Leslie and I discussed how she "came out" in high school, which set the stage for her being a strong woman who could handle what life dished out. Her Mom was diagnosed with a genetic condition in 1990 and passed away in 1992 at the age of 55, with brain and lung cancer, so there was never clear information for Leslie to fully understand the genetic condition. This genetic disease is a progressive neuromuscular disease and Leslie was diagnosed in her mid-30's. Fortunately, Leslie had adopted a radical self-care practice, as her disease has no cure or treatment. Diet, exercise, attitude, and relaxation has helped her live a full and more healthy lifestyle, already outliving her Mom by two years and counting.  She has watched others with the disease die, and by all accounts, she herself should have died already. We openly discussed wills, health directives, and different ways to handle death.

website: http://glasshalffull.online/

In her words:

In Episode #1 of the Glass Half Full podcast, you’ll learn more about me and the foundation for this blog and podcast. But, for now…

I was born and raised in South Florida. I left as soon as I could; heat and humidity have never agreed with me. I started my college years in New York City! A great place to live when you’re young.

Looking for excitement, I moved to Northern California just in time for the Loma Prieta earthquake. I worked for a while in documentary filmmaking and eventually focused my career on educational multimedia. Hand stiffness led me to see a neurologist and through a rather brief diagnostic odyssey, I was told I have a rare genetic condition called myotonic dystrophy (DM).

The multi-systemic nature of DM and its gradual progression has changed my life. Yet I often experience this as a bittersweet turn of events. Had I not been diagnosed early enough I may have wasted more time; now I am very intentional, mindful, and appreciative of life’s many joys.

Leslie and I discussed how she "came out" in high school, which set the stage for her being a strong woman who could handle what life dished out. Her Mom was diagnosed with a genetic condition in 1990 and passed away in 1992 at the age of 55, with brain and lung cancer, so there was never clear information for Leslie to fully understand the genetic condition. This genetic disease is a progressive neuromuscular disease and Leslie was diagnosed in her mid-30's. Fortunately, Leslie had adopted a radical self-care practice, as her disease has no cure or treatment. Diet, exercise, attitude, and relaxation has helped her live a full and more healthy lifestyle, already outliving her Mom by two years and counting.  She has watched others with the disease die, and by all accounts, she herself should have died already. We openly discussed wills, health directives, and different ways to handle death.

website: http://glasshalffull.online/

In her words:

In Episode #1 of the Glass Half Full podcast, you’ll learn more about me and the foundation for this blog and podcast. But, for now…

I was born and raised in South Florida. I left as soon as I could; heat and humidity have never agreed with me. I started my college years in New York City! A great place to live when you’re young.

Looking for excitement, I moved to Northern California just in time for the Loma Prieta earthquake. I worked for a while in documentary filmmaking and eventually focused my career on educational multimedia. Hand stiffness led me to see a neurologist and through a rather brief diagnostic odyssey, I was told I have a rare genetic condition called myotonic dystrophy (DM).

The multi-systemic nature of DM and its gradual progression has changed my life. Yet I often experience this as a bittersweet turn of events. Had I not been diagnosed early enough I may have wasted more time; now I am very intentional, mindful, and appreciative of life’s many joys.

After being married a couple of times, Joan is now happily married at age 62. She wrote a book, Never Too Late for Love (on Amazon) to capture her experience and lessons learned to pay it forward for others. Joan is a good storyteller and very funny.  She's enthusiastic about life and continues learning and teaching after a Masters and Doctorate from Harvard. She spent 15 years teaching at Boston University on Leadership. With 3 of her own divorces, she and I chat about online dating (and dating in general) over 50. I LOVED connecting with Joan - she is fantastic!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/HYlDSQhMwpA

IN HER WORDS:

Throughout my life I have taken on the challenge of living the fullest and most contributing life possible

But there were many moments when this did not seem possible, especially when I was a young single mother, without a career direction.

It’s inevitable that life will force you to face challenges and transitions that are seemingly unsolvable.

