November’s Inner Circle Sneak Peek w/ Belleruth Naparstek

We have a sneak peek of what’s coming in your Women on Fire members’ package for November.

As many of you know, Debbie has a set of wise, accomplished women in her life that inspire, uplift and support her. Their wisdom is priceless, and we thought it was high time we shared some of the wealth of knowledge and love. 🙂

This month, we are featuring one of Debbie’s wise women.

A highly respected psychotherapist.

A pioneer in the use of guided imagery.

An entrepreneur.

An author.

A mother. A grandmother.

Belleruth Naparstek has dedicated her life to helping people heal and find relief from pain and trauma through guided imagery, and she’s sharing her best strategies, biggest challenges and brightest ideas with you.

Today, we’re giving you only a tiny nugget of all the inspiration Belleruth shared. But in the full interview you’ll discover:

  • How the power of guided imagery can transform your life
  • When and how to use guided imagery
  • The best way to express your greatest gifts over the course of time
  • How Belleruth balanced running a business and taking care of two kids
  • Her strategies for healing after her husband died

If you’re not yet part of our membership inner circle, please be our guest and listen today for free to a clip of Debbie’s interview with Belleruth.

Press PLAY for a quick (2:30) audio clip of this inspiring and intimate interview.

If you are already a member of our Women on Fire inner circle, enjoy this preview of what’s coming to you early in November!

If you aren’t yet a member and want to receive this Women on Fire exclusive, make sure to join us today. You have until Sunday, November 1. Less than 48 hours left!

BUT WAIT… there’s more! 🙂

Belleruth didn’t want you to walk away today without getting a small taste of what guided imagery is, so she is giving you a FREE sample of one of her most popular audios. Click here to listen to your free streaming guided meditation on Self-Confidence,plus a little something extra!

Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on Belleruth’s brilliance.

P.S. A little birdie told us that there may or may not be a very special gift from Belleruth included in November’s membership package. You’ll just have to join to find out! 🙂

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In the arms of an angel

We talk a lot about angels here.

At Women on Fire, we are angels to each other as we walk this path toward our dreams – or on the journey to figure out our dreams.

And this week I got to meet an angel whose work and music has inspired my own life’s path and miracles.  Many of you have told me you love her too!

Canadian singer, songwriter Sarah McLachlan is an original Woman on Fire.

When her passion to fully share her music was thwarted, she found another way to make her dreams happen. And she chose other women to help her do it!

In the 1990s, Sarah became frustrated with concert promoters and radio stations that refused to feature two female musicians in a row.  (I shudder to think of the “logic” behind that!?)

Outraged and empowered, she set out to change the disparity by highlighting and promoting her musical sisterhood.

She co-founded the successful Lilith Fair, a touring music festival, to shine the light exclusively on female solo artists and female-led bands.

In its initial three years of concerts throughout North America, Lilith Fair advanced the popularity of women’s music to new heights – and raised more than $10 million for women’s charities.

And while Lilith Fair is no longer, Sarah McLachlan, now 46 and a mom of two daughters, is back and stronger than ever touring the United States and Canada this summer.

A couple of nights ago, I had the great fortune to meet her before her concert in Bangor, Maine.  As I approached her, wanting to be proper I reached out to shake her hand.  She laughed, opened her arms wide, smiled that beautiful smile of hers, and informed me: “I am a hugger.”

That she was.  And for a moment there, I am pretty sure I was in the arms of an angel!

Every day I hear stories of how you are helping each other. How you lift up each other and support one another. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for our sisterhood of angels — and keep the stories coming.

Just as Sarah discovered in her career, and we know here, joining forces with other women is one of the best strategies to get to your goals and dreams. Who can you reach out to this week?

As inspiration, I thought you might enjoy the lyrics and video to one of Sarah’s best-loved songs.  It’s a reminder that we are in this together.  And that a big hug and a loving arm goes a long way to provide comfort on the journey.

Angel
Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
for a break that would make it okay
there’s always some reason
to feel not good enough
and it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
oh beautiful release
memories seep from my veins
let me be empty
and weightless and maybe
I’ll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you’re in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line
and everywhere you turn
there’s vultures and thieves at your back
and the storm keeps on twisting
you keep on building the lies
that you make up for all that you lack
it don’t make no difference
escaping one last time
it’s easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you’re in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here
you’re in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here.

Have a great week, angels!

I’ll see a number of you this week in Columbus, Ohio when I speak to 14,000 women (angels;-) about the power of building community at 31 Gifts national conference at Nationwide Arena.

(Next week in The Spark! I’ll share how I overcame my phobia to speak to more than a handful of people!)

