I had a great time learning more about James last week with Part I.   Today’s Part Two promises to be even more interesting for those of you who want to know more about the man behind this fascinating movie.  Please be sure to read Part I before delving into this section.

Let’s call James out from the “green room” – JAMES, COME ON OUT – WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU SOME MORE!!

11.  Since I’m very much into health and wellness, I noticed in your interview with Jenny that you were once a Director of an Alternative Health and Wellness Center in the Catskill Mountains, NY.   You were into holistic healing.  Tell us more about that.  Also, how did you become involved in health and wellness?  What was it like running an alternative health center?  Did you teach things like yoga or were you into raw foods or vegetarianism or anything like that?

The center attracted people from all over the world and they would come and do a program anywhere from a weekend to a month or longer and many would come for 1 week.  The power of the mind was a big part of the program and intuitive breathing which next to sungazing has been the most powerful technique for me to let go of negative limiting thoughts.  Some people came for 30 days with terminal diseases and left without any symptoms.  At the center and in my own personal practice I saw people transform in front of me and what most call miracles became quite normal.

Stephen’s Response: What was the name of that program?  I’m curious about this alternative healing center.  Who knows?  Maybe I’ll go for a day, weekend or maybe even a whole week?   I love how some people came in with terminal diseases and left without any symptoms.  That’s amazing!   You can tell us the name of the place in the comment section below.

12.  When you were a kid, what were the dreams you had for when you “grew up?”

Before my experience where I glimpsed my True Self I felt quite lost and disconnected, separate, etc.. I used to want to become the biggest body builder ever, then the toughest martial arts guy.  Looking back I realize I just wanted to feel good about myself and thought that those things would give it to me.  I’m happy I realized my purpose early on in life otherwise I would probably have so many muscles I couldn’t to a karate stance!

Stephen’s Response: I had to ask this question because you’ve done so many things, making me wonder what it was you wanted to be when “you grew up.”  Like you, I was lost and disconnected as a youngster.  Even as an adult, I get lost and disconnected at times, like what happened the beginning of this year.  It comes and goes, you know?  I’m betting this is a universal experience all across the board for people in the audience today.

You’re absolutely right that most people just want to feel good – they want to be at peace and not worry or be full of angst.  There’s nothing more powerful than being at peace, knowing that all is well.  I LOVE that feeling.    You have a great sense of humor by the way!

13.  Getting back to the movie…….is this the first movie you’ve directed?  If so, how did you fall into that position?  What was a typical day like?

My first movie I directed was a horror film.  I took it for experience and then signed myself out of the film.  I just didn’t want to focus on things that didn’t bring joy and directing a film takes much focus.  I decided to direct and produce What If? The Movie as I felt guided to oversee the creation in it’s entirety to ensure the vision was executed in a way that felt right.

Stephen’s Response: A horror film?  What was the name of it?  I’d love to see it just because I “know” the director.     Seriously though, I can understand why doing horror films isn’t exactly the right kind of thing for someone who is trying to delve into the mysteries and power of the universe.    The world is blessed because you took an idea and continued to develop it into a movie that, over time, will help transform the planet.  I’m so excited!  Bless you for overcoming obstacles to make this movie a reality.

14.  Also in your interview with Jenny, I learned that you were in television and film.  In what way were you involved in those industries?  Were you an actor or did you mostly work behind the scenes?   Did you go to acting/directing school?  I love this stuff!

Please see next question.

15.  You created one of the largest talent agencies in Alberta.  What kind of talent agency was it and are you still involved with that?

I started off doing a little modeling and was involved with acting.  I didn’t like it but it lead me into the industry.  I used to work for a talent agency then I opened my own because I saw a need that wasn’t being executed.  We became the largest in our province and placed talent in Film, TV and Commercials.  I also used to be involved with casting and I was excellent at it because I used my intuition.  Did you know that most directors decide on the talent for the role in the first 30 seconds of the audition?  It’s true.  I went to school for business and psychology and just followed my passion into the film and tv industry.  I learned by experience.

Stephen’s Response: I also started off with some modeling myself but it didn’t go very far.  Hahaha.   I still have pictures somewhere in the closet.  They’re photos of me with a chock full of hair.   I was so naive back then.  But it was a good experience.

While I did not know that a director usually decides the first 30 seconds if a person is right for a role, it certainly makes sense, especially if the director is relying totally on his or her intuition.    It’s especially gratifying to hear this because even though you’ve never met me, you’ve already indicated interest in possibly having me as part of the 2nd film.   I take it you were listening to your intuition?

Speaking of school, let me put it out there to the universe that it is my strong desire to go back to school for a masters in metaphysics, spiritual psychology or divinity.   My goal is to find a way to make this happen from a financial and logistical standpoint.

I’ve been looking into schools like the University of Santa Monica and Maharishi University (Iowa).  One is part-time (Santa Monica) while the other is full-time.  I am especially attracted to the University of Santa Monica.  Students fly in from all over the world once a month for a weekend and one full week in the summer.  I trust I will attract the financial means to make this happen.  Thanks for letting me share this new dream of mine, especially since you, James, recommended the University of Santa Monica in a private email last week.

I ask all of you here at Adversity University to please send light and prayers for my ability to attend one of these schools.   Thank you, thank you and thank you!

16.  Speaking of Alberta, where is that exactly and were you born there?

I grew up in Calgary Alberta Canada after moving from Saskatchewan at age 1.

17.  I understand the movie “What If” will be subtitled for the deaf/hard of hearing and those whose languages are other than English.  Can you give us an idea of when all of the movies will be subtitled?

Yes, we are planning for this and may be done in the middle of the year.

Stephen’s Response: I am absolutely excited about that!  I cannot wait for the subtitled versions (in English) to come out because so many deaf, hard of hearing and foreign individuals whose naive language is not English (but can read English) will benefit from the movie’s powerful message.  Please do keep me posted on that.

18.  One of the things that fascinate me so deeply is how to get to the core beliefs that are buried deep inside our subconscious mind.  How do we get in there to wipe away limiting beliefs that we are not consciously aware of?

Great question!  I think the process is different for everyone and only our inner guidance can offer the solutions as to which technique(s) will work or create our own technique for change.  In my experience, it’s the desire or the intention to change that creates the answers then the how is revealed.  Intuitive Breathing and Sungazing have been the most life changing for me and I’m for whatever works.  When we can feel the outcome we want to achieve so strong that we actually become that outcome then we’ve changed.   Often during this process our unconscious beliefs may surface and we can follow our guidance with the next step.

Stephen’s Response: It’s true – our inner guidance has all the answers for us and if we could learn how to access it, we’d be led to the “right way” to delete limiting beliefs.   It makes sense that everything starts from our intention or desire to achieve something.  That’s been my experience too.

What is “intuitive breathing?”  I’m curious.  It sounds very intriguing.  Please tell us about that in the comments.

I first heard of “sungazing” from the website of Hira Ratan Manek, who I believe is one of the people featured in the movie.  Last summer I tried it and found it to be an interesting experience.

19.  When I first learned about you and the movie, I became enamored with the idea of “What if I could become hearing after all these years of being deaf?”  Do you think it’s possible to reverse nerve damage in the ears and become hearing?  For years I told people that it’d be impossible to achieve this miracle but now I find myself saying, “What IF?”

