1. One of my favorite questions when I want to learn about someone is by asking them to give me their 5 second introduction when I pose the question: “What do you do for a living?”
I’ll give you the 3-second answer: I make people happy.
As I thought about this question, Stephen, I kept coming back to what is it that I really do provide? What is it, at a higher level, that I do for a living? I kept asking myself if this answer, really, was a legitimate answer. Maybe it would seem too fluffy. Not enough substance to it. And yet, at a very core level, I do believe this is it. For a more detailed answer on how I do this, my About page gets into a little more of the nitty gritty.
2. Tell me in 3 to 5 sentences something we can’t read in your bio or at the “About Page” at your blog “Jungle of Life.”
I have developed a sinful relationship – with chocolate! My preference is a good dark chocolate. However, I’ll easily settle for semi-sweet chocolate chips. Way too often… My family has been known to hide the chocolate chips. It doesn’t work, I have my way of finding out (kids and tickling go a long way toward getting what I want!). There must be some health benefit to eating chocolate – that’s what I’m going with!
Stephen’s Response: Chocolate is a sin? My gosh! No one ever told me! Even though I’m on a raw food diet (plant-based foods), I still consume chocolate - raw chocolate that is. Ever had it? It;s not the sweet chocolate you’re used to but still…..it’s called cacao nibs. You’d be surprised about the health benefits of dark chocolate. Same thing with wine – they say there are health benefits to things like that. Go and enjoy, I say!
3. What is the real reason you started “Jungle of Life”?
The idea of writing came up after seeing the movie “The Bucket List” in early 2008. After seeing this, my wife and I discussed what might be on our own bucket lists. One of the things that came up for me was writing. So, at a very high level, this movie was the reason. Yet, this doesn’t really say why I wanted to write. I had three subjects I am passionate about. Starting out, I wanted to write about these subjects – personal finance, exercise and nutrition, and personal growth (in that order).
So, I really geared myself up to focus on writing about personal finance, first and foremost. Yet, what I quickly discovered was that, while personal finance and exercise (to a degree) were areas of my life that I really felt strongly about, they did very little for me emotionally, to write about them. And without my heart into it, writing did not have the same effect on me, at a personal level. At the same time, I did discover that writing about personal growth was, very much, an area that really brought much personal satisfaction to me. So that has become the main focus of my writing. It is not the only area I focus on, and exercise and nutrition is still something I very much enjoy writing about too.
Like life, where the “Jungle of Life” has taken me has been a journey, and one whose path is not necessarily the freeway of life, instead, more the road less traveled. And sometimes a new path altogether. There are no road maps I’m following, except for the road map of my heart. And that’s a road map that’s being written as I travel on this journey through the jungle I call life… So, the journey continues, and as I travel down these roads, I’m evolving and growing. And that’s become the real reason, now, that I write at the “Jungle of Life”. The cool thing about evolving and growing is that I’m not doing it alone – it really comes from all the many thoughtful comments that really add to the conversation, that really take what I write to new and greater levels of understanding.
Stephen’s Response: You outlined one very important thing that I’ve been saying over and over again here at Adversity University and that’s the importance of listening to your heart. Your heart, which I equate to your spirit, knows what is best. While some passions we may have are “fleeting,” we should pay attention to them because they often lead us to other paths that we might not have been aware of in the past. Or those passions, if we stick to them, might lead us to our life’s purpose. Such is the importance of following our innermost passions.
4. One of the reasons why you’re being interviewed is because you come across as someone who I’d most definitely like to meet in person. Your writings reflect a measure of authenticity, an important prerequisite for this interview. How did you become like this?
I hope we DO get the opportunity to meet someday, Stephen! That would be awesome! The world of blogging has really exposed me to some amazing people along the way, people that start to become friends – separated only by distance. It’s an honor to have you amongst these many great people with whom I’ve crossed paths in the electronic world!
Starting out, I felt a real need to maintain a level of anonymity. There was this fear I had that having people who knew me, reading what I wrote, would change what I wrote. That it would be less authentic. So, I started out without any pictures of me, or without any mention of where I was from. And this helped me to “feel” anonymous. Then a strange thing started to happen. I’ll call it good karma. I started to feel validated in my writing from the people who began to leave comments on my writing. And in doing this, I felt more comfortable being me. Both in my writing, and in opening up to who I really was – removing some of the anonymity. Today I am comfortable writing what I believe, and in being who I am.
