Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts Mary Crafts

In this vibrant episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts invites Heather Eck to delve into the colorful world of art and self-discovery. Heather Eck's distinct approach to art involves creating spirit portraits based on the auras she sees, offering a personalized reflection on one's inner light and colors. This engaging session not only explores Heather's journey but also demystifies how colors influence our lives and can be harnessed for healing.
Mary starts the conversation by sharing her connection to colors and their significance throughout her life. Heather adds depth to this dialogue by discussing synesthesia, a unique ability that allows her to see colors surrounding people, and how they translate into her artwork. In a world where color shapes our emotions and environment, these two explore how our spirit and personal growth are connected to the spectrum of hues we encounter daily.
Key Takeaways: Heather Eck uses her synesthesia to create art that reflects people's auras. Colors are tied to chakras and impact our emotions and personal growth. Our attraction to certain colors indicates our strengths and healing focus. Spirit portraits can aid healing by showing one's energetic state. Harnessing color energy can enhance life fulfillment.  
Learn More About Heather: https://heathereck.com/
 
 

Mary Crafts is joined by the inspirational Danielle Cobo, a beacon of perseverance and transformation. Exploring Danielle's life, Mary uncovers the compelling journey of a woman adept at navigating the corporate world, motherhood, and the intricacies of life as a military spouse. Mary introduces listeners to Danielle's ethos of leveraging personal trials as stepping stones towards professional success. Her departure from corporate life, spurred by what she describes as the 'Great Resignation', is a testament to her resilience and a catalyst for her current mission, igniting transformation and empowering individuals to carve out purposeful lives.
Danielle delves deep into what constitutes grit and resilience, discussing the nuances that separate and intertwine these core attributes. As the conversation unfolds, she shares actionable tools and exercises such as the "Legacy Exercise, designed to encourage introspection and guide individuals towards a more meaningful existence.
 
Resources: Danielle's book: "Unstoppable Grit" (Available on Amazon)
Danielle Cobo's Professional and Coaching Services (Daniellecobo.com)
Danielle's LinkedIn profile for further insights and connections (Danielle on LinkedIn)
 
 
 
Get Mary's New Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892
Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts
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#crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices
 

Mary takes a deep dive into the profound impact of gratitude on our daily existence. Joel Zuckerman, returning for a second appearance on the podcast, explores the nuances of being thankful, not just as a fleeting emotion but as a consistent and deliberate practice that permeates every facet of life. Mary engages Joel in a discussion that orbits around the hows and whys of gratitude, underpinning the narrative with her own daily meditation experiences, where messages of gratitude often surface unprompted.
Joel uncovers the concept of 'proactive gratitude,' where he explains the importance of not just feeling thankful but also expressing this gratitude towards others. He shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, like the 'count your blessings' nightly routine, illustrating how gratitude can serve as a tool for finding peace and improving sleep. Mary reflects on her practice of direct gratitude, shedding light on the ripple effects of such actions on others. 
 
About Joel:
Joel Zuckerman, a man of many talents and diverse professional experiences, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the dialogue on crafting a meaningful life. With a background that spans working on Wall Street, running his own business, to becoming an acclaimed golf writer for the Carolina Morning News, his career trajectory is as impressive as it is varied. Joel has authored numerous golf books, contributed to over 120 different magazines, and has spoken extensively about golf at various events. Now, turning his attention towards gratitude, he channels his prowess into writing, speaking, and teaching about the transformative power of gratitude, as seen through his website Gratitude Tiger, his book "Grateful", and his "Mostly Grateful" podcast.
 
