It has been a year of change. But not just commonplace changes in ones life. An actual paradigm shift. You feel it, don’t you? We are all feeling it; the ground unsteady beneath our feet, as if walking on the wobbly planks of an old house. Unsure of where to step or which direction to take. When life gets to be too heavy, I let it go. When the structure that has held me up time after time begins to falter, I believe in treading lightly and like the willow tree, to bend. So that I too, do not break. Though scary, what if these shifts were a good thing? Small reminders to find the road that you really want to travel down and decide who you really want your companions to be. Many live day-to-day, waiting for the weekend, or a break, or a change. But what if those signs of change are ever present and surrounding you; flashing their neon sign, just waiting for YOU to shift? You can go on and be OK with these creaky planks you walk on or you can bend; and become the solid path in which future generations can walk and follow. I encourage you to shift [...]
We each need to decide what actually makes us happy and then find ways to fill our lives with it, as if the need was so great that it pulsed through our veins. I’m not sure what makes you happy, but creating and helping others to create something great drives me to get out of bed on the those when its a struggle. There are so many people trying to change the world and their voices deserve a little megaphone to help spread their good news. And I am happy to hold it up for them. That’s a large part of what this Agents of Change roadtrip is about. But it’s more than that. I find when I head on the road, I am more alive, more vulnerable, more open to the magic that life has to bring. Here is a little video about why this tour is so important to me. Amazing things happen when I allow myself to dance on the edge during these roadtrips: I meet amazing people who end up being a part of my inner circle I find strength and courage within myself during times when I thought I had nothing left. I meet people [...]
February 14, 2013 – 10:05 am
A few weeks ago, I received this lovely message from Mary Jane Shaver: I responded that I wanted some time to think about my answer, so that it would be thoughtful and something that Mary Jane could use. But of course, the more I thought about what inspires me, the less inspired I became. I spent more time over the past few weeks worrying about how to describe it to someone, that I forgot how to actually live it. So, Mary Jane & company, instead of telling you what inspires me, let me show you: Singing (photo credit: Ann Handley) Inspiration isn’t a process. Inspiration is passion. It is a spark that comes when you are doing what you love and spending time with those who bring joy to your life. The more time you spend living life on your terms and letting go of the stress and anxiety that can plague you, the more inspiration will come your way. I hope that helps. I would love to hear what inspiration is to all of you. Feel free to comment below. Love you all, Ja-Nae Related Posts The Power of Determination: Lessons a Mouse Can Teach Famous Quotes: [...]
By Ja-Naé
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Also posted in Creativity, Uncategorized
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Tagged Agents of change, creative economy, daily inspiration, detroit, great lakes coffee, how to inspire, inspiration, inspire, inspire me, inspiring words, ja-nae duane, janae, our revolution, paulie walnuts, start a revolution, valentine's day, what is inspiration
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January 10, 2013 – 11:33 am
Everyone views life a little differently. Some take it day-by-day, happy to make it through to see another. Some like to live the roller coaster. They thrive on (whether they realize it or not) the rush of adrenaline that comes with those high points, as much as they thrive in wallowing when it all comes tumbling down. Just the way a child will gleefully continue to build onto his LEGO tower, though he knows it won’t be able to last, and then sit there crying when it actually does. We all approach this journey differently. I used to be that kid. Constantly pushing and pushing to see when something would break. Why? I wanted to know if limits exisited. I wanted to know my own capabilities, good, bad or indifferent. And afterwards, I just couldn’t put my finger on why I had to start over or why relationships were ruined or why I had the hardship that I had. I didn’t know that it was a habit that I created for myself. Humans are creatures of habit. Our bodies and minds want us to be stuck in a comfortable routine of homeostasis. Subconsciously, your inner self is thinking only about survival and [...]
By Ja-Naé
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Also posted in Strategy, Uncategorized
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Tagged a bad habit, a habit, an habit, bad habit, breaking a habit, breaking habit, en habit, full heart, give power, habit, habit at, habit breaking, habits 7, habits of, habits people, healthy habit, in habit, mode, old habits, people habits, power giving, power of giving, power of giving up, the 7 habits
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December 24, 2012 – 11:48 pm
“I wish you were never born.” How many times have we heard that at one time or another? Usually it’s from the mouths of angry kids trying to make sense of a situation. While I was growing up, I have to admit that that phrase has crossed my lips more than once and unfortunately, it was usually directed towards someone that I loved. But have you ever asked yourself, what if I was never born? What if I didn’t exist or left no trace of this life that I have led? Does it even matter? Though I cannot speak precisely to your life, while I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I begin thinking of Charlie. Charlie was an electrician with a fantastic wife, two kids that were so cute you could eat them with a spoon, and a loving network of friends an family. And he was happy. But not for any particular reason. He just decided to enjoy the life and the blessings that he was given; to take life in stride, help out when he could, and just do the best he could. Charlie was just an average guy living an average life. Then one day, it all [...]
