If you have ever birthed a new idea, inspiration or solution to the life of another, you are a mother.

The moment when you give new life to something that others thought was impossible, you are a mother.

It’s that moment when you feel like your heart is going to split in half because you see in your mind’s eye the possibility, but your circumstances in the moment don’t support the inception of that new idea into the world, then you give birth to something bigger than yourself. You give birth to a possibility. You ask “What if..?” And you find the answer, often times though other people. You maneuver around the circumstances, shift them to support what you know gets to happen, and you have given birth to a new idea in the world.

These mothering moments is when new hope is born – when new possibilities are realized. When someone just needed a smile, a pat on the back, an encouraging word, a gentle hug, you step up and “mother” that person or situation into the true essence of brilliance that is right below the surface. You saw the possibility all along and you invite it to emerge.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone – whether you have given actual birth to a child or not, nurturing and supporting divine human beings on their path of living their potential makes you a mother.

Thanks to all of the mothers in my life, including the one who gave me life, Karen Johnson.

Thank you to all of you who have breathed life into my vision and hope, you always show up when I wonder if it will really happen. Then it always does.

In Deep Gratitude,

Angela

P.S. This is dedicated to the COUNTLESS men and women who have contributed their love into my life. It’s impossible to name every person in this note.

P.P.S. Thank you to the many people who have helped birth Illuminated Woman and Ignite Your Spark into the world. We have directly made a difference for over 500 women and that ripple effect is infinite.

(To leave a comment, join our fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/illuminatedwoman)

I’m on day #4 of no sugar, flour or coffee.

And let me just start with saying THANK YOU to my community who has been actively supporting me.

Over the weekend I watched the documentary “May I Be Frank” about Frank who left 50 years of drug, alcohol and food addiction to a life of sobriety. He lost over 100 pounds and is now bed-free (he was on anti-depressants for over 10 years). He did this all through eating whole foods and inner work. AMAZING!

I realized I had a food addiction about five years ago. My sister (you may already know this story) was recovering from a meth addiction. If you have lived with or know someone who has had a drug or alcohol addiction, you know the living hell it is.

She was in recovery and we were actually in a huge fight. She was tired of going to her detox program because of how difficult it was. I was tired of seeing her slowly kill herself. I was really tired of being angry about it. I couldn’t figure out why I was so frustrated.

She was telling me what it was like every day to wake up and pray it would be easier than the day before. She would tell herself she would be stronger today than she was yesterday. And then she would spend the rest of the day doing what ever she could to avoid drugs, the cravings and the habit. For the first time in over four years she was allowing herself to feel the feelings she had been numbing herself from. If she succeeded she would go to bed and have a pit in her stomach because it would all start again in the morning, that is if she wasn’t awake with nightmares or insomnia. If she didn’t succeed, she would spend the rest of the day beating herself up because she got to start with being sober with day #1. And the cycle would continue.

As she was explaining this terror to me. I broke down. I thought I was angry at her and the situation and the drugs and the pain and the years of lost joy…only to hear that she was describing my journey with food.

It was the same behavior just a different drug. Food is accepted. Food is what we use to celebrate EVERYTHING. We use it to comfort others during grief or sickness. You can’t avoid it. Body image issues is an epidemic.

This growing problem is robbing the world of truly great women who are hiding behind the beauty myths and lies in the media. This is why I’ve created Ignite Your Beauty. It’s time to create community on the real issues and celebrate our true beauty.

This is very raw, real and my journey. I know I’m not alone. Join the Ignite Your Beauty tribe at www.igniteyourbeauty.com.

Well…

I went to a women’s group two nights ago and the host had this awesome machine, scale-type thing that shows you your weight, muscle mass, body fat percentage and metabolic age among other things.

At first I was happy because I have released a pound this week. Yahoo!

Then it showed me my “real metabolic age.” Yikes. Apparently I’m 90-years-old.
 
I don’t know about you but I’m hearing A LOT of conversations about health and wellness right now. People are focusing on it, they are realizing that it’s the glue that hold the rest of their life together.

And it’s not just because it’s the stereotypical new year fad, but people are taking a serious look at how their HEALTH is holding them back in their money, career, family and purpose.

In fact a focus group I did with women ages 25-54 have responded in a surprising way from last year’s results when I did the focus group. I asked the group one question, “If you could ONLY focus on ONE area of your life in 2011, what would it be?” Ninety percent of the women responded with “Health and Wellness.” Why?  

Participants said “Because when I’m confident in my own skin, EVERYTHING in my life just works. I have energy, I’m happy and that cascades to how I am in my job and my personal life.”  

“When I’m honoring my body and fueling it with great nutrition, I approach the rest of my life with that same perspective and I achieve my priorities rather than just get distracted by things that don’t really matter.”  