Love,

Debbie Signature

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She’s a Woman on Fire! Meet Cari Vollmer

Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other.  She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her.  Please say hello to… – See more at: https://www.debbiephillips.com/2014/01/22/shes-a-woman-on-fire-meet-carmencita-whonder/#sthash.d0qbe5aG.dpuf
Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other.  She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her.  Please say hello to… – See more at: https://www.debbiephillips.com/2014/01/22/shes-a-woman-on-fire-meet-carmencita-whonder/#sthash.d0qbe5aG.dpuf
Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other.  She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her.  Please say hello to… – See more at: https://www.debbiephillips.com/2014/01/22/shes-a-woman-on-fire-meet-carmencita-whonder/#sthash.d0qbe5aG.dpuf

Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other. She’s A Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her. Please say hello to…

design

Cari Vollmer

Minneapolis, Minn.

WOF member: #00110

Member since:  March 11, 2012

Please tell us about YOU, your family and your work. What you are “on fire” about? 

My husband, Pete, and I are business owners, and we’re passionate about what we do. Right now we’re talking about how to make this chapter of our life our most intentional so far, including implementing a daily practice where we start the day together to set our intentions and keep our vision alive. We both feel the power in finally putting our marriage, our dreams and ourselves first. We’re excited.

We are a blended family, which means I’ve had children in my life from the day we got married almost 25 years ago. This fall will be the first time we’ll have an “empty nest.” Pete and I are looking forward to this new time, while of course still enjoying our girls so much. My stepdaughter Meghann, a veterinarian, is married and has a little boy, Jackson, who calls me either CC or Grandma, both of which I respond to with enthusiasm!

Another big focus right now is holding an intentional and loving space for our other daughter, Kasie, as she graduates from high school and starts her new life as a college student and athlete. I know every mother who has gone through this transition understands what this means — the emotional roller-coaster of joy and fears. all of it. We’re oh so proud of Kasie and her many accomplishments, including earning a full-ride athletic scholarship to a college where she will also get to pursue her passion for wildlife biology.

Last fall I finally accepted the fact that my life — our lives — were changing, and it wasn’t helping to hold it at arm’s length. Interestingly enough, as soon as I affirmed the transition, I started getting a lot of clarity regarding my next steps as a woman and businesswoman. I knew deep down that this is my time to claim my dreams in an even bigger and bolder way.

How did you originally connect to Women on Fire?  

I originally heard about Women on Fire through my friend Laurie Forster. Laurie and I were in the same mastermind group, and she nudged me to get to know her coach, Debbie Phillips. I started following Debbie and Women on Fire on Facebook, and it wasn’t long before I was a complete FAN! I’m so happy I listened to that nudge Laurie gave me!

What’s your favorite component of the Women on Fire membership program?

In this order: (1) Debbie and her intentional and loving leadership, (2) the sisterhood, and (3) retreats, monthly calls and interview CDs.

What is your favorite part of the day?

I have a few different favorite parts to my day.  I love both when I’m the only one home, and I can feel what I need to feel and hear what I need to hear. I love that quiet space. And I love when the rest of my family is home and how crazy it can get with them and our two dogs, a terrier mix named Choxie and a golden retriever named Finnegan, and our cat, Isabelle.

What is the last book you read that you would recommend to other Women on Fire? 

A few years ago a client told me about The Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard. I bought it immediately and proceeded to highlight many passages. I return to it over and over and over again.

Name one thing you’re proudest of.

I’m proudest of taking the journey to know who I am. I now feel everything stems from that understanding, and I’m so much more comfortable in the world as a result. I also trust my intuition now more than ever. It’s not always easy to do so because there’s so much noise in the world. I suppose that’s why I like my house when it’s quiet. I like to feel what I’m feeling, and if I get too busy I can’t do that.

What is something that we might be surprised to learn about you?

When people first meet me, they are always surprised by how tall I am — 6-foot-3! It might also be surprising to know that I was adopted.

If you had an unexpected free day, how would you spend it?    

That would totally depend on my mood in that moment. I might like to go for a long walk — either by myself or with a friend — buy some flowers for my office and kitchen, meet friends for lunch or dinner, get a massage, and either try a new recipe for dinner or find a new restaurant in the city.

What is your favorite city in the world?

I haven’t visited nearly enough to know for sure, but right now I’d say Minneapolis, Chicago and New York, in no particular order.

Share a special Women on Fire moment or experience.

There have been so many! This year at the Women on Fire Retreat in Naples I had a big aha moment when I heard the panel discussing the importance of having sponsors — other people who take an active interest in your success and open doors for you. I’ve had many mentors and some of them have been sponsor-like. But when I heard Tandi Musuraca talking about sponsors, I realized that I could be asking for sponsors to show up in my life. And a few already have! I loved that moment! Thank you again, Tandi!