Yes, I feel it is possible, of course!  When you question what if? then your brain actually fires differently and new neural pathways can be created.  This is a key into unlimitedness!  I feel that you have something rising within you telling you that it is possible for you to hear, right?  That something is your Divinity I believe.  Your Divinity will reveal the path for you and things will come into your experience to support you that you may have never thought possible.  Perhaps you will be in the second film or perhaps there is a better way for you.  You will know.

Stephen’s Response: I love how you say “your divinity will reveal the path for you and things will come into your experience to support you that you may have never thought possible.”    I was just on the phone with a man from Maine named Jim Bouchard, a martial arts expert and motivational speaker who reminded me of the importance of staying open to what comes.  It’s good to have a vision but even better to stay alert.  That’s my daily goal – to stay alert, aware and ready to take whatever action I am prompted to take.

20.  I heard you were offered a book deal.  Can you tell us more about that?   Or is it hush-hush for now?

Yes.  We are still in negotiations and can’t say much yet.

Stephen’s Response: I can certainly understand.  I’ll just have to sit tight and wait with the rest of the world for the details.

21.  What’s next for you?  For the movie?

We are focused on promotion.  We are told that the film is helping to change and we want to spread the message.  Next will be the following two films.

22.  How can the community at Adversity University help you promote the “What IF? The Movie“?

Well, if they like it then just simply tell others.  We have an attractive affiliate program that can pay individuals and/or organizations for their marketing efforts.

Thanks Stephen and I look forward to staying in touch.  Thanks again for the opportunity.

(Turning to audience):  That concludes our two part interview with James.  Everyone, please give him a hand for joining up with us here.  Let us wish him well with the forthcoming follow-up movies, the book and other endeavors.

James, we appreciate having you here!  Thank you for having the courage and fortitude to follow through with the making of this movie and getting it out to the world!   I was very happy to help spread the message by granting you an interview here.  It was a lot of fun not to mention a great privledge having you here.  Thanks James!!

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I found it to be so compelling that I ended up contacting him myself and eventually asked if he’d like to be interviewed at Adversity University to which he replied, “Yes, I’d be honored.”

You will recall that I first introduced you to James and his movie a couple weeks ago in one of my weekly gratitude posts where I provided links to Jennifer Mannion’s interview with him.  Today is the first of two parts.  What I’ve done was to take her interview and move it in a different direction by expanding on what he told her.

Okay, let’s call James from the “green room,” shall we?  It’s truly my pleasure to introduce you to him!!

JAMES, WE’RE ALL WAITING FOR YOU OUT HERE, COME ON OUT AND GREET US!!!!

1.  I came to find out about you through an interview you did with Jennifer Mannion and was fascinated with the fact that your mother gave you the book “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” when you were young.  At what age did you get that book and how has it changed your life?

My mom gave me that book at age 16.  The profound truths that we create our lives with our thoughts resonated with me and I was able to apply the principles to effectively change my life.  I realized that every detail of my life was designed by me consciously and often unconsciously and that I created every person, place, thing, time and event and this realization gave me the empowerment to create a new life and I did.  Everything changed and the most important change for me was that it gave me a glimpse of my true self.  For the first time ever I loved myself and I realized that this peace is what I was looking for my whole life.  I lived this glimpse for about a year and then the limiting core beliefs that I was still holding on to blocked me from experiencing this longer.

Feeling that place of Divinity and living it became my primary goal.  I enjoy making money, creating projects, being in relationships, living life, etc., but without this knowingness, this experience of Divinity, it’s all worthless.   With this experience I can play and enjoy it all.

Stephen’s Response: James, when you first mentioned that book during your interview with Jennifer, I knew immediately I had to get it for myself.  I literally rushed to the bookstore and got myself a copy and loved it!  In a way, this book has helped me reawaken what I’ve known all along and that is the power of my subconscious mind.  I loved how this book made a small handful of references to various scriptures to make a point.

Like you, I also seek and enjoy the experience of Divinity.  It’s a most wonderful, reassuring feeling to know that we are divinely connected to God, the universe and all that is.  I love the idea that our subconscious mind is where infinite intelligence resides.  I highly recommend this book for those who haven’t read it.

2.  For those who don’t know you, you are the director of the “What If” movie.  I’ve heard it’s similar to “The Secret” but it goes deeper.  Can you tell us the main difference between the two movies and what viewers can expect to get out of “What If”?”

Sure.  I feel “The Secret” did a phenomenal job with conveying the law of attraction.  Basically saying that what we think about materializes into physical matter.  This is a powerful truth and I think it became a hit because people resonate with truth.

Many viewers interpreted “The Secret” to say that in order to be happy we need to create material things.  There is nothing wrong with creating material things of course but “What If? The Movie” suggests who we are is much more valuable than what we can create.  We are unlimited, unbounded beings.  We are more than just our bodies, we are the Divine expressing through our temples (bodies).  Once we realize this all things will be added to us by the law of attraction.

Our viewers tell us that this really hits home for them.  What If? The Movie also shows us how we learned the programs that limit us.  These programs come from our birth experience, negative religious teachings, past lives, school, etc..  Once we realize that we created these programs we can then change them.

Stephen’s Response: This is why I’m so excited about the movie because it goes deeper than “The Secret.”   It’s true how programs we were taught while growing up have placed limits on our ability to express magnificence in the way God intended for us.  Looking back, I can count on my fingers the number of limiting programs that were placed upon me by authority, religious, academic and other figures, especially religious.

I call myself a recovering Catholic because my experience of it was so oppressive.  But after much research and study, I’ve learned that, for example, there is much misunderstanding about the teaching of Jesus, the master metaphysician.  Religious doctrine would have us believe that Jesus was the only real healer, while Jesus told us in one way or another that we are all healers.  In other words, if we believe in and act from his perspective that not only could we heal others as he did but we can heal ourselves.  From the earliest times to now, Church authorities would have you believe that.  If you did, then you were excommunicated from the church because that line of thinking was a threat to their position of authority.

Most of us seek to connect with a God separate from us because that’s what religious doctrine has taught us.  But here’s the thing, there is no God separate from us – He’s inside us!  I believe he’s in my subconscious mind.

God is our Highest Self found only within. This is an important distinction to be made, for as long as we hold a God outside us as the Truth, we will be investing our energy in dualism and thus unable to reach the real Truth of our Being.

All those man-made rules and regulations!  UGH!

3.  How did the concept of “What If” get started?

About 4 or 5 years ago I was creating a TV program that focused on all of the positive headlines that occurs in our world everyday.  We realized that what people focus on effects every aspect of their being from emotional to physiological and more.  This lead me into creating “What If? The Movie.”  As a child I would always ask What If?  about everything so the title seemed to fit for a film that only wanted to suggest truths instead of telling what we think the truth is.

Stephen’s Response: I love your approach with this movie it invites people to consider “What If?” rather than pushing the possibilities in their faces.    You’ve released this movie with a sense of detachment.  If people want to see it and they order a copy of the movie, great.  If not, that’s okay.  It’s a great way to “go with the flow.”