“I thought I wouldn’t have enough time to focus on my big business goals if I took time out for exercise and planning healthy meals. But it’s just the opposite. I get more done in less amount of time because I’m totally present and energized in everything I do.”

In the past I sabotaged my health goals by thinking it has to be all or nothing. I’ve believed that in order to experience the big results I have to take big actions.

Can you relate?

I put my health on the back burner for two years because I was too busy. The result? I gained 50 pounds, which is scary to reveal to the world but I’m doing it anyway, and I got more colds last year than I did in probably the last four years combined.

The good news is that things are changing! It feels great to be making small changes to create big results.

What is ONE tiny thing you can do THIS WEEK to claim better health? Just choose one thing, then in a week to 10 days add one more tiny thing.

I want to hear about what you are doing. Connect with me on the Illuminated Woman fan page. 

Why are so many people focusing on health this year?

My philosophy is that as we evolve into being more conscious and purposeful in our lives, our physical bodies are literally blocking inspiration and motivation to take action. Who wants to make a difference in the world when physically you feel lethargic and tired? Think about it.

JJ Virgin: Celebrity Fitness and Nutrition Expert, Health Advocate

My epiphany that is changing everything is it doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference over time. So I’m making baby steps. And I’m learning from conscious teachers who focus on whole health.

If you want a resource that has inspired me lately, check out JJ Virgin. She is one of my favorite health coaches and you may recognize her from one of her many TV appearances.

I’ll be interviewing her on the 2011 Illuminated Telecourse and you can get free access here.

JJ’s holistic approach to get to the ROOT of our health blocks is awe inspiring. She doesn’t put a bandaid over things, she knows how to trace things back to the core issue and I love that about her.

JJ is also speaking live at my Ignite Your Spark women’s conference on March 11-12. Her focus at Ignite is Break Through Weight Loss Resistance. What is getting in your way of naturally releasing weight? What are your cravings really about? To see her at Ignite, you can get the details here.

Many of you have inquired about how to get more info about our speakers from Ignite Your Spark 2010.

Nicole Sherman, our Friday keynote speaker, was so inspired by you that she has an amazing message and offer for you. Many of you have been asking me how you can get more of Nicole and here you go…it’s awesome.

Nicole Sherman - Bank Executive & Motivational Speaker

From Nicole:

It’s YOUR Turn!

Good afternoon Illuminated Women and Men! What an incredible weekend we had at Ignite Your Spark 2010 full of laughter, tears, and sharing. Thank you for answering the call and igniting the spark that is changing our world, one woman, one man, and one spirit at a time. I am honored to have been there to share it with you.

I have several pieces of exciting news to share with you. First, congratulations to Patrice F. and Elise W., the winners of our drawing and raffle. Each of these women has received a one-on-one coaching package, including three one-hour sessions of either personal or executive coaching.

Because It’s YOUR Turn: Special Offer on Personal or Executive Coaching

There was much excitement and many requests about coaching packages, so here’s a special offer to all who attended the Illuminated Woman Conference. This three-session coaching package is normally priced at $525, but is being discounted by $100-$150 for those who attended the conference.
In order to devote time to each person being coached, this package is being offered to the first 10 people who respond.

There are two options available:

Package A

Three one-hour in-person coaching sessions $395

Package B

Three one-hour coaching sessions; one in-person and two by phone $345

Please contact me by phone or e-mail at the information below to take advantage of this offer and schedule your coaching sessions.

~ Follow-Up Seminar: The Energy of Money ~

I was inspired by the response to the break-out session “The Energy of Money.” Based on your feedback, I am excited to be planning for a full-day seminar. This will be a
hands-on, interactive seminar that will provide you the opportunity to explore further how you hold the energy of money and the impact your emotions have on the inflow and outflow of financial abundance in your life. Watch your e-mail or check out my website for upcoming details on this full-day seminar.

This past weekend was the beginning of many miracles, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have shared the time with you. Thank you for being open,
for tuning in, and for creating the ripple. It’s YOUR turn!

Always and In All Ways,

Nicole

Phone: 509-844-3726

E-mail: nicole@nicolesherman.com

Web: www.nicolesherman.com

Thanks Nicole! I can’t wait to attend your full-day Energy of Money seminar!

It’s been an interesting day today…

Final preparations are in process. Deliveries of door prizes, gifts for the attendee bags, and coupons have been happening throughout the day. My living room is full of boxes. It looks like I’m in the middle of moving.

I can barely keep up with the phone calls with inquiries about how to get involved. I manifested the perfect videographer and photographers who are passionate about supporting women and artists who are gifting items for the attendee bags…

The speakers on board totally support the vision of what this is really about. They get that it’s more than a speaking engagement. They know they are messengers of hope and inspiration who make a difference on a very real level.

My staff is bending over backwards to make sure that everyone has an incredible weekend. My assistant is spending countless hours making sure that everyone has their first preference for their breakout sessions. Thanks Jenn!

