Conversations with the Inspiring Meg Nocero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Nocero.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In April of 2011, not only did I lose my mother to breast cancer, I also lost my way. To navigate the grieving process, I turned to writing as a healing tool. I started simply. I would wake in the morning and read from a book that resonated with me. When a quote or a passage spoke to me, I grabbed my journal and channeled at least three pages of long hand about what I felt my mother would want to communicate to me about it. One day led to the next, and this routine led me to complete my first book, a self-help guide called The Magical Guide to Bliss: Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit & Inner Bliss. My intention is for the book to empower readers to step into the unknown and wake up to a universe packed with possibility, because that’s exactly what happened to me as I wrote it. In addition to allowing me to feel connected to my mom, it helped me muster the courage to make a career change after 20 years as a federal prosecutor. I’m now an inspirational writer, speaker and certified empowerment coach, which I believe is my true calling in life. As an attorney for the government, I recruited and mentored over 300 law students, college students, high school student and colleagues and guided them as they navigated their own professional and personal journeys. Now, I am offering my expertise and wisdom as a service to the greater community as I help many more people manifest the life of their dreams.

And even now, I turn to my book and use the daily insights for clarity and direction. It is my morning meditation, it is a place where I transform dreams into reality, and it is liberating and healing in a way like no other. It is where I wrote my way out of darkness to rediscover my inner light. It is what helped me transform into a beautiful butterfly.

The Magical Guide to Bliss embarks on a transformational adventure of wonder, magic, and miracles as readers discover the keys that will lead them to experience new ways to live life and open the door to inner bliss.
I remember thinking how easy it is to get stuck in life, far short of where she wanted to be; and whether you feel trapped by tedium or pain, it’s hard to keep from despairing that this is all there is and that bliss is just a myth.

Yet, Oprah’s “Live the Life You Want 2014” came to Miami and it catapulted me to take the final step and truly live the life I wanted. One of her long time dreams was to meet Oprah and she was one of the lucky ones to get called up on stage with Oprah in Miami and as they say, the rest is history; in this case, it’s a book!

“I will never forget Oprah looking me in the eyes saying to me “this is your moment Meg, don’t miss it, it is time to live the life you want!” And so, I have! As my colleague points out over and over again, words matter, so I am choosing to use them well to empower others.”

Kirkus Reviews praised The Magical Guide to Bliss as “a successful, progressive daily handbook about awareness, creativity, gratitude, and fulfillment.” This book was named a Finalist in the Inspirational Non-Fiction Category for both the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the 11th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards.

As far as my accomplishments are concerned, I am an avid learner who holds a BA in Spanish, with a concentration in Italian from Boston College; an MA in international affairs from the University of Miami; and a JD from St. Thomas University School of Law. I hold certifications as a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center instructor as well as the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. I was interviewed on CNN Español and I am a contributor for Amy Butler’s on-line publication, Blossom Magazine. I also am the host of the YouTube program “Manifesting with Meg” twice a month.

I am also the founder of a 501c3 non-profit called S.H.I.NE. Networking Inc. whose mission is to create for the Greater Miami community a high vibration, energy icon event that is based in service to encourage spreading the energy of love and empowerment through inspirational speakers, sharing talents, and networking with incredible people. As in the past, we held three amazing networking events inviting you to claim your tiara, join the journey to bliss, and tap into your creative side to manifest magic as you embolden your journey even more! We have awarded SHINE Ambassador scholarships to young innovative leaders in the community who have used their talents and gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. Our next S.H.I.N.E. event will take place in South Florida next February and the workshop is entitled “Love is All We Need.”

I am also a Love Button Ambassador and an Advisory Board member for Love Button Global Movement founded by Dr. Habib Sadeghi and Dr. Sherry Sami. The Love Button Global Movement is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with an international humanitarian mission to foster loving acts of kindness and to collaborate with organizations and individuals who transform and uplift the lives of our human family. Love Button supports programs locally and globally that promote physical and mental health, nurture education and cultivate loving action through our “Love Is” Dandelion Initiative. www.LoveButton.org I recently walked 117 km on El Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain calling it my El Camino de Amor (Walk of Love) giving out over 700 Love Buttons as I was found that it is through connecting with others from a place of love that we will all find peace (currently working on my memoir called The Story of the Beautiful Butterflies- Trust the Process (La Storia delle belle farfalle) where I detail my journey from grief to transition to spiritual awakening on El Camino).

I launched Love Button’s Teacher of the Year Award and Education Grant that honors teachers that touch lives.
The TAFI awards recognize teachers who engage their students in creative ways to ignite a passion for learning and empower others to reach their true potential. The TAFI award is named in honor of y mother, Mary Jo Nocero, an accomplished educator who had a profound effect on thousands of students. She awoke the hidden potential and inspired countless people, both young and old, to surpass their perceived limitations and to excel. Teaching others is a true act of love and selfless service. One of the greatest gifts anyone can give is the gift of knowledge. With knowledge comes power and the ability to be and do more than ever imagined.