What’s interesting is that you’ve released this movie at just the right time, I feel. Why?  Because the world has reached a different level of consciousness to the point where more and more people are ridding themselves of those limiting religious, educational and other programs.  They’re now more then ever eager to find out who they really are and what their capabilities are.  More minds are opening up to “What If” possibilities so your timing is impeccable!

I believe your movie will help this level of consciousness reach critical mass over the next several months.   It will guide those sitting on the fence to the other side where they can go within and listen to their intuition, connect with Divinity by communicating with the God of their choice and make a difference to humanity.  They’ll “remember” what they came here to do.

I’m so grateful you had the courage and fortitude to come forward with the making of this very important movie!

4.  Making a movie of any kind, especially for the masses is a challenge for anyone.  How did you put it together financially?  How did you find the people in the movie?  What were some of the biggest challenges you had to do with and how did you overcome them?

All was done with intentions and not giving up!  We only accepted investors who really resonated with the message of the film and wanted to support the vision. The featured interviewees in the film came about as I had a list of people that I really wanted to be in the film by studying their work over the years.  Again, I set the strong intention for the films purpose and just knew that the ‘right’ people would participate.  Some guests were not planned and became an amazing ‘surprise’ that fit the overall intention of the film perfectly.  The greatest challenge was to stick to the vision no matter what and surrender the ‘how’ to the Universe.

Stephen’s Response: It goes to show when you make a firm decision to do something, everything you will ever need comes together almost effortlessly.    That’s how I became an award-winning Wall Street stockbroker, the first deaf instrument rated pilot in the world and a national motivational speaker.  I’m now poised to take my life to a different level where everything I do will be Divinity-based.  I’m thinking of going back to school and getting a metaphysical or Divinity degree.  I’ve begun to get involved with healing-based modalities like Reiki (I’m already certified at Level I – I may go all the way to the Reiki Master level).  I’m also researching different methods of mediation like Transcendental Meditation.   In short, I know I’ve come here to do more – much more and it has everything to do with connecting to my Divinity.

Getting back on track, I wanted to say that we’re trained to think everything has to be hard, especially when it comes to money.  It’s one of those programs where we were taught that “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” or that “We can’t afford this.”   Now it’s up to us to reach into the subconscious where they’re all buried and somehow find a way to remove them with the help of infinite intelligence (God, the universe, higher power, etc.).

5.  What were the darkest moments during the making of the movie and how did you deal with them?  For instance, did you encounter any doubters or naysayers?

I wouldn’t say we had any dark moments as I view everything as a challenge and an opportunity to for growth and letting go of limitations.  Of course we had some naysayers and skeptics but we didn’t give them any energy.  People always seem to oppose the new ideas but we mainly attracted the ones that were supportive.  The greatest challenge again was sticking to the vision.  Our cast members said many brilliant things and we could have made many movies out of the many topics they talked about so we always brought it back to the vision and this certainly translated to the editing room.

Stephen’s Response: I love asking this question because of how people react differently.   You see, the way you view it is of paramount importance.   While some of us would refer a situation as being dark or “bad,” you see it as a challenge instead.  Big difference!

Not giving energy to naysayers and skeptics, especially critics who try to win you over to their point of view or try to change yours (so that it matches their viewpoint) is of critical importance.   I’m actually dealing with a woman right bnow who has been challenging me on my spiritual viewpoints because they don’t jibe with her Christian beliefs.  This individual has implied on that I was actually being disrespectful to God/Jesus, even blasphemous!  It got to the point where I just had to set my foot down and draw the line, telling her that I was not interested in pursuing the discussion because I no longer wanted to give her energy.  You are right – there are people out there who are fiercely opposed to new ideas, especially if they have to do with religion.

6.  Take us deeper and give us a peek about some of the what if questions that the movie will answer.  For example, I read in Jenny’s interview with you that a prison inmate was able to regrow his teeth after having them knocked out a few times.  There’s a man in the movie who was once bald and he was able to regrow them without any outside intervention.  HOW?  How were these people able to do that?  What’s the secret?

Thought creates reality period.  If there’s any secret it’s that our unconscious thoughts are often the most powerful.  We can’t just say: “I’m rich, I’m rich.”  We have to live the feeling of becoming rich so strongly that it becomes our new vibratory frequency or our new knowingness.   When it’s our knowingness then it will become our reality.

The beliefs society rarely question such as: “Life is hard,” “Death is inevitable,” “We are powerless,” “We are not good enough,” “The dis-ease is incurable,” etc., is our knowingness of what we truly believe therefore we live in this reality.   And when we truly believe something with every fiber of our being then those beliefs will manifest and become our reality

The prison inmate who re-grew his teeth was never given the idea that you only get two sets of teeth.  Without that limiting program, he was naturally and effortlessly able to allow the infinite intelligence within him to do it’s job and rejuvenate and heal his body.   And his teeth re-grew after having them knocked out each time in the prison fights.

Lou Gauthier was told by medical doctors that he could never re-grow his hair after losing it completely.  This inspired him and he came up with a method to re-grow his hair back completely and even better than it was.  He says the key is changing the programs we learned.  He now works with others and helps them and many are now re-growing their hair.

Stephen’s Response: Hey, I want to meet Lou!  I sure need to learn how to regrow my hair!  LOL.

While you were responding to this question, I was reminded of a YouTube video I  had seen from China.  A man was able to cause bricks to fall over (in either direction) because of his thoughts!   Of course, some people watching this video will probably think, “there’s some sort of trickery involved here – it’s impossible to do what he claims to do.”

But, what if?  Take a look at this:

Come to think of it, this really isn’t so amazing after all because our thoughts do have that kind of power.   Weren’t we blessed with them for a reason?

7.  Tell us more about yourself.  Did you ever think you would be director of a movie?  Share with us your philosophy about life and how you came to be who you are today.

Well, my biggest goal in life is to realize my own Divinity.  Underneath this umbrella it’s my joy to do my part with contributing to the awakening of all to the glory of who we are if that is the desire.  My dream was not to be a filmmaker but rather to express the truths that I feel inside me.  The film is only a tool of course.  I feel that everyone is Divine and as we all go within the answers for our unfoldment are their waiting for us.  What resonates and really feels right for us is what we should follow…our own inner guidance.

Stephen’s Response: I can identify with your desire to recognize and ultimately connect with your inner Divinity.  Me too.  It’s taken me a long time to realize that this was what I really came here to do.  To “remember.”

We have the ability to self heal so why aren’t enough of us doing it?  Because of what you said earlier, the limiting programs we grew up with.   Isn’t it time to help ourselves break free from them and live magnificently?

You know what’s ironic?  We really do know the answers because because they’re within us.  Inside the subconscious mind.  God gave that to us for a reason.  He didn’t want us to shrink and become less then, didn’t He?

But here’s the challenge.  The subconscious is like the cellar of your house where the first floor is the conscious mind.  It is protected by a trapdoor separating the two.  It needs to be swung open for us to have access.  We need a way to open that trapdoor and so that we can feed the subconscious with empowering pictures, images, ideas and thoughts that have to do with what we desire for our lives.

The subconscious is a powerful but neglected place.  That gives rise to the quote we often hear where it says something along the lines of how we are only using 10 percent of our minds.   The “What If” movie will surely remind people of this powerhouse!

