Annie M. Fonte

01/16/2025

Question:
Do you focus more on what you have or what you don't have?
Be honest. Do you catch yourself thinking about the things, places, or people you do have or those you don't have?
Getting lured toward all the shiny objects out there can be easy, tempting you to want more. But how often do you find a quiet corner and take inventory of your blessings, all that you do have?
For instance:
A roof over your head
Running water
Comfortable clothes and shoes
A vehicle or bicycle or other transportation
A close friend
Food in your pantry
Lights that go on when you flip a switch
A heart that keeps beating
Lungs that keep breathing
Eyes that keep seeing
Ears that keep hearing...
And a mind that can make just about anything possible if you are willing.
Today, I'd like to invite you to answer this question.
You have so much.
Remember that.
Every.
Single.
Day.

01/10/2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-a-soloist-in-the-san-francisco-opera-boys/id1353482128?i=1000683222947
Throughout 2025, I will be having podcast conversations with my Harvard Business School classmates. This year is the unfolding of our 33rd year post-Harvard. I know you will enjoy these conversations. Better yet, you will receive words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration from a group of men and women who have done incredible things while facing the personal challenges of being human.
My first HBS guest is Dan Howard. He is currently the V.P. of Visit Park City. However, his path to getting to this point is fascinating. Have a listen.

Podcast Episode · The Bad-Ass Soul Seeking Warrior Podcast Series · 01/08/2025 · 1h 14m

01/08/2025

This Rumi quote came up in my planner today: "Life is a balance of holding on and letting go."
Like so many of you, I am heartbroken by the loss that thousands of people living in the Los Angeles area of Southern California face. In these times, we often visit the out-of-the-way places of our hearts. I have experienced the total loss of my home in a California wildfire. For me, it was a time when my destination was not yet clear, but I had to trust in the promise of a new opening.
These folks have many hard days, months, and maybe years before them. I hope they will unfurl themselves into the grace and space of new beginnings. And that soon enough, a new rhythm will arise out of the ashes because, as Rumi so wisely shared, Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the challenging days ahead.

01/07/2025

I love this. I was having a podcast conversation with a Harvard Business School classmate. He told me about a recent talk he had attended, and the speaker said, "Most of us die when we are 24 years old." This means we lose our visions, dreams, and certainty of possibility at a young age because we buy into the limitations others bestow upon us. What aren't you doing today because someone told you your idea was risky, impossible, or pointless?

I invite you to listen to your heart/gut and do it anyway.

12/24/2024

Merry Christmas, my friend. May you and yours have a blessed and safe Christmas together. And as you enjoy the season's traditions, please remember those who will not be with their families enjoying a beautiful meal and opening gifts on Christmas Day. Here is a short list:
Doctors
Nurses
Firemen
Policemen and women
Pilots
Hotel workers
Chefs
Waiters
Emergency personnel
Gas station personnel
Truck drivers
Emergency room personnel
Servicemen and women
Customer service folks
Caregivers
and so many more...
Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as they are everyday heroes.
Enjoy your friends and families through the next several days of celebration and good cheer. Be kind and gentle with yourself and others, and don't forget to express gratitude for all you have.
All the very best to you.

12/23/2024

Would you like a "Bag of Questions" to use over the holidays? DM me your email address, and I will send you 365 Questions you can use during Christmas and New Year's to have thought-provoking conversations with family & friends.
Here are a few examples:
1. What is the meaning of 'peace' to you?
2. What is missing in your life?
3. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
I am happy to share all the questions.
Let me know if you would like to get them.
xo
Annie

12/19/2024

Are you putting the pieces together? These are some of my thoughts about how jigsaw puzzles are a metaphor for life. I hope you have a read.

A Metaphor For Life I love to do jigsaw puzzles. Recently, I was in the throes of a rather challenging puzzle when it occurred to me that these puzzles are a wonderful metaphor for life. I believe God (or Source, the Universe, or whatever you believe in) has a master plan for us. Each of us

12/18/2024

If you are looking for a good Christmas read, I suggest Comfort & Joy. It is an imaginative, clever, thought-provoking, and captivating fable.
It just goes to show you how powerful our minds can be.

12/18/2024

In these last days, before the holiday travel starts and the events and traditions of Christmas unfold, remember this: Hold yourself and others more gently. Don't take yourself too seriously; it causes unnecessary challenges. Just when you think 'you' are in charge, the reality is that you aren't. Unexpected things will happen, and you may start to feel helpless.
It's OK. Let go of attempting to maintain a worn-out narrative of being the strong one. Slow down and embrace yourself as a human being with passions and flaws and fears and talents. We all have them. Allow yourself to just BE and surrender to the process.

12/11/2024

I just started reading Frank Ostaseski's The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully. It is profound, charming, radical, and comforting.
This is a quote from the book, "Whatever we have done with our lives makes us what we are when we die. And everything, absolutely everything counts." -Soygal Rinpoche
I recommend the book.
The first invitation: Don't Wait.

12/06/2024

Life is too short to dread your days. Read this.

Do You Dread Your Days? How many times have you heard, "I hate Mondays." "I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow." "I can't wait for the weekend.” "I hate my job." For me, it is all too often. On a recent Monday morning after a long weekend, I asked someone how they

12/03/2024

Do You Love the Stuff You Have?

Do You Love Your Things? At the end of my daily walk with my dog, I stopped for a minute and looked around my property. In that brief pause, I said, “I love all I have. Otherwise, I would un-have it.” As we start the holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Americans will spend between

11/25/2024

There is nothing like a robust walk in Nature to make you feel better. All you have to do is notice all the beauty that surrounds you and breathe in the fresh air and things change for the better.
🍁🍂

11/18/2024

This is Sunday morning (11/17) at my barn/garden. It is early, and it is chilly (at least for S. California). I tended to the garden and cleaned up around the barn while listening to podcasts. True chased birds. As the rising sun started to warm my cold body, I sat down and took it all in. Think about all the noise in our lives. Traffic, music, the radio, videos, news, crowds, etc. Sometimes, we need to shut it all down and be. True and I sat and watched the sunrise, basking in the light and warmth on our faces. We listened to the birds chirp, and the leaves rustle. We took in the smells of wet grass and dirt and a fresh breeze. The hummingbirds (Chief & Winston) joined us as we meditated. And most importantly, we said, "Thank you for ALL of this!"
I would like to invite you to do the same. Shut off the noise, close off the distractions, and focus on all the goodness in your life. It's good for the soul.

11/16/2024

Remember to notice the little things because they add up to big things.

11/15/2024

What a beautiful way to watch the sun give way to the moon. Camping.

11/01/2024

Hi, my friends,
I am excited to let you know that my book Live & Lead With Intention: a 10-Step Guide to Create a Life You Love is now available on Amazon.
This playbook is 128 pages packed with questions, processes, suggestions, and insights to assist you in creating a life you LOVE!
Stay tuned for information and invites to join me in January 2025 to traverse through this playbook as a community determined to live the s**t out of life.
Here is the link to the playbook on Amazon:
https://bit.ly/3YIzRKP
Have the BEST weekend. I will check in with you soon.
xo