it, I thought, isn’t it wonderful the way God just lets us learn at our own pace?

Our essential selves are perfect. We make mistakes, but that doesn’t make us any less perfect in terms of our fundamental nature. God is always talking to us on the level of who we’re created to be, which is who we’ll always be. That’s perfect.

– Marianne Williamson

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Christine Stevens
    Christine Stevens Christine Stevens music therapist. speaker. drum healer.

    Christine Stevens is an internationally acclaimed author, music therapist, and speaker. She founded UpBeat Drum Circles, offering personal growth seminars and programs for corporate teambuilding and diversity training. [www.ubdrumcircles.com]

     
  • Andrew Skotzko
    Andrew Skotzko Andrew Skotzko truth digger. motivated shifter. calendar ignorer.

    Andrew Skotzko is a curious entrepreneur who's passionate about creating peak experiences and elegant products. He also enjoys finding bits of truth hidden in plain sight ... and going for long bike rides. [www.noticings.com]

     
  • Helena Collins
    Helena Collins Helena Collins autopilot resister. word worker. possibility exerciser.

    Helena Collins is a multi-award-winning authority on conscious exercise instruction. She's a tireless advocate for those who seek the truth about fitness and want to unlock their hidden human potential. [www.lifeinsynergy.com]

     
  • Richard Wurman
    Richard Wurman Richard Wurman ted inventor. smithonian awardee. brilliant quester.

    Richard Wurman, creator of the TED conferences, wrote over 80 books on subjects he had difficulty understanding. His books come from his desire to know, rather than from already knowing. [www.TED.com]

     
  • Regena Thomashauer
    Regena Thomashauer Regena Thomashauer author. mama. pleasure pioneer.

    Regena Thomashauer (Mama Gena) is a revolution: an icon, teacher, author, mother, and a pioneer in researching the nature of pleasure and dedicating her life to the discipline of pleasure. [www.mamagenas.com]

     
  • Jeff and Jason Baietto
    Jeff and Jason Baietto Jeff and Jason Baietto brothers. entrepreneurs. healthy philanthropists.

    Brothers Jeff and Jason Baietto founded Complete Balance, an online community of individuals dedicated to improving their own health and the health of the planet. [www.completebalance.com]

     
  • Lissa Rankin
    Lissa Rankin Lissa Rankin pink medicine revolutionary. community builder. mojo reconnector.

    Author, artist, motivational speaker, and Pink Medicine Revolutionary Lissa Rankin, MD, founded OwningPink.com, a website and workshops that build authentic community and empower women to get their mojo back. [www.linkedin.com/in/lissarankin]

     
  • 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]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Parris Whittingham
    Parris Whittingham Parris Whittingham moment capturer. love admirer. friend of the bride + groom.

    Parris Whittingham is a relationship photographer and creative producer. Based in NYC, he collaborates with a select couples and business clients to unleash their stories. [fromparriswithlove.com]

     
  • Celeste Yarnall
    Celeste Yarnall Celeste Yarnall holistic healer. connected wife. star trek scholar.

    Celeste Yarnall, PhD, shares musings on a myriad of topics at her Celestial Musings Blog. She is an author, actress, and speaker. She created the Art of Wellness Collection with her husband, Nazim Artist. [www.MoxxArt.com]

     
  • Kyle Rutkin
    Kyle Rutkin Kyle Rutkin authentic novelist. uncertainty embracer. dream includer.

    Kyle Rutkin was put on this world to write romantic comedies and inspire people to chase their dreams. His second novel is due for release in the winter of 2012. [www.kylerutkin.com]

     
  • Mary Beth LaRue
    Mary Beth LaRue Mary Beth LaRue body healer. fear overcomer. joy indulger.

    Mary Beth LaRue is a yoga instructor and writer whose mission is to inspire others to live their best life, and to fully inhabit, enjoy, and heal their bodies and minds through yoga and intention-setting. [www.mblarue.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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Judi Goldfader
    Judi Goldfader Judi Goldfader non-profit philanthropist. insightful thinker. thanks giver.

    Judi Goldfader is a philanthropy consultant and non-profit strategist, currently serving as Vice President Development of Insight University and Insight Seminars. www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university

     
  • George Resch
    George Resch George Resch paradigm shifter. motivational pundit. serenity finder.

    George Resch loves seeing light bulbs illuminate over people's heads. He uses what he's learned about life to spark paradigm shifts that help people feel better. [www.happyisthenewrich.wordpress.com]

     
  • Brooke Burke and Lisa Rosenblatt
    Brooke Burke and Lisa Rosenblatt Brooke Burke and Lisa Rosenblatt female empowerers. entrepreneurs. modern moms.

    Lisa Rosenblatt and Brooke Burke are the CEOs of ModernMom.com, creating a community for the woman behind the mom. [www.modernmom.com]

     
  • Howard Martin
    Howard Martin Howard Martin vice president. dynamic speaker. ticker tracker.

