Inspiration | Loving Life Blog

I passed the start line. October 14, 2012

Filed under: Health,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:19 pm
Tags: cheer zone, Health, inspiration, leukemia and lymphoma, lymphoma cancer, michael jackson music, Music, nike, NMW, NMW12, san francisco fire, women marathon

Well… I passed the start line.
The first 6-7 miles the tempo wasn’t too shabby. Then the hills started…

Mile 8 I turn to my iPhone to turn on some trigger music.
The phone dies on me!
Mile 10 my knees start to really hurt. I’m speed walking – feels much better.

Mile 11 comes one cheer zone with Michael Jackson music Beat it! – and I suddenly run faster than after start line ?!?! until I can’t hear the music.
Finished strong.

My image of the San Francisco Fire Fighters was misleading. But they were classy in tuxedo.
The post finish line massage was nice!
Late lunch with runner friends and supporters super nice.

Ice bath was not as bad as I imagined it.
I hope it makes magic and that I can walk down the stairs tomorrow. Sorry knees – will prepare you better next time.

And even if it’s misty and foggy, I’ll wear sun screen next time.

And, dear iPhone – I may have taken an hour longer to run this race than 10 years ago – but I’ve got more juice than you’ve got! And seriously – we gotta change that, partner!

After all, 3.08hrs for 13.1 miles given circumstances, is quite ok.
Seeing those t-shirts with mom and dad on, in a race fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer, makes it real.
I hope it makes a difference.

A #NMW12 finisher.
J

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NWM12 Countdown October 11, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 2:55 pm
Tags: Firefighters, first half marathon, Half Marathon, Health, NWM12, san francisco firefighters, sports, style, Tiffany, tiffany neckless

Dreamt about racing/running uphill. Woke up thinking I should eat some pasta and started googling preparation for half marathons…

“This was my second half marathon and it was super fun! […] Oh…and train well for those hills, they kill ;)” – had a feeling I should…

“All sarcasm aside, Nike gets it right with the Tiffany finishers necklace from SF firefighters.” Now, I had heard something about that – but hadn’t quite pictured it…

With other words – those who cross the finnish line receives a Tiffany limited edition neckless, handed over by SF Firefighters. Curious about the Tiffany neckless I googled that… Haha – I couldn’t find a photo of it, apparently that’s a surprise and new design every year – but I found this… San Francisco Firefighters 😉

So the big question is, from someone who hasn’t run half as much as the first half marathon 10 years ago: what will keep you (me) running and cross The Finnish Line?

You may borrow that Tiffany Necklace for special occasions 😉 Wish me luck this upcoming Sunday at The Nike Women’s Half Marathon.

Johanna

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Gimme, Gimme, Gimme… October 6, 2012

Filed under: Inspiration,Promotion — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 8:37 am
Tags: brushing my teeth, entertainment, Gimme Gimme Gimme, LLXLLQ, Music, Narada Michael Walden, Patti Austin, Winner, YouTube

Went to the best concert last night. More about that later. We started singing on the way home in the car. With this one song, the lyrics didn’t really come to mind, more than the title section… “Gimme Gimme Gimme….” Do you remember?

So, what would we do without google, or youtube?!

Found it! And I later found myself this morning, brushing my teeth, with the iPhone earphone plugged into my ears, door closed, brushing in rhythm, singing along in my mind, and dancing away – remembering the year of… 1985.

No, it is not ABBA – this time. Here it is:

Wohoo! So good! 🙂 No? I actually think it was the year when I was in 3rd grade, one too low to go to the “Mellan stadie disco” for grade 4-6 in the Parkhem School. Without false ID (:O – no, we didn’t even know what that was) – I did go. And came in. And I won the dance competition with the comment “Lillen vinner”. The kid wins.

Young grows old, small grows tall, and these days… the big ones are the winners. LLXLLQ – need no more. The size is a plus!

Enjoy,

Johanna

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All or Nothing. September 8, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration,Promotion — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 2:06 pm
Tags: Bobby McFerrin, crowd funding, entertainment, finish line, Kickstarter, Music, Nicolas Bearde, support, Vocal class, Voicestra

If you want to get your venture done – it’s all or noting. If you start a crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter – it’s all or nothing. Either you reach the finish line – or you don’t. Either you receive all the funds – or none.

The benefits of supporting a Kickstarter project? Well, let me give you an example…

Nicolas Bearde and Bobby McFerrin

These are two great local musicians in the Bay Area, Nicolas Bearde and Bobby McFerrin, normally singing together in the Bobby McFerrin’s renowned vocal ensemble “Voicestra” as well as having their own solo careers. I am going to have a vocal class on stage presence and performance technique with one of them! And receive an Autographed Pre-Launch CD. For $100. Why? As a “Thank you” for supporting the production of the next CD?!?!

Who should thank who?

Anyone else signing up? Check it out! You might prefer a different bonus… (House concert, catered dinner with entertainment, concert tickets, CDs and more).

Click here for the latest update I received from the #YouAreSensational campaign this morning.

So… either Nicolas Bearde reaches his finish line – or I don’t get my vocal session! :O Please like, share and or pledge if you would like to support this. Every act counts. – Thank you!