Love Button also announces a call for nominations for the 2018 TAFI award. If you know a teacher who has overcome adversity, inspired teamwork and innovation, elevated academic excellence, advocated for others, championed community efforts, or created new opportunities for students, then we want to hear from you. Simply write to us explaining why your nominee is an exceptional teacher and how he or she touched your life or the lives of others. Please be as specific as possible and include your phone number, as well as your teacher’s contact information, and any related photos. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2018, at info@lovebutton.org. Please write “TAFI Nominee” in the subject line. The winner will be chosen and announced on World Teacher’s Day, October 5, 2018. Winners will be featured on Love Button’s website and social media. Show us what’s super about your teacher and how he or she shares love through education every day.

It is my mission to wake others up to a universe packed with possibility—and to help them discover just how simple it is to jumpstart their life. In addition, I am now in a position to make a difference in the lives of others and my community by using my expertise, life experience and wisdom to share innovative solutions to what others may perceive as insurmountable problems. Butterflies & Bliss is now the avenue through which I can do my part to leave a legacy of positive change by effectively empowering hope, possibility, and enlightenment one person at a time.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road for me, especially after I lost my mother in 2011. I went through a period of anxiety and depression. But surrounding myself with friends and loved ones and getting the tools that worked for me, I was able to pull myself out of it. Persistence and/or perseverance is the key to lasting success. I have often found that the greatest opportunities have come in times of my biggest challenges and/or disappointments as I have had to rethink how I am going to get around the illusory wall in front of me. The greatest advice I can give to other women is to make sure to get clear as to what you want in life. Really think about what makes you come alive and get curious. Pay attention to what unfolds on any given day and keep an open mind as to what the next step should be. Be astonished by the magic that life offers you. Be sure to share your story and your wisdom with others when you make it through. You can inspire and pay forward your life lessons and be of service to others. And most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. Sure we go through times where we may be disillusioned on this journey, but ultimately we must be our greatest advocates, so a belief in oneself is paramount.

My year of transition has predominantly been a year of isolation. Going from an office environment to working from my home, as an extrovert, there have been moments of depression, sadness even grief! An identity loss of sorts – who am I? what am I supposed to do? and a lot of how did I get here? comes up. You wonder a lot if you matter anymore, on this Earth, breathing the same air, walking the same path. I know I thrive with people – I thrive to serve and work as a team. When you are alone a lot, you may feel invisible and forgotten. But I keep reminding myself that this is not the case, because juxtaposed against new experiences that have been mind-blowing and a liberation that has been incredibly exciting- I know this part of my life would never have happened where I was, in fact, I probably would have been isolated anyway if I remained because I would have lost belief in myself. Life has its ups and downs. This is very important to remember. I love the quote “your time as a caterpillar has come to an end” BC for me it means that as I keep moving through this transition, one foot in front of the other, the darkness will subside and there will be light again. There already is. But suffering in silence is no solution. Perhaps, you are afraid to be vulnerable because people will use your weaknesses against you (this has been a truth for me). But if you find your “people” you trust, those you go to feel a release of the built up pain and validate and make you feel loved you’ll get through anything. They are your team. Keep in mind to love yourself means to get what you need and hope others are up to the task. Not everyone will be- you have to choose wisely. As CS Lewis said, “Hardship provides an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny” and transition or change is not for the faint of heart, but liberation is so worth it. Find your team to help you – “your people” – trust them especially in times of darkness and remember to be there for them when you walk into the light! You are just growing your wings so you can fly! And it is extraordinary that you don’t have to go it alone- and when you persevere through it all, the payoff is amazing!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Butterflies & Bliss is my company name S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc. is my non-profit story. Tell us more about the business.
In addition to my skillset as a lawyer and policy consultant, I am an inspirational author, motivational speaker, and empowerment coach. I also am the president and founder of a non-profit and networking event called S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc (spirit.hope.insight.networking.event) and a member of the Love Button Global Movement Advisory Board.

Most importantly, I am a master at manifesting my own dreams and empowering through coaching others to do the same. About 19 years ago, I spear-headed the intern program while I was working for the federal government and have mentored and guided over 300 students. I am an incredible networker and collaborator. I have worked with the career placement centers for all local universities, and have acted as an adjunct teaching law students, college students, and high school students how to litigate cases and guide their lives both professionally and personally.

My first book, The Magical Guide to Bliss has helped and inspired many people to begin making the changes necessary to live the life of their dreams one month at a time, and one day at a time.

What sets me apart from others is that I make my own opportunities through innovation and by following my intuition. In many respects, I am very magical. I lead with my light and follow my bliss and those who want to share in the greatest journey are welcome to join me on my path.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
As far as finding a mentor is concerned, there are many groups and organizations in the community that offer to create these types of connections. In order to narrow down where to go first, my suggestion is to look into the area of interest and do a google search to community organizations that address that field.

Many women are interested in being mentors to the next generations. Sometimes if you admire a person for their character and career path, the best course of action is to ask to meet for coffee or lunch. Do your research first and make the initiative to understand their story and background and why you would like the opportunity to connect. You will be very surprised at the outcome when you do.

If you are interested in setting up a coaching relationship, feel free to contact me and as a bonus, I will take you on as a mentee.

Pricing:

• The Magical Guide to Bliss available on Amazon for $19.95/ signed copies from the author upon request with added inspirational bonus $25 plus S&H
• Empowerment Coaching packages $300 individual session/$1000 for 4- special pricing packages upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: www.megnocero.com
• Phone: 786-261-7261
• Email: megnocero@mac.com
• Instagram: @megnocero
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/meggiebliss
• Twitter: @megnocero

Image Credit:
Meg Nocero

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