Then tonight, something even more powerful happened. And that’s when the tears came.

Good tears though… (I already had my stress meltdown last week.)

I got something on a much deeper level than I ever have before…even after visioning about this for over a year.

I was working on my final presentation and got to the part about the Spark award, which is being given to our Illuminated Woman of the Year. And I was overcome with emotion. Still am actually…the tears keep coming.

Why? Because the Spark award is named after my dear friend Alison Sparks, who passed on April 23, 2009. It was just over two years ago that she and I were talking about women’s conferences we were going to create so we could make a difference on the planet.

I see the difference this is making for many lives, including mine. And that is what I got on a much deeper level than ever before. It moved me to my core.

I feel Alison’s energy very strongly and while one part of me is sad because she “isn’t here” to see this all come to fruition, the real part of me realizes that she is very much here and very much a part of this. I realize that her energy has touched every aspect of this event and movement.

It feels real now that Ignite Your Spark is happening. It’s been a year in the making.

20 speakers. Lisa Nichols. Changed venue. Really positive changes as a result. 200+ attendees. Mothers coming with their daughters.

Two sisters, ages 10 and 11, are coming with their mom. When I asked them why they wanted to come, there reply was “We have to be there. This is sooo cool, are you kidding?”

Wish I was that wise when I was 10.

I’m like a kid before Christmas. I can’t sleep because I can’t wait to meet the people who have emailed me about why they are so excited to be a part of this.

Women who are launching their businesses the very next week after this event. A woman who is overcoming a very recent loss in her family. Daughters who are bringing their mothers to thank them for empowering them to be the strong women they are today.

A woman who on the same day that she declared to the universe that she will meet Lisa Nichols after watching The Secret, received an email from a joint venture of mine about this event. She’s flying in from the Midwest and arrives Thursday.

In my very own family, there will be three generations there. My grandmother, my mother and I. I am here today because they paved the path for me to walk on.
So as I finish up the final details and make the final inspired preparations of what I get to share with you, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who have made this happen.

See you on Friday when the spark that has been ignited gets much brighter.

From My Light to Yours,

Angela

P.S. There are 34 tickets left to see Lisa Nichols for her keynote on Saturday night. Tickets are $49. Take $5 off with code GRATITUDE.
There are 17 1-day passes left and 23 General Admission tickets left.
http://illuminatedwoman.com/conference/tickets/

I got a pleasant surprise today.

The Standard Examiner newspaper did an article on me and I thought it would be running next week, but it was in today’s paper.

As I saw the email this morning with the news, I was filled with nervousness and excitement because I wasn’t sure what the video interview would be like. I saw the article and the writer did a fantastic job. Yet, there was part of me that was nervous. My story, including my challenges over the recent years, are now open for the world to see. I’ve revealed my true self with nothing to hide.

I told myself to keep breathing…

This article is just the beginning of me sharing my passionate message with the world. My message that anything is possible and moment to moment the only thing we need to do is choose to move forward. Even when things seem too hard. Even when it’s hard to get back up again.

This is dedicated to the brave women before me who have shared their stories and their lives to enrich the lives of others and give us hope.

Thank you to Deanne who did a beautiful job writing this.

Challenges fail to extinguish woman’s light

Struggling through depression, an eating disorder, a loved one’s drug addiction and a job layoff are enough to cause almost any woman to give up hope, but not former Morgan County resident Angela Johnson.

“I was done settling and knew there was more to me,” said Johnson, a Utah State University graduate.

“I tapped into my power. I had a message that needed to be told.”

What came out of Johnson’s desperate, “numb fog” was a light, a light Johnson chose to keep burning when she created Illuminated Woman a year ago.

Some have said Johnson created the women’s empowerment organization after hitting her personal rock bottom.

“Angela’s amazing,” said friend and author Bridget Cook. “She’s been through a lot and come out the other side.”

But creating something out of nothing is a phenomenon Johnson had witnessed plenty times before — and it was something she was determined to perpetuate.

“I saw my mother do whatever it took to make sure we had food on the table, clothes, education and presents to open on Christmas,” Johnson said on her blog about her young adult life while living in Mountain Green.

“At the time, I didn’t realize how good she was at creating miracles out of what appeared to be nothing. My grandma had that same gift of creating miracles out of nothing.

“These powerful women have inspired me to jump off the edge of the cliff, knowing I can fly.”

Angela Johnson - CEO and Founder of Illuminated Woman and Companies

Now 20 speakers, including Cook, are ready to join Johnson in taking the same message to Utah women.

Illuminated Woman is sponsoring the Ignite Your Spark Women’s Conference on Feb. 26 and 27 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Already, 100 women from across the U.S. have signed up, and Johnson expects an audience of three times that.

