Photo taken by: KGOODPHOTO
Hi, I’m Arianna Merrritt, M.Ed. Thank you for visiting my site. I’m a Learning and Development Specialist who specializes in respectful relationships (with yourself and others).
I believe :: creativity takes courage. Entrepreneurship runs in my family. I come from a long line of individuals that took risks in their businesses and lives and manifested their dreams. Through my personal, academic, professional, and athletic experiences I have learned that no matter what life throws at you, one must keep the joy in their heart and press on.
Good results are the product of hard work, perserverance, and a positive attitude (c) Arianna’s Random Thoughts
As a Learning and Development Specialist, my ultimate goal is to empower YOU to persevere despite the circumstances life throws at YOU. Tools in my repertoire include specific strategies to help you thrive, and a lifetime of personal experience to pull from.
I was stuck along the way figuring out how to manifest my dream. My path required lots of planning, stopping along the way to ask questions, taking some U-turns, getting to some dead-ends. I persevered and did not lose hope.
Years ago when I was unclear about my path, a good friend of mine gave a heartfelt piece of advice: By sharing your personal journey and thoughts, you will be giving others permission to do the same.
I’m a thoughtful person in more ways than one. As you can tell from my academic background (Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from Carleton University, Master of Education in Human Development and Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) – I’m a thinker, but what really lights me up is using those ideas to help people on their journey.
I studied how individuals solve and cope with problems and how such strategies can be applied in a broader context. A powerful way to educate the heart is through storytelling.
I believe :: stories are universal. They are a way for lessons to be passed along to others. From my travels around the world, I have learned many life lessons through meeting new people and hearing their stories.
People confide in me and tell me their stories and seek guidance. Throughout my travels and conversations, I have discovered that many others also struggle in their understanding of, and more importantly, appreciation of self-worth. One of the ways I could encourage them on their journey was to let them know they weren’t alone.
For years I hid my talent, slouched my tall body, and softened my voice, because I didn’t want to stand out and be judged. I was too afraid to share my random thoughts with the world – however, on vacation in Hawaii I finally decided to risk and stood tall. The background of my blog is a picture of a beach to serve as reminder to keep the light inside my heart and spread it around. That day I faced my fears, embraced vulnerability and share my random thoughts with the world – I became my best.
Incorporating this understanding into my life has made a world of difference. My goal is to pass this knowledge along to you and help you discover it for yourself! You will find your way by developing the courage to stand tall and speak from the heart.
I created this platform to empower you to stand tall and to reach your full potential based on storytelling. If you embrace your self-worth and focus on the positive in life, you will change the outcome of your story to become better than you ever imagined.
Photo Credit: Arianna’s Random Thoughts
As I always say: “You cannot control what will happen to you or how you will be treated by others. You CAN control, however, how you react to the situation. Learning how to do that in a positive manner is key!” If you want to read more about my journey and the lessons I have learned, please consider buying my book: Stand Tall & Speak From the Heart: How to Find Your Way.
**You can also find out more about me from reading my personal mission statement which was created by a fellow blogger, Tara Jacek. Thanks Tara!
If you would like to work with me or just to say hi, please feel free to contact me here. Hope to hear from you soon!
What a beautiful soul!
I’ve only communicated with you from afar, but can certainly feel your genuine love for life, human nature and people in general. I’m thrilled at your recognition of your calling. You are an inspiration and without doubt, fuel for the mind, body and heart. Please keep your zest for life alive and strong. I believe in you and look forward to meeting you in the future.
Best, Amy
Amy,
Right back at you, friend. You are so sweet. I’m so glad I found you. I really am going to have to come to Portland soon and meet you. The logo you created for me is so beautiful. I was speechless when I saw it. You’ll always be part of it this. You have to stay in touch!!! Thanks for your support. It means a lot.
Hi Arianna, I nominated you for the ‘One Lovely Blog Award’!
Thanks so much Sharon!
