Being able to ask powerful questions is an important tool for good communication and happy living, and journaling is a phenomenal way to unlock the answers to those questions. Valorie Burton shows you how in this episode. For more about Valorie, you can visit her website at www.valorieburton.com Nuggets of Wisdom from Valorie: "If you love what you do and you are so passionate about it, you probably would do it even if you don’t get paid for it. That’s the ideal state."  "I discovered my purpose in terms of my actual mission statement. I had an epiphany of it one day at a bookstore in 1999, that I was meant to inspire women to live more fulfilling lives, that I would do it through writing and speaking. Within a few weeks after that, I began writing my first book. I’ve written 11 books. " "Things have unfolded not as I would have expected them, but in just the right way. I’m not sure I would have been ready for my husband. So I don’t begrudge my divorce or anything else, because it has led me to where I’m supposed to be." "I believe wholeheartedly in journaling and writing. Writing was a part of who I am as a kid. Journaling has health benefits. It can help us work through trauma. If we can write our best possible selves in our journals, it’s a very powerful exercise. I had written what I had envisioned in the present tense. My journal was full of hope. I think that helped me a great deal in getting to a place where I was ready for what I really wanted." "I’m a coach. What coaches do best is ask questions. It’s not about having the right answers, it’s about having the questions that help others to be able to come up with their own answers. Because I really believe everyone has their own answers. So the person who’s able to ask powerful questions, whether it’s the question that helps you negotiate better or the question that helps you connect with someone better. Being able to ask powerful questions is really an important tool for good communication." Some of Valorie's Favorite Things: Morning Routine:  "Meditate for 5 minutes, pray, think about what I’m looking forward to during the day, asking, 'What do I get to do today?' Always eat breakfast (perhaps a breakfast burrito - spinach/eggs/cheese/burrito)." Favorite Book: Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" What does it mean to be a Vibrant Happy Woman?: "Being vibrant and happy is really a part of how I define success. My definition of success is harmony of purpose, resilience, and joy - knowing I’m here to inspire others." A Challenge from Valorie: "Just be happy right now. Stop waiting for things to unfold the way you want to. Stop holding your happiness hostage to your circumstances and make a decision right now to be happy. I made the decision to be happy. It’s a choice. It’s not always easy. It’s a whole lot better when we find reasons." Resources www.valorieburton.com Successful Women Speak Differently Coach Training Intensive : November 2017 Valorie Burton Facebook Page Follow Valorie Burton on Twitter Subscribe Valorie Burton YouTube Channel The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom You can win a copy of this journal (we're giving away 5 of them) by leaving a review on iTunes, and emailing a screenshot or copy of your review to support@jenriday.com. Or you can post your review on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #VibrantHappyWomen. Subscribe iTunes ·  YouTube · Stitcher Comments If you’d like to comment on the podcast, you can leave a review on iTunes. Not only do I read every review, but positive reviews also help my happy-living message reach more women. Questions? Send a voice memo to podcast@jenriday.com