Sometimes we’re blessed to come across individuals that make you say, “Thank God this person exists in the world.” They have a powerful presence, an infectious spirit, the ability to help you get into alignment. One of the those people is Lisa Nichols.

I had the honor of interviewing Lisa about 10 years ago, just as she started to blow up in the personal growth and spirituality space. What I love most about Lisa is her unshakeable belief in the power of the human spirit and real transformation. She wholeheartedly believes everyone is worthy, we can beat the odds, and endless possibilities.

Whenever I come across Lisa’s work, my mood changes; my perspective expands; I feel more aligned with the truth. She truly is an embodiment of love and a reliable source for inspiration. Below are a couple of gems that are bound to strike a chord, if not, move the needle:

[On purpose] The two most important days of your life are the day you are born, and the day you know why.

Your human spirit simply says, What’s our command for tomorrow? What do you want to create? It’s not keeping score. Your mind is keeping score. Your mind is designed to keep you safe. Your soul, your intuition, your human spirit is designed to make you soar. Some days you have to be willing to play between your mind and your soul.

[On ego and beyond ego] Your energy is consumed with protecting, proving, hiding and defending. But if you let go of that, then you get to creating.

Energy grows where energy goes.

Run your life as if you do have a choice.

[On taking responsibility] You want to make me extraordinary because it lets you off the hook.

You’re not afraid of dying. You’re afraid of dying before the world sees who you really are.

Prayer is asking for that next step, that next clarity; meditation is being still enough to hear the answer.

Once you have an awakening, you can’t un-know what it revealed.

Sometimes you have to be willing to let go of something old to grab onto something new. You have to be willing to let a part of you die that you used to be comfortable with in order for another part of you to be born.

Mostly, the world sees you the way you see yourself.

Intimacy–into me I see–wow, that really woke me up! Could I find love by looking into myself?

Sometimes our talent is plain old everyday people skills that have been lost in our fast-paced society—listening, compassion, a sense of humor, and a positive outlook.

When your clarity meets your conviction and you apply action to the equation, your world will begin to transform before your eyes.

[On connection] You have to get very present with yourself, where you are today, what you are proud of, what you forgive yourself for, what you’re committed to do and who you’re committed to be. By doing that, you’re acknowlegding yourself for things done, you’re forgiving yourself for things you need to release, you’re making a statement on who you plan to become and who you are becoming on a daily basis. It’s a lot of work, but it’s empowering work because your filling up your tank. You serve people from your overflow, so you are not just filling up your tank and holding the energy sacred for you; you’re filling up your tank and holding the energy sacred for people that will be touched by you. See, when you think beyond you, you become more precious and we end up taking care of ourselves that way.