To look into how I really became like this, though, I have to go back to my childhood, and having parents who really instilled in me the importance of doing the right thing. That’s a principle I’ve carried with me always. While I might have strayed in certain areas of my life (see question 9), I’ve always maintained this inner compass that was instilled in me when I was growing up. Do I always portray that quality? No. However, I believe that I do, very much, try to not put up any false facades. What you see (or read) is what you get. Or, that’s my hope. That what I say, do, show – is authentically me. In the end, I’m only hurting myself by not living this way.
Stephen’s Response: There’s something free about not letting what others think of us diciate what we do with our lives. That’s the primary problem most of us have – we worry about what others think of us. For the longest time, I used to think “what will they think?” How I deal with that now is by asking myself, “Are they paying my bills?” Nine times out of ten, the answer is “NO.” But then I also need to remind myself that God is my source of everything, not people. He uses people to accomplish whatever means He has for you. So, good points you’re bringing up here!
5. If I were to ask you to dig a little further, how would you define who you really are (perhaps from a spiritual point of view)?
I am a student. I am a student in the school of life. From a spiritual point of view, I am a Christian. And I am a student here, as well. I say I’m a student, because there is so much I don’t know, and so much for me to learn yet. Our God is an awesome God (that sounds like a song!). And to even come close to understanding what He has done for me – that’s hard to even begin to comprehend. So, I’m a student in this school of life, on a journey toward greater understanding. My relationship with my God and my Savior has been an evolving one – reaching a point today where it is on a personal level. I have a strong faith in our world, and the good that exists here. The good that exists in everyone! Sure, I can be cynical at times. I can despise someone I see on the news, who has committed some terrible crime. On some days, I can look and see only the bad. Yet, that is the exception, not the norm. I really believe our world is full of much potential, that we all can achieve great things, and we all have a purpose here on earth. Discovering that purpose, those gifts which God has given, uniquely, to each of us – is a journey worth exploring!
Stephen’s Response; Well, you know Lance, we are all students of life. I’ve heard of different sayings such as “The School of Hard Knocks” and stuff like that. My personal belief is that we are all here on this planet to learn something. There are lessons to learn – therefore, life is a journey. It’s not the final destination that really matters but the journey. If we can maintain that attitude, we’re bound to learn much on the way. I am fond of saying that life is a matter of perspective.
6. What is the best advice you’ve ever given? Received?
Advice given: “Don’t give up”. I coach a youth soccer team. This is advice I’ve given them, on more than one occasion. I don’t know that they always get it, and I don’t know that they all get it. Yet, if even one of them keeps fighting a little harder, even when things look bad – this is an awesome lesson for them (and me) to take away from the game. Much like life, a game of soccer is a series of highs and lows, things working and not. And in the end, if we want “it” bad enough, and we don’t give up – then we have succeeded. Even if we don’t “succeed” at what we’re aiming for (a win on the soccer field, of success in some certain endeavor in life) – we have not failed if we didn’t give up on “it”.
Advice received: “The brick walls are there for a reason”. One of my favorite books/speeches is “The Last Lecture”, by Randy Pausch. One line he uses is that “the brick walls are there for a reason”. I love this line, because it reminds me that when I come upon those “brick walls” in my life, if I want what’s on the other side badly enough, the brick wall will be there to strengthen me…not to keep me out!
Stephen’s Response: Oh yes, I remembered “The Last Lecture.” Do you know why the video of Randy Pausch’s last lecture went viral? It’s because the world is starving for simple lessons. Simple truths. But we need to hear it from an authentic, honest person who doesn’t have a hidden agenda. Randy had this desire to share his heart with the rest of us and the world responded.
7. What do you consider your proudest achievement in life?
My role as a father. I am helping to shape the lives of three very important people in my life. I take this role very seriously. Being involved in my children’s lives is a huge part of my life. If I really think about what, in life, I can have such an influence on – my three kids are the first thing I think of. I have the opportunity to help them grow and learn, to nurture that process along the way, and to share with them the many life lessons I have learned throughout the years. It’s a role that has brought me moments of great joy, and one that has also brought me moments of pain. And yet, I wouldn’t trade any of this for anything.
Stephen’s Response: I don’t have children of my own but I can imagine the impact you have on their lives. When I visit my brother in VA, I get to see the cutest two girls who are identical twins. I observe them and watch how joyful they are. They each have fun with themselves and go all out in a state of total joy and happiness. It’s amazing to watch their innocence blossom.