Name another Woman on Fire who has inspired you and tell why?

Well, I LOVE my Women on Fire cleanse sisters. (I wonder if they realize that this is what I call them!) Last year I participated in the first Women on Fire 21-day cleanse. I was so nervous! I didn’t know if I could possibly do the full 21 days. But Debbie and Amy Marzluff offered such amazing support and guidance as well as the connection to the other women who participated. I did it and I loved it!

What’s your big dream?

My dreams are to live my happiest and healthiest life, surrounded by people I love and who love me. I want to be true to myself, and to continue making a positive impact in the world. This year, I’ve committed to specializing in one particular aspect of all those that I’ve offered to clients over the years and that is to share my Identify Your Brilliance work with as many souls as possible. I really can’t think of better work than helping others discover who they are.

If you had the opportunity to teach a child one strategy that would help to guide her life, what would that be?

I have to list three, but they’re all connected. 🙂

  • Know who you are.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Value who you are.

Name three women who have influenced your life and what you’ve learned from each.

My mom, Kay, was a businesswoman and ran our family restaurant for 20 years. She was the toughest boss I ever had. She taught me a lot about how to have a great work ethic and take care of customers, and how NOT to put up with bad behavior. She was gracious and had a deep inner strength. When I was looking for my first job after moving to Minneapolis, she gave me the best job-hunting advice I’ve ever heard: Make them feel like they couldn’t possibly live without you. I took her advice and was hired on the spot! I lost her 15 years ago, and I miss her every day. She was great.

My friend Beth is one of the best women I know. She’s taught me a lot about love, trusting my instincts, having good boundaries, and how to handle difficult situations. I’ve always loved the sparkle in her eyes and how easily she laughs.

Debbie Phillips came into my life at a time when I was feeling a bit disenchanted by the coaching and Internet marketing world. Deep down, I could sense a lack of authenticity, even when some of my coaches and teachers were preaching it. Very often, something felt off to me; things weren’t adding up. I’ve always been so grateful to Laurie Forster for introducing me to Debbie because I think she’s such a great model for having a true open-armed, authentic, loving embrace, and she’s taught me over and over again that when you’re aligned with love great things happen. I believe WOF has helped me be much more comfortable with who I am.

Who cheers you on?

I’m blessed to have many people who cheer me on — friends, colleagues, clients, my husband, and my daughters. One time, when I was nervous about speaking to a roomful of people, Kasie sent me a text message that said, “You’ll do great. You’re Cari Vollmer!” I loved that so much and deeply appreciated her cheerleading. I will treasure those words forever!

What is your favorite “pig out” food? 

Oh, my! Lately, it’s been a scoop of Häagen-Dazs Sea Salt Caramel Gelato. Good thing I’m starting that cleanse again soon!

What song is on your iPod right now?

Happy by Pharrell Williams, and then a mish-mash of many of my daughter’s songs. She keeps me current, but please don’t ask me for performer or song names. I’m not good at retaining that info.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?

Without question my mom’s illness and passing was my biggest challenge. I went through that period before I had really dug deep into my own being, so going through that left me feeling very lost and without any sense of direction; however, it was also the beginning of the life I have today. It’s sometimes hard to consider that time as a blessing, but what rose from it certainly has been.

What are your go-to self-care strategies?

Quiet time. Deep breathing. A clean house. Fresh flowers. Clear space. Massages. Heart-to-heart conversations with great friends.

When you reflect on your life so far, what are the first word or two that come to mind?

Blessed and awake.

More about Cari …

Cari Vollmer, founder of PassionIntoProfit.com, helps businesswomen worldwide create their sweet lives and purpose-filled businesses by helping them awaken, identify and honor their brilliance so they can infuse their lives and businesses with the best of who they really are. She fiercely supports women in trusting their gut instincts, while helping them create purposeful and strategic plans for business growth and living well.

You are welcome to say hello to her at Cari@passionintoprofit.com.

 

She’s A Woman On Fire! is compiled by senior writer Becky Adams.

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She’s a Woman on Fire! Meet Mary Canty Merrill

Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to one another.  She’s a Woman on Fire member and we want you to know her! Please say hello to…

Woman on Fire- Mary Canty Merrill

Dr. Mary Canty Merrill

Denver, Colorado

Women on Fire member: #00251

Member since:  December 2013

Please tell us about YOU, your family, and your work. What you are “on fire” about?

As an industrial and organizational psychologist, I specialize in the study of human attitudes and behavior in organizations, which involves investigating work-related issues and implementing strategies to increase organizational capacity, productivity and effectiveness.

