I am sharing this brief story with you as encouragement that we all have a good samaritan somewhere deep within us. It is easy to get lost in our own problems, but we have opportunities every day to reach out to people struggling all around us.

The good news is that you can take back control, no matter how fast your merry-go-round might be spinning. The better news is that you can start today. It begins, quite simply, with your choice, and just one small step.

Disruption necessitates exploration and uncertainty, which means that "trying new things" is not merely a well-worn cliché but an urgent moral imperative. It is, it seems to me, sacred.

Time is our most precious and scarcest resource. For those dreams that require strength and stamina, remember that a dream delayed might become a dream denied. Instead of lamenting over what you can no longer do, focus on what you can do to add meaning and joy to your life.

My mom has certainly been the source of constant inspiration. Anyone who has heard me speak has heard stories about her. Although she is highly educated and accomplished, her advice is usually quite simple yet powerful if applied.

Early this spring, I came to my ancient great-aunt with news. She was perched in her chair, sitting cross-legged like a yogi, sipping Coca-Cola, and listening to her books on tape when I opened her screen door.

If you're like me, there's probably something in your life that you're deeply passionate about. You would love to build your life around this passion, your purpose, or your craft, but you "just can't."

I think one of the easiest ways to be happy is to understand forgiveness. We all make mistakes, everyone of us. But not everyone understands how important it is to truly forgive.

My father comes from a generation that has much to teach us today. We can deceive ourselves all we want that today's world holds us to a different standard, but as I get older I recognize that we also have the ability to choose the lives we want to lead.

While I truly believe that the choices we make and even the thoughts we think all matter greatly and affect the outcome of our existence, I also believe there is also another force at work and our role is actually more of a co-creator in our own lives.

One of the great teachings in spiritual life is this: It doesn't matter what is happening. What matters is how we respond. How we respond is what determines our happiness and peace of mind.

Is something bothering you? Put it down, give it a break, walk away and forget about it -- for now. Trust your higher consciousness to keep working on a solution.

Discovering what it takes to lead a life that counts is something that has always fascinated me. Judging from the people I've met who live with a sense of regret and hopelessness, it's obvious that we often make mistakes in the pursuit of a meaningful life. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Before making any major choice in life, I gift myself with time to sit and contemplate. I bring myself into a meditative state and bring myself into the stillness of the silence.

I encourage you all to stop, really stop and take stock. Make sure you are living with passion and passionately living. Surround yourself with people that raise you up, that fill your life, heart and soul with passion.

Being polite often means not communicating how we really feel. We swallow the truth to keep our jobs, our friends and to maintain the peace in the family. It's likely better that way, but when it comes to figuring out next career and life moves, half-truths will keep you stuck.

Have you ever replayed in your head pivotal moments in your life and regretted your actions or words? Ever feel a twinge when your mouth said one thing and your heart felt another? Perhaps your conscience is trying to get your attention.