Author Archives: Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

About Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

I possess a rich background in education and personal development with a B.Sc.(High Honours) in Psychology and a Master's of Education Degree in Human Development and Applied Psychology. My goal in life is to empower individuals to become the best they can be!

Jacqueline and Arianna’s New Web Show

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

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:

webshow
Thanks so much to everyone who joined yesterday! :)  In episode 1, we discussed believing in yourself, so get ready & get pumped to join them! I have never done a video before so I took a risk and jumped in.  Jackie has been doing a web show on her blog for a while now.  We always have amazing SKYPE chats so we thought we’d combine our energy and strengths to encourage you to create your BEST life.

It was our first episode so be kind :) Jackie and I would love to know your thoughts on it (what you liked/what we could improve) so that it’s the best show possible!  We are looking to make the episodes shorter in the future.  Also let us know if there are topics you’d like us to address/discuss on our next show! Thank you for watching it!

Categories: Blogging, Communicate, Connect, Digging Deep, Storytelling | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reflections From the Coast

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

Aloha! I’m back. Hope you all had a great couple of weeks. I had a refreshing vacation in Maui.

If you want to get inspired, you should visit the Hawaiian Islands. They have changed my life; they may change yours. We all have places that empower us. The Hawaiian Islands do this for me.  Maui has a special place in my heart; it is where I originally came up with the idea for my blog. So, I thought I should use my holiday as a chance to reflect on my blog, past and present.

(c) Arianna's Random Thoughts

(c) Arianna’s Random Thoughts

(c) Arianna's Random Thoughts

(c) Arianna’s Random Thoughts

On Maui, it was amazing to go back to where the seed for my blog was planted in my heart and to see what had grown from it. I had returned with a finished book  - Stand Tall & Speak From the Heart - and had gained so much clarity since the initial inspiration grew on the Island a few years back. Sometimes, in order to realize how far you’ve come on your journey in life, you have to look back. That’s what I did this trip.

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Categories: Communicate, Creativity, Inspiration, Learning, Motivational Music, Ocean, Perseverance, Positive Environments, Reflect, Self-Worth, Storytelling | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Profile of Perseverance Interview: Elan Morgan

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

I’m so excited that today a role model of mine and fellow Canadian blogger, Elan Morgan (aka Schmutzie), is sharing her thoughts on perseverance with us.  As I have said before in a previous post, “to me, my role models are individuals who have the courage to be real, to be vulnerable, to be themselves, and to share their journeys.” Elan does this through speaking from her heart.  I was first introduced to Elan electronically when I was a juror for the Canadian Weblog Awards.  After hearing her Ted Talk, I had to ask her to be part of the “Profiles of Perseverance” series as Elan encouraged me to be more open and to dig deep by sharing my personal narrative online.  I’m so thankful for Elan’s advice; she truly inspires me. Thanks, Elan, for your presence on my blogging journey!

Elan Morgan lives, writes, and photographs in Regina, Saskatchewan. She blogs at Schmutzie.com, designs and consults at Ninjamatics, spreads gratitude through Grace in Small Things, celebrates Canadian blogging with the Canadian Weblog Awards, and speaks all over. She believes in and works to grow both personal and professional quality, genuine community, and meaningful content online. Check out Elan’s interview with me after you listen to her Ted Talk as Elan opens up and speaks from her heart!

1. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Who did you receive it from?

The best piece of advice I was ever given was from my paternal grandmother, and it was this: “You were born with everything you need to make it through already inside you.“ When I am feeling heavy self-doubt, I recall what she said to me and know that I’ll make it.

2. How important is mentorship in terms of your success?

Mentorship has been incredibly important to my success so far. It is through mentorship, both through mentors I actively sought out and those who happened into my life, that my dreams and ideas have found more concrete footing and plans to go forward.

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Categories: Blogging, Communicate, Connect, Digging Deep, Inspiration, Mentor, Perseverance, Profiles of Perseverance, Self-Worth, Speak From the Heart, Storytelling | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The Importance of Patience

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Arianna Merritt, M. Ed.

Wherever I go in the world, I seek out being in nature as it empowers my personal growth.  I choose, whenever possible, to exercise outdoors, as it combines my love of fitness with inspiring surroundings.

Galway, Ireland (c) Arianna's Random Thoughts

Galway, Ireland (c) Arianna’s Random Thoughts

During a routine run around my local lake this past weekend, instead of bringing my headphones like I usually do, I decided to be silent in nature and reflect on my journey. On the west coast, we are lucky to have some of the biggest trees in the world. Trees teach me a lot and being in their presence reminds me to think outside myself. The trees around here have been growing for hundreds of years and keep reaching higher, despite obstacles.  They are a force to be reckoned with – I haven’t even touched on how deep their roots must be.  Check out this beautiful video I found called “Growing is Forever” that I thought would visually encapsulate what I feel when I am surrounded by these tall trees.

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Categories: Digging Deep, Finding Joy, Inspiration, Learning, Nature, Perseverance, Photography, Reflect, Storytelling, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

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