Tag Archives: inspiring

Member Spotlight: Lexi Lenhart

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Roots:
I am originally from New Orleans but grew up mostly in Katy right outside of Houston. I moved to Austin for my first job out of college (so lucky!) about 4 years ago.

Basic Family Stats:
I just married my wonderful husband, Al, in May of this year. We have two dog children: Enzo, 140 lb Rottweiler, and Daisy, 5 lb long hair chihuahua.

Current/Previous Occupation:
I started a new job this year doing pharmaceutical sales. Prior to that I worked as a child nutritionist for 4 years.

The biggest lesson I have learned through my iGnite experience…
The importance of being a part of a good community of women. When I first moved to Austin, I didn’t have any girlfriends so being a part of iGnite and knowing all of these amazing, successful, positive women has been a great influence.

I am most inspired by…
This is a toughie because I feel like I am inspired daily by a million different people and things. The one I am most inspired by right now is my husband…He got a neurotoxin poison on our honeymoon from eating fish and has been struggling for several months with lingering neurological side effects. Through it all, he has been determined to work to provide for us, strong with a smile on his face even though I know he doesn’t feel well, and has still been a wonderful husband to me, always somehow keeping me and my happiness a priority. His ambition, will and love has been inspiring as I look to the future and know, that even in the hardest times, we will always make it through together.

I am looking forward to…
We are finally house hunting after greatly outgrowing our current home. I’m looking forward to finding and setting up a home for us to start married life and make memories!

My celebrity look alike is…
I think I have one of those faces that resembles a lot of people. I am always getting ‘you look like my sister, aunt, friend…’ I’ve heard from others my celebrity look alike is Carmen Elektra.

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It’s Not What You Endure, It’s How You Endure It

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iGnite - unshakeable faithiGnite Members Christie Skinner (left) and Kerrie Pennington (right) at Christie’s home while the iGnite Community helped her sort through her salvaged items on Sunday.

“Forget what you can’t control and focus on what you can control: your attitude, your faith, and your perspective. Choose to make the best of every situation that comes your way.”
(Anonymous)

Point to Ponder:
How do you tend to react when faced with personal loss or tragedy?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa Brown Springmann

As our iGnite community received word of via email this weekend, on Tuesday iGnite member Christie Skinner’s home burned. Upon learning the news, I sent Christie a text extending my sympathy, care and prayers. Honestly, I was nervous to reach out because I feared my text would be burdomsome. But, I tried putting myself in her shoes and I knew that I would appreciate friends reaching out. I didn’t expect or need a response, though what I received just minutes later blew my mind. Here is our exchange:

Neissa: “Hello Christie, Kathleen let me know about your home and I want you to know how very sorry I am. I am so thankful you all are okay. Please know that Russell and I are praying for you all and will continue to pray for you throughout the recovery process. Know that you are loved and being thought of.”

Christie: “Thanks!! It’s pretty sad but it’s just stuff!! And amazingly we are in the process of buying a little condo on Lake Austin so God’s timing is really good!!”

Neissa: “Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

Christie: “You can bring me a Diet Coke on ice anytime you happen to be around.”

My initial reaction was, “Really? Did I read that correctly? How is it possible for someone to have lost so much yet have such tremendous perspective? And, she’s only asked for a Diet Coke? I can do that!”

I was briefly able to stop by Christie’s home today, Sunday, while our iGnite community helped her sort through her items. I’ve always thought that if a big project or job needs to get accomplished, the quick solution is a group of committed women. Indeed the job was getting done, and Christie’s spirit was contagious. She was positive, smiled and did what she needed to do. The entire sight was inspiring, like Christie’s faith and attitude.

I am always amazed by the events, circumstances and losses that the human spirit is able to endure. Most everyone faces some type of tragedy or difficult circumstances in their life, though what distinguishes one person from the other is not what they endure but how they endure it. The way I see it is we have choices: we can either (1) endure alone, without faith, think that life is out to get us, God is trying to punish us, give up and have a bad attitude — or, we can (2) let go of our pride, let others know how they can help us (even if it’s simply a Diet Coke on ice!), pray for unshakable faith, ask for others who have unshakeable faith to pray for us and trust in the plans that God has for us: a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

While we all will not experience the tragedy of a burned home, we all will experience loss in our lives. It is for this that having an unshakable faith, never underestimating the power of prayer, surrounding ourselves with a community of people who also have unshakeable faith, and trusting in the promise of a future is crucial. There’s no doubt that life is going to shake us over and over again, but it doesn’t have to break us. Thank you, Christie for showing us this!

Action Item:
Contemplate Christie’s response to the events of the past week and be inspired by her unshakable faith and ability to accept help in such difficult circumstances.

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Approach Your Fears with Child Like Perspective

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iGnite - keep focused

Point to Ponder:
Are you a fearful person?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa Brown Springmann

I’ve always been of the mindset that children have it figured out. It stinks that we have to grow up and often times become jaded, cynical, insecure and obsess over our perceived pudgy legs and numbers on a scale. Children don’t worry about how many steps they take in a day or how many hours they spend exercising. Instead, they simply play — run, jump, spin and dance. They ride their bikes for hours, climb on the monkey bars and enjoy a high-calorie treat without feeling guilt. They stop eating when they are full, don’t talk about others, and without fear or doubt of what others think, they proudly proclaim what they want to be when they grow up, just as my five-year old nephew Cole did at his pre-school graduation when he announced that when he grew up he wanted to own a doughnut shop. Awesome!

