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

 

impact

Ryan James Yezak Ryan James Yezak meaningful filmmaker. passionate activist. change creator.

Ryan is a filmmaker, video blogger, and gay rights activist. He recently began prepping his first documentary film, which will focus on the unfair treatment of LGBT individuals in the U.S. [www.ryanjamesyezak.com]

I’ve always been passionate about my work, but when I started touching upon human rights, the content I was creating took on new meaning. I realized I could entertain people while creating change.

There are many people in the world who are in true need of help. Some of them need hope. Some of them need inspiration. Some of them need a reason to keep living. If my work is able to help with that in any way, then that’s my main priority.

I love using entertainment to make a difference. It makes me so happy to see my work have an impact on others. It gives me a stronger sense of purpose. Each of us has something that makes us happier than anything else in the world. It’s important to find ways to incorporate that into our lives and the lives of others.

Too often, we look to other people to find meaning when we should be looking at ourselves. We rely on others for validation because we fear being different or standing apart from the crowd. We put too much value in the wrong things or invest too much time and energy in the wrong people. We constantly search for love instead of learning to love ourselves.

To find true meaning, start from within. First, find what makes you happy, then figure out a way to share that happiness with the world. I recommend finding an area of need that’s meaningful to you and immersing yourself in that community. I read LGBT-specific news daily and acknowledge every interaction that comes my way – whether it’s an email, a Facebook wall post, or a YouTube comment. In doing so, I’ve gained an understanding of the pain and suffering the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community experiences. That constant awareness ignites me to use my work as a tool for change.

Life is filled with distractions that take us away from what’s most important. It’s easy to ignore problems that don’t directly impact us and to ignore people who need our help. When we take the time to become aware of the problems facing our communities, we’re more inclined to do something about them. Then we can use our own passions to have a positive impact on others.

Ryan James Yezak

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Ava Sydney
    Ava Sydney Ava Sydney me embracer. inner journeyer. wellness warrior.

    Ava Sydney is the founder of Body Temple LA, a website created for everyone who wants to enjoy optimum health and happiness. She is also a life coach, producer and nature photographer. [www.BodyTempleLA.com]

     
  • Kenneth Vogt
    Kenneth Vogt Kenneth Vogt mindful entrepreneur. present appreciator. business transformer.

    Kenneth champions life-sustaining entrepreneurism. As The Clarity Guy he brings focus and simplicity to the grand notion that businesses big and small can and must transform the world. [www.veraclaritas.com]

     
  • Jean Fain
    Jean Fain Jean Fain psychotherapist. hypnotherapist. veteran journalist.

    Author and psychotherapist Jean Fain uses hypnosis and mindfulness to treat everyday eating issues. She has dedicated her work to helping others keep physically, emotionally, and mentally fit. [www.jeanfain.com]

     
  • Dave Kellett
    Dave Kellett Dave Kellett cartoonist. creator. funny guy.

    Cartoonist Dave Kellett previously worked as a writer and toy designer at Mattel Toys. He founded Sheldon Comics and is the creator of Sheldon cartoons. [www.sheldoncomics.com]

     
  • Stephanie Parodi
    Stephanie Parodi Stephanie Parodi Singer. Musician. Soulful Songstress.

    Stephanie Parodi is a gifted singer, songwriter, and musician who writes soulful music from the heart. She puts words to feelings that we can all relate to. [www.lifebeyondlimits.com]

     
  • David Ari Leon
    David Ari Leon David Ari Leon composer. bliss follower. phoenix discoverer.

    David Ari Leon is an Emmy-nominated composer and music supervisor. He is also music director of the Voice of Life project, whose mission is to elevate wellness with great music. [www.soundmindmusic.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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Pat Solomon
    Pat Solomon Pat Solomon campbell resurrector. storyteller. hero inspirer.

    Pat Solomon is the producer and director of Finding Joe, an exploration of famed mythologist Joseph Campbell's studies and how they provide a narrative for living a fully realized life. [www.findingjoethemovie.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Scott Wilson
    Scott Wilson Scott Wilson artist. designer. heart threader.

    Artist, designer, and manufacturer Scott Wilson is the founder and CEO of HeartThreads, a clothing line designed to inspire from the inside out. [http://heartthreadsclothing.com]

     
  • Michaela Boehm
    Michaela Boehm Michaela Boehm dedicated practitioner. experiencer. woman.

    Michaela Boehm is a counselor and teacher. She's currently the only counselor personally trained and authorized by David Deida, who she began co-teaching with in 2007, focusing on women's empowerment. [www.michaelaboehm.com]

     
  • Lama Tenzin
    Lama Tenzin Lama Tenzin balancer. humanity embracer. women protector.

