Michael Fear grew up in a small town in Indiana. Being an aspiring athlete in a small town brought its own disadvantages. There was no easy way to find and connect with the proper coaches or instructors that he needed to get better. After many months of searching, instructors were found through word of mouth. Michael and his dad were forced to drive 4 hours roundtrip, for hitting lessons. Michael thought, "There has to be a better way!" Therefore, he developed his own business, Get Better Today.

Bestselling Amazon author, speaker, and poet, Heather Grace Stewart was born in Ottawa, ON, and currently lives near Montreal, QC with her husband, daughter, and three feline friends.

Heather wrote her first poem at age five, inspired by falling down a lot while trying to figure skate. ‘At the Arena’ was published in her school newsletter. From that moment on, she was hooked on writing.

Linda Bacon, PhD, is a researcher on the inside track of weight regulation science – a scientist whose three graduate degrees, research, and clinical expertise uniquely prepare her to understand and translate the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural underpinnings of weight control. An internationally recognized authority on weight and health, Dr. Bacon has published her work in top scientific journals as well as the highly acclaimed popular press book, Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight.

Today Robyn Hussa is sharing with us about perseverance. I first connected with  Robyn when I was interested in getting involved with the blog, We Are The Real Deal, where she is the editor. I'm a huge supporter of the work that they do and had to share my story on their site. We Are The Real Deal has built an amazing community of contributors, bloggers, and readers who have their heart and soul into being positive about their body image. Check them out after you finish reading the post.  Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your story with us! I admire your accomplishments.

I'm excited that Dr. Ashley Solomon is sharing her thoughts with us today about perseverance. I really admire her career and accomplishments. Thank you, Ashley, for taking part!

Ashley Solomon, Psy.D, is a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, trauma, and serious mental illness. She loves ice cream, yoga, and sleep. You can connect with her on her website (www.nourishing-the-soul.com) or on Facebook and Twitter.   I recommend that you do.

I'm delighted Tara Jacek, who I met through the WordPress blogging community, is sharing with us her thoughts on persevering as a young professional. She provides advice to young women entering the work world.  She is a loyal contributor to my blog and also designed the beautiful graphic in my "About Me" section of my blog.  I’m blessed to know her.  She continually inspires me and encourages me to persist. She rocks! Thanks Tara!

Dr. Susan Biali, MD, is an award-winning medical doctor, wellness  expert, life and health coach, author, and flamenco dancer. Based on  over twenty years spent studying principles of health, happiness, and  success, Dr. Biali offers hope, inspiration, and tools for life to  people worldwide. She speaks internationally, personally coaches a wide  range of clients from stay-at-home moms to military leaders, blogs for Psychology Today and is frequently featured in media such as the Ricki Lake Show, The Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, Martha Stewart Living, and The Washington Post.  She is the author of the bestselling  book, Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You.  You can find out more on her website: www.susanbiali.com

Tracey Carmichael is a Life Coach and Author of Happy Mind Formula - Your Action Plan to Mental and Physical Wellbeing. During Tracey’s 15 years as a Natural Therapist, she discovered a missing link between depression and happiness. Through her own personal experience, she discovered a formula to break this debilitating condition. With a holistic approach to food, movement, and exercise, she was able to create positive change in her own life and in the lives of her clients. Her passion is to share this message with the world to help people understand that they do have the power to move from depression to happiness.  You can check out her website at  www.happymindformula.com.

I forget exactly how I met Suzanne Hanna, but I'm so glad we connected less than a month ago.  She was such a great support when I lost my dog a couple weeks back. I'm so blessed!! Thanks Suzanne for sharing your story "The Importance of Grace" with us. 

I'm really excited that one of my sister's really good friends, Haley Moore, is sharing her thoughts on perseverance with us.  I have gotten to know her, and she inspires me.  Haley is an aspiring writer and the creator of the blog, Your Old Sweater. Feel free to comment and encourage her to go after her dreams :)  Hope you enjoy her encouraging words as much as I have. Happy Friday everyone!

Today, Danelle Kabush, is sharing her experiences of perseverance with us, as she is a professional athlete and mental performance consultant. Danelle combined her love of psychology with her other lifelong passion, sports, and completed her doctorate in Sport Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2007. Along with competing, she works as a mental performance consultant to many different athletes in various sports. You can check out her website at http://danellekabush.com. Keep up the great work Danelle! Thanks for encouraging me to persist. I'm really glad I connected with you! Read Danielle's interview below!

Today, Felicity Lumb, who writes a blog called The Life and Loves of a girl called Felicity, is sharing with us about perseverance.  She has a powerful story to tell as she battled with and overcame anorexia.  She turned something negative into something positive - I love her honesty! Her blog was started as a way for her to promote healthy body image and fight mental health stigma.  Thanks Felicity for reminding us to Keep Loving the Skin We're In!  I'm so glad I reached out and connected with you!