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

 

curiosity

Susannah Charleson Susannah Charleson wondering author. canine specialist. student of shirley.

Susannah Charleson is the author of New York Times bestseller Scent of the Missing and, recently, The Possibility Dogs. She is a flight instructor, canine search-and-rescue specialist, and service dog trainer.

When I was in my twenties, I remember reading a magazine article about actor/author/activist Shirley MacLaine celebrating her fiftieth birthday. MacLaine had just published her controversial “Out on a Limb” and had recently won Best Actress for “Terms of Endearment.” The interview filled her with some wonder. Still beautiful and vibrant (one commentator remarked that if she was fifty, she wore it well: “Twenty-five each leg,” he said appreciatively). Why did I, a very young adult, pay attention to that article so particularly? Decades later, I still remember this comment she made:

“Just when people think I should be settling down, I like to shake things up.”

MacLaine in midlife was more, not less, alive.  She was voraciously curious, unwilling to be bored.

That good energy carries. I’m lucky in my life working beside dogs, a career begun when I was 40 (Late, said one friend, unsure if she approved this odd departure. Timely, said another, who did). Restless and inquiring, my canine provocateurs show me the wider world that they inhabit.

My dogs are also unwilling to be bored. One might expect this from the nine-month-old puppies, with their new-minted brains, but the seniors in my house are just as quickly curious even in spaces they know very well. A neighbor passes with the same dog along the same sidewalk at virtually the same time every morning, and my dogs—who are no fools, they know this pair—pay great attention every time. That easy fascination could read as simplemindedness, but I watch their thoughtful watching, the semaphore of ears across sound, the nose-work that maybe tells them what the human had for breakfast and whether her dog caught that squirrel or not. They know so much more in a moment than I do. And I want to know!

I have run next to a search-trained dog that can translate scent and indicate to me whether the missing person we approach is distraught, calm or wounded, even before we have even seen that soul trapped in a ravine! I know that animals use all their senses to gain a wealth of story we humans may miss. My dogs have taught me to shake things up by staying curious, by assuming less, by using every sense I can bring to bear. Now in my fifties, I find renewal in that—right brain, left brain—twenty-five each side.

– Susannah Charleson

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Dee Wallace
    Dee Wallace Dee Wallace actress. author. re-creation guide.

    Dee Wallace has worked as an author, teacher, and actress (she played the mother in the film E.T.) in film, television, and stage for over 30 years while being devoted to the art of self-healing and to her daughter. [www.iamdeewallace.com]

     
  • Jenni Young
    Jenni Young Jenni Young constant learner. memory catcher. inspirational artist.

    Jenni Young is an award-winning film producer, professional photographer, and life coach who lives her dream daily, serving people around the world seeking health and inspiration. [www.simplereminders.com]

     
  • Laura Probst
    Laura Probst Laura Probst philanthropic advisor. consultant. impactor.

    Laura Probst is a philanthropic advisor and the owner of Do Good. Make Money., a consulting firm that helps companies do just that.

     
  • Jeff Tweedy
    Jeff Tweedy Jeff Tweedy singer. songwriter. harmonizer.

    Jeff Tweedy is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the Chicago-based rock band Wilco. [www.wilcoworld.net]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Michael Neill
    Michael Neill Michael Neill bestselling author. childhood reconnector. messy laugher.

    Michael Neill is an internationally renowned transformative coach and creative sparkplug to CEOs, celebrities, and royalty. His books have been translated into thirteen languages around the world. [www.insideoutrevolution.com]

     
  • Michelle Ainslie
    Michelle Ainslie Michelle Ainslie fearless creator. passionate solopreneur. avid supporter.

    Michelle Ainslie is the go-to expert for aspiring creative solopreneurs who want to quit their boring jobs and make money doing what they love. [www.michelleainslie.com]

     
  • John Schindler
    John Schindler John Schindler fisherman. tree surgeon. renaissance man.

    John Schindler is a renaissance man. He served in the Army and he owned a natural foods grocery. He's a master butcher, tree surgeon, chef, baker, ?sherman, loving husband, and father.

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Richard Greene
    Richard Greene Richard Greene communications coach. author. master of charisma.

    Richard Greene, an author and international expert in the field of communication, coaches clients using powerful techniques that transform careers and lives. [www.richardgreene.org]

     
  • 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]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Leah Matalon
    Leah Matalon Leah Matalon practitioner. teacher. constellationista.

    Teacher, practitioner, and family constellation facilitator Leah Matalon has practiced Process Acupressure, Craniosacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and Lymph Drainage Therapy for over 25 years. [www.leahmatalon.com]

     
  • Andrew Papageorge
    Andrew Papageorge Andrew Papageorge innovation guru. supportive dad. heart-filled husband.

