Founder of Positivity Nation - Positivity Coach & Consultant,
Wife, Mother, & Enthusiastic Difference Maker
What is your fondest memory of your childhood?
My most treasured & vivid memories of my childhood are ones of time spent with my grandfather. There is nothing he wouldn't do for my sister & I. Saturday mornings were always especially fun because he would "sneak" us to the local store to pick out treats...usually a bag of chips, a candy bar, and a soda -- before my Mom was up. Not the breakfast of champions but fun memories for sure!
What did you want to be growing up?
When I was really young I wanted to be a school teacher. The ambition listed in my high school yearbook was to become a wealthy journalist.
What was your favorite book as a child/young adult?
Financially times were tough growing up but I do remember always having access to books. At one time I had a subscription to a book club and I always looked forward to scholastic book orders at school! We did not have a library at my three-room elementary school but we did have a "Book Mobile" -- a library on wheels -- that would come to our school about every three weeks. I read lots of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mysteries and also enjoyed Encyclopedia Brown mysteries. Of course, I loved Dr. Seuss but my very favorite -- which I love to this day -- is Where the Wild Things Are.
What is your favorite activity for de-stressing and just letting go?
There is something so incredibly soothing about the sound of water. I love to take a walk on the beach or sit by a stream when I need to de-stress. Another surprising activity I discovered to be relaxing in the last year or so is ATV trail riding. Being out on the trails really clears my head... I can release what ever is weighing on my mind.
Where is your most favorite place on Earth that's you've been/traveled to?
So far the most beautiful place I have ever spent time is in the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden, Utah...more specifically Ogden Canyon and Pineview Reservoir. I was blessed to live in Utah for three years and the mountains there are just spectacular.
What is your favorite type of food?
Well, if I am totally honest, gooey sweet foods that are not particularly good for me are some of my very favorites. I also love good southern bar-b-q and Italian dishes.
What three things do you value most in your life?
I don't place a lot of value on things but as far as physical belongings it would be my pictures and scrapbooks, hands down. The relationships that I have with my husband and children I treasure above all else. I also value the many teachers and mentors that I have in my life.
What would you say about the experiences you've been through in your life?
While there were times I definitely wished things could be different, at this point in my life I recognize that all of the challenges and obstacles I've endured in my life have all held within them a gift. The lessons that I've learned along my journey have molded me into the woman I am today.
Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?
In five years I expect that I will be traveling much more, participating in speaking and training engagements, consulting with educators on implementing Positivity Nation™ in the Classroom in the U.S. & Canada and celebrating the growth of the Positivity Nation™ community reaching one million people. On a personal level my husband & I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
What do you feel is your ultimate purpose being here on Earth?
My ultimate purpose is to empower and inspire people of all ages, from all walks of life, to know that every positive action they take...no matter how small... impacts the world. Regardless of our circumstances each one of us can make a powerful impact that starts at home & in our communities and then spreads & radiates universally.
What motivates you to pursue your dreams?
Being witness to the powerful impact a shift in thinking can make on an individual and a community. Knowing that the work I do makes a difference is very inspiring and motivational for me.
If and when you ever find yourself struggling with life, from where do you draw the most strength and why?
Make no mistake about it, I still struggle... I don't think anyone is ever beyond that. How we deal with the struggle is what changes as we evolve. I find strength in the work that I do with Positivity Nation. Some days having to "show up" for others is what helps me through a rough patch.
Also, reflecting on the lesson of E+R=O : Events + Response = Outcome (which I learned in The Success Principles by Jack Canfield)really helps to shift things back into perspective for me. You don't have to look far to see people who are dealing with much more difficult circumstances that you are and are rising above,continuing to make a difference. I find strength and inspiration in these stories.
Tell us a little bit about your mission with Positivity Nation...
The mission of Positivity Nation™ is to create a world-wide epidemic of positivity...one small act at a time!
It is easy to become overwhelmed with negative things happening around us. It is easy to get trapped into the idea that the problems are just too big for us to do anything about individually. I reject that idea. I know first hand that when we take positive action...no matter how small...it can make a big impact. I love the Desmond Tutu quote: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." This is really the heart of Positivity Nation.
Do you have any goals for Positivity Nation?
I have three major goals for Positivity Nation™ in 2011:
~To grow the size and scope of our community -- reaching 10,000+ in 100 countries (currently at 3700+ in 79 countries)
~To introduce the Positivity Nation™ in the classroom model on a national level.
On a personal note, in 2011 I would like to have at least four speaking engagements outside of the state of Maine, secure a publisher for my book and action journal, "One Small Act at a Time: A Year of Positive Action", and attend Breakthrough to Success -- a seven day intensive training with Jack Canfield held in Scottsdale, AZ.
Is there anything you would like to say to our Fresh Connect Members and/or to the rest of the World at large?
Have belief in yourself and your abilities. Give yourself permission to become all you were meant to be. Embrace your gifts and talents. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, know that you make an impact. Make everyday count!
I'd also like to invite those in need of a relaxing get-away to join me at Positivity Nation presents: Rejuvenation Retreat. This is a week-end retreat I'll be hosting in Eastport, Maine July 29-31. Learn more at www.positivitynation.com
And of course, if you are looking for a little extra boost of inspiration along your journey, join us at Positivity Nation™ on Facebook - facebook.com/positivitynation
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On behalf of Fresh Connect, we'd like to thank Lanette for participating and for sharing a part of her life with the members of Fresh Connect.
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