I’m married to retired military officer and clinical psychologist Dr. Herbert Merrill II. On June 12, we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We have a grown son, daughter-in-law, and a 13-month-old grandson who live in Cleveland, Ohio.

I’m on fire about inspiring others to rise up, overcome fear, unleash their potential, and show the world that they have more power than they are now using.

How did you originally connect to Women on Fire?

I was invited by sister member Sandra Vaughn, and I officially joined Women on Fire about 30 minutes before our January 2014 live online chat. Imagine that!

What’s your favorite component of the Women on Fire membership?

I love connecting with like-minded women who encourage and support one another personally and professionally. Powerful!

What is your favorite part of the day?

I’m nocturnal and so my favorite part of the day is between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., when I’m most productive and creativity reigns.

What is the last book you read that you would recommend to other Women on Fire?

Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman (amazon link), a Smith College graduate who chronicles her year in federal prison after a reckless decision she made 10 years earlier. She writes about the unlikely relational bonds she developed with fellow inmates.

What is the one thing you’re most proud of?

I was the first in my immediate family to attend college and earned a doctoral degree after 23 years of formal education.

If you had an unexpected free day, how would you spend it?

Take a nature walk or mountain hike to shake off daily cares and reconnect with myself through meditation and quiet reflection.

What is your favorite city in the world?

Bruges, Belgium.

Share a special Women on Fire moment or experience.

My first attendance at this year’s Women on Fire Retreat proved to be a divine appointment, because I reconnected with sister member Nancy Neal, who had literally saved my life. It was the first time I’d seen or spoken with her since that dreadful night 25 years ago. The retreat was a surreal experience that confirmed to me that God really does answer my prayers—with clarity. It’s an experience that will remain etched in my memory forever.

Name another Woman on Fire who has inspired you and tell why.

Nancy Slonim Aronie, who was the woman I was matched up at this year’s retreat. She is not only witty, but she’s also authentic in every way imaginable, and I deeply admire and appreciate that quality.

What’s your big dream?

To find that place of infinite possibility within myself and live only from that place.

If you had the opportunity to teach a child one strategy that would help to guide her life, what would that be?

I’d tell her how to think critically, which is a lost art. Today, people tend to accept their own and others’ beliefs and perspectives without challenging their validity in order to draw their own sound conclusions.

What is something that we might be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve flown a single-engine plane.

Name three women who have influenced your life, and what you’ve learned from each.

  • My grandmother taught me that self-respect trumps all.
  • My mother taught me that making mistakes is not the tragedy; failing to learn from them is.
  • Ann Wheelock taught me the art of thinking BIG!

Who cheers you on?

My husband and family are my biggest cheerleaders.

What is your favorite “pig-out” food?

Crispy garlic parmesan wings and cheddar cheese fries.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?

I’ve struggled with clinical depression since adolescence, and it’s not something that I can overcome. I have, however, successfully managed its affects through a combination of proactive strategies, such as psychotherapy, medication, prayer and meditation, supportive relationships, self-nurturing activities, nutrition and exercise.

What is your go-to self-care strategy?

Given the nature of my profession, people generally don’t contact me unless they are dealing with debilitating stress, trauma or crisis, so I’m constantly interacting with negative energy. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, I find small ways to regain control of my thoughts, attitudes and emotions. That might be something as simple as going to bed early to get more rest or reading an inspirational piece to regain perspective, or something as intricate as carving out time for a full-blown spa day.

When you reflect on your life so far, what is the first word that comes to mind?

Resilience.

More about Mary Canty Merrill…

Dr. Mary Canty Merrill has spent more than 25 years motivating and inspiring audiences across the country to step out of their comfort zone and into their personal power.  She began her career in corporate America and today, is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Merrill Consulting Associates, LLC, an organizational consulting firm based in Denver.

In addition to entrepreneur, Mary is blessed to serve humanity in a variety of roles.  As a psychologist, educator, facilitator, speaker, author, life strategist and provocateur, Mary is known for her thought-provoking messages, high-energy delivery, and dynamic work in unleashing human potential.

Mary is a regularly featured guest on radio talk shows, is the co-author of two inspirational books: The Daughters and Spirit of Harriet, and Miracles, Momentum and Manifestation, which will launch this spring and summer, respectively, and also authors a professional blog, The Inside Out with Dr. Mary Canty Merrill.

When not engaging with clients, Mary enjoys adventure and world travel with her husband and business partner, Dr. Herbert Merrill II.

You are welcome to say hello to her at mcanty@merrillca.com.

She’s A Woman On Fire! feature is compiled by senior writer Becky Adams.