Blogging nurtures self-growth; new Southern California psychiatrist Vania Manipod, DO, showcases this. I learned about her blog, Freud & Fashion, a couple months ago through the WordPress blogging community. Vania created her blog while studying for psychiatry, as a therapeutic outlet in her personal and professional development.  Her story is a shining example of how blogging can create positive change in a young person’s life. Today, you’ll hear from Vania herself how blogging nurtured her personal and professional growth as a new young mental health practitioner.

While working with Rita on the technical aspects of my blog, I realized that what truly matters is the human connection between you (the blogger) and the members of community you are building. Therefore, I wanted to shine light on an empowering mother, wife, and entrepreneur who has helped me turn my vision into reality – Rita Barry.

Throughout my blogging journey, many have asked me: how have I created this online space of emergence? The truth is, this space grew through hard work, perseverance, a belief in myself, and a supportive community. To honour this journey to where the blog is today, I thought I would reflect on the process and then share where I’m headed.

That is how Arianna’s Random Thoughts emerged. It is how I try to make our world a kinder place to live – by helping others Stand Tall & Speak from the Heart one random thought at a time.

Will you join me? Looking forward to many years to come :)

I'm so excited to share with you a new web show that Jacqueline Boone (from 6 Months to Live) and I are starting. I met Jacqueline through WordPress and an awesome friendship was born. We did our first episode yesterday of our new monthly web show called:

I'm a 55-year-old mother of three grown children, and a grandmother of one.  I was born in California, raised in Texas, and my first husband and I travelled a great deal throughout his 20-year Navy career.  He passed away in 2001, and I remarried in 2006.  Currently separated from my husband, I'm living with my two grown daughters and my 10-year-old granddaughter in northwest Florida.

Since the stories of the people I have encountered have influenced my thoughts and behaviours, it is only fair that these people be showcased. These individuals have touched my heart and encouraged me on my life’s journey. I hope you’ll find their stories as inspiring as I do!

Nicole Pyles is a writer, blogger, and social networker. These days, while she isn't hunting for a job, she's finishing her first novel, working on her blog, and fantasizing how great the future could be. Check out her blog World of My Imagination, where she posts about her experiences as a writer, as well as the fabulously weird world we live in.

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!

I’m Sharon Hughes; from Perth, Western Australia.  I was raised in a large family (the eldest of 6).  We had a relatively adventurous life, growing up on the road – Dad was with the circus until marrying Mum, then he drove long haul trucks around Australia, with family in tow. We were often left with carnivals, the circus, acquaintances or our maternal grandmother, if dad and mum couldn’t take some or all of us with them. Unfortunately, because of dad’s mental illness, he was violent, so the adventures were often marred with sadness. I stuttered severely from the time I could speak, this meant constant taunts from fellow students and teachers at school, not to mention always being the new kid (due to moving around so much).  We went to over 20 schools around Australia (apparently).  I was taunted by dad, teased for stuttering and all sorts, my self-esteem sucked.