I got a great gig working in Fiji…yes Fiji! During this event, we got to participate in challenging activities such as: Fire Walking, Arrow Breaking, and Rebar Bending… My favorite was the latter because I got to do this event with my wife. It was about us and our son. Peace, Justin (see pic below video)

I often get asked by students during Q&A’s: “Is it difficult to be away from your family so much?” Of course the answer is yes. However, things are different now then when I started 8 years ago. Forget the Iphone, I had the latest version of NOphone. Oh and a GPS unit was hoping that the attendant at the nearest gas station knew what he was talking about.

What does this have to do with being away from my family? Everything. Because with social medias like Skype and my wife’s ability to post picture to Facebook in record time I feel more connected even while on the road.

Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats giving my son a hug and a kiss before bed each night, but I must say that this video will settle for a close second when on the road.

Two questions I often get from students are:
1. How do you find the time to pursue your dreams?
2. Did you and/or Do you still doubt yourself?

In this videos, you shall learn the answers…

I am very grateful for this mind blowing video as it has made me reflect on a few things:

- The importance of timing.
- Being aligned.
- Creativity has no limits.
- How everything is connected.
- Etc.

Truly inspirational on many fronts

I will never forget the first time I had a story published in a book. It inspired me to co-author a book for teens.

7 years later, I am giving 3 lucky people the opportunity to get their words published in my upcoming book called, “Gratitag: You’re It!”

If you would like to share “Who you are grateful for and why?” then this contest is for you!

How to enter contest:

1. Click Here / Then scroll all the way down to leave a reply/comments.
2. Enter Name and Email. (Your email address will not appear nor be shared)
3. Write your words of gratitude. (Up to 100 words)
4. your words with the world! (or the person you just wrote about)

Contest is open until Jan 31st.  Winners will be announced on Feb 14th.  Winners will be contacted via the same email that they entered.  Winner’s will also receive an autographed copy of the book!

Enter as many times as you wish and remember to give gratitude like it’s free!

Peace,

Justin Boudreau

Close your eyes… oops don’t do that, then you wont be able to read this post.  How about this… Imagine a social network like (I’m going to say it) Facebook, that exists specifically for students and leadership. (minus the raunchy dating and fake stimulus package adds)

Open your eyes, if they were closed.  If you are sleeping right now you are about to miss out on a great opportunity.

Imagine no more because it exists.  I present to you www.mylife24-7.org

If you have seen me speak you know that I share how “opportunities are taken not given” and that if I would not have worked on cruise ships, I never would have met my wife.

This opportunity is for students who:  http://mylife24-7.org/leadership/

On a personal note, having Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson institute and creator of Character Counts invite me to this initiative if mos def on of the highlights of my speaking career.

I encourage you (yes you!) to become a member (Assembly) and / or an Ambassador.

Lastly, attention all musicians / artists / writers out there, check out these cool contests.

Pass it on!

Doug Luffborough, I long time friend / speaker who dedicates his days inspiring students across the country also runs a successful non profit called Turning the Hearts Center in Chula Vista, CA.

For many years he spoke of his story of how he invited himself and his mother to the White House as the commencement speaker at Northeastern University… Now he has a video.  Very inspiring.

A few months ago, I went to see Brett Dennen with my wife and son. I had copied a song I wrote on a CD and was planning on giving it to Brett personally at the show. It didn’t happen. Then, 2 days ago, I saw a video blog of Brett Dennen inviting people to cover his hit song “Make me Crazy”, and upload the video on youtube. Sure I would love to win 2 tickets and go see Brett play in Boston. However, I am taking this opportunity to share my song with Brett with hopes that he will like it and will want to perform it and record it himself. So I entered the contest… check out the video and pay it forward to your friends. Peace, Justin.