Here’s an amazing story about a Sudanese refugee who came to the U.S. in 2000 with his family. This young man fled war torn Sudan with his family and landed in the Atlanta area. He and his family, unfortunately, continued to feel the same as they had in their own country - outcasts. Then another tragedy struck when his mother and three siblings were killed in a car accident.

Soccer helped Shamsoun Dikori overcome wounds war, unimaginable loss

Next time you think the world is coming down on you, watch this and see how someone overcame way more than, at least I, have ever had to. The things I deal with are minuscule to this.

I had a recent conversation with a friend about the incredible show “Inside the Actor’s Studio” on Bravo. In particular, we talked about the episode with Robin Williams. Well, it happened to be on yesterday around 6:00 and I got hooked into it again.

This guy is absolutely amazing in this setting. Just to watch his brain work is an amazing lesson. I loved how he talked about giving yourself the freedom to explore. I also understood his discussions about creativity being like a drug - how it’s in our nature to want to create. And, once you’ve participated in the creation of something, we want to continue to do so.

To me, the most profound thing was at the end when he was chatting with the students. One actress asked him about the fear of going to the unknown and/or not being great at his craft. He said, “what fear?” Then, went on to talk about he did have some fear in the beginning of his career, but now his experience has more than supplanted his fear.

So, to wrap up this post, I am going to answer Mr. Lipton’s questionnaire:

1. What is your favorite word? Yes
2. What is your least favorite word? Can’t
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Empowerment
4. What turns you off? Negativism
5. What is your favorite curse word? Fu¢k
6. What sound or noise do you love? The swish of footie pajamas in the kitchen on Saturday morning.
7. What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on a chalkboard.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Songwriter
9. What profession would you not like to do? IRS Auditor
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Relax

I heard this fabulous acronynm today at a lunch for my E.O. group:

F[alse]
E[vidence]
A[ppearing]
R[eal]

I have been oh so guilty of letting fear dictate my actions and it’s one thing that I have been slowly erasing from my psyche. It’s amazing what just letting it go will do for your confidence, capabilities and opportunities.

I’m a sucker for a great commercial. This one will go down as a f@#$ing classic!

Today’s Leo horoscope:

You can achieve a lot of marvelous things today — and if you do, don’t be shy about tooting your own horn. Your pride deserves a chance to shine right now, so let it out and don’t be concerned that you might make anyone else feel uncomfortable. You rarely sing your own praises, so when the time is right to do it, you should do it! Chances are, as soon as you point out how much of a superstar you are, people will be in total agreement.