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

 

letting go

Rama Hughes Rama Hughes illustrator. roughhousing dad. unhurried achiever.

Two truths and a lie about Rama Hughes: He dropped out of school to work on a farm. About 15 years before they met, he described his wife accurately in a letter. He wrestled bear cubs while working as a zookeeper. [www.ramahughes.com]

I always thought I’d be a really great dad, but parenting is a lot harder than I realized. I may want to be great, but there’s a good chance I’m going to blow it. The most important thing is that I’m present for my children. When I stop trying so hard, I can relax and enjoy the moment.

I don’t worry about being great at things any more. I don’t need to be the best artist, or the best teacher. I want to be good and dependable, but I don’t want my whole identity to be caught up in trying to be amazing. I’m learning how to just be myself.

When I’m stressed, everything around me starts to move fast. My thoughts are consumed by what needs to get done. Since I have more control over my physical body than my mind, as soon as I notice the stress I start to move my physical body really, really slowly. I tell myself to slow down, to write slower, walk slower, type slower. In doing this, I slow down my breath and my mind. Then I’m able to focus on one thing at a time.

Everything is better when I’m just where I am. Everything is harder when I’m trying to do two things at once. On resumes, people often brag about being great multitaskers, but if we aren’t here in the present moment, then in a very real way we aren’t here at all.

My happiest times are when I’m with my family and not thinking about other things. I’d rather be with them than anywhere else, yet often when I’m with them I’m thinking about all the other things I need to do. Being present doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s something I continually work on. The more I think about it, the more I want it. The more I want it, the easier it becomes.

The other day I was playing with my son and my daughter. We were roughhousing and laughing together. About 45 minutes passed before my adult brain finally asked how much time had gone by. Then I realized I hadn’t thought of anything else that whole time. I’d only been me being happy with my children. Those experiences are still rare, but when I can achieve them and just be in the moment, it’s beautiful. That’s all I need. I don’t need anything else.

Rama Hughes

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Miki Devivo
    Miki Devivo Miki Devivo life author. real mother. unique sparkler.

    Miki DeVivo is a mom, story wrangler, still space finder, and bridge builder. She's passionate about building a community of moms who give voice to what's in their hearts. [www.thestillspace.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Tiny Jaentsch
    Tiny Jaentsch Tiny Jaentsch pre-healer. self seeker. innate clairvoyant.

    Dr. Tiny Jaentsch is trained in Eastern and Western medicine. She created The Fear-less Sessions, an illness-prevention kick-start designed specifically for people who've battled cancer and are in remission but fear it might return. [www.tinyjaentsch.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]

     
  • Mary Morrissey
    Mary Morrissey Mary Morrissey Author. Speaker. Empowerer.

    Best-selling author Mary Morrissey has been a consultant for over 30 years. Her transformational talks and seminars have made her one of the world's leading teachers in the human potential movement. [www.marymorrissey.com]

     
  • Charity Water
    Charity Water Charity Water clean. water. now.

    charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects. Learn more or donate. [www.charitywater.org]

     
  • Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh
    Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh Divorce Recovery Specialists. Psychologists.

    Allison Pescosolido, M.A., and Andra Brosh, PhD, are divorce recovery specialists at Divorce Detox ,the leader in divorce recovery. [www.divorcedetox.com]

     
  • Mark Harradine
    Mark Harradine Mark Harradine gifts identifier. inner wizard finder. spiritual sunbather.

    Mark Harradine is a strategist who creates flourishing commercial value for entrepreneurs by identifying their natural gifts, promoting clarity of purpose, and encouraging inner and professional development to expand and sustain business. [www.markharradine.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Dina Martinez
    Dina Martinez Dina Martinez comedienne. connecting diva. good will hunter.

    Dina Martinez, a transgendered, joke-telling renaissance woman, knows that if we are not given the life we want, it is up to us to create it. [www.dinamartinez.com]

     
  • Lynda Filler
    Lynda Filler Lynda Filler poet. photographer. lover.

