What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Teri Karjala

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your TruthThe definition of truth is relative; therefore sometimes finding your own truth is a difficult journey.  Once you’ve defined your truth, detecting ears to listen maybe an even harder task.  So to all who have the will and time to listen, this is speaking your truth according to me, Teri Karjala.

“The day I realized that I was the only one responsible for my own happiness, shifts started happening.  The biggest shift came knowing within my heart that I could do this.  Confidence began to take over as I developed a plan to grow my practice in a structured manner.  My feelings vacillated from fear to excitement…and back to fear again. But change had begun” (Live Deliciously).

Speaking your truth to me is having the courage to move beyond the perimeters of your comfort zone into destiny.  Meaning personal discovery of your true self; who you are and where you’re destined to be.  Meeting Lisa added to my truth, she saw something in me I never envisioned, which is the ability to speak my truth on paper.  I’m not a writer by nature, so initially, I felt overwhelmed.  I realized, I must stay true to myself and venture outside of my zone.  The process was challenging.  As a result I reached out, encountering wonderful support and guidance through many helping hands along the way; transforming an overwhelming experience into a success.

I never dreamed I would be writing about myself, thank you Lisa and Andrea for the opportunity to not only speak my truth, but to also enhance it.

Teri Karjala, owner of Creative Counseling center, LLC, maintains a private practice that not only provides counseling services; but also offers training in the community.  Teri has worked in the field for the past 10 years servicing children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma.  Teri’s passion is to inspire and empower clients to live a life of hope, harmony and happiness. Teri loves spending time with her family, being outdoors in the beautiful Colorado weather, taking part in new adventures, listening to books on CD, and celebrating life.  To find more about Teri, visit www.creativecounselingcenter.com.

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Sara Nowlin

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your TruthSpeaking my truth has been my practice for the last 10 years. I have committed to speaking my truth as much as possible because my silenced voice has had too many consequences in my life.  While not an easy practice, it has been such a powerful, worthwhile one.

Sharing my story about reclaiming my voice was intense.  It was an opportunity to dive in deeper into places that needed additional healing.  I didn’t realize there was additional healing needed until I was sitting at my computer typing words I had never even realized, let along shared with anyone.  The words came pouring out, along with my tears.  I felt as if they were words of the Divine because they flowed so easily from my fingers.

I am honored to share my story, to share my truth in this venue.  Thank you to Lisa and Andrea and all who have supported me in finding my truth and declaring it to the world.  I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!

Sara Nowlin is a speaker, consultant and coach and you may learn more about her at http://www.saranowlin.com.


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Speaking Your Truth Honored as Spirited Woman Top 12 Summer Book Picks

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth Volume TwoSpeaking Your Truth Volume Two is proud to announce that it is one of the Spirited Woman Top 12 Summer Book Picks!

This was great news following our successful Amazon launch!

Here’s a recap of our status:

#1 Books > Nonfiction > Women’s Studies

#1 Movers & Shakers > Women’s Studies

#1 Hot New Releases > Women’s Studies

#1 Movers & Shakers > Motivational

#1 Hot New Releases > Motivational

#5 in Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Motivational

#20 Nonfiction Books

Overall #164 in Books

We thank all our supporters and of course the fabulous contributors for making our Amazon book launch successful!

If you have not yet had the opportunity to purchase your copy, click here.

Next up, getting ready for Volume Three! Will you be in it?

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Speaking Your Truth Volume Two Launches Today on Amazon!

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth Volume TwoLisa Shultz and Andrea Costantine are thrilled to announce the launch of their second anthology, Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women.

Official Release Today: Tuesday, August 9th

Grab your copy on Amazon!

In this anthology you’ll find 43 stories written by women, for women.

“This volume is beyond power, beyond moving. I cannot tell you how these stories have made me contemplate my own life and existence.”  -  Co-Creator, Andrea Costantine

Take a look at these clips highlighting some of the contributing authors.

Grab your copy today!

Click Here to go directly to Amazon.

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Amy Stark

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth bookThere is a time in everyone’s life that no matter how hard you try to run from your internal pain it catches up with you. After finishing my master’s program, I promised myself I would not write for a very long time. Strangest thing is, the day after I finished my final project; I could not stop writing about what I was feeling inside and how much I was hurting.