Lisa Nichols — best-selling “Chicken Soup for the Soul” author, teacher from “The Secret” movie and “breakthrough specialist” — is the event’s keynote speaker.

The conference will feature other speakers who will appeal to women of all types. They include entrepreneurs, those interested in improving personal health and wellness, and women dedicated to motherhood and families.

The idea behind the conference is “women can change the world by first changing the world around them,” said Johnson, now living in West Jordan.

And women are the perfect people to take on such a charge, Johnson said.

“Women follow intuition. They are typically more open to change. They are often the change-makers.”

Practically nothing can stand in a woman’s way when she is ready to remove oppression and other roadblocks, Johnson said.

“A woman’s power is not like a bulldozer. It is the power of grace.”

It is a power perfectly suited for the business world, said Johnson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, journalism and marketing.

“Women accept that their personal and business life are all intertwined,” said Johnson, who began entrepreneurship with a jewelry business called Intention Jewelry.

“I didn’t know the nuts and bolts of how to run a business, and was nervous and shy,” she said. “Other networking groups weren’t resonating with me, so I decided to start my own.”

That was two years ago.

Today, Johnson’s Biz Divas, with chapters in Salt Lake City and Orem, has attracted 300 women and helped them perfect business plans, pitch their businesses and market their products and services.

“I’m fortunate to love what I do,” Johnson said. “I love empowering women.”

To register for the Ignite Your Spark Women’s Conference, visit http://igniteyourspark.com.”

I ponder on the great men in my life and the world who have made an impact and there are no accidents that today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I have been in reflection for the past several days. It’s been somewhat of a somber reflection as a dear friend’s husband passed away and we got to celebrate his life on Saturday. It’s hard to lose someone, yet in the very same moment I am full of gratitude because of ALL of the infinite possibilities of where our paths could have led us, we crossed paths and my life is forever touched. It is with gratitude that I honor our sweet friend Darol and the many things I learned from him, even though I only knew him briefly.

During this reflection I think of the other kind, generous, strong, loving, genuine men who took a stand for making their life mean something.

Darol stood and still stands for unconditional love, and to SAVOR every moment of every day. Every day is a celebration. The time to BE happy is NOW. The time to CHOOSE joy is NOW.

And on this day of celebrating Dr. King, it’s fitting that I draw the connection from Darol, Dr. King and the other great men I have the honor of knowing.

Dr. Martin Luther King

I often reflect on Martin Luther King in times of worry or self doubt. I look at what he accomplished in his short life and what he stood for and I am reminded that anything is possible.

When people ask me who my favorite hero is, Dr. King is often my answer. There was something about how he believed in the possibilities more than the present circumstances that inspire me moment to moment.

I have a dream….this speech brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. To have such a dream that the ripple effects are still being felt is incredible. To make a mark on the world starts with a dream and as Darol said, to “Live Out Loud.”

What is your dream? The time is now to create it. I choose to leave a legacy.

Thank you to those who have paved the way for us to believe, dream and Live Out Loud. I love you all.

When I was talking to my mother today, she asked “Did you hear about the small miracle we created today?” I hadn’t so she proceeded to explain…

Rochelle and Scott at the Marine Ball

My sister lives in Okinawa with her husband who is in the Marines. They live off base with their dog Max. They have lived there for about 18 months now and from witnessing the military life from a distance, I have a deep respect for military families. Being away from home and apart from family and friends doesn’t even begin to describe the sacrifices then men, women and their children make.

So back to the miracle…

My sister Rochelle and brother-in-law Scott are opening up their home on Christmas for some of the young men who are single and have no family so they have a place to have a Christmas dinner and to spend the holiday. She put out the intention to have anyone who is supposed to be a part of their celebration to come. She was originally thinking about four or five people would be coming over for Christmas dinner.

Last night, she discovered that the final count is 14 young Marines will be coming over for Christmas dinner.

After my mom heard this she offered to contribute to some food expenses to show her support for these Marines. My grandma heard about it, my aunt heard about, my aunt’s co-workers heard about it…

Within about three hours a handful of  people in Northern Utah heard about what my sister was doing and the envelope of money that was given to my mom to wire to Japan equaled $140. Now these marines not only have an amazing Christmas dinner, they have stockings of treats. Most importantly they have a place to be with friends and feel loved, supported and welcomed home.

When I heard this, and even as I write this, my eyes are filled with tears because of the generosities that we think are small, create memories for people who deserve it. We are the ones who create change, answer prayers, give encouragement and show people that love is possible.

One tiny act, one dollar, one hug and we never know who it will impact.

Thank you to my sister for being the one to say that this year there will be 14 young marines who have a beautiful Christmas dinner with their “new family.” Thank you to those who saw a possibility of where they could make a difference and they did it without question or an expectation of anything in return.

It takes just one person at a time to change the world.

Rochelle and Scott, I love you. You continue to inspire me. It’s an honor to call you family.