Q&A with Author, Educator & Life Coach Robbie Chaney

There is something about Robbie Chaney's personality. She's approachable, warm and inviting, but what you notice most: the sense of calm and confidence she portrays that stems from a woman whose faith is definitely at the center of her life. With the faith she has in God, herself and life, it's easy to understand how she has triumphed through hardships that may have destroyed most people.

At 32, Chaney found herself a widow with three children under the age of 5. Her first husband, Jeffrey L. Flowers, died from lymphoblastic lymphoma, a very rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer in adults. Completely devastated, Chaney, a house wife at the time, turned to her faith and rebuilt her life. Now, as co-author of a recently released book with some of the most widely known motivational leaders of our time including Brian Tracy and Les Brown, Chaney is using her personal experiences to help others facing adversity and hardship reclaim their lives and find their life's purpose through the power of faith.

When I caught up with her recently, her faith had taken her on some new journeys. In this interview, we talked about her struggles, finding your life's purpose, and pursuing your passion in a turbulent economy.

Q: Robbie, you are in new book - The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Purpose. It is an anthology featuring messages from some of the most outstanding motivational speakers of our time - including Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Keith Ferrazzi, and Marci Shimoff. You are in some pretty good company here! How did you become a coauthor in this wonderful book and how do you feel being in such good company?

A: Well, I had an incredible opportunity to share my story and the opportunity presented itself into this great company of authors. It is certainly an honor to be a part of this life-changing series on finding your purpose in life. It's got inspiration, motivation, and even some business 'how-to'!

Q: You had a special message that you wanted to share with the readers, based upon your personal experience. Can you share some of your story with us now?

A: Absolutely, at 32, I found myself widowed with three small children, away from family, completely devastated! It was one of those suddenlies that happened in one phone call that changed the course of my life. My husband was 34 and diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, We fought for six months, Hard-Until he was called home. My faith helped me get through this incredibly challenging time. My message is one of hope and inspiration to anyone searching for answers to life's most perplexing question ... Why am I here?

Q: Why is it that you think most people don't pursue their dreams?

A: Many people feel stuck! It is easy to look at your current situation and believe that this is what it is and will be. No, life is more than your current situation. It is loaded with possibilities! If you can Dream then You Can Discover--You...!

Q: What was it like for you - when you found out your husband was sick? Were you overwhelmed or scared? Did you think about what your life would be like?

A: I was very angry. It was such a blow and such a shock. I was numb. If you can imagine, I was all alone and felt this was my lot in life. No one around me could relate, so I was left to pick up the pieces and stay strong for my children. I thought no one would marry a woman with three small children. Why?

Q: How did you manage to keep going?

A: I had to get up and do more. I had to love myself.

Q: What advice do you have for women who have faced adversity and are struggling to move forward?

A: They have to pick up the pieces. They must know they are a beautiful, creative source and they also have to start acting like it. When I was dealing with my husband's death, I would put on my makeup, comb my hair and dress the part. I had to be ready for what was next and what God had in store for me and so do they. Now, today, I'm happily married through this restoration process.

Q: So through this restoration process not only did you get remarried you found your true purpose. When did you know that you had found YOUR true purpose?

A: I began to help other people. I was there for a friend of mine who was dealing with an issue. I was there to help her and to guide her, and I saw she was following my advice. She began to grow and have that sense of confidence. In helping her, I helped myself and it became my new purpose to help others find theirs.

Q: What do you recommend people do who are trying to find their true purpose?

A: You have to be aware of your surroundings and look into your daily activities. Focus on what you're doing that you're so passionate about. I recommend people get quiet for 7 days and write down in a journal whatever you think about over that time period no matter how big or small it may be. You're making a blueprint of your life and your successes. You're trying to find what your ability is and what you're passionate about. We're all born with something we were meant to do. We should also ask God for anything we desire. God has put us here for a reason. Now, it's up to us to go out and find it. The thing to remember is that often whatever we need is on the other side of what we don't want to do.

Q: Do you think there is one reason in particular that keeps most of us stuck in our situations, reluctant to move forward?

A: Fear. Fear keeps most of us from doing a lot of things whether it be financial, business, just trying to be that mom. It's fear. Fear is false evidence appeared real so we have to take that fear away and just do it.

Q: How can people overcome their fear?

A: First people have to change their thinking. Then you have to do and take the limitations off. You have to know the possibilities are there. There are lots of people with terrible backgrounds who are famous and rich right now because they removed all the barriers. You have to trust to do whatever it is you're suppose to do.

Q: Right now our economy is in great shambles, what do you recommend to people who are trying to find their passion while trying to find work to pay their bills or trying to keep their job?

A: I know it's hard right now but this economy really provides a great opportunity to find your passion. I encourage people to not focus on getting a paycheck but to focus on having a life worth living that's defined by your passion and your purpose..

To learn more about Robbie Chaney or to purchase the book visit http://www.chaneycoaching.com.

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