8. We all have a dark side, what’s yours?
Silence. In this case, silence toward those I love. My dark side, and one that not many people see, is silence in times of distress or anger. Opening up, and really sharing what’s in my heart, especially when I’m upset – is difficult. It becomes easiest to bottle it up. And I know that this is most difficult on the ones I love. Why is it that sometimes we treat those we care about the most, the worst? Maybe I’m being a little hard on myself here. Then again, maybe not. Is it that I expect more from them? Is it that I fear what I might say? Is it that I expect they should know what I’m thinking?
It looks like crossing over to the dark side has given me some questions for myself to answer! So, there you go Stephen, you’re making me really evaluate myself here… Are you a therapist???
Stephen’s Response: Am I a therapist? Hahaha, no, but I probably should have become one! But yes, you’re right – it’s easy to bottle things up when you’re angry or upset. It’s easier not to rock the boat. You bring up an interesting point that I can identify with and that’s being hard on ourselves. I am like that too. But I’m getting better at it – I realize I am doing the best I can and if I screw up, well, what can I say? Does that make sense? Anyway, this is one of my favorite questions because it makes the interviewee go “deep.” I’m tired of interviews that cover superficial stuff – why not go deeper and make things interesting, right?
9. What would you say was the defining moment that forever changed the course of your life? For example, was it someone who made an impact on you or was it a spiritual revelation?
Without a doubt, the defining moment of my life was the day I started dating the wonderful lady who is now my wife. We met while in college, she going to school just down the road in the next city. Growing up, church was an important part of my life. However, when I went off to college, I forgot church existed. And more importantly, my own personal spirituality disappeared. My wife has always been centered in her own spirituality, and with our meeting, she really helped to get me focused on this in my own life again. It wasn’t that my life felt like it was out of control. However, I did feel there was an emptiness within. Like something was missing. Something that all the parties, all the late nights, all the school work – wasn’t fulfilling. She knew. This has always, ever since I’ve known her, been a real strength of hers. Her real ability to keep her faith strong. That’s not to say our journey down this road of spiritual understanding hasn’t had some bumps along the way – it has. Looking back, those bumps have becomes catalysts for moving us, together, to a new level in our faith journey. And to this day, I continue to see her as a pillar of faith and spirituality (mixed in with lots of humor and good fun). And the one person who really knows me, the one person who I know will give me her honest opinion – not just a “sugar-coated” version I want to hear. All of that helps to make her a real complement to my life, and a source of much inspiration in continuing to define the courses our lives are, together, taking…
Stephen’s Response: You got it when you say those bumps have become catalysts for moving you two forward – that’s usually the case. It’s good to surround ourselves with people who care enough not to “sugar-coat” things. That’s important because sometimes we can’t see for ourselves the truth, especially if we are in the “thick of things,” you know what I’m saying?
10. At Adversity University, I often talk about the value of changing our perceptions in order to deal with adversity. How have you dealt with adversity in your own life? Give us specific examples of adversity and what you did to overcome them.
I consider myself lucky in that I haven’t had lots of adversity in my life. Yet, we all do have some. I’ll share two specific examples in my life.
First example: Shortly after my wife and I were married, we became pregnant (well, mostly my wife…), and then we moved, because of my work, twice before the birth of our first son. The challenge, the adversity here, was the sheer amount of change that had occurred in the course of a year. Living in a new state, hundreds of miles from any family, looking at buying a house, paying off college loans, living off every last penny we had, and a baby on the way. Throw into the mix, that within the next year – we would find out the location I was at was closing – and we’d be moving again – now selling a house, having a young baby, and looking at again starting over in a new location – adversity defined the first few of years of our marriage! And yet, through it all, we were strengthened. It brought us, as a couple closer together. It grew our faith in a God who protects. And we really developed a comfort level in change. Change became a constant those first few years, and this has continued to help me every day in my life. These were big changes. Yet, at the core, change is change – whether it’s small or large. So, these large changes really have helped in my own dealing with the many smaller changes that go on in normal daily life.
Second example: Growing up I was in ok shape physically, and ate semi-healthy food. However, over the years, I slowly let myself slip into a state of very limited physical activity, and too much junk food. This led me to a point where I was overweight, lethargic, and generally expressing a “can’t do” attitude. A little over four years ago, we were beginning to plan a vacation to celebrate ten years of marriage. At the same time, I also had a routine checkup performed, with results coming back with warning signs of me heading down a road of bodily destruction. I looked in the mirror, thinking about our coming vacation, while also tossing around the results from my visit to the doctor. And it was, all at once, a wake-up call. This was my life! And I was letting it slip into a downward spiral. I took pictures, I changed my diet, I started to exercise. I certainly didn’t get it all right to start with. Yet, I had started. And today, I consider myself to be in the best shape of my life! And I look at that transition period, and the adversity it brought. And through that adversity, I was able to change my life, and really focus on living healthy. And really, healthy – defined over these last couple of years – has come to embody being healthy in body, mind, and spirit. And that’s a great journey to be on!
