In this inspiring episode of Compassion in Motion, I sit down with author and midlife mentor Dana Waters to explore her empowering philosophy from Life on the Fifth Floor and her Thrive movement. Dana reminds us that thriving isn’t about slowing down—it’s about caring for ourselves, pursuing our passions, and living with purpose.

We discuss how nurturing our own well-being creates the energy and compassion we need to support others. When we follow what lights us up, our wisdom, experiences, and service naturally overflow into our families, communities, and the people we’re meant to help. Dana shows how sharing our stories, mentoring, and giving back become powerful expressions of a thriving life.

If you’re ready to rediscover purpose and let your own thriving inspire others, this conversation is a must-listen.

Follow Dana: https://www.lifeonthefifthfloor.com

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & LinkedIn: @danawatersthrivecollective

Purchase Life on the Fifth Floor @ Amazon, B&N & Walmart

In this special episode of Compassion in Motion, my sister, Leslie Bolton and I share our journey of service in the aftermath of September 11th. Just 40 days after the tragedy, we volunteered with the Salvation Army and a food bank near Ground Zero, offering support and compassion to the residents of lower Manhattan. Together, we reflect on the incredible resilience of the community, the healing power of service, and the hope that emerged even in the darkest of times.

Pamela Garmon Johnson, Vice President at the American Heart Association, has built her life around the values of family, service, and community—principles instilled in her by her parents. She’s passionate about expanding our circles, embracing lifelong learning, and truly understanding one another’s backgrounds.

In this conversation, Pamela shares how aligning your values with where you choose to serve can create deeper purpose in life. She also offers practical wisdom, like using a vision board as a powerful tool to clarify goals and stay connected to your “why.”

And believe it or not, our connection began in the most unexpected place—a National Car Rental counter! A chance encounter turned into a lasting connection, and now this conversation full of heart, wisdom, and inspiration.

In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Ed, as he reflects on a powerful moment he witnessed on the street. Ed shares the story of seeing a woman fall face forward on the street and the surprising steps his daughter, Julia, took to make sure she was okay. Though Ed feels a deep sense of regret for not being the one to initiate the help, he’s moved by the compassion and quick thinking his daughter showed in the situation. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about family, regret, and the importance of stepping up when it matters most.

Kimberly Novod turned the loss of her son, Saul into a shining beacon of light for Louisiana families who have babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Kimberly left her teaching career behind because she was called to be a voice and take action for her community. She started Saul's Light, a New Orleans based non-profit.

She hadn't done this before, but her determination and commitment for change drove her to figure it out. Now, Saul's Light is a thriving non-profit organization serving families all over Louisiana. Let this inspirational story lead you to what you will do next in your own backyard to positively impact others.

Support Saul's Light at www.saulslight.org

Just eight weeks ago, my friend and colleague Kellie gave a piece of herself — a kidney — to someone she had never met. She was called to donate her spare kidney and give new life through the kidney match program. Listen to our conversation about her journey, her unknown recipient and a deepening in her soul. Kellie's spirit is delightfully refreshing and will ignite you to think about your gift to others.

If you are interested in learning more, visit this site: https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/programs-donor-recipient-pairs-incompatible-blood-types

Join me in recounting my personal stories about helping people recover from hurricane damage in Louisiana. The power of community is real and each one of us plays a part in taking care of our neighbor.

In a world of negativity, especially in the crime riddled metropolis of South Florida, forty-two year police veteran, Mike Walley shares a heart warming story of an entire police department caring for a homeless man back in the 1970's. How is Homer Hill still in people's hearts decades after his passing? Could this same act of kindness happen in today's society? I would like to think that it would.