It became therapeutic and it just kept pouring out. One of my dearest friends, Jess, whom I speak of in my story, invited me to a writing seminar with Andrea and Lisa. I made the decision to go with her to see what it was all about. The moment I walked into the room and noticed there were women of all ages, who had a story to tell, I knew I was in the right place.

Hearing the stories of these beautiful women helped me realize my story could help others feel they are not alone in their pain and I needed to put it on paper. I was so proud of the strength I found within myself to share this story and hope that if I reach just one woman and help them get through a painful time then it is all worth. Writing this story helped save my life and I hope it will do the same for someone else.

This is such an honor being a part of Speaking Your Truth and in the presence of women who have shown such courage and strength sharing their stories beyond my wildest dreams. After speaking my truth, I am happier than ever. I love my new life in Washington, DC and without going through this journey; I doubt I would have ever had the strength, courage, or belief that I deserved to be happy and follow my dreams..

After finishing her master’s degree, Amy is finally following her dreams and living her life in beautiful Washington, DC. A native of Colorado, she made the move across country three months ago, where she is blessed in finding her dream job as a consultant with the government and a more peaceful world, where she often says, “ I LOVE MY LIFE!!” Amy never knew writing and painting were her passions until she went through her struggles of the past year. After understanding, the strength and courage inside all of the women out there and her own, she now knows that no matter how hard life gets, that there is always a path out of the darkness. Life is beautiful and everyone should embrace its greatness!

Amy can be reached at: amystarkmaio@gmail.com

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Maylin Lue Pann

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth bookWhen I wrote my story, “Faith and Second Chances,” I was in awe looking back and reflecting at all that I’ve overcome in my life.

We often forget all the struggles, obstacles, and hardships we’ve had in our life once we’ve made our way through them.  Now that I can stop and reflect on where I have been, what I have come from, and what I was able to achieve in the midst of crisis – and I’ve had many crises – I realized that my life has truly been perfect in a very unique sense of the way.

Writing and sharing my story has not only been a way for me to reflect on what I’ve done and overcome, but it is also a legacy I leave my children and my grandchildren. It is the truth of who I am, the kind of woman I have been in my lifetime, and what I intend to leave for others to remember me by.  One day, I can just imagine my grandchildren reading my story and saying, “That’s who my Grandma was!” They will get to see the real me, and know they have a piece of me for the rest of their lives. They will have a deeper understanding of where they have come from, what is in their blood, and in their family.

My hope is that if they too experience life’s challenges and struggles they’ll look back and say “Well, Grandma did it – I can do it too!”  That’s exactly what “Faith and Second Chances” is all about. When you fall, you pick up the pieces and you carry on.

Maylin Lue Pann has been conducting workshops and trainings for 20+ years. Today, she is an expert in Neuro-linguistic Programming, The Silva Method, The Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, Coaching & Leadership International (CLI), Coaching from Spirit, and is a certified Law of Attraction Practitioner with the Law of Attraction Training Centre (Canada). Her mission is to guide women entrepreneurs to their inner passions, to remember who they are and reclaim their lives so that they can achieve their dreams and goals easily and effortlessly. To learn more about Maylin and her work, please contact her at Maylin@dynamicresults.ca or visit her website at www.dynamicresults.ca

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Heather Dossey

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth bookI have known for years that I would write.  It’s one of the things my soul came here to do, I could feel it.

The past 10 years, I have been thinking about writing…and talking about writing… not actually doing it!

How should I get started? It seemed so daunting.

Speaking Your Truth is such an amazing platform.  I hope there are many more additions to come.  The opportunity to live my passion and really step out there as a writer has been such an easy transition because I’m surrounded and supported by other female writiers.

We may not all get a chance to meet in person but we’ll always be connected as we support each other through the creation of this book!  So greatful for the opportunity and can’t wait for the launch.  I would love to connect with my fellow authors on facebook or over email.  HeatherDossey@gmail.com.

Love, light, and lipgloss my friends!”

