I love to watch movies based on true stories, interviews on the Biography channel, and performers talking to James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio. I think it’s fascinating how lives evolve and how one pivotal decision —or one decision made repeatedly— impacts a person’s destiny. I’m especially intrigued by their challenges, failures, espoused philosophies, risks taken, and moments of victory. Read more
I knew I would like Julie and Julia, the movie about blog author Julie Powell and adored chef Julia Child, because: a) it was about food, b) it was a glorious example of following your passion no matter how late you get started, c) it was about food…oh, I mentioned that already, and d) I got to see the movie with my friend since first grade, Luisa, who is herself an amazing cook, though she’d shy away from that title. As we watched Julia on screen, I made mental notes of the ingredients that when combined, resulted in Julia’s tremendous success and what you could call a delectable life. Read more
In the last issue, All the Way to Thriving, I stated that thriving goes beyond success, means having a sense of purpose, and is something you define for yourself. The close-up below conveys the story of one of my clients, Lydia¹, and how she came to identify her purpose. Read more
In the biographical movie “For Love or Country,” we learn about the life of the uniquely talented Cuban trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval. Despite being raised in extreme poverty, Arturo realized his boyhood dream of becoming a musician. He experienced popular success and critical acclaim while living in Cuba. (1) Read more
The report of Christopher Reeve’s death was the first news item I heard yesterday morning. The newscasters said his legacy was not his acting career, but the way he championed the crusade to find a cure for paralysis. I recalled hearing Christopher Reeve speak at a seminar I attended four years ago. He said he had discovered that “you can do a lot more than you think” and that it’s amazing what inner resources we have that we don’t even know about. He came to understand that our relationships are “more important than doing stuff.” I believe his openness to these lessons and his very decision to live are the heart of his legacy. Read more