Hi, I love your Blog, so I nominated you for the ABC Blogger Award, see it on my blog!
Thanks so much! I will totally check out the post
You’re so sweet!
Hey Arianna, I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful blog. I have been following your for just over a year now. I am enjoy reading what you have to say and seeing the world from your prospective. It is great to hear your call for people to respect each other, be more active in each other’s lives, and to stand up in our own lives so to live more fulfilled lives even if it is just to be yourself with out fear. Please keep writing. It is greatly appreciate.
Thank you for reading and for the compliments, Jack! So glad you like it. I would love to hear your perspective too. It sounds like you have a lot of insightful things to contribute. Looking forward to hearing from you soon
Arianna and I met in the first year of our Masters and I know we will be lifelong friends. She is one of the most kindest, thoughtful, intellectual and beautiful people I know. She is also an amazing listener. Anytime I have needed anything, she is always the first one to run to my side and offer all of her caring and support. I know Arianna will be a fantastic life coach as she puts others needs and concerns first and above her own. She is truly a remarkable person and I know she will be extremely successful at whatever goals she sets.
Awww Shantelle, thanks for the kind words. I’m flattered and kind of speechless. I’m blessed to have you as a friend. So glad we were on the same team and bonded over wearing the same shirts at ultimate frisbee. We have shared some amazing memories. Thanks for inspiring me to go after my dream and encouraging me to never give up. I’m so excited for your future plans at the Washington Opera. Cant wait to come watch you perform.
Arianna aka BG: it’s rare to find people who genuinely care about the welfare and well being of others, and are deeply passionate and motivated to empower them in overcoming obstacles. Your ambitiousness, enthusiasm, and boundless positive energy are truly infectious and I consider myself very lucky to have you in my life. Your blog is a testament to your kindness, generosity, and determination to follow your dreams and I’ve no doubt you will make a difference in the lives of many. All the best my sister from another mister – I believe in you!
Saba – I’m so glad I came up to you at the rowing meeting. I know we will be lifelong friends -sister! Thanks for the kind words! I’m really flattered and speechless like Shantelle’s comment, especially coming from you who is amazingly accomplished and a remarkable person herself. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. I hope we get to work together or train together again in the future. We make a good team. So excited for what the future holds for both of us. You rock
I nominated you for the HUG Award, check it out at my blog! xx
Hi Sharon, thanks for nominating me for so many awards
Appreciate it! Feel free to do it whenever, I dont mind 
Hope you are doing well.
Arianna. Thank you for sending the email so that I might come and find you. I can’t tell you how perfectly timed it is that you contacted me when you did. I will share more when I respond to your email but wanted to comment here so you’d know i’d been by, read this and can’t wait to collaborate with you. Amazing! And welcome to #yyj. We are lucky to have you.
So glad I connected with you Rita! I had to, you inspire me and made me smile
Keep it up. This beautiful city is lucky to have you too 
Looking forward to connecting and collaboraing with you.
Hi Arianna, I took the liberty of nominating you for the Liebster Blog Award…I believe it is second in prestige only to the Nobel Prize.
http://liferevelation.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/my-head-is-dizzy/
Be encouraged!
Thanks for stopping by!
My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by my site
Your blog is soooo inspiring, and I’m just so glad there are people out there like you being bright!
I’ve been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, and I am now sharing the love with you… I think your blog is inspiring, well written and thoroughly worth reading, so I have nominated you for the award too: consider yourself a Very Inspiring Blogger! If you would like to accept the award, click on the following link to read the rules and the post in which you are listed: http://evaames.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Congratulations!
It’s so lovely to know there are people out there who are genuinely caring, selfless people. You have a lovely blog and I look forward to exploring it more!
Aww thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to connecting with you more
I truly wish you could meet my son. The two of you are so similar in beliefs and all. I know you would get along.
Scott
Hey, I think your blog is great, so i’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award! Congrats! You can check it out on my recent post – Celebrating Bloggers.