Last week while finishing a hike and walking along the beach, I noticed a man, probably in his forties, standing alone in shin-deep water and jumping over every wave that came his way. Like a six year-old would do, each time a wave rolled in, he’d hop over it! It was the most playful, inspiring and refreshing sight. I watched him for several minutes and it was a great reminder that nature gives us everything we need to calm, invigorate and feed our body, mind and spirit. And what I loved so much about this guy was that while he was playing, he wasn’t worried or fearful about what those of us around him thought. In my opinion, the enormity and magnificence of the Pacific Ocean made his fears of what others might think insignificant, while also putting troubles and life stressors in perspective. At least that is what nature does for me. It swallows my doubt and fear and allows me to shine!

Robin Roberts, the always shining and inspiring co-anchor of Good Morning America, has a great line about doubt and fear in her book Everybody’s Got Something. She says:

“We all have doubts and fears. The thing about fear is that it only needs the tiniest space, the size of an eye of a needle, to get through and wreak havoc. Maddening, but true. So, when I was struggling in doubt, I would simply take the next small step. I would stop and think: No, life is not tied up with a beautiful bow all the time, but it’s still a gift. I’m going to tear away the wrapping paper like a kid at Christmas.”

What I love so much about Robin’s wisdom is that instead of running from her fear and doubt or dreading it, she sees it as a gift and looks forward to tearing into it to see what it is, just as a child would and just as Kayla Montgomery, the eighteen year old in the video below, who, despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclorosis and losing feeling in her legs when she runs and when her body heats up, was determined to not only run, but win! It’s their child-like perspective that has kept them curious, eager and willing to conquer their fear, doubt, and SHINE! What a great example for all of us!

Action Item:
This week, try facing situations with the fearlessness, playfulness and confidence of a child.

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Do You Believe In You?

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iGnite - You were created to do something great

Point to Ponder:
Do you realize you are here to do something great?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa Brown Springmann

As I’ve written about in past journals, my favorite magazine is SUCCESS. SUCCESS provides countless stories and tips for anyone striving for personal and professional success and wanting to become better. Darren Hardy is the publisher and founding editor and he also provides a free and daily motivational message called Darren Daily, which I love. His quick, interesting and inspiring message is sent every morning via text and email. Because I’m a motivation junky and don’t think you can ever have enough positive messaging in your life, I subscribe to his service. I don’t always listen to it, but when I do, the impact is far greater than the three minutes I spend listening to it. Most recently I was inspired and encouraged by Darren’s terrific message on the power of believing in yourself.

I wish I could say that I never lack belief in my abilities, both personally and professionally, but I definitely do at times. As a whole, I would venture to say that self-doubt, a lack of self-confidence and belief in ourselves is what prevents us from getting exactly what we want in and out of life. Whether it be the career we desire, a mutually respectful and loving relationship, or simply trying something that we’ve always wanted to try, it all starts with belief in oneself.

This certainly trickles down to our children, marriages, and really all of our relationships. Where, when, and if we doubt someone’s abilities, even if we don’t speak it, has a negative energy and can be physically felt. Belief or lack of believe has infinite effects. Can you imagine if from the day you were born you heard the words, “I believe in you!” Can you imagine the compound and staggering effects!? And what if we added the words, “I believe in you and I love you? You were created to do something great!” Can.you.imagine?! To speak in terms of last week’s journal, ‘It’s Time to Turn on Your Shine’, our shine would be on all of the time!

You may be thinking, “I never tell myself I don’t believe in myself,” but do you ever tell yourself that you do believe in yourself and that you were created to do something great? The heart knows what the brain is thinking, and vice versa. We can’t hide from our doubt or disbelief.

The words “I believe in you. You were created to do something great!” cannot be heard or told enough, and we must always speak them out loud and to ourselves everyday, in every circumstance, and in all situations. Then, we should also speak those words to everyone else — our spouses, people we are in relationship with, colleagues, children, friends, family members and strangers. My mind gets blown just thinking about the progress we would make and how much happier, healthier and satisfied our lives would be if we did this on a regular basis. To believe that a divine source, whom I believe is God, not only believes in us but also created every.single.one.of.us to do something great, would forever change the negative and limiting thoughts that we can have about ourselves and others.

Small children are fearless inspirations. They will try anything and they believe they can do everything. The picture above is of my four-year-old son, Durant, at Solona Beach on his boogie board. While his boogie board is sitting on the sand and not floating on the water, he believes he is surfing. I didn’t tell him otherwise, I just cheered him on.

This child-like and child-proof sense of belief is what we can never lose and can never stop instilling in others.

