Finding joy within ourselves (and being determined to do so no matter what's going on around us or what's happening in the world) really can help to make the world a better place.

Empathy is getting into another person's world and connecting with them both emotionally and compassionately. We don't have to agree with them or fully understand them to be able to empathize.

If we pay much attention to the media, it's easy to get the impression that life is really scary, dangerous, and there are lots of terrible things happening all over the place.

Requesting support can often make us feel vulnerable. We usually think (somewhat erroneously) that we should be able to do everything ourselves or that by admitting we need help, we are somehow being weak.

Consciously question reality. Most of what we deem to be real is made up of negative ideas, beliefs, judgments and thoughts that we've come up with as a defense or justification.

The tragedy of life isn't that life ends, but that for most the end doesn't feel deserved -- as if it always comes too soon.

Apologizing for who we are is often about us thinking or saying some version of, "I'm bad, it's my fault, or don't hate me," as if we're a child looking for validation or approval.

I noticed that I often actually hold back, squelch, or minimize my deepest desires -- waiting until things seem "possible" or even "probable" before I fully express what I truly want.

We all need to realize that there are great things we do every day. And we need to view our mistakes as areas for improvement rather than downright failures.

Some "motivational speakers" try to manufacture motivation, and this doesn't usually work. The better way is to introduce your passion to the world around you instead.

Our body weight does not determine our worth. Our level of health (or lack thereof) is not an indication of our value as a human being.