What are you wishing for? It’s a question many of us ask our children this time of year. But what if the question was asked of you? What if you could arrange a one-to-one meeting with Santa? What would you wish for? Near the end of a tumultuous year for so many around the world and in the midst of an array of personal challenges so many face, I was reminded of a remarkable little boy’s answer to that question. Let me explain.

What Are You Wishing For This Holiday Season? (Monday Moment ep. 627)

Expected to die, today he’s inspiring others to truly live.

World-renowned inspirational speaker + national bestselling author John O’Leary wants to help you wake up from accidental living so you can do, be, achieve and impact more through your life. Every Monday, John shares a quick burst of inspiration to help start your week on fire. Every Thursday, John interviews an amazing guest on their story, successes, failures, lessons, and life to help you uncover tips to apply in yours.

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While filming On Fire the Film, I had the incredible honor of working alongside heroes, experts, and a phenomenal crew of actors. Yet, there was one person who truly stood out: Jamison Sweet. His humility, excellence, and genuine love for others were unmistakable. As I got to know Jamison, I witnessed his remarkable service and unwavering dedication—not just to our nation as a Marine, but to each person he encountered, including me. Today, Jamison shares his inspiring journey of serving 15 years in the Marine Corps, which included significant missions like Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. He also served as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, a role that required immense courage and compassion as he delivered heart-wrenching news to families of fallen Marines. Plus, we share some of our most memorable moments on set. My friends, this conversation is a tribute to the spirit of service and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Join me as Jamison reminds us how to lift each other up, find beauty in our own paths, and believe in the extraordinary potential within us all.

Jamison Sweet: From Service to Screen (ep. 674)

In a world too often filled with blame-shifting, shirking responsibility or waiting for things to change for them, John Foppe reminds us what it looks like when we stop waiting for our circumstances to improve, and start living fully, vibrantly and joyfully the lives we already have. Some 18 years ago, I visited with a man who positively changed my life. In reading a bit more about his story, I believe he will change your life, too. Let me explain.

What's Your Excuse? (Monday Moment ep. 673)

John Foppe embodies the profound truth that our limitations are often self-imposed. Born without arms, John has learned to adapt every aspect of daily life and transform every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Today, John shares his intimate experience of overcoming physical and internal obstacles that once seemed insurmountable and how he began to take responsibility of his disability and his identity. Plus, in recognizing the importance of lifting up others, John shares how his work as Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis is providing person-to-person service to those most vulnerable. My friends, this conversation is a reminder that a full and vibrant life is achievable, once we overcome the barriers within ourselves.

John Foppe: Born Without Arms (ep. 672)

The day started early for me, yet it was an encounter nearly 20 hours later that left me refreshed and reminded me that there are two ways to live our lives. Let me explain.

Not Friends, but Brothers (Monday Moment ep. 671)

J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran, burn survivor, actor, New York Times best-selling author, and Dancing with the Stars champion, spreading a message of hope, resilience and optimism. Today, J.R. shares a story of pain, triumph, and the beauty of pushing forward. Hear the pivotal experiences that shaped his desire to become a cycle-breaker, what he learned while trapped inside a burning Humvee in Iraq, the process he went through to become grateful for his scars and how he rediscovered how to fulfill his purpose of serving others. My friends, this conversation reminds us that though our paths may differ and the challenges we face may be unique, each of us holds the incredible power to adapt and overcome. And reinforces that each scar, each struggle, and each victory is a steppingstone toward a fuller, more meaningful life.

What Are You Wishing For This Holiday Season? (Monday Moment ep. 627)

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