Action Item:
Regardless of the lies that someone in your childhood may have told you, you must always remember that you were created for greatness. The lies were about that person, not you, and the unfortunate lies that someone once told them. Don’t let someone else’s lies define you, your future or your family’s future. Instead, let the truth — that you were created to do something great & that you were created to shine — define you and your family’s future.

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Real Women, Real Stories | Krystal Lucero: 5 Ways Breast Cancer at 27 Changed How I Choose to Live

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iGnite Real Women, Real Stories logo

krystallucero_web-1

~ The Basics ~

Roots: I was born in Lufkin, Texas in the early 80’s and at the age of 8 relocated to Katy, Texas where I remained until I graduated high school. I’ve now called Austin my home for over 7 years.

Something People Don’t Know About Me: I talk in my sleep, and I’ve been told it’s not English!

Family Life: I’ve been blessed with two pretty amazing parents who still live in the Katy area. A few years ago, I began realizing how much I am like my mother Lilly, which makes me happy. It’s true, I get it from my momma! I grew up with 2 older sisters in the house who didn’t let me forget that I was the youngest, and most of the time I felt like I had 3 mothers. They have brought wonderful brother-in-laws and nephews into my life.

Robert and I just celebrated 7 years of marriage on July 7th. He continues to make me smile everyday and I’m very thankful for his love. As a teacher & coach he has mastered patience, which is sometimes needed when dealing with me. I’ve joined a very loving and supportive family, I heart my in-laws!

It’s hard to say we don’t have children because so many of our friends and family have let us be a big part of their children’s lives. With our nieces, nephews and Godchildren, we have no shortage of love from the kids!

Favorite Quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.” -Walt Whitman

Occupation: I’m a Registered Interior Designer and just recently joined Edwards + Mulhausen Interior Design as the Senior Interior Designer. Our design focus is on higher education, healthcare & other commercial spaces.

Best Advice I’ve Been Given: “You’re much stronger than you think.” My friend Virginia told me this before she became my guardian angel, so I’ve been working on not over-thinking!

If I Wasn’t an Interior Designer, I’d Be…  a talk show host or a therapist. I’m a talker, but I guess I’m a good listener too. No joke, strangers come up to me all the time and tell me what’s going on in their life. I just got a hug from a random lady this morning in the Starbucks line on my drive to San Antonio for work!  I guess I give off an approachable energy that makes people comfortable.

~My Story ~

krystallucero_web-5Life-Changing Experience:  Besides being 27 years old when diagnosed, my ‘cancer story’ is very similar to most other survivors’. I could probably sum it up in a few sentences, with a few big medical terms thrown in. Here goes:

I felt a lump in my left breast and went to my OBGYN to have it checked out. She sent me to get more testing done, and in December 2010 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (a common type of breast cancer). Between the end of 2010 and November 2011, I had 2 lumpectomy surgeries, fertility treatment, 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. I continue to have to take an oral treatment, Tamoxifen, and have check-ups every 6 months at MD Anderson until 2016.

Having to deal with cancer at such a young age is a game-changer. My story above is just a part of the life of a cancer patient — just a small part. It is probably what most people think about when they find out you’re a cancer survivor, but there is so much more to it. Besides the physical effect of cancer, there are a lot of mental effects that stay with you for years. People can only see your outside, which is “healed” in their eyes, but there is a continuous mind-game going on inside, which most cancer patients and survivors have to play.

I’d love to share a few ways I’ve decided to play the mental game of being a cancer survivor. Overall it has changed the way that I choose to live my daily life. These are the things I choose to do:

  1. I choose to smile. Not saying I did not smile BC (Before Cancer), but I do make a point to share my smile with others daily. I’m pretty corny sometimes, but come on, a smile is FREE and it could make someone’s day.
  2. I choose not to let others control my happiness. I’d be lying if I said I don’t get upset by what others do, but I also get over it quickly. I give myself a few sessions with trusted friends to “discuss” what upset me, and then I drop it. Why hold negative energy inside your body, a.k.a the positive energy zone?
  3. I choose to live life to the fullest. I believe that death is a part of life, and it’s going to happen to everyone one day. But until that day, I’m going to enjoy this life I’m living!
  4. I choose to be more selective on how I spend my time. If it doesn’t make me happy or I’m too tired to enjoy it, I probably will not do it. We can never get our time back, so enjoy as much of it as possible. I’m still working on learning how to enjoy my time cleaning the house!
  5. I choose to control what I can when it comes to my health. During and after active cancer treatment, it’s very hard to control how your body will feel. Every few days when I wake up, I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus. Yes, this still happens and it has been this way for a few years. So I try to drink lots of water, work out and nourish my body appropriately to help offset some of the side effects of my medication.

There are a number of other choices I’ve made AC (After Cancer) that keep me living and loving life, but these are my top 5. Knowing that cancer is just one part of my life story and that there is so much more to be written makes me happy to think about.   I choose to live!

iGnite Real Women, Real Stories is a series highlighting the inspiring lives and experiences of women in our community. We hope their stories motivate and inspire you to live your life to the fullest.

Know someone who would be a great candidate for a Real Women, Real Stories feature? Email nominations to hello@igniteyourlifenow.com

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