    Lynda Filler is a poet, author, photographer, and would-be public speaker who lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has two published poetry books and is currently working on two memoir/biographies. [www.thelovefix.com]

     
  • Luke Schilling
    Luke Schilling Luke Schilling daddy. faithful entrepreneur. life journey passenger.

    Luke Schilling is an entrepreneur, designer, and inventor, and father of three. He is the founder of Schilling Interiors and co-founder of Everitt and Schilling Tile Co., producing tile out of reclaimed and repurposed materials. [www.eandstile.com]

     
  • Alisa Vitti
    Alisa Vitti Alisa Vitti holistic health counselor. transformational speaker. natural life changer.

    Holistic Health Counselor Alisa Vitti specializes in reproductive and hormonal health and helping women connect to and express their feminine energy. She founded the FLO Living Center. [www.floliving.com]

     
  • Rama Hughes
    Rama Hughes Rama Hughes illustrator. roughhousing dad. unhurried achiever.

    Two truths and a lie about Rama Hughes: He dropped out of school to work on a farm. About 15 years before they met, he described his wife accurately in a letter. He wrestled bear cubs while working as a zookeeper. [www.ramahughes.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Karin McDermott
    Karin McDermott Karin McDermott movement specialist. passion cultivator. soultree planter.

    Karin McDermott is the founder and owner of Soultree Motion, Inc., a movement and lifestyle company. She teaches movement as a method for unearthing the passionate human soul. [www.KarinMcDermott.com]

     
  • Todd Shemarya
    Todd Shemarya Todd Shemarya agent. brand builder. in-tune daddy.

    Todd Shemarya is the owner and CEO of Todd Shemarya Artists Inc, a boutique talent agency specializing in celebrity endorsements and lifestyle brand building. [www.shemarya.com]

     
  • Alexandra Franzen
    Alexandra Franzen Alexandra Franzen promotional writer. personal supergirl. secret weapon.

    Alexandra Franzen is a promotional writer and pro-active pimp who wrangles communications for pro-bloggers and helps entrepreneurs expand their empires--without the hassle of cloning. [www.alexandrafranzen.com]

     
  • Craig Marshall
    Craig Marshall Craig Marshall clarity inspirer. core explorer. fear-facing dude.

    Craig Marshall was a yoga monk for 35 years. His visionary work has awakened thousands worldwide, teaching them how to face fears and draw on intuition to realize their full identity and deepest dreams. [www.gapzip.com]

     
  • Kia Miller
    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]

     
  • Jen Rade
    Jen Rade Jen Rade laughter initiator. grateful stylist. empowerment infuser.

    Stylist and costume designer Jen Rade has spent the past 20 years working with some of the world's most recognized names and faces to create iconic music videos, commercials, and red carpet moments. [www.twitter.com/stylistjenrade]

     
  • Chris Assaad
    Chris Assaad Chris Assaad singer. songwriter. masterpiece creator.

    Chris Assaad left a promising career in law several years ago to pursue his dream in music. He’s been actively using his voice to enCOURAGE others to follow their dreams, express their creativity and live life to the fullest. [www.chrisassaad.com]

     
  • Deidre Combs
    Deidre Combs Deidre Combs leadership consultant. author. storm chaser.

    Deidre Combs provides leadership and cross-cultural conflict skills as a consultant, coach, author, mediator, and professor. She developed the core foundations course for Montana State University's Leadership Fellows Certificate Program. [www.combsandcompany.com]

     
  • Pol Serge Kakon
    Pol Serge Kakon Pol Serge Kakon Songwriter. Painter. Dreamer.

    Songwriter, novelist, and painter Pol Serge Kakon was born in Mogador (now Essaouira). He founded The Drunken Boat, in Paris, which became a mecca for poetry and song. [www.polsergekakon.com]

     
  • Maia Monasterios
    Maia Monasterios Maia Monasterios compassionate producer. loving daughter. wisdom seeker.