  Gratitude as a daily practice: Joel reveals the physiological benefits of gratitude and his evening ritual, 'count your blessings', which aids in better sleep and calms the nervous system.
Expression of gratitude: Joel emphasizes the importance of proactive gratitude – actively thanking and appreciating others, rather than simply feeling grateful internally.
The transformative effect: Sharing gratitude can profoundly impact both the giver and the receiver, fostering a sense of peace and connection.
Gratitude through letters: Joel shares how his practice of writing letters of gratitude has enriched his life and recommends that even brief, sincere expressions can be deeply meaningful.
Gratitude in adversity: Joel admits that despite personal faults and difficulties, gratitude remains a cornerstone in his efforts to live a meaningful life.
Notable Quotes: "Silent gratitude isn't much good for anybody." - Gertrude Stein, as quoted by Joel Zuckerman to emphasize the need for expressing gratitude.
"By the author Gertrude Stein. And she said, silent gratitude isn't much good for anybody, which I love, because we're all grateful." – Joel Zuckerman amplifying the need to communicate gratitude.
"We're grateful that today did not get jolted off." – Mary Crafts highlighting the power of acknowledging small daily blessings.
"You can extend gratitude... in six words or six sentences. I do it... in six or seven paragraphs." – Joel Zuckerman on the flexibility of gratitude expression.
"Gratitude is one manifestation of who I am." – Joel Zuckerman discussing the multifaceted nature of his personality and the place of gratitude within it.
Resources: Joel Zuckerman's book "Grateful"
Joel's website: Gratitude Tiger (GratitudeTiger.com)
Joel's podcast "Mostly Grateful"

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts is joined by her dear friend Alicia Decker, founder of The Mended Light. They discuss their recent trip to Kenya with 100 Humanitarians and the importance of understanding oneself and others. Alicia shares her expertise in teaching mental health and leadership skills, focusing on the four personality types: dreamer, healer, warrior, and thinker. They explore the power of self-acceptance and compassion in healing from trauma and finding one's worth. Alicia's mission is to provide hope and support to those on their healing journey.
Learn More About Mended Light: https://mendedlight.com/
Get Mary's New Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/
 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892
Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts
 Follow Mary On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4
#crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary is joined by guest Laurie Barkman, author of the "Business Transition Handbook." They discuss the transitions women and men go through in the workplace and how to navigate them successfully. Laurie emphasizes the importance of identifying your strengths and passions and creating a plan for your career and personal life. She also shares insights on business transitions and the need for proper planning. Tune in for valuable advice on finding your best self and preparing for future success.
 
 Get Laurie's Book: https://tinyurl.com/ye2y9b5e
About Laurie:
 Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, is the former CEO of a $100 million revenue company that was sold to a Fortune 50. As a Business Transition and M&A Intermediary, Laurie advises owners how to create more valuable businesses and find the right buyer when it’s time to let go. Her expertise in business transition, succession, entrepreneurship, value growth, and M&A has been spotlighted in various media like Newsweek, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, WTAE/abc, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and more. She is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, and Amazon best-selling author of "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options." She hosts the award-winning Succession Stories Podcast, rated in the top 2.5% of shows globally. Laurie graduated from Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. She holds a professional designation from The Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors.

Mary speaks with her close friend, and fashion influencer, Pualei Lynn. The discussion delves into the journey of self-discovery, accountability, and the transformation into confident, meaningful living. Mary begins by highlighting Puli's inherent grace and humility despite her ability to inspire women with her fashion insights on social media. The episode progresses into a reflective narrative that covers Puli's personal evolution. From a woman who once felt she didn't meet the standards of beauty, to a stylish, self-assured individual who embraces her worth after overcoming the trials of two divorces. The conversation highlights the importance of internal work, accountability, and finding one's purpose.
Check out her website: https://pualeilynn.lpages.co/
Pualei Lynn:
Pualei Lynn, affectionately referred to as Puli, is a renowned personal fashion stylist and image consultant. Growing up with a keen interest in beauty and fashion, influenced by her mother's talent as a seamstress, Puli embodies the essence of crafting new lives through fashion. Beyond her boutique, Puli provides personal styling and image consulting services, focused on amplifying women's true energetic essence both