Stephen’s Response: Bottom line? You and I plus countless of others have encounters what I call “awakenings” that lead us to wake up and realize where we are and determine that we are not happy with the way things are. But not everyone does something about it like you have. When you looked at yourself in the mirror (who ever invented that?? I wonder), you had a “revelation” that told you you were not at your best. Fortunately, you did something about it and made some changes like I did over the summer. I’ve never been happier because of my new “plant-based” lifestyle. Change is scary but powerful! Congrats!
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we are DONE with Lance of The Jungle of Life. What fun it was! Please not only give him a hand for coming here to Adversity University but also for sharing with us his wisdom, love and grace. THANK YOU LANCE! We can’t wait for you to come back. (Update: See Part II here).
Meanwhile, let me say that I know you haven’t heard from me in over week. I don’t want to make excuses or anything but it has certainly been a busy week preparing for the holidays and getting ready for my drive to VA to visit my brother and his family. Now that I’m here in VA, using my new laptop, I expect to write some more articles for you.
Have a great holiday and be well! 
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
Welcome! You've arrived to a newly renamed blog (formerly called Adversity University) specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
2:38 am on December 24th, 2008 1
[...] does ask the tough questions, ones that have made me think very deeply. Check out Part I of the interview, and see how I did with these challenging questions! Part II to be aired next [...]
6:33 am on December 24th, 2008 2
Fantastic interview questions and answers.
I like the fact the Bucket List was an inspiration for your blog.
“The brick walls are there for a reason” is a great one-liner.
It’s sounds like your a student of possibilities and I’m sure our paths will cross many times on the road less traveled.
I used to wonder whether a wayward path through life was an obstacle for success, but then I read Edward De Bono’s Tactics, which proved otherwse, with plenty of reference examples. Success comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s really what we make of it.
8:29 am on December 24th, 2008 3
Hi Stephen,
Thanks so much for the opportunity to do this – it is really an honor to be included here amongst all the amazing people you have interviewed.
So, I can eat the dark chocolate with wild abandon – awesome!! (okay, in moderation…)
I will also say that this whole year, since I started the Jungle of Life – has been a real journey into what life truly is for me. What I find interesting is that the more I write, the better I understand myself – and that is very freeing.
The idea of learning – and looking at life based upon perspective – is an empowering concept. We can choose our perspective, and thus choose how we view life – and I’m looking and seeing that it is both grand and abundant!
The authenticity in the “Last Lecture” is so powerful – and I think it’s because you can’t deny it – Randy is dying and knows it – he has nothing to gain by not being authentic. Sad. Sad that it took his dying to make this powerful. And yet, uplifting, in that the message is one that can resonate with all of us. About living our dreams. No matter what. About living life, no matter what the circumstances we face…
A therapist – I know you could have become one! It does makes much sense – we do the best we can. Sometimes we screw up (I sure do). Hopefully we learn and grow from those mistakes. It’s a journey (as it is part of our life, and that journey we’re on)… Anyway, you definitely “dig deep”… and yes, that’s good – it really made me think, many of these questions…
About having someone (in my case, my wife) to help us see the truth – is very important. No matter who it is, I do think it’s good to have someone who is there to give honest answers to you, to question what you do, and to really help in being a guide through the world we live in. I do get what your saying…
You’ve said it well, Stephen – change is scary but powerful! I’m impressed with the changes you’ve been making, and I know you’re finding them to be very much a good thing in your life – that’s awesome! I continue to fight this one, as I’m sure many do – how to best deal with change. It’s part of the journey, as well.
Stephen, thanks again for the awesome opportunity!
8:48 am on December 24th, 2008 4
Hi Stephen and Lance – Stephen you’ve interviewed one of my favorite writers. Lance is invariably optimistic and supportive. His post on a beautiful moment in which he observed his child being kind to another is one of my favorites. Thanks for helping us get to know him a little better. And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!
9:26 am on December 24th, 2008 5
@ Betsy Wuebker:
Yes, that “observation of his child being kind” was also a favorite of mine over at Lance’s blog. It was so well written that I actually felt like I was there at the scene, watching everything unfold. It was very touching – this is why I asked Lance if he’d be interested in being interviewed here because of the inner qualities that I see in him.