I knew that this is the one life I had to live, and that if there was something that could be learned that would make my life great, I wanted to learn that.

So I dedicated myself to transforming my life:

After being married a couple of times, Joan is now happily married at age 62. She wrote a book, Never Too Late for Love (on Amazon) to capture her experience and lessons learned to pay it forward for others. Joan is a good storyteller and very funny.  She's enthusiastic about life and continues learning and teaching after a Masters and Doctorate from Harvard. She spent 15 years teaching at Boston University on Leadership. With 3 of her own divorces, she and I chat about online dating (and dating in general) over 50. I LOVED connecting with Joan - she is fantastic!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/HYlDSQhMwpA

IN HER WORDS:

Throughout my life I have taken on the challenge of living the fullest and most contributing life possible

But there were many moments when this did not seem possible, especially when I was a young single mother, without a career direction.

It’s inevitable that life will force you to face challenges and transitions that are seemingly unsolvable.

I knew that this is the one life I had to live, and that if there was something that could be learned that would make my life great, I wanted to learn that.

So I dedicated myself to transforming my life:

Carla has a published book, Contagious Love which is all about codependency. Not only is it super helpful for codependents, but Carla's story is also inspirational and therapeutic. My friend and editor have talked about the blanket of sadness on grueling runs. I see Carla's book as a blanket of therapeutic love. 

Her father was abusive and it set the tone for childhood. As a 3-year-old hiding from her dad under the bed so he would not hurt her. It paved the way for her to be in codependent relationships where she was never fully living for herself. She used outside validation for worth, and believed if she was liked and needed, she was worthy. She felt broken and that she needed to be fixed so she tried to fix others. Ultimately, this cost her her happiness, peace of mind and serenity.  The reality check came blaring at 24 years old. Sort of the way your dog looks at you when it wants to eat breakfast. She was in an abusive relationship and was tired of living a life of self-doubt, unworthiness and not being enough. She saw two paths shining brightly: continue living a lonely life of unworthiness or live fearlessly with self-love and purpose.  She embarked upon a solo trip 5,000 miles away to gain clarity, with thoughts that were like a game of tug of war. Her mind wanted her to take the familiar road even if it was dangerous, but her gut roared against it.  Sitting in the Wicklow Mountains a small voice told her that she would be ok and to leave this relationship. In that moment she said out loud, “Carla you are too valuable and you can no longer do this to yourself”. Through trusting in the universe that she was not alone in this journey, she chose the path of self-love and purpose. Today she lives the life of the confident warrior: unstoppable, unapologetic, and in full control of her own happiness. 

Website: https://iamcarlaromo.com/

IN HER WORDS:

I’m a certified dating & relationship coach, author, and speaker. I help women who feel stuck and stagnant build purpose and confidence in their break-ups, dating life & relationships. Basically, I’m your love-life cheerleader, here to watch you win at love at any stage in your relationship.

I’ve watched my clients get married, get over their ex/heartbreak, fall in love, get back in the dating world, and save their marriage. Nothing is off-limits – from debunking the fear of “never finding love again” to effective communication saving your relationship. Anything that has to do with your heart (AKA love-life)…I’m your girl!

Carla has a published book, Contagious Love which is all about codependency. Not only is it super helpful for codependents, but Carla's story is also inspirational and therapeutic. My friend and editor have talked about the blanket of sadness on grueling runs. I see Carla's book as a blanket of therapeutic love. 

Her father was abusive and it set the tone for childhood. As a 3-year-old hiding from her dad under the bed so he would not hurt her. It paved the way for her to be in codependent relationships where she was never fully living for herself. She used outside validation for worth, and believed if she was liked and needed, she was worthy. She felt broken and that she needed to be fixed so she tried to fix others. Ultimately, this cost her her happiness, peace of mind and serenity.  The reality check came blaring at 24 years old. Sort of the way your dog looks at you when it wants to eat breakfast. She was in an abusive relationship and was tired of living a life of self-doubt, unworthiness and not being enough. She saw two paths shining brightly: continue living a lonely life of unworthiness or live fearlessly with self-love and purpose.  She embarked upon a solo trip 5,000 miles away to gain clarity, with thoughts that were like a game of tug of war. Her mind wanted her to take the familiar road even if it was dangerous, but her gut roared against it.  Sitting in the Wicklow Mountains a small voice told her that she would be ok and to leave this relationship. In that moment she said out loud, “Carla you are too valuable and you can no longer do this to yourself”. Through trusting in the universe that she was not alone in this journey, she chose the path of self-love and purpose. Today she lives the life of the confident warrior: unstoppable, unapologetic, and in full control of her own happiness. 

