Excellence Reporter: Dr. Fellingham, what is the meaning of life?

Paula Fellingham: Life has had different meanings for me during my nearly 70 years of living.

As a girl growing up in the glow of a famous parent, defining the meaning of life never crossed my mind. I laughed and skipped my way through a happy, carefree childhood. During those years I was not aware of anyone in my life’s circle discussing such things as “the meaning of life.”

During those sunny days, shallow, surface conversations sufficed.

I began awakening during college. When I was 17 years old the family money was gone so I took a 6pm to 2am waitress shift at a burger joint in Los Angeles to pay tuition. That difficult daily drudgery, combined with exhilarating, mind-expanding college classes began shaping my meaning of life. I remember drinking in every opportunity to think deeply about such things.

Meaty, meaningful conversations began.

As a young mother holding my first child, the meaning of life changed dramatically. My entire body and soul were immersed in the magical magnificence of new life. I experienced a never-before-imagined love and complete devotion to a tiny human being that I helped create. I vividly remember being in complete awe and amazement. For me, giving birth was both excruciatingly painful and indescribably joyful. It was like experiencing a metamorphosis of my soul. Beginning in that moment, with the birth of our first child, and continuing until this very moment – the meaning of my life has been inextricably woven into the tapestry of family as our hearts are knit together with unconditional love.

Animated conversations about the meaning of life were frequent.

During the years that followed, as my husband and I raised our children, we enjoyed countless blessings and experienced unimaginable challenges. Months were spent in hospitals; heartache and pain were part of our journey. And yet our love and commitment never wavered as we learned priceless life lessons. The joy that followed our pain was always immeasurably sweet and deeply appreciated. And as the children grew from tiny to tall, dependent to independent, weak to wise, our conversations about the meaning of life matured, also. We now had a richer, wiser understanding of the brevity and preciousness of the short time we’re here on earth. Both our perspectives and our attitudes helped shape our reflective thoughts.

Much deeper conversations about the meaning of life grew from the life lessons we learned.

And now, in this – Life’s Third Act – I stand profoundly amazed, and a bit melancholy, about life and its meaning. I have laughed and loved and learned and lived fully, and I continue to do so. I am thrilled with the dawning of each new day! For daily I have the opportunity to teach women worldwide… to help wash the scales from the eyes of those who are in the process of waking up. I assist as they open their eyes and see clearly – and feel deeply – and share abundantly – the magnificent life and gifts that are uniquely theirs. I want to help them live joyfully and love abundantly, filled with powerful, soul-filling gratitude that will turn their hearts to serve their brothers and sisters who are traveling life’s journey with them.

And when humanity is linked together in love, conversations about the meaning of life will, perhaps, be simply unspoken messages from one heart to another.

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~Dr. Paula Noble Fellingham is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Information Network (WIN), an educational and social network for women, and a global community of women: www.WomensInformationNetwork.com. The WIN hosted the largest gathering of women in history for the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2011: 377 live events in 152 countries.

Paula is the Founder of the non-profit organization, the Global Prosperity and Peace Initiative (GPPI). Dr. Fellingham and her team work with Peace Ambassadors worldwide to fulfill their mission “to increase the level of love, prosperity, and peace on Earth.” See www.ProsperityandPeaceInitiative.org.

Dr. Fellingham is the Founder of the Women of the Middle East Network: www.WomenOfTheMiddleEast.org.

Paula’s comprehensive “Total Life Excellence” curriculum is taught globally to strengthen people mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, financially, and in their relationships.

Paula has given presentations to delegates at the United Nations, for the World Movement of Mothers in Paris, and at numerous other conferences across the world. Paula participated in the World Congress on Families in Geneva, and at the World Movement of Mothers Conference at NATO Headquarters.

Former radio personality, for years Paula hosted a daily two-hour show called “Solutions For Families.”

Magazine contributor, Paula has written articles for People Magazine, International Business Times, Boston Globe, ABC 11, Worth Magazine, Family Living, Executive Excellence.

Founder of Solutions For Families, Inc, Women Celebrating Life, Inc., Families Now, Inc., Unlimited Living International, Inc. Former member of the National Board of Directors, Worldwide Organization for Women. Former Vice President of eFamily.com. Former Executive Director of Families Worldwide Inc.

Producer of The Fellingham Family musical group. Paula’s eight-member family band performed across America and internationally for twelve summers. During their final season, The Fellingham Family presented 273 shows.

She is author of six books, including the internationally popular Believe It! Become It! How to Hurdle Barriers and Excel Like Never Before. Recipient of the “Points of Light Award” given by U. S. President George W. Bush. Recipient of the “President’s Volunteer Service Award” given by U.S. President Barack Obama. Honored as Washington State Young Mother of the Year and Utah State Woman of the Year.

Paula received her Bachelor of Arts in 1971, and her Doctorate in 2004. Dr. Gilbert Fellingham (University Professor of Statistics) and Paula are the parents of 8 children, and the grandparents of 24 grandchildren.
www.PaulaFellingham.com

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