I’m glad you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. Part II will be even more interesting so stay tuned!
9:36 am on December 24th, 2008 6
@ Lance:
Haha, yes eat chocolate with wild abandon! Okay, in moderation would probably be the better choice. Have you tried “dark chocolate”? That’s supposed to be good for you – there are some healing properties in there somewhere – not sure of what they are though but hey, if it helps, why not?
Choosing how we perceive things is definitely a very empowering concept – one that can instantly change our life if we allow ourselves to go there. It’s amazing, really. In fact, I am of the opinion that your entire life is based on your perception at the time. If you think, for example, that the world is vicious and filled with mean people, then you are going to experience that. Conversely, if you think the world, on a whole is full of loving, kind people, well then by golly, that’s what you’ll experience! Isn’t that amazing or what?
You’re right that it’s sad we have to be in a position of dying or in some sort of tragic position to drop our armor and just be authentic because we “have nothing to lose.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could just drop their armor NOW? Without fear of what others think? I’ve made a long journey towards the stripping of that heavy armor. I care less about what others think and my gosh, it’s so friggin freeing!
It’s funny because some people say, “I’m free.” But are they really? All they need to do is look at the mirror and see if they’re wearing that heavy armor of protection on them.
Thanks for the compliments about the changes I’ve been making in my own life – I can only hope that by sharing them with others in the world, they’ll be inspired to make good changes themselves. All you and I can do is lead by example, not by words but action. Action speaks louder than words, you know.
Enjoy the holidays with your growing family!!
9:38 am on December 24th, 2008 7
@ J.D. Meier:
Have you seen the movie “The Bucket List”? I thought it was incredibly awesome. In a way, it was sad because it took two people who were diagnosed with life threatening illnesses to finally “live it up,” writing a list of things they want to do before they die.
My philosophy is, why not start now? Without having any illnesses in front of you?
I’ve not heard of “Tactics” – sounds very interesting. You’re right – success comes in all forms and shapes. What is considered a success for one person may not hold truth for another.
Have a good one! Thanks for participating.
10:16 am on December 24th, 2008 8
Stephen, you couldn’t have picked a better person to interview. Lance is such a giving person with his comments, thoughts on life, and with his family.
I like his he gives his wife credit for a defining moment. It’s amazing how a person can be changed by another. All it takes is a little unconditional love. Of course that’s not easy to find, but when you do it’s best to nurture it every moment possible.
2:41 pm on December 24th, 2008 9
Hi Stephen and Lance. Lance is pretty amazing. He says that he hasn’t faced too much adversity in his life, but I have a feeling he just hasn’t seen it as adversity. Authentic and supportive he is to the core.
4:03 pm on December 24th, 2008 10
@J.D Meier – The “Bucket List” is a great movie, if for no other reason that it gets you thinking about some of the things you want to accomoplish. That it has led to me writing, has made the cost of admission way more than worth it! I’m looking forward to all the paths that I’ll get to cross, including yours along the way. I’ll have to check out “Tactics”, sounds like a winner! I love your last line about success coming in all shapes and sizes – it really says to me that success is what we make it to be, each of us. Thanks for the great comments, J.D.!
@Betsy – Gosh, thank you very much Betsy, I’m honored by your words here. And, writing that piece about my son showing kindness – was possibly my favorite article to write, it all just felt so “right” as I wrote it. I appreciate all your continued support Betsy!
@Karl – Again, I’m honored by what you’re saying here today Karl. Really, what you’ve said touches me at my core. And, my wife is an amazing lady – I am so lucky to have her be a part of my life! Karl, I truly appreciate all the time you’ve given to reading what I write, and for your many, many comments – it’s what makes this all worth it!
@Davina – Okay, I’m really starting to get a big ol’ inflated head! You all are way to kind!! Davina, thank you so much for all the support you given to the last several months – it means the world to me!
5:39 pm on December 24th, 2008 11
Awesome interview and I’d certainly agree it’s great that you interviewed Lance. He has continually been one of those “online friends” he talked about for me as well and I am happy to get a little more insight about you here Lance and things in your life. I’ve known already, but this reinforces many more similarities we have. Your Christian foundation and willingness to step out and help others first with no questions, is a great trait to have and you demonstrate it constantly online! Thanks !!
