Have you ever stopped to savor the transformative power inherent in just being…you? How living your life from the inspired place of passion in your heart can have an equally inspiring effect on others?

My partner and I recently spent a lovely day in the presence of two new friends. We had a wonderful day hiking in a beautiful rainforest near our home, enjoying the warm sands of a local beach, and chuckling at the antics of our ever present canine companions. The fresh air and sunshine helped to stimulate hearty appetites for a delicious selection of home-made vegan appetizers that eventually evolved into a lovely compassionate dinner.

It was our authentic passion for joy, wellness, and compassion that motivated our new friends to ask questions. Hard questions. Questions about our compassionate food choices as well as our simple, yet loving way of life. They courageously ventured into territory where many turn a blind eye. As a result, their hearts and minds were greatly expanded with the honest and loving answers that we were able to provide.

It was beautiful to witness the compassionate shift. Neither knew the extent of hidden cruelty found in the animal-based food production system. However, when we finally parted ways after a fantastic day together, it was apparent that their lives had been transformed. It was also obvious that they had connected to a more beautiful and more loving part of their core selves.

This is the power of example. The magnificent power of living your own truth with conviction, compassion, and authenticity. This is when we shine. And when we shine, we give others permission to shine as well.

The telling of this story has particular relevance today because this week’s Unplug podcast guest is someone who has dedicated her life to reconnecting people to their core values of wellness and compassion. This week we speak with the Compassionate Crusader herself, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

I had the honor of hearing Colleen speak at the 2012 Toronto Vegetarian Fair and I can honestly say that she blew me away. She’s passionate, compassionate, inspiring, and funny. She also has a real talent for answering tough questions with honesty, integrity, and compassion.

Colleen is the host of the life-changing Food for Thought podcast which is now in its 8th year. This makes her a true pioneer in the realm of podcasting.

She’s also the author of 6 books, including “The 30 Day Vegan Challenge” which is currently out of print, but is being resurrected through a recent Indigogo campaign.

Colleen has a plethora of wisdom to share in today’s interview. We speak about:

• Trusting your inner guidance – even when it takes you against the current.

• How fear can stop us from doing what is right in our hearts.

• The importance of being honest with ourselves.

• How compassion is the foundation of who we are.

• How vegan is the physical manifestation of our core compassion.

• Living authentically!

• How anger, when properly channeled, can move mountains.

I have a deep admiration for Colleen. I believe in her passion. Her compassion, and her message to guide people towards remembering their own deeply rooted core values of compassion for all living beings. Let Colleen inspire you!

From Excuse-itarian to Vegan

THIS WEEK’S INSPIRED QUESTION:

How do you know when you’re operating from your highest self?

SHOW NOTES:

• Colleen Patrick-Goudreau website

• Colleen on Facebook.

• Colleen