Nancy Stampahar
Nancy Stampahar is an
organizational development consultant,
trainer and keynote speaker who
earned her degree in human resource management and created
her own business, Silver Lining Solutions®, after she
decided to make lemonade. Nancy is donating a portion of the
book’s proceeds to “The Over 21 Disabilities Project” she
created in memory of her brother. Visit Nancy online at
http://www.peaceloveandlemonade.com
"Even with
insurmountable odds at all sides, it doesn't mean
one can't overcome the odds to improve one's life.
"Peace, Love, and Lemonade: A Recipe to Make Your
Life Sweeter" is a collection of Nancy Stampahar's
reflections and anecdotes about her family and how
in spite of anything holding them back, they moved
forward and greatly improved their lives. Her mother
overcame single parenthood for her degree, and Nancy
herself overcoming the lack of a diploma, "Peace,
Love, and Lemonade" is a great story that will
inspire readers to overcome what life lays in front
of them." Jim Cox, Book Review – Midwest Book Review
Small Press Bookwatch
“As I read the
book, I was inspired, once again, by the wonderful
lemonade you have made from a life that was indeed
filled with lemons. Good for you, Nancy! You make us
believe that we can achieve our goals, despite all
odds.” Natalie Lustig, Business Program Coordinator
Carnegie Library
PageOneLit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of
your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?
Nancy Stampahar: I grew up with the greatest influences
of my life in Pittsburgh, PA. I open my book with the sentence, “I was
born into inspiration.” I say this because my single-parent mother and
mentally-challenged brother showed me early on how to make lemonade out of
our lemons. Honestly, I was not an avid reader or writer when I was young.
As I was evolving over the years, I learned how to be an honest, reflective
writer out of necessity to deal with the emotions my tough circumstances
stirred within me.
PageOneLit.com: Why did you write "PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO
MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER"?
Nancy Stampahar: I wrote "PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE - A
RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER" because I knew my personal stories and
growth strategies, techniques and wisdom could help people live better lives
and get happy no matter what tough circumstances (lemons) they were given.
It is also intended to compliment my training seminars and keynote
presentations.
PageOneLit.com: In "PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE
SWEETER", you discuss how lemon seeds and skin influence us more than the
lemon itself - Explain.
Nancy Stampahar: I named the lemon seeds anger, fear,
guilt and shame based on some of the emotions that we can feel going through
life and especially during tough times. Our emotions can be very
overwhelming and powerful at times, which can keep us stuck unless we deal
with them. When we deal with our emotions in healthy, positive ways, we are
on our way to making some refreshing lemonade. And when we grate the skin
(lighthearted zest) off our lemons, we will lighten up, become playful and
have some fun!
PageOneLit.com: How important is it for us to step away from our comfort
zones? Explain. How about people who are shut in and in a rut helping an
elderly family - How can a person like this get out of their rut? Get out of
their comfort zone?
Nancy Stampahar: Most people like things nice-n-easy. It
takes time and energy to think, say and do things differently, and it’s not
easy. But, but if we want something to be different, we must do something
different; or it will never be different. It has become very common in
America for adult children to take care of their aging family. Anyone who
is in a caregiver role can expect extra stress during this life experience.
So, it is critical for caregivers to seek outside support if possible and to
absolutely take care of themselves too. Caregivers can take care of
themselves by getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a healthy diet,
exercising, taking breaks and talking about their stress and heartache with
someone. A person can start getting out of their rut/comfort zone by making
a choice to begin taking care of themself too.
PageOneLit.com: In "PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE
SWEETER", you write that 'Guilt can keep us from a happy life' - Please
Explain. How does one let go of guilt?
Nancy Stampahar: Guilt can rob us of taking care of
ourselves first because we are more focused on pleasing others to seek their
approval and to not be rejected. It’s hard to get happy if we are
consistently putting the needs of others before our own. When our needs
don’t get filled, we build up negative energy (resentments) and become
unhappy. The first step to letting go of guilt is to truly believe that
you are deserving of being happy too. Happiness is not just for everyone
else. Then, you must realize that setting boundaries and learning to say
“no” sometimes is okay to do; it’s a necessity. Once you learn effective
dialogue to use, the final step must take place – you must speak up for
yourself.
PageOneLit.com: In "PEACE, LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE
TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER", there is a GREAT quote , "It's never too late to
be what you could have been." What does that quote personally mean to you?
Nancy Stampahar: Being a “late bloomer” myself by
graduating from college in my mid-thirties, I believe people can finally
make choices later in life that they wished they would have done years ago.
Also later in life, people can finally discover and pursue their true
interests and passions. Many people wake up one day, later in life, and say
to their selves, “I’m really not happy with my life. Who am I? What do I
want be when I grow up? What do I want to do for the rest of my life? What
really matters most to me?.” Then, the exploration and action begin to
finally be what you could have been.
PageOneLit.com: What is your personal recipe for a happy
life?
Nancy Stampahar: My personal recipe for a happy life
requires an open mind. An open mind that explores different people,
activities, perspectives, information and opportunities; moreover, an open
mind that explores an authentic life filled with passion, accountability,
love and compassion.
PageOneLit.com: What did you learn from writing "PEACE,
LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER"?
Nancy Stampahar: Besides learning that there is so much
more involved with writing and publishing a book than meets the eye, I
learned anything is possible if we keep trying, learning and following
through.
PageOneLit.com: What do you hope to achieve with "PEACE,
LOVE AND LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER"?
Nancy Stampahar: It is my hope that "PEACE, LOVE AND
LEMONADE - A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SWEETER" will help people get unstuck
and overcome their tough circumstances. There is nothing more gratifying
than seeing someone make lemonade out of their lemons. This means, that I
also hope its readers will help other people make lemonade by sharing my
story, as well as their own.
PageOneLit.com: What's next?
Nancy Stampahar: I have Peace, Love and Lemonade®
trademarked and intend on writing a series of books. I am uncertain how
many books will be in the series or the content of the second book. But I
do know it will be titled, “Peace, Love and Lemonade: A Recipe to(…)”. Have
any ideas for me?
PageOneLit.com: What was the last book you read?
Nancy Stampahar: I love to learn and find myself mostly
enjoying a variety of quick read articles in magazines and on-line related
to personal growth, organizational behavior, and of course both the
publishing and speaking businesses. The last publication I read was
“Leadership Excellence” I have many books on my shelves in these same arenas
and find myself reading them as my interest reference needs require. The
last book I referenced was, “Happiness and the Human Spirit” by Abraham J.
Twerski, MD.
PageOneLit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they
enhance your writing?
Nancy Stampahar: I love being outdoors. When I am
enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, I feel rejuvenated, which helps me
clear my mind to make room for creative brainstorming. I enjoy
invigorating activities like rollerblading, water skiing, snow skiing, even
yard work and shoveling snow. They are a blast!