8:37 pm on December 24th, 2008 12
Wow! Must be serendipity because the Bucket List is on my TV as we speak. Awesome interview! I’m so happy Lance that we discovered each other’s blogs. You are definitely an inspiration
And yeah, “The brick walls are there for a reason.” Thank you for reminding me of this because I am standing right in front of one right now and was crying about it and kicking it. Stopping now. It reminds me too that brick walls are often for our highest good because its directing us to something else better for us
Thank you for this gift today. Happy holidays!
6:30 am on December 25th, 2008 13
Hi Stephen, you made a very right decision for choosing Lance as interviewee. Lance is very inspiring and helpful person. I have been learning a lot from him, from blogging till personal development.
Great job, Stephen.
10:58 am on December 25th, 2008 14
@ Arswino:
Thank you Arswino! I think so too.
11:00 am on December 25th, 2008 15
@ Stephanie Quilao:
I love it when serendipity happens – it never fails to awe me.
I also like the “brick wall” analogy – it’s a very good visual indicator of when you are either being prompted to look elsewhere and find a way around it (which is good for character building).
11:01 am on December 25th, 2008 16
@ Mike King:
Doing an interview like this is a fabulous way to get to know someone, especially if the questions are thought provoking and deep enough. I’m excited to know you enjoyed it along with the others – thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts with us.
11:03 am on December 25th, 2008 17
@ Davina:
I agree with you that Lance is an amazing guy! We all perceive adversity in different ways. Some may see it as merely a “hiccup” while others see it as a major detour. Perhaps Lance is of the “hiccup” mindset when viewing life challenges.
11:05 am on December 25th, 2008 18
@ Karl Staib – Work Happy Now:
I love it when others freely give credit to others because they deserve the spotlight. Good leaders give others credit when due. It’s a great feeling to acknowledge people for their contributions.
I know what it’s like to be given recognition because I’ve been on the receiving end myself. This is why I created the “Stephen Hopson Interviews.” To shine the spotlight on others who are truly making a difference.
11:38 am on December 25th, 2008 19
Hey Stephen,
Yup, I like that sentence, “Life is a matter of perspective”…! I used to wonder all the time HOW people know how to enjoy life?! I am sure they themselves also have their own hardships in their lives, yet know how to life their lives to the fullest!
I have yet to learn… I should change my perspective on other people on how they treat me… if I keep thinking negatively that it’s the way they are… it will keep continuing to be this way.
Thanks Stephen for the good questions!
Nita
2:07 pm on December 25th, 2008 20
I totally agree — Lance is someone I’d like to meet in person too. I bet he is just as funny, kooky and genuinely caring and inspiring as he comes off in his blog.
5:09 pm on December 25th, 2008 21
Hi Lance: That first year of your marriage must have been really scary, so many different and important issues happening all at once. I’m glad it all worked out for you. It’s great to hear someone speak so highly of their spouse; you’re lucky to have found her early in life. And I’m also a recovering chocoholic
5:27 pm on December 25th, 2008 22
Hey Lance,
Great to read your interview. I also suffer from the addiction of dark chocolate. I love that dark chocolate is now known for its antioxidents. Now is I can just get the calories filtered out without changing the wonderful, intoxicating flavor.
Lance you are very authentic. That’s one of the many things that makes you a super hero. I love your blog and how you use it to reach others to share your journey and zest for life. You are an inspiration!
6:29 am on December 26th, 2008 23
@Mike – Thanks much for stopping by, and for sharing such wonderful comments! You truly are a friend, Mike, and I appreciate your time here and always. Thank you, again, for everything!
@Stephanie – The “Bucket List” on television as you read – very cool Stephanie! It’s like the stars are lined up! And that we have discovered each other, it really is awesome! YOU are the inspiration! The whole “brick walls” idea that Randy Pausch discusses really is a powerful reminder that we are only limited in life by what we desire, and how hard we’re willing to work to achieve it. Very awesome to hear that you’re moving on from one right now – whichever direction that takes you – it is right as long as you believe it is right. Stephanie, thank you, once again, for your continued support, and very kind words here!
@Arswino – Thank you for stopping here and reading, and for all your continued support! Best of wishes to you in all the directions life will take you!
@Nita – Thanks for reading. I like that too – “life is a matter of perspective”. It really is how we look at life, not necessarily what happens in our life. We CAN choose to live our life how we desire – and that’s a very powerful reminder of perspective. Thank you, again, for commenting here!