8.  If I’m not mistaken, I believe you have a series of “What IF” movies coming out – like a trilogy of sorts.   You have another one coming out and then a third.  How will subsequent movies be different from the first?   Who is your main target audience?

Yes, we are planning three.  The first one is called What If? The Movie-Awakening.  The second is What If? The Movie-Becoming where we delve into the healing techniques and look at the how of it.  As part of the film we plan on following  individuals where we can watch their processes and see them change.  Currently, you are being considered for one of them.  The third film is What If? The Movie-Being.  This is unwritten as we feel the information will come at the right time.

Stephen’s Response: How very exciting!  I am thrilled to see you have more in the works and even more so to learn that I am under consideration to be a part of the next movie coming out.  Wow.  That’s so exciting!

Awakening, Becoming and Being.

Millions are now awakening to the truth of who they are and why they are here.  Once they “wake up,” they’re then in a position to become whatever they came here to do.  And all they have to do is just be.  There’s nothing they have to “do.”  The act of being a spiritual being is all that is required of us.  Because when we’re “being,” ideas will come to us from infnite intelligence to take action on.  The art of being is exactly that – an art.

9.  What is your biggest dream or vision that you see happening with your involvement with “What If?”

Excellent question!  The intention for the film is that it reminds everyone of who they really are and that we help create what we like to call the Roger Bannister effect.  Medical science and physicians once said that it was a physical impossibility for man to run a mile in under 4 minutes.  When Roger Bannister did that he opened the way for many others to follow.  Now it’s much more common.

I think eventually people will be re-growing their hair, teeth and limbs and this will be as accepted and normal as the horseless carriage.  And when we start doing this we touch more deeply into who we really are which is unconditional love and perfect joy and as we start to experience this within we will create a peaceful world.

Stephen’s Response: The reason why we call regrowing hair or teeth a miracle is because it doesn’t happen often enough but once the collective consciousness reaches the “critical point,” where enough people believe it can happen, then that sort of stuff will become commonplace.

Yes, “What IF”?

10.  Look back over your life and share with us a defining moment that forever changed your life.  I call this a spiritual revelation or an “AH-HA” moment.  Was it something someone said to you or was it a major tragedy that turned things around? Tell us about it.

I have had many moments like that but the greatest is living the glimpse of my true Self.  It was the most profound experience.  I saw light in myself and the same light within everyone and everything.  I was at peace, I felt no lack, no insecurity, no pain, only unconditional love.  With every limiting belief I release I feel more of this.  This is my greatest joy.

Stephen’s Response: In the comment section below, please elaborate what “glimpsing your own true Self” was like for you.  What did you mean by that?  In other words, I understand you saw light in yourself but did you actually see yourself immersed in the light or was it a feeling/sensation?  Was it a visualization that came to you where you objectively saw yourself bathed in the light?  I’m very curious.

11.  Since I’m very much into health and wellness, I noticed in your interview with Jenny that you were once a Director of an Alternative Health and Wellness Center in the Catskill Mountains, NY.   You were into holistic healing.  Tell us more about that.  Also, how did you become involved in health and wellness?  What was it like running an alternative health center?  Did you teach things like yoga or were you into raw foods or vegetarianism or anything like that?

The center attracted people from all over the world and they would come and do a program anywhere from a weekend to a month or longer and many would come for 1 week.  The power of the mind was a big part of the program and intuitive breathing which, next to sungazing, has been the most powerful technique for me to let go of negative limiting thoughts.  Some people came for 30 days with terminal diseases and left without any symptoms.  At the center and in my own personal practice I saw people transform in front of me and what most call miracles became quite normal.

Stephen’s Response: I’m not at all surprised that people went to the center for 30 days with terminal diseases and left without any of the symptoms that they came in with.  I’ve been seeing this reported on the news, online and in countless of books and magazines.   These stories always puts me in a state of awe.

Well, we are done ladies and gentlemen!  Did you enjoy this one?  I am committed to bringing you interesting people of different backgrounds and disciplines.  My goal is to help raise the consciousness of the human race to see the possibilities that were never before considered.

May I recommend that you buy the DVD or download the movie by visiting the “What If? The Movie” website.   Let me know what you thought of it.

A week from now will be Part II of my interview with James.    THANK YOU JAMES for coming out to Adversity University.  It was an honor and thrill to have you with us today.  I can’t wait to see you again next week!

Until then, cheers!

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In the first interview, I called him a “lightworker” because he’s pursuing his passion of helping the working world feel a sense of purpose that comes with better interpersonal relations with one another.

The corporate world sorely needs this.    All you have to do is read the paper about how employees are seen as “expendable” by top management who seem to think everyone’s replaceable, especially during economic downturns.  Believe me, Michael has his work cut out for him!

If you haven’t seen the first part, let me invite you to read up on it before you continue by going to Stephen Hopson Interview with Michael Lee Stallard, Part I of II.

He’s back at Adversity University so let’s call him out for the last time.  Ready?  1 2 3, COME ON OUT MICHAEL, WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU!

(He comes bounding out with full vigor and enthusiasm)

Michael, welcome back to our community!  Time sure has flown since the last time you were here!  Let’s get started, shall we?

12.  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 life?  Give us specific examples of adversity and what you did to overcome them.

The night Katie”s surgeon told me she had cancer and it was advanced, I felt powerless.  I didn’t know what to do.  When we went to visit Katie in the ICU, one of my young daughters fainted and the other broke down sobbing. Our hearts were broken.  We love Katie so much.  The next morning when I entered Katie”s room, one of my best friends, Jason Pankau, had already arrived and was sitting there beside her hospital bed.  Jason rushed to our aid.  It was just the beginning of an outpouring of affection.

The connections we had with people were encouraging and healing.  They lifted our spirits.

The other challenge I faced was dyslexia and low self-esteem when I was a teenager. My parents’ love and encouragement, tutors, teachers, sports coaches and mentors who encouraged me helped me learn and grow in ability, knowledge, wisdom and confidence.  I could never have done it alone.  Once again, connections made the difference.

Stephen’s Response: I can certainly see how Katie’s bout with cancer was what triggered a series of events in your life that led you to do what you’re doing today!  What’s interesting about your experience is that rather it being “horrible,” (which sometimes acts as a catalyst for some people), it was quite uplifting, inspiring you to “pay it forward.”   Some people find their life’s purpose after going through a painful experience.  Like the man who was abused as a child who goes on to become a child advocate or something like that.  In your case, it was an uplifting, positive experience that led you to where you are today.  Interesting!

13.  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?

There has been no single defining moment in my life but a lot of inflection points that include developing my faith in God, meeting and falling in love with my wife Katie, being a parent to two wonderful daughters, Katie”s cancer experience, moving to the New York City area and meeting a extraordinary diversity of people, writing Fired Up or Burned Out, and becoming a speaker.

Stephen’s Response: You certainly have a treasure chest full of life changing moments!  But if I were to put a vote to it, I’d say your wife’s cancer was the biggest catalyst.  But then, that’s my objective opinion.  I’m not you, so I couldn’t say I am right with this observation but you’ve expanded on your wife’s cancer situation on a number of times throughout the interview, which leads me to reach this conclusion.