October 24, 2012 – 9:31 am
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about how I spend my time. Mainly because I find myself spending time on things that I don’t care to do or that just don’t matter to me. So, I know that it is time for a reboot of priorities. I am a person who needs multiple things going on at once. Otherwise, I cannot concentration. I constantly crave the need to build something new or create a new work. I guess you can say that it is pretty apparent that I am a creative entrepreneur. But, what about you? Are you doing what you love each day or are you playing the waiting game. Waiting…. For the phone to ring Someone to like your Facebook status For that opportunity to arise For someone to give you permission to begin For a sign. Any sign. Chances are, if you’re waiting, then you will continue to do just that. But, what if you could begin? What if you could take at least a step a day towards living a life where time stops (or flies) and nothing seems like work? Where all you do is play and enjoy what you’re doing? If you could [...]
By Ja-Naé
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Also posted in Business Tools, Innovation, Spirituality, Strategy, Uncategorized
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Tagged do what you love, how do you love, how to live life, life i live, live for life, live life live, online to do list, the living life, things to do list, this life i live, to do list, to do list template, to do lists, to live life
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October 9, 2012 – 1:17 pm
I spent the weekend being the traveler. Since we had a guest from out of town, this was my opportunity to truly explore the Berkshires during the fall. Here are some of the highlights: Edith Wharton’s The Mount I stepped on these grounds and felt like I had come home. Wharton was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist (first woman to win), short story writer, and designer. The Mount stands as one of her creations and is magnificent. The Berkshires We then wandered through neighboring towns and came across a few things, including a gingerbread house. And of course, if you are going to finish a day of sightseeing, why not do it over a glass of wine at Nashoba Brook Winery while watching this view: Related Posts Adventures to Fantasy Island and Lessons from the Surf The Traveler: How to Haggle like a Pro How to Live Anywhere and Love It Image Credit: Typewriter: http://pinterest.com/EHTaniguchi/ All other images: Ja-Nae Duane
By Ja-Naé
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Also posted in Adventure, Peace, Travel, Uncategorized
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Tagged berkshires, edith wharton, go travel, henry james, lenox ma, massachusetts, nashoba brook winery, the berkshire, the mount, the traveler, travel mass, travel to go, traveler, traveller, travels, where is berkshire, you travel
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October 5, 2012 – 11:52 am
We are all human and can all use a helping hand once in a while, don’t you think? But they don’t have to be big things. It is the small things that we can do throughout the day, that can frivolous to us, yet make all the difference to someone else. In honor of “Do Something Nice Day,” here are a list of 20 things you can do to be nice to someone else: And most importantly, don’t forget this one: Related Posts The Exponential Power of Great Partnerships The Power of Determination: Lessons a Mouse Can Teach Image Credit: the40by40.com ohhappyday.com muscogeemoms.com karyoberbrunner.com snapbucket.com forbes.com crappyrainbows.com blogs.wickedlocal.com vegan.sheknows.com thepapels.deviantart.com legaljuice.com internetcafedevotions.com worldchallengeus.wordpress.com innatthemarket.com cj jenkins womansday.com rockmitchell.blogspot.com theyallcallmemom.com strayoutdoors.com fanpop.com
October 2, 2012 – 11:59 am
“When I was young, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. So I did ten times more work. ” -George Bernard Shaw There is a lot that can be learned from kids entrepreneurs. Many will start their businesses with the hope to save up for something-like an ipad or a new car. And some start businesses just to do what they love and to give back. Clay is one of those boys. I was traveling Maine this weekend and stopped to see my friends Rob and Megin, along with their awesome kids. During my visit, their 10 year-old Clay, showed me the business that he had started around his origami. Clay has been doing origami for a few years now and loves it. But he is not just trying to sell his creations. 75% of all his proceeds go to an African orphanage and bringing his new adopted sister home from that orphanage. I decided to help out. Above is the stellar dragon I bought. He did a great job, didn’t he? As I went through Clay’s website and meticulously chose the one I would buy, I was reminded of these important lessons: [...]
By Ja-Naé
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Also posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Strategy, Uncategorized
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Tagged characteristic of an entrepreneur, entrepreneur, entrepreneur how to, entrepreneur qualities, famous entrepreneurs, filipino entrepreneur, how to be entrepreneur, how to entrepreneur, passion, passion for, passion in, passion it, passion of, passions, the passion, what is passion, young entrepreneurs
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September 21, 2012 – 10:28 am
On Sunday, I came out to see Steve run his first 10K. He decided to do the Louisa May Alcott race, since it was right where we live: Concord, MA. It was a beautiful day for a run and I was really excited for him. Here is his account of the race: They say we are always stronger when we have someone to stand by us or have our back. Great partnerships, whether it be in business or in life can transform and redefine us in ways we never thought possible. In some cases, great partnerships have transformed the world and changed the course of history. Whether it is in business, sports, government or the arts, the power of a great partnership usually has an exponentially better outcome. So what makes a great partner? A great partnership is when… • Two people balance each other, when they constantly remind each other of the need to keep the conscious and unconscious in harmony. The result is that it makes each other smarter, better. • They support us and have complete trust, complete faith, and complete belief in one another. • They understand that if you want to have a good partner, [...]