    As HeartMath's Executive Vice President, Strategic Development, Howard Martin has been instrumental in developing the business. He's delivered HeartMath's practical, dynamic programs to thousands of participants worldwide. [www.heartmath.org]

     
  • Sharyn Wynters
    Sharyn Wynters Sharyn Wynters worldly healer. nutrition advocate. gifted gardener.

    Sharyn Wynters is a naturopath who spends her time deciphering the fears that other doctors have put into people's heads. She's the author of three books in the fields of health and wellness. [www.wyntersway.com]

     
  • Teddy Margas
    Teddy Margas Teddy Margas jokester. humorous healer. quick quipper.

    Actor, comic, and writer, Teddy Margas, is co-founder of the Queers of Comedy. He's appeared in StreepTease, Margaret Cho's Blind Dinner Party, and The Women of Woody, An Evening of Iconic Woody Allen Women performed by an All-Male Cast. [www.teddymargas.com]

     
  • Jeff Semigran
    Jeff Semigran Jeff Semigran appreciative son. moment cogitator. lesson learner.

    Jeff Semigran is a senior at UC Berkeley studying environmental and civil engineering. He is an alumnus of the Teen Insight Seminars and Leadership series. This piece is part of the Insight University and Life By Me week of giving back. www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university

     
  • Judi Goldfader
    Judi Goldfader Judi Goldfader non-profit philanthropist. delight seeker. curious cat.

    Judi Goldfader is a philanthropy consultant, non-profit strategist, and development advisor with 30 years of professional commitment to social change and social justice. [www.goldfader.com]

     
  • Brenton Gieser
    Brenton Gieser Brenton Gieser social change creator. ego battler. heart follower.

    Brenton Gieser is an entrepreneur who forgot about success a while back and is now focusing on creating value. He's currently building the community organization Be Social Change. [www.brentongieser.com]

     
  • Phyllis Mitz
    Phyllis Mitz Phyllis Mitz astrologist. psychologist. joyicist.

    Phyllis Mitz has enjoyed a flourishing astrology practice for over 20 years. She uses a unique blend of astrology, psychology, and spirituality to help people find success in life, love, and work. [www.AstrologerPhyllis.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]

     
  • Julia Cameron
    Julia Cameron Julia Cameron author. poet. aritistic guide.

    Julia Cameron has been an active artist for more than 30 years. A bestselling novelist, playwright, songwriter, and poet, she has multiple credits in theater, film, and television. [www.theartistsway.com]

     
  • Dr. Jin Robertson
    Dr. Jin Robertson Dr. Jin Robertson joyous author. inspiring speaker. dream accomplisher.

    Dr. Jin Robertson has been a factory laborer, an immigrant housemaid, a battered wife, and a U.S. army major. Jin received her M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. She is an international inspirational speaker and bestselling author. [www.drjinrobertson.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]

     
  • Hayley Holmes
    Hayley Holmes Hayley Holmes character enthusiast. rollerblader. applause inducer.

    Hayley Holmes has turned her love for entertaining into a dream come true in Hollywood. She's a small-town girl who looks for new adventures every day and is enjoying the ride. [www.hayleyholmes.com]

     
  • Chip Conley
    Chip Conley Chip Conley hotelier. author. inner seer.

    Bestselling author Chip Conley is the founder and executive chairman of Joie de Vivre, America's second largest boutique hotel company. He writes about his company's techniques and transformational leadership practices. [www.chipconley.com]

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

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

     
  • Mike Robbins
    Mike Robbins Mike Robbins author. coach. acceptance sustainer.

    Mike Robbins, author of two best-selling books, is also a highly sought-after speaker and coach, and a regular contributor to Oprah.com and the Huffington Post. [www.mike-robbins.com]

     
  • Mark Simmons
    Mark Simmons Mark Simmons author. entrepreneur. playful brit.

    Mark Simmons is an author, branding expert, and entrepreneur who believes in the power of ideas to change the world. He founded the social enterprise useless.org. [www.useless.org]

     
  • Wilma Melville
    Wilma Melville Wilma Melville pilot. search dog handler. grandmother.

    A retired PE instructor, grandmother of four, and passionate flyer, Wilma Melville founded the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation to address a gap in our nation's disaster response network. [www.searchdogfoundation.org]

     
  • George Mulling
    George Mulling George Mulling business developer. strategist. global seller.

    George Mulling is a Managing Partner at CapGenic Advisors, a senior strategy firm. He has 25 years of experience in global sales leadership and is occasionally a good listener. [www.capgenic.com]

     
  • Savira Gupta
    Savira Gupta Savira Gupta yoga teacher. journeyer. harmonizer.

    Savira Gupta is a yoga teacher, journeyer, and truth seeker. She helps people combine breath and movement to bring body, mind, and spirit into harmony. [www.yogasavy.com]

     
  • Matthew Joyce
    Matthew Joyce Matthew Joyce higher self guide. spiritual integrator. dolphin whisperer.

    Matthew Joyce is a spirit guide. He founded Higher Self Guides to remind people that divine spirituality isn't just for mystics. It's for you, too. [www.higherselfguides.com]

     
  • More

Connection


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