@Marelisa – Our first year of marriage definitely had some stress! Scary? In a way, yes. Yet, also, we went with the “flow” too. Maybe being younger made all these changes easier. I’m not sure I’d want that much change now, in my life, all happening so fast! And, my wife really is a wonderful source of direction in my life – I AM lucky! And I’m also lucky to have wonderful people, like you, Mare, in my life too! Thank you for all the support you continue to provide, for reading, and for being a real friend. I’m off to sneak some chocolate…
@Laurie – That dark chocolate…can have quite a grip, can’t it!! Laurie, you are way too kind. I really don’t think I’m all that different from anyone else, and I’m just writing to share my thoughts on life. Really, your words are very humbling, very wonderful, truly appreciated. Thank you, Laurie, for our continued connection.
8:41 am on December 26th, 2008 24
@ Lance:
I love how you keep coming back “home” and responding to the commentators as much as I have – it’s way cool! You have a way of touching people with your words – I can see why your site has an active community of commentators.
Did you all enjoy your Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate)? I sure did – it was fun watching my twin nieces (identical) rip open presents like there was no tomorrow. So much fun!
And now they’re saying today is “Black Friday” all over again. Sigh. Those desperate shoppers…..
6:25 am on December 27th, 2008 25
Stephen (and everyone), Thanks again, this has been great! Christmas has been wonderful, and is still going on for me! Sounds like yours has been pretty awesome, too. Now…that next set of questions…
10:24 am on December 27th, 2008 26
Hi Stephen and Lance,
Stephen — another amazing interview given to and by two of my favorite bloggers! You are really good at interviewing and I may need to pick your brain soon as I have my first one coming up to do!
Lance – it was so nice to learn more about you. And I thought you were an inspiration before?!
Thanks guys — you two have both influenced my life very positively this year and I am very grateful you have come into my life. I wish you both all the best for 2009!
Love, Jenny
6:02 pm on December 27th, 2008 27
I was drawn to Lance’s blog because of all of the qualities you mention in your interview. I too joined the blog world in 2008 having no idea how it would bless my life. I read blogs to be inspired and Lance’s blog does that with every post. I am happy to find your blog Stephen and look forward to reading your posts in 2009. I work everyday to experience abundant life and enjoy reading about others who live it as well! Thank you!
9:22 am on December 28th, 2008 28
@ avtcoach:
Thanks very much for coming by and letting us know who you are and how you ended up here. I look forward to getting to know you more in the new year. Only a few more days before we symbolically start anew!
9:26 am on December 28th, 2008 29
@ Jenny Mannion:
And Jenny, it’s been awesome getting to know you as well! We’re all in on this together and I’m grateful that we somehow made an online connection.
I’ve been meaning to tell you this but got busy with the holidays. I just took a Reki course a couple weeks ago from a Reki master and am now a certified Reki practitioner! I felt led to this because of the way things fell into place and so like you, I’m going to be taking all the steps necessary to set up a Reki practice in my own home. Very exciting because there are different ways to serve God whether it be the Reki or Reconnection or other methods.
Best wishes for a good start to 09.
9:27 am on December 28th, 2008 30
@ Lance:
And the next set of questions are going to be very interesting, don’t you think? I’m looking forward to it!
3:29 am on December 29th, 2008 31
Hi Stephen and Lance – What a great interview. I’ve been following Lance and his blog for quite some time now and it’s great to learn more about the man behind “Jungle Of Live”. One thing I’ve always liked about Lance is his honesty and sincerity, and it certainly shines through in his answers.
As always, Stephen, great questions. Lance, superb answers.
5:38 am on December 29th, 2008 32
@Jenny Mannion – Thank you, so much, for such kind words Jenny! Stephen really has a skill for these interviews…I think we could all learn from him, just in how to really get to know people.
@Avtcoach – I, too, have found blogging to be a powerfully positive experience for me. Thank you for all the support you’ve shown – it means the world to me!
@Barbara – I really believe you’re the one who gave me my first real boost in blogging, Barbara! And you continue to be a supporter and friend, these many months later – I truly do appreciate all the time you’ve given. Thank you, Barbara, for everything! And, that’s one thing I’ve really learned along the way – what I like to read – are posts written with sincerity. So, that it comes across in my writing – is one of the best things I can hear – thank you!
2:45 pm on December 29th, 2008 33
What a great interview! Stephen, I thought about recommended Lance for an interview here and well, I didn’t have to. I knew you would see his authenticity. Great choice!
Lance, it was great learning more about you. I can’t imagine going through all you did in that first year or two of marriage. I love how you learned from that – specifically how to deal with change so easily. What a great lesson!
As for the chocolate, if chocolate is sinful, then I am among the greatest of the sinners.