What does music mean to you? Just saying… oh yes – here is the address: http://kck.st/N0h9X4.
Johanna

To me? I think music is the beat of love and life. Something to support and enjoy.

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Parental Courage Redefined July 19, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 9:18 am
Tags: courage, home schooling, Journey, kids, kudos, parents, San Francisco, spain, spanish family, summer camp, Sweden, swedish friends, travel, trip, Vacation, world trip

A year ago I had a visit from Swedish friends. A couple and three children, age 2-6 .

They were in the middle of a three week road-trip in California. The reaction from many was that it was brave to travel with 3 kids.

Yesterday, I had a visit from a Spanish family. A couple and three children, age 9-12.

San Francisco was their first stop on their 8 months world trip travel, well planned out, including 2 weeks summer camp for the kids in the US, and home schooling along the way. You can read about their journey here.

Now THAT is something to me unheard of, and opens up my mind for new possibilities… Adding that trip around the globe back on the list. It’s never too late.

Kudos to courageous parents!

Johanna

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About Face! July 13, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 8:34 am
Tags: about face, dance, entertainment, face dance, quote, smile

Smile, is the dance of the face.

Dance, is the smile of the body.

If you are not experiencing that – take a turn!

About Face!
Johanna

The founder of About Face was the one who shared the poem – here they are.

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Hot Dog Redefined. July 12, 2012

Filed under: Herringbone,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:19 am
Tags: definitions, herringbone, hot dog, hot tub, redefining

Things are not constant. Life changes. Long lasting definitions as well. Things can be changed. Things can mean something new.

Statement from the HOT TUB! with an adorable DOG, Dora, who want to be part of the occasion.

“Hot Dog” suddenly got a hole new meaning.

Keep an open mind…,
Johanna

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Honorary… June 15, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 5:21 pm
Tags: cpmmencement keynote address, Entrepreneur magazine, keystone, kudos, Mikal E. Belicove

We all have a story to share. A story that would be beneficial for someone else to hear. Please listen to this one below:

YouTube Description: 2012 Keystone College Commencement Keynote Address, delivered by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Mikal E. Belicove, a 1986 graduate of Keystone College. Here, Mikal advises the Class of 2012 to focus on possibilities more so than expectations, and reminds us that life is about setting and correcting course, and honoring those who help along the way.

Knowing Mikal today, I would not have believed this part of his past. Way to honor mom! And to accept and honor self. And be honored…

What ever happened in the past – it is never too late to course correct and give kudos back. That said – how could all of this apply to you?

Enjoy,

Johanna

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The Lioness Hunt June 14, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:16 pm
Tags: arts, entertainment, Music, video

Things often come in three. That is a good thing. Do you want me to share?

The lioness speaks. Yes, there is one such. At Ideas From The Heart. What she speaks about I can’t say yet, but check it out for yourself… http://bit.ly/IFTHJune2012.
The lioness runs. Join the routine – just started, and intended such – running the Lyon Street Steps 5 mornings of the week. It feels like the Lion’s Stairs.
The lioness sings. Or someone else may sing the Lioness Hunt. Come let us sing for you! My a cappella group Keeva performs tomorrow night:

The Richter Scales, Rapid Transit, and Keeva A Cappella in concert! Three sets of 30 minutes each. $10 at the door includes all the drinks and Mother’s Circus Animals you want. Doors open at 7:15PM. Singing starts at 8:00PM. Be there!http://rapidtransitacappella.com/
http://www.richterscales.com/
http://www.keevasings.com/

Unity San Francisco, a spiritual center

2222 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

View Map · Get Directions

Enjoy,

Johanna

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My Idea From Heart – On The List… June 12, 2012

Filed under: coaching,Herringbone,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 7:44 am
Tags: anthony lee, Hero, ideas from the heart, IdeasFTH, Journey, legacy message, mater mind, San Francisco, Stage, TED

From idea to reality in 90 days.

Not very long ago I got a call from Anthony Lee, who in our Master Mind Group had come up with an idea. A TED-like event, with training to prepare for the stage, for ‘everyday heroes’ to share their legacy message.

Shortly thereafter, March 14, I receive the OFFICIAL INVITATION.

[…] In collaboration with the non-profit organization “Leaders Causing Leaders”, I am proud to announce our premier event “Ideas From the Heart” San Francisco. This is a two day event, June 23-24, 2012, where “40 everyday heroes take an idea that has shaped their lives, and share 40 ideas that will change yours”

IdeasFTH is a Hero’s Journey to the Stage. Along the way, you will be mentored by four master trainers to incorporate four core elements into your presentation: heart-centered, community inspired, authentically expressed and dynamically impactful. As a community of heroes, this is the quality of messages we bring to the stage to change lives. […]

A community created event. An enrolled co-founder Ben Patwa, and a greater vision.

40 speakers became 12, and the inaugural event is taking place. With my name on the speaker list. What an honor.

You are welcome to be part of this event and community – maybe you will be the next speaker. What is the ONE idea that you would share from your heart, that you would want the world to know and benefit from? What would be your legacy message?

Get your tickets here: http://bit.ly/IFTHJune2012

And watch the trailer! Bam! 😉

Johanna