    Andrew Papageorge has built five businesses, one of which was sold to a Fortune 100 company. He has guided organizations of all sizes through thousands of innovations, and has written about personal transformation and business innovation. [www.gapzip.com]

     
  • Rory Freedman
    Rory Freedman Rory Freedman Author. Activist. "Skinny Bitch".

    Rory Freedman is a vegan, animal rights activist, Skinny Bitch, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. [www.roryfreedman.com]

     
  • Calleen Cordero
    Calleen Cordero Calleen Cordero designer. artisan. spirit elevator.

    Calleen Cordero brings the Old World art of handmade artisan footwear and accessories back to the United States, elevating the spirit one sole at a time. [www.calleencordero.com]

     
  • Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben
    Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben beauty seer. abundance recognizer. world inheritor.

    Life By Me is partnering with Insight University to bring you a week of giving thanks and giving back in support of Giving Tuesday. Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben are now young adult graduates of Teen Insight. [www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university]

     
  • Pilar Stella
    Pilar Stella Pilar Stella conscious capitalist. author. connector.

    Coach, teacher, writer, and speaker Pilar Stella helps individuals and organizations balance head and heart. Her gift is bringing people together in ways that honor both differences and commonalities. [www.pilarstella.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]

     
  • 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.

     
  • Terry Tillman
    Terry Tillman Terry Tillman mentor. adventurer. neural-linguist.

    Terry Tillman's mission is to support and mentor people in producing results, discovering their value, and realizing their dreams. He's living proof that it is possible to do it all. [www.227company.com]

     
  • John Groberg
    John Groberg John Groberg practical philosopher. clarity catalyst. dad.

    John Groberg is a husband, father, serial entrepreneur, writer, and executive coach. His writing and coaching focuses on assisting others to grow in their own clarity. [http://johngroberg.com]

     
  • Dawn Shaw
    Dawn Shaw Dawn Shaw insightful speaker. obstacle climber. destiny fulfiller.

    Dawn Shaw authored her memoir Facing Up to It about living with a facial difference. This creation inspired her to become a speaker. She also raises and trains Icelandic horses. [www.facinguptoit.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]

     
  • Cirelle Raphalian
    Cirelle Raphalian Cirelle Raphalian artist. poet. spiritual seeker.

    Cirelle Raphalian is a mother, poet, artist, and administrator. She holds a Doctor of Spiritual Science degree from Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy.

     
  • Breck Costin
    Breck Costin Breck Costin Coach. Leader. Truth Teller.

    Pioneering seminar leader and life coach Breck Costin encourages people to realize their personal, career, and spiritual aspirations. His couples-counseling practice, BCC Associates, is based in Los Angeles. [www.bccfreedom.com]

     
  • Abigail Ivins
    Abigail Ivins Abigail Ivins change manager. coach. authenticity optimizer.

    Entrepreneur Abigail Ivins founded Present Path, a company that coaches senior executives, high potential leaders, and teams to find internal stability, peace, and authenticity. [www.present-path.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]

     
  • Phillip Maher
    Phillip Maher Phillip Maher playful educator. success redefiner. guy next door.

    Philip Maher has travelled to more than 80 countries, working in some of the harshest environments as a communications professional and photographer. He asks one question in his work: How do we get people to care? [www.philipmaher.ca]

     
  • Drai
    Drai Drai designer. conscious brand manager. wild redhead.

    Drai is a priestess, song keeper, mother, wife, and artist. As founder of Wild Redhead Design, she loves to partner with folks who are making a difference. [www.myspace.com/wildredheaddesign/blog]

     
  • George Meeker
    George Meeker George Meeker filmmaker. connection cultivator. creative architect.

    George Meeker pursues his passion by cultivating deeper connections between humans through filmmaking, which he considers the most influential art form of the 21st Century. [www.interrogate.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • James Altucher
    James Altucher James Altucher super blogger. personal freedom seeker. daily assessor.

    James Altucher is a trader, investor, writer, and entrepreneur. He has published numerous books, and every day people tune into The Altucher Confidential for his words on success, happiness, and everything in between. [www.jamesaltucher.com]

     
  • Krishna Kaur
    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]

     
  • Abby Seixas
    Abby Seixas Abby Seixas psychotherapist. author. life balancer.

    Abby Seixas is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, mother, calligrapher, gardener, life-long spiritual seeker, and work-in-progress. [www.deepriverwithin.com]

     
  • Albe Zakes
    Albe Zakes Albe Zakes waste combater. difference maker. minute exerciser.

    Albe Zakes wanted to work for TerraCycle (a pioneer in innovative upcycling and recycling systems) so badly he took an unpaid internship. He's now TerraCycle's VP of Media Relations. [www.terracycle.com]

     
  • 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]

     
  • Peter Hastings
    Peter Hastings Peter Hastings Filmmaker. Musician. Creative Explorer.

    Peter Hastings has worked professionally in film, television, theatre, and music for the past 35 years. Peter supports [www.onekidoneworld.org]

     
  • More

Connection


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