    Maia Monasterios is an award-winning director, producer, and writer of such projects as PBS History Detectives stories including: Vietnam Diary, Titanic Luxury Liner Picture Frame, Clint Black's Rogue Book and The Beatles Autographs. [http://www.indiegogo.com/Vietnam-Veterans-Forgive-and-Heal]

     
  • Christine Grumm
    Christine Grumm Christine Grumm consultant. potential unleasher. transformer.

    Christine Grumm, formerly President and CEO of the Women's Funding Network, now heads the Chris Grumm Consulting Group. She's dedicated to helping her clients unleash their potential to transform the world.

     
  • Catt Sadler
    Catt Sadler Catt Sadler award-winning journalist. mommy. limit-defying potentialist.

    Catt Sadler is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. She founded and is president of the Hollywood chapter of Women Like Us, a foundation started by her mother to enhance the lives of women in need around the globe. [www.womenlikeusfoundation.org/hollywood]

     
  • Jodi Womack
    Jodi Womack Jodi Womack woman champion. tribe gatherer. voice manifester.

    Jodi Womack is the creator of No More Nylons, a company bringing women in business together to have vibrant and meaningful connections, turning "best possible scenarios" into everyday success. [www.nomorenylons.com]

     
  • Kevin Bales
    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]

     
  • Renee Woodruff
    Renee Woodruff Renee Woodruff groupon sales gal. brand ambassador. shaper.

    Renee Woodruff is a Groupon Sales Gal, a blogger for a magazine, a LOFT Girl Brand Ambassador, and a CrossFitter, yogi, food lover, and travel enthusiast. [www.shape.com/blogs/girl-go]

     
  • Jonathan Fields
    Jonathan Fields Jonathan Fields serial entrepreneur. author. papa.

    Jonathan Fields is a dad, husband, author, speaker, and serial entrepreneur who blogs at JonathanFields.com and runs the educational book marketing venture TribalAuthor.com. [www.jonathanfields.com]

     
  • Tracey Trottenberg
    Tracey Trottenberg Tracey Trottenberg strategist. speaker. catalyst for change.

    Tracey Trottenberg is a business and leadership coach and an international speaker. She founded Amazing Women International, which connects and educates women leaders throughout the world. [www.traceytrottenberg.net]

     
  • Seth D. Cohen
    Seth D. Cohen Seth D. Cohen mind resetter. motivating blogger. sabotage dismisser.

    Seth D. Cohen is a real estate executive, aspiring motivational speaker, and the founder of Stop.Breathe.Action, a motivational blog utilizing creative motivation techniques and dedicated to promoting action as a habit. [www.sethdcohen.com]

     
  • Marc Gafni
    Marc Gafni Marc Gafni public intellectual. social activist. provocative spiritual artist.

    Center for World Spirituality co-founder Marc Gafni is a gentle and provocative spiritual artist and teacher, public intellectual, bestselling author, television personality, social activist and lover of people. [www.ievolve.org]

     
  • Tamisha Ford
    Tamisha Ford Tamisha Ford soul teacher. passionate writer. proud introvert.

    Tamisha Ford, MBA, is a strengths strategist, assertiveness coach, and guide. She is the Founder of Strong & Soulful Living, which helps people embrace their strengths and spirituality in a socially saturated and distracted culture. [www.tamishaford.com]

     
  • Jon Love + Satya Narayani
    Jon Love + Satya Narayani Jon Love + Satya Narayani dream awakeners. unifiers. evolvers.

    Satya Narayani and Jon Love work with the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium of the Pachamama Alliance. They devote their lives to serving the greatest good by unifying home, community, their region, and the world. [www.pachamama.org]

     
  • Alexis Wolfer
    Alexis Wolfer Alexis Wolfer magazine founder. conversation sparker. inner beauty queen.

    Concerned with the media focus on unrealistic body ideals, Alexis Wolfer founded the glamorous site The Beauty Bean, a free online magazine and newsletter focused on health and inner beauty. [www.thebeautybean.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]

     
  • More

Connection


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