14.  What 3 books, blogs and/or mentors have influenced you and why?

Peter Drucker”s memoir Adventures of a Bystander:  His interests and values resonated with me

John Gration, one of my spiritual mentors:  His character and wisdom encouraged me.

and Thomas Merton”s prayer (see below):  His message and humility inspired me

Thomas Merton’s Prayer

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, Thomas Merton’s prayer really struck me deeply.  It definitely resonated with me – thanks for sharing it with us.  I’m sure someone reading today’s interview will find this prayer to be something that was sorely needed at the exact moment.

15.  Name the top 5 articles you’ve written that you believe readers at Adversity University would benefit from.

Only one.

“The Connection Culture Manifesto” published by changethis.com and downloadable for free at this link: http://www.changethis.com/44.06.ConnectionCulture

It has been downloaded thousands of times. The award-winning New York Times business journalist William J. Holstein wrote that it reflected “great wisdom.”  His words were very encouraging to me.

Stephen’s Response: I agree with William Holstein that this particular manifesto reflects great insights of wisdom.   A person of that stature making a comment like that would make any person’s day!  Congratulations!

16.  What do you hope God will have to say to you when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? (If you’re an atheist, no problem, substitute what you would like your tombstone to read).

There were times you pleased me.  For all the times you didn’t, you”re forgiven.

Stephen’s Response: How sweet!  And what a relief too to know that we’re all forgiven, regardless of what we chose to do while we were here.  That’s the definition of an unconditionally loving God.  I don’t believe in a God that judges.  But most religions would have you believe that you will be punished and banished to an everlasting hell.  The only hell that exists is the life we make for ourselves with incorrect choices.

17.  Being deaf, I am always curious to know which sounds other people love and hate to hear.  Tell us a sound you absolutely adore and a sound you detest.

I love the sound of the running brook behind my home and the waves coming ashore at our local beach on the Long Island Sound.  I also love music.

I detest hate speech.

Stephen’s Response: You have a running brook behind the house?!?   You’re living in my dream house!  I’ve always visualized myself living in a house with a running brook or river in the backyard.  How sweet that must be!

Hate speech hurts everyone, even the speaker who spouts forth the hateful words.

18.  We all have our likes and dislikes.  What would you say turns you on and what turns you off?  Give the first answer that comes to your mind without censoring or editing it.

I love gathering with great friends for a good meal and stimulating conversation. I dislike long winters.

Stephen’s Response: Hahaha, were you reading my mind about long winters?  I’m doing the best I can in dealing with the extreme cold by actually facing it.  How?  By bundling up and taking long walks on nature’s pathways nearby my home.  I always come back home invigorated.   But I am looking forward to spring.

Gathering with friends for good food, drink and conversation is always a morale booster.  Nothing like enjoying good company!

19.  What is your favorite word?  Least favorite?

Joy.  Hopelessness.

Stephen’s Response: Interesting choice of words.   One signifies pure happiness while the other represents crushing defeat without any chance of recovery.

20.  What’s next for Michael Lee Stallard?

More speaking around the country and writing for The Economic Times in India and for other publications.  My wife and I are attending a lot of high sporting events to see our teenage daughters cheerleading.

Stephen’s Response: You are certainly enjoying yourself, aren’t you, Mr. Stallard?  That’s awesome!  Best wishes for continued success as a national speaker.  Perhaps one day we’ll both be speaking at the same event?  You never know!

21.  What’s the biggest, wildest and seemingly impossible dream you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?

To know that my work had a major impact on helping improve connection in organizations worldwide and made people happier, healthier, and more productive.

Stephen’s Response: That’s a very admirable vision you have for yourself and I see you doing that easily and effortlessly.   You have found a need and have worked diligently to close the gap between the people who work for various organizations.  You are making a huge difference because you’re doing a vitally important job.  Without a sense of connection inside these organizations, they’re destined to fall apart because without its people, the organization can’t do much of anything.

22.  Finally but not least, where can we find out more about you?

1. My blog: www.michaelleestallard.com
2. My book: www.FiredUpOrBurnedOut.com
3. My company: www.EPluribusPartners.com

Well, that’s the end – let’s give Michael a rousing applause and thank him for his time with us today!  I hope you all enjoyed his time with us as much as I did.  He was certainly someone with a different background, wasn’t he?  I enjoy bringing you a wide range of people to get to know more.  You can expect me to continue doing just that!

Until next time, enjoy the rest of the week…….

a

Not only that but like I did, he quit Wall Street to pursue a calling.  This interview has an interesting twist to it because I see him as a lightworker disguised in a business suit.  He once worked as a high powered executive for financial giants like Morgan Stanley before saying goodbye to Wall Street.  It was his wife cancer that triggered it but not for reasons you think it did.

Let me just say one more thing.  If you were to look at his photo, you would not notice anything out of the ordinary like a disability right?  Well, let me give you hint – Tom Cruise also has it.

I’m VERY EXCITED to have him here and so without further ado, let’s call him out from the “green room!!!

Mr. Michael Lee Stallard, COME ON OUT AND GREET US!

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 speak, train and coach leaders about how to develop the “Connection Cultures” that are necessary for individuals and organizations to thrive.   Connection Cultures help make people feel connected to their leaders, their organization’s identity, the people they work with, and to the work they perform.

Stephen’s Response: Michael, whether or not you intend this to be of a spiritual topic, in my view, this is exactly what you’re doing with this platform.  Let me explain.

On a deep level, all of us are desperate to feel connected, especially in the workplace.   More than ever, employees are feeling disconnected from one another and their management because the communication gap has gotten wider.  Employees are seen as “dispensable” in this day and age, shattering any remnants of a connection that might have once existed.  The “us versus them” mentality pervades many workplaces, indicating a great need for healing and the  restoration of trust.

In my view, you are performing a valuable spiritual service without being blatant about it.  Through your work, you are doing a very important job of connecting hearts in the workplace.  BRAVO!

2.  Tell me in 3 to 5 sentences something we can’t read in your bio or at the “About Page” at your website/blog.

I’n recent years I learned that I’m an achievaholic. When my wife Katie successfully battled cancer in 2003 and again in 2004, we experienced an outpouring of “connection” in the form of love, encouragement and support from our family and friends. It was life-changing for me.  It made me realize something I”d been missing in life and that was missing in the workplace: human connection.  I”ve dedicated my life”s work to helping increase connection in the workplace and in life outside of work.  Connection helped heal Katie.  It helps everyone experience more joy, productivity and prosperity in life.

Stephen’s Response: Haha, I can certainly relate Michael.  An achievaholic?  Gosh yes!  I’ve always been curious to know why some of us are like that while others are not?

I read about your wife’s cancer in one of your publications (not sure which one it was but it was POWERFUL).  I can see why the outpouring of connection you felt at the cancer center was life changing because there you and Katie were, probably scared out of your wits, not sure where to turn or whether the doctors would be caring enough.

We’ve all heard stories about apathetic doctors and nurses who have been trained to distance themselves from their patients.    They appear stoic and uncaring – to them, they’re just performing their duties and moving on to the next patient.

3. How long have you been at E Pluribus Partners?

I left Wall Street in 2002 to found E Pluribus Partners (www.EPluribusPartners.com).