    Buddhist Monk Lama Tenzin founded Children's Education and Development International, providing homes, education, and health care for destitute Himalayan children.

     
  • Laurie Grossman
    Laurie Grossman Laurie Grossman educator. director of funding + outreach. life changer.

    Laurie Grossman co-founded Mindful Schools, a public/private partnership program (one of the largest in the country), sponsored by Park Day School in Oakland, California. [www.mindfulschools.org]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Robert Dirksen
    Robert Dirksen Robert Dirksen doctor of optometry. life coach. holistic balancer.

    Robert Dirksen is a life coach and doctor of optometry who specializes in holistic care. His passion is helping people balance all aspects of life – mind, body, and soul. [www.DrRobWellness.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]

     
  • Desmond Tutu
    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]

     
  • Tara Hantske
    Tara Hantske Tara Hantske holistic helper. working mama. constant questioner.

    Tara Hantske is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Counselor, a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and Team Northrup, and, most importantly, a mom. She helps people, especially moms, create health and balance. [www.tarahantskewellness.com]

     
  • Scott Sandler
    Scott Sandler Scott Sandler father. papa. daddy.

    After enduring an incredible tragedy, architectural photographer Scott Sandler started Rachel's Registry to help cancer patients more easily find current and pertinent clinical trials. [www.rachelsregistry.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]

     
  • Jac McNeil
    Jac McNeil Jac McNeil self-leadership expert. seeker of meaningful quests. devoted mama.

    Jac McNeil is a self-leadership expert for women entrepreneurs. Her work helps women unearth their own powerful truths and create thriving, integrity-based businesses. [www.jacmcneil.com]

     
  • Kaitlyn Keyt
    Kaitlyn Keyt Kaitlyn Keyt polarity balancer. nature telepath. emotion revitalizer.

    Visionary Award-winner Kaitlyn Keyt is known as a tree-talking intuitive scientist, spending her time interviewing nature for the answers to life's big questions. She founded VibesUP, a resource for Vibrational Energy education. [www.VibesUP.com]

     
  • Sarah Jones
    Sarah Jones Sarah Jones good girl. light footed leader. experience owner.

    Sarah Jones sees Life Itself as her lead in an epic, ongoing partner dance. She teaches women how to go from feeling uptight and invisible around men to beautiful and free. [www.sarahamandajones.com]

     
  • David Hassell
    David Hassell David Hassell entrepreneur. kiteboarder. philosopher.

    David Hassell is a serial entrepreneur presently engaged in launching 15Five, a software company focusing on increasing the relevance and velocity of communication within organizations. [http://about.me/dhassell]

     
  • Lisa Arie
    Lisa Arie Lisa Arie innovative ranch owner. author. master navigator.

    Author Lisa Arie is a master at navigating the unknown. She founded Vista Caballo's Innovation Ranch, an exclusive self-discovery center for visionary leaders, thinkers, and explorers. [www.vistacaballo.com]

     
  • Lisa Cypers Kamen
    Lisa Cypers Kamen Lisa Cypers Kamen spiritual psychologist. philanthropist. happiness harvester.

    Lisa Cypers Kamen is a happiness expert whose blend of positive and spiritual psychology coaching, workshops, and philanthropic projects cultivates well-being in private and public audiences around the world. [www.HarvestingHappiness.com]

     
  • Kaya
    Kaya Kaya singer / songwriter. dream interpreter. angelic messenger.

    Former Canadian pop star, KAYA, walked away from fame to pursue a deep inner spiritual calling. His profound angelic encounters and intensive dream work led to his emergence as an international spiritual teacher with his wife, Christiane. [www.kayadreams.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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Kamil Rustam
    Kamil Rustam Kamil Rustam Guitarist. Songwriter. Rhythm Rider.

    Kamil Rustam is a French guitarist, composer, arranger, songwriter, producer, and a prolific musician. [www.kamilrustam.com]

     
  • Tom Hunt
    Tom Hunt Tom Hunt eco-chef. culinary cooperator. good-time server.

    Tom Hunt is a self acclaimed eco-chef and co-founder of Forgotten Feast, working on projects throughout the UK to revive our cooking heritage and help reduce food waste. [www.tomsfeast.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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Kate McClafferty
    Kate McClafferty Kate McClafferty writer. host. manifesting dynamo.

    Kate McClafferty is a writer, host, producer, and manifestor who lives in Los Angeles. She loves her job of manifesting her dreams every single day.

     
  • 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]

     
  • More

Connection


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