I think it’s one of the simple pleasures of life that God has blessed us with. I just wish I could get used to the bitterness of dark chocolate. I guess either you like it or you don’t. So I’ll just enjoy my milk chocolate – in moderation of course. Luckily, there’s plenty for me to choose from now since Christmas came. 
I’m glad you watched the bucket list Lance!
9:13 am on December 30th, 2008 34
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks so much! Yes, those first couple of years – change was the one constant in our lives! In fact, relatives used to joke that they wrote our names in their address book in pencil – because they knew it would change… After all the moving in really the course of our first five years of marriage, we’ve really settled down now – we’ve been in the same place for over ten years – it’s hard to believe it’s been that long!
The chocolate – ha! You and me both! Okay, I’ll have my dark chocolate, and you can have your milk chocolate – and no one gets hurt!
The “Bucket List” really is a favorite movie of mine – really for the way it makes you evaluate your life. And, it’s just a fun movie to watch, too!
9:56 am on December 30th, 2008 35
@ Jennifer:
I’m so glad you enjoyed this interview with Lance! We have Part II airing tonight (shhhh, don’t tell anyone I told you – LOL).
Enjoy your chocolates you two (Lance and Jennifer)!
9:57 am on December 30th, 2008 36
@ Barbara Swafford – Blogging Without A Blog:
It’s amazing how all of us are connecting through these interviews I’ve been conducting. Thanks for being part of it. It means a lot to me because even after the interviews are over (for instance the one I did with you), we continue to stay in touch. That’s something to be grateful for, isn’t it?
4:28 pm on December 30th, 2008 37
Thank you for sharing Lance with us. This was a fantastic interview. Lance is a very special person as most of have come to know. This interview gave us a glimpse into the unknown. I am looking forward to Part II.
Lance, stay out of your children’s Christmas stockings. I am sure there is chocolate somewhere in there.
5:38 pm on December 30th, 2008 38
@ Cricket:
Thanks! Part II airs tonight (Tuesday, December 30th) for tomorrow morning delivery to RSS and email subscribers. I hope you enjoy the second part as much as you did the first!
9:22 pm on December 30th, 2008 39
[...] off, thank you, everyone, for reading Part 1 of the [...]
12:09 am on December 31st, 2008 40
I am still catching up for not having internet for three days with our snow and ice storm, so it is nice to read this interview which is on twitter conversation today.
Lance nice job and you are just so much what I expected from reading your writing on your blog.
Stephen good questions to ask and bring out the best of this fellow.
I need to dive into part two now so I can be fully in the know…
I would just like to say that so many marriages have such rocky/stressful starts but that is truly the beginning of life together and the definition of one’s own marriage truly only begins with the first adversity after the honeymoon period.
9:24 am on December 31st, 2008 41
@Cricket – Tammy, thank you, once again, for being so wonderful to me! Christmas stockings? They have chocolate? …I’ll be right back…okay…no chocolate in them (anymore!)
@Patricia – Thank you, Patricia, for all your wonderful comments here today! Yes, adversity can challenge a marriage, and yet, coming out of it, we are much better off, and really have a better understanding of each other. It continues to be a journey, and one I’m glad to be on with my wonderful wife and family…
9:15 am on January 5th, 2009 42
@ Patricia:
This interview was on Twitter conversation? That’s cool. I wasn’t aware of it. Whoever started it, thanks!
Glad to have you onboard as part of the process with your comments. Thanks for taking the time to do let us know your thoughts.
9:25 am on January 5th, 2009 43
@ Cricket:
Speaking of chocolate, when I was at my brother’s house over the holidays, his wife surely had a truckload of it for all to sample. She’s a chocoholic. Haha.
12:29 am on January 14th, 2009 44
[...] reason I’m grateful that he agreed to be interviewed is that he had just done an earlier interview at the Adversity University Blog, which I realised only after I asked him to do one here. [...]
4:47 pm on January 17th, 2009 45
Well, after getting a comment on my blog and then visiting Lance on his blog, I am finally getting around to reading these two interviews. Great job, guys.
I liked Lance’s blog so well that I subscribed. In this interview, I hear a lot of the kind of things that I believe in with my own life. I look forward to being further inspired to live a better life by both Stephen and Lance. Have a glorious day.
6:36 am on January 18th, 2009 46
Patricia, thanks for subscribing, and for taking the time to read this. That you could connect with some of the things I wrote about, that means a lot to me. May your day be glorious as well!
3:03 pm on January 18th, 2009 47
@ Lance:
I love how you’ve been so responsive to the comments about our interview over here. You are truly an “interactive” person!