Heather Dossey is a life coach and professional makeup artist in Destin, Florida. “A woman comes home to her true self through her art. Makeup is my favorite artistic outlet. My heart’s desire is to guide and encourage other women on the journey to embracing their art, beauty, and best version of themselves. A woman standing fully in her grace, beauty, and power…my favorite thing to celebrate!” You can connect with Heather on her website www.Entourouge.com, Facebook, or by sending an email to heatherdossey@gmail.com.

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Barbara Robins

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your TruthSpeaking Your Truth Contributing Author shares her story of how she became involved in the Volume Two book.

In one of my Facebook groups a small post said something like “do you have a story to tell from your life that can provide a beacon of light, hope, and connection for women as they navigate their lives while overcoming challenges and difficulties along the way?” Like Arnold Horshack on the TV show “Welcome Back Kotter” I raised my hand and exclaimed “oo! oo! oo!”

I’ve been telling personal stories as parts of conversations for years. People have told me to write a book, but that felt overwhelming, especially to go it alone. The Facebook post excited, inspired and challenged me to get one story published, a step that felt manageable knowing Andrea and Lisa would be there to offer guidance.

I was taken out of my comfort zone when the “really interesting” story I wrote was returned to me with the request to rewrite it so it’s interesting. What!? You don’t think it’s interesting as it is?? I never imagined my story could be written any better but boy was I surprised.

This process has deepened and expanded my view of myself, brought me new alliances and collaborative partners and excited me to get more of my stories written. I love my life!

Barbara Robins has been at the top of her field in offering innovative healing services and training since 2001. Helping people master their skills, dissolve their resistances and live their vision she has worked successfully with world-class athletes, artists/performers, healthcare professionals, international speakers/trainers, and welcomes new clients who are exploring their potential. For more information about Barbara and ways she can assist you in reaching your goals visit her online at www.healingisfun.com.

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What Speaking Your Truth Means to Me by Barb Warner

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Barb Warner, Speaking Your Truth, Contributing Authors, Inspiring StoriesI was excited to write this chapter for Speaking Your Truth, Volume ll.  It gave me the opportunity to tell a story that happened over forty years ago.  Being in the Peace Corps in the 1960s, I had many experiences that have provided me with stories that I have shared occasionally with friends over the years.   However, because those experiences happened at the same time that I was busy with life, I didn’t have the opportunity to write them down.  Now forty-seven years later I am finally writing down the story of the first few months of being a Peace Corps volunteer.  I had just graduated from college and the world was beginning to open up.

Because life experience has shown me how much difference there is between different people’s stories of the same event or the same person’s story even a few moments after it occurs, I wonder how much truth there is in this story that I am telling you?  Or really does it matter?  Or what is “truth,” anyway? Continue reading →

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What Speaking My Truth Means To Me by Maureen Hunter

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Lisa Shultz

Speaking Your Truth Book ContributorI have met some incredible people on facebook. It really has opened up my world to so many opportunities. One of those opportunities was an invitation from Andrea Constantine to be part of Speaking your Truth Vol 2.

I knew at that moment, this was for me. I had overcome great personal tragedy. I had a message to share with others. I knew with all my heart I wanted to use my experience to make a difference.   I also knew somewhere within me that I would be part of this compilation of incredible stories.

My chapter submission was the easiest thing I have ever written, the words just flowed out onto the page.  Reading back on that draft, it brought me face to face with all that had happened, all that was, and all that I had become as a result.

When my submission to this volume was accepted, it was as if the universe was conspiring to make it happen.  Just a couple of months before, I had some new business cards printed. I described myself as an author, an author of stories and verse. A book was in the offing, sometime.  Now, here it was unfolding in my life.

By reading my story, I want to give a gift, the gift of hope. The gift that strength resides within each one of us, faced with tragedy and adversity.

Maureen Hunter founded Esdeer in 2007, following the death of her youngest son.  She writes regularly on grief, healing, resilience and spirituality and is the creator of Stepping through Grief: the 7 Steps Pathway. She is passionate about helping those who are grieving find meaning in their lives once more. If grief has touched your life, please accept her FREE inspirational guide, “Opening the Door to Hope” at www.esdeer.com/hope or visit www.esdeer.com.

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