Stephen’s Response: Hmmm…you know I also left Wall Street to pursue my dreams of becoming a speaker, author/writer and pilot.  It was a scary time for me.   What about you?  What led you to the moment when you decided to call it quits?    How did you prepare for it?  (you can answer in the comment section if you’d like)

4.  How did you come up with that very broadly appealing title of ”E Pluribus”?

It is a very unique name! E Pluribus Unum is the motto of America.  It’s a Latin phrase that means “out of many, one.” Creating a sense of community, of “oneness,” in the workplace is key to improving employee engagement, productivity and innovation.  The forces of connection create that feeling of unity.

Stephen’s Response: One of things I love about doing interviews is that I am always learning something new. Until now, I had never heard of the phrase “E Pluribus.”  The Latin meaning is a perfect fit for what you’re now doing to make a difference.  I love it!   It’s fitting and all encompassing.

As I’ve often stated here in this blog, I believe the planet is moving towards the light and there are many lightworkers who are occupying different sectors of the world in different positions each of whom are bringing their own talents to help humanity connect on a deeper level.  Even though you don’t label yourself as a lightworker, I do see you as one.  You just happen to wear a business suit and deal with high powered executives and their organizations.

5.  What is the real reason you started ”E Pluribus Partners”?

In 1998 I was hired as the chief marketing officer of Morgan Stanley”s global wealth management group.   I started experimenting with some practices to engage our client-facing employees and the practices we put in place helped us double our revenues in about 2.5 years. I knew we had discovered something special and that I needed to eventually leave Wall Street to focus full time on developing these ideas and best practices.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, I was head of business and product development for a mutual fund company, was an investment banker, and started out in a marketing role in the tech industry. During those years I weathered several mergers and acquisitions and experienced corporate cultures that were healthy and those that were toxic.

Stephen’s Response: I can relate to being immersed within the toxic corporate environment.  It drained all of my energy and enthusiasm.  It is one reason untold thousands, perhaps millions, have left Corporate America in search of a better way to contribute to the world.

6.  One of the reasons why you’re being interviewed is because as a result of you contacting me (you had read an interview I did with Alexander Kjerulf, the Chief Happiness Officer in Denmark), I’ve gotten to know you more through your written account in dealing with cancer.  You wrote that story with a level of zeal and authenticity that drew me in.  My goodness, not only is there positivity in your writings but you seem like someone I’d invite into my home for dinner even though we’ve never met.  How did you become like this?

Thank you, Stephen. I was very fortunate to be born in a home with a great environment.  My parents care for people and they are encouraging and optimistic. Parents have a huge effect on their kids.  The Connection Culture applies to families too, not just workplaces.

Stephen’s Response: Yes, parents have a HUGE effect on their kids.  I was at a party recently, talking to a science teacher.  I love talking to teachers because of the impact my fifth grade teacher made on my life eons ago.  We were talking and I bought up the question of “What are the kids and their parents like nowadays?”  (He had been teaching for over 20 years so I was curious about his observations).

He said, “Parents nowadays are lax with their responsibilities in terms of monitoring the child’s school progress.  They expect the school to handle everything ranging from discipline to doing their homework.”    “On top of that,” he continued, “many kids come from broken homes.”   No wonder we have problems in the schools.  There needs to be a connection between parents, teachers and the kids.

Hey, maybe you could do that next!

7.  If I were to ask you to dig a little further, how would you define who you really are?

My hope is that I will have an overall positive effect on the lives of others from my relationships with them and from my work, and that my life will bring Truth, Beauty, Goodness and Love to the lives of others.

Stephen’s Response: I love it!  “Truth, beauty, goodness and love.”  You are definitely a lightworker disguised in a business suit. 

8.  What is the best advice you’ve ever received and given?

A life not lived for others is a life not lived.

Stephen’s Response: Hmm..interesting.   Sounds like what you’re saying is “living life without serving others is a life not lived.”  Would that be about right?

9. What do you consider your proudest achievement in life?

The fact that a dyslexic kid who had a fear of speaking developed a love for reading, writing and speaking has a certain irony and, I suppose, qualifies as an achievement.

Stephen’s Response: That is amazing!  Did you have a hard time in school because of this disability?  Were you labeled as slow by the teachers?  What about the other kids?   Did they make fun of you?

I can see how being dyslexic would cause you to fear public speaking.  Once a dyslexic, always a dyslexic, right?  How do you deal with it as an adult?  (You can comment down below).

Michael, do you think you became an overachiever because of your “hidden” disability?  I wouldn’t be surprised if the answer was “yes” because I can relate.  Being deaf and having people tell me throughout my life that I couldn’t do this or that actually became one of the greatest motivators for me.  I wanted to prove them wrong.  Of course, I now know that isn’t necessary as I need not prove anything anymore.

10.  We all have a dark side, what’s yours?

When my achievaholic beast gets out of its cage, I can be myopic and self-absorbed.

Stephen’s Response: Forgive me for laughing for I am not laughing AT you but WITH you because I can sure relate!  We all have egos which need taming every once in a while.  Some say the ego needs to be eliminated but I think it serves some useful purpose.  Like electricity or fire, it can be used for the greater good or evil.   It’s up to us.

11.  What would you say was the most embarrassing moment of your life that, at the time had you mortified, but you now freely share with others?   And what was the lesson you learned from the incident?

I had a flawed sense of love when I was young that was manifest in several unhealthy relationships.  I was seeking affirmation and twisting who I was in order to get the affirmation I longed for.  Experience and self-reflection have given me a much greater understanding about who I am and what I believe.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, this is POWERFUL.  I was on a cable TV show this morning (local) and the host was asking me what my challenges in life have been.   Among some of mine was how I cared too much about what other people thought.  As a result of that, I became someone who I was not, just for the sake of “fitting in.”

I bet you incorporate this lesson in your teachings because it is so easy for us to twist things around to get the affirmation we want from others.

We should celebrate our uniqueness!

(Turning to the audience):

Didn’t I tell you this was going to be an interesting interview?  Thank you Michael for coming to Adversity University.   I surely enjoyed getting to know you better and look forward to having you back for Part II next week.    Thank you so much for being transparent with us!

Until next time, enjoy the rest of the week.  For those of you braving bitter cold weather, stay warm!

a

I just haven’t been inspired to write a gratitude post even though I’m very grateful.  I came off a fantastic year in 2008 and you would think I’d be charging into 09 with full vigor and enthusiasm.   Well, sort of but not fully.  Ever been there?

One thing I do have going, which I am exceedingly grateful, is my raw food journey which continues to keep me in good shape with plenty of energy.   Normally, when I’m in a funk like this, I forgo the gym and pig out with junk food like there’s no tomorrow.  Thankfully that isn’t the case this time around.  I continue to feel inspired to workout and stay on the raw food train.

It’s not the first time I’ve been in a funk – I’ll tell you how I snap out of it in a future article.   But right now, we have Michael Chase back for the second part of his interview with me.  If you didn’t read the first part, please do that before delving into Part II because you’ll have a much better understanding of who he is and what he’s all about.   Go ahead and see it at Stephen Hopson Interview with Michael J. Chase of the Kindness Center, Part I of II.

Okay, now that we’re all caught up, let’s call Michael from the green room.  MICHAEL!  WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU MY FRIEND.  COME ON OUT!!!!