Website: https://iamcarlaromo.com/

IN HER WORDS:

I’m a certified dating & relationship coach, author, and speaker. I help women who feel stuck and stagnant build purpose and confidence in their break-ups, dating life & relationships. Basically, I’m your love-life cheerleader, here to watch you win at love at any stage in your relationship.

I’ve watched my clients get married, get over their ex/heartbreak, fall in love, get back in the dating world, and save their marriage. Nothing is off-limits – from debunking the fear of “never finding love again” to effective communication saving your relationship. Anything that has to do with your heart (AKA love-life)…I’m your girl!

Kellye and I discuss navigating parenting, divorce, and having a business. Pregnant right out of high school, Kellye remained in a dysfunctional marriage because she didn't know any different. Until she did. Her story is remarkable and she openly discusses being with a narcissist, raising powerful women and how she moved on. Kellye has a business in IT and she is fantastic!

From her website:

Kellye Dash is a technology solutions professional who began her IT career working for Nextel Communications in 1999. Having worked in several customer-facing technical services roles, she is an experienced professional with various positions as a Technical Service Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Relationship Manager and Technical Account Manager.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawkBusinessGroup

Kellye and I discuss navigating parenting, divorce, and having a business. Pregnant right out of high school, Kellye remained in a dysfunctional marriage because she didn't know any different. Until she did. Her story is remarkable and she openly discusses being with a narcissist, raising powerful women and how she moved on. Kellye has a business in IT and she is fantastic!

From her website:

Kellye Dash is a technology solutions professional who began her IT career working for Nextel Communications in 1999. Having worked in several customer-facing technical services roles, she is an experienced professional with various positions as a Technical Service Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Relationship Manager and Technical Account Manager.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawkBusinessGroup

Jo tells me about her first job in Paris, France and how much she loved it, how passionate she is about fashion, having a nanny growing up in Toronto, how to get past being suicidal, and her new and amazing clothing line. When returning from Paris, Jo was disabled for 3 years with a serious back disability. (lost feeling in her leg for a while and still have a 'dead spot') In that time she was in chronic pain in bed for 3 years and had 2 surgeries and a number of treatments to help with pain management. That period was her hermetic period...a time of great contemplation and it was also the first-ever so slight spiritual experience that had me reexamining consciousness and beingness. She was very depressed but sought a way through to try and find happiness even if it meant being forever disabled and in pain, which is what she was largely told to expect from doctors. She started writing steamy romances because that was all she could read while in pain to avoid nightmares. And I was laughing so hard I eventually healed just from that...and some great physio!

ihaveatheorypodcast.com

Jo tells me about her first job in Paris, France and how much she loved it, how passionate she is about fashion, having a nanny growing up in Toronto, how to get past being suicidal, and her new and amazing clothing line. When returning from Paris, Jo was disabled for 3 years with a serious back disability. (lost feeling in her leg for a while and still have a 'dead spot') In that time she was in chronic pain in bed for 3 years and had 2 surgeries and a number of treatments to help with pain management. That period was her hermetic period...a time of great contemplation and it was also the first-ever so slight spiritual experience that had me reexamining consciousness and beingness. She was very depressed but sought a way through to try and find happiness even if it meant being forever disabled and in pain, which is what she was largely told to expect from doctors. She started writing steamy romances because that was all she could read while in pain to avoid nightmares. And I was laughing so hard I eventually healed just from that...and some great physio!

ihaveatheorypodcast.com