Let’s get started with the first question.

8. We all have a dark side, what’s yours?

I’d say my front is the darker side. I always forget to roll over when lying out in the sun.   Oh, wait, did you mean like an evil side?   O.k, seriously, my dark side is anytime I think I am bigger than my message.   Early on, it was easy to get caught up in the spotlight and let that cinderblock on my shoulders, called an ego, convince me that I was so important.   I now understand that it’s not really about me.   I’m just the delivery guy.   Do I want to become famous, get on Oprah, sell millions of books…no.    Do I want the message of kindness to become Beatle-Mania like famous, get on Oprah, and sell millions of books?   You better believe I do.

Stephen’s Response: There’s a big difference between the message you’re delivering and the messenger.  A friend told me once, “just focus on helping others, serve them and everything else will fall into place.”  That means letting the ego take a backseat, not an easy feat.  I can identify with this myself.    The way I do it is by being humble.  While I certainly share my achievements, I also make a point that I stumble and fall like everyone else.

9. What would you say was the defining moment (personal “tipping point” per sey) 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?

My father’s suicide was a moment that forever changed my life.   It was especially difficult because after 30 years of struggling with our relationship, we were just becoming close.   I had finally found a place in my heart to forgive him, while he had worked so hard at being a better dad.   Losing him that way just devastated me.

That experience now serves as a major source of inspiration for me.    Helping people discover joy and meaning in life allows me to feel connected to my father.    If I can ensure that even one person never experiences the pain he went through…I will feel that I have lived a meaningful life.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, I had no idea!  You mostly hear of sons and daughters taking their own lives but parents?  I cannot imagine what you had to deal with in the aftermath.   I’m glad to see this incident sparked a major source of inspiration for you.

That’s usually what happens – a major tragedy happens and a person most affected by it does something about it.  Look at John Walsh of TV’s “Most Wanted.”   He lost a son to kidnapping and murder, inspiring him to catch the bad guys on TV.   I am going to go out on a limb here and say this:  We all come here with a pre-birth agreement to carry out certain missions.  For instance, I firmly believe I chose to be deaf in this lifetime so that my soul could experience growth lessons.  Everyone I’ve ever met has been part of that agreement – they all had their roles to play – the teacher, the bully, the father, the mother, etc.  You and your father agreed to carry out the roles that were played so that you could go on and carry out the kindness message to the world.    The suicide of your Dad was part of that plan.

Wow, I can’t believe I opened up like that!  Well, that’s my belief from a larger cosmic point of view.  It might strike some of you as odd or strange but it all makes sense to me.  We each have a cosmic role to play – this is precisely why we should never judge another person because we really don’t know the make-up of his/her pre-birth agreement.

10. What do you do to maintain good health?  Do you follow a certain diet regiment?  My fans, friends and followers all know about my raw food journey that I started in September 2008 and it’s been nothing short of a major miracle.  I lost almost 30 lbs, have more energy than ever and feel closer to divinity.  This has led a change of focus, leading me down the path of health and wellness that I would never have considered before.  So it’s only natural I’d ask you this question.

I begin each day with yoga, meditation and then a run.    Last year I became a vegetarian and have found tremendous health and spiritual benefits from that decision.    Sure I go a little crazy with sweets during the holiday season, but the way I see it, I’m NOT taking any chances that my mom’s peanut butter fudge is not in the afterlife!

Stephen’s Response: In that order?  Every day?  That’s great!  Congratulations on your decision to become a vegetarian and finding health and spiritual benefits from it.   The same thing happened with my raw food journey that I began in September.  Not only have I lost 25 to 30 pounds (depending on the day I step on the scale, hahaha), but I’ve also gotten closer to my inner spirit, listening to it more often.  I feel closer to Mother Earth and truly care about her well being.  I’ve come into more information about my spiritual journey and those of others that I wasn’t aware of before.  I’m attracting spiritually grounded people as well as business opportunities that align nicely with my newfound health awareness.

BTW, your mom’s peanut butter fudge sounds delicious!

11. 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 life?  Give us specific examples of  adversity and what you did to overcome them.

We have been given a tremendous gift in life, the power of choice. I give a program based on that topic alone and how our choices determine not only our lives, but also the fate of all beings.    Each day, I know that I am 100% responsible for creating my life and a better world. No blame allowed.    Sure I get frustrated with the destructive choices that other people make, but complaining and being “against” them does not solve the problem.     I make it my intention to be “for” rather than “against.”    For example, even though I watched drugs and alcohol destroy my family, I am not against substance abuse…I am for healthy living.    Even though I have had friends experience the horrors of war, I am not against war…I am for peace.    Being for gives you tremendous power.    Being against however weakens your mind, body and spirit. In a poetic nutshell: “whatever you resists, persists, whatever you are for, you adore.” Wow, that’s not half bad!    I’m a poet and didn’t even know it! I better stop there. 

Stephen’s Response: That’s it.  The power of choice.  Even when you don’t do anything and sit on the couch, you’ve made a choice.  Isn’t that amazing?  Every single thing you do, say or think is a result of a choice you made.  When you accept that as being true, then you’re so much closer to the awareness of taking total responsibility for things that happen to you.    There’s nothing more freeing than saying, “You know, you’re right, I messed up.”   That usually shuts up the person who wants to blame you because you’ve just destroyed that person’s ammunition supply!   It’s fun to watch actually!

You make a very important point about the power of being for something rather than against something.  Remember Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say NO!” drug program?  When she got millions of people to go against drugs, what happened?  Did drug usage went up!   What would have been a better solution would have been to focus on health and wellness because the more you focus on something, the more power you give it regardless of whether the focus is on something good or bad.

Let me use my own personal experience with smoking cigars as an example.  When I began the raw food diet, did I make a goal of mine to stop smoking cigars?  No.  I just focused on health and wellness and the 10 plus years of smoking stopped as a natural byproduct of my focus on taking better care of myself!   For those of you who don’t know me, I LOVED cigars.  I was obsessed with having at least one a day!  But a few months after I went raw, the desire to light up simply vanished.   This was tested when I recently visited my brother’s for the holidays.  My Dad was out in the backyard smoking a cigar while I was playing with the dogs.   I was surprised to see how I had no desire to light up even though the smell of cigar smoke was both sweet and enticing.  The desire was GONE.  And not because I decided to quit smoking on purpose.

12. What is your favorite word?  Least favorite?

I really believe that words have very little power without intent or tonality.    It’s not what you say, but rather where the words come from.    You can make almost any word beautiful if it comes from a kind heart.    You can also destroy beautiful words with sarcasm and unkind tones.    Speak from the heart and any word can be love…

Stephen’s Response: Most of my readers know about the fifth grade teacher story where 3 words were uttered, forever changing my life.  She had a kind heart that made a big difference.

You’re right – words by themselves don’t really have any power except the meaning you attach to them.  Or the intent behind them.    I agree – “speak from the heart and any word can be love.”    Very true.

13. What was the most embarrassing moment of your life that you now look back at and laugh, cry or smile?  What was the lesson(s) you learned?

Having to give a presentation on “preventing teen pregnancy” in high school definitely makes it high on my list of embarrassing moments.    Oh, and the lesson I learned…a turkey baster and condom are not the best choice for props.

Stephen’s Response: Moooohahahaha.  A turkey baster and condom?  As props?  Oh Lord, how funny!  I hope you talk about that in your speeches because people love it when speakers poke fun at themselves.  It makes them more human and “relatable.”

14. What 3 books, blogs, mentors or other sources have influenced you and why?  (ONLY THREE IN TOTAL)

Most of Wayne Dyers work has been a big inspiration in my life.    Although other teachers inspired much of his work, his delivery really worked well for me.    Ram Dass has also been a wonderful teacher in my life.    His wit, sense of humor, and beautiful philosophies, have had a big impact on my style of speaking. I’m a “speak from the heart” kind of guy.    My presentations are never even close to being professionally or technically perfect, but what you do get is the real me.    Too many presenters forget to be human on stage.    I fall in love with everyone in the audience so being intellectual doesn’t work for me.    Showing love and compassion for everyone in front of you is the key to an authentic presentation.

Stephen’s Response: I just wanted to point out your photo to the left.  Do you see where your hands are?  They’re over the heart area.   Just by looking at it I can tell you were speaking passionately from the heart.  I like how you were dressed casually.    I rarely wear a business suit these days.  Only once in a while it’s appropriate to.    Clothes don’t make the man, you know?  Yes, I know first impressions count but I think how you carry yourself speaks even louder.

I agree – show love and compassion is the key to giving authentic presentations.  It’s the only way to get your message across.

15. What do you hope God will have to say to you when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Hey! Your mom just made a batch of peanut butter fudge! Come on in and stay for an eternity or two!”

Stephen’s Response: So does that mean when I get there, I can get a sample of her peanut butter fudge?  LOL.    “An eternity or two” brought a smile to my face.   The funny thing about “an eternity” is that apparently it goes by in the blink of an eye, so to speak.

16. Being deaf, I am always curious to know which sounds other people love and hate to hear.  Tell us a sound you absolutely adore and a sound you detest.

This may seem strange…but I love the sound of silence.    I have discovered gorgeous qualities to silence through meditation.    It has a voice of it’s own and brings me tremendous peace.

The sound I despise?    A ringing cell phone during a deep conversation with a friend.

Stephen’s Response: Interesting you like the sound of silence.  Well, we could trade places for a day, if you’d like!  You’ve inspired me to take up meditation more often.  I love that feeling of peace you speak of.   I don’t always have it but when I do, wow, it’s the most amazing, beautiful, calming and reassuring feeling.   Your mouth literally curves up into a smile without effort, all day long.  People can’t help but smile back at you and wonder why you’re looking so peaceful.  They notice something about you but can’t quite put their finger on it.  I love that!

A ringing cell phone during a deep conversation with a friend is similiar to someone approaching me and interrupting a conversation I’m having with someone.  Often times in order not to break train of thought during the conversation, I’ll put up my finger to signal to the other person that I’m not done yet.   It’s my way of staying focused on the other person and giving him/her all of my attention.   Too many people let distractions like that interrupt the conversation.

17. We all have our likes and dislikes.  What would you say turns you on and what turns you off?  Give the first answer that comes to your mind without censoring or editing it.

Likes…

I know this probably seems too obvious, but sincere, kindhearted people just make me glow.    Whether it’s outstanding customer service or a stranger on the street smiling at me, kind people simply make me fall in love with life.

Dislikes…

Well, you probably already guess it, but mean-spirited, unkind behavior just kills me.    Whenever I see it, it’s as if something sharp is being driven through my heart.

Stephen’s Response: Interesting responses!   Who doesn’t like to be treated kindly?  Have you ever had an irate person suddenly calm down after you’ve shown kindness, despite the verbal lashing you just received from that person?  It’s a most amazing transformation to witness.  The other person immediately (although not always) feels the love and backs down.   Sometimes they trip over themselves and apologize profusely for their “outburst” citing “a bad hair day” or something like that.

19.  What’s the biggest, boldest dream you have for yourself Michael?   In other words, using inspiration from the movie, “The Bucket List” (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freedman, 2007), what’s on your bucket list?

It’s simple: Change the world.     My life’s mission is to inspire kindness as a way of life.    If enough of us begin to radiate kindness in all of our thoughts, words and actions, we will completely change the consciousness of this planet.

But if that doesn’t work out, a starting position on the Red Sox would be cool…

Stephen’s Response: Well, Michael, you are well on your way to doing just that!  I found your mission to resonate with my soul and am so thankful you found me after which I couldn’t wait to invite you to be interviewed here.

You are indeed a major lightworker, paving the way for more light on the Earth.  Like you said, if enough of us radiate our inner light in the form of kindness, compassion and love to the rest of the world, it will heal.  In fact, I believe that’s what is happening right now.  The dark forces of this world are rapidly receding while the light is taking on bigger and bigger portions.  The more lightworkers we have, the more the planet and its occupants will heal.

18. And finally but not least, where can we find out more about you?

The Kindness Center

Well, folks we are at the end of yet another inspiring and thought provoking interview!  Thank you Michael for coming to Adversity University.    I know that everyone who took the time to read both parts of our interview were touched on some level.   It’s impossible not to be!   Just looking at your photos is enough to demonstrate the power of kindness in your eyes.   You were meant to travel this path and I wish you all the best!

Folks, I owe you a gratitude post, I know.  It’s coming.  Hang on tight and enjoy the rest of the week.

Oh yes, don’t forget to perform random acts of kindness.  Here’s a list to get you started:

1. Hold the door open for the person behind you to come inside the store.
2. Compliment someone on his/her new haircut or at least make a mention of it with “Did you get a haircut?”
3. Pay the toll of the car behind you.
4. Visit someone in a nursing home.
5. Bake cookies for your next door neighbor for no apparent reason.
6. Wipe off the snow on your neighbor’s car.
7. Give up your airline seat for someone who needs to go to a specific destination for a family emergency.

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Folks, Happy New Year!

Yes, I’ve been missing in action but don’t worry.  I’ll swing back into the groove.   I didn’t do the gratitude post last week not because I wasn’t grateful.  I actually have a huge list that I’m saving for later but after spending a fabulous week with my brother, his family and my folks for the holidays, I came home and degenerated into a cocoon for two reasons.

The first was that I was unexpectedly hit with a nasty cold, throwing me completely for a loop.   The cold was more persistent than I expected and nothing I did seemed to help.   It was one of those things that left me scratching my head, “WTHeck?”   Not even the self-administered healing treatments, the raw foods, or the  vitamins helped.    I finally came to the conclusion that my body would recover on its own time.  And it did – five days later!    Such a stubborn body!

Not only did I get sick but to be honest, I just didn’t feel inspired to write.   It was more important for me to curl up and go into remission and get re-connected with my inner spirit.    I spent some quiet time (for those of you who know me, when is it NOT quiet for me?  LOL) re-examining my spiritual urgings and re-evaluated things from a professional and personal standpoint.   I read books and found some interesting spiritually-related information online that I will tell you about in a future article.

I also wondered why the heck I got sick since I had been eating mostly fruits and vegetables for the last 4 to 5 months.   It puzzled the heck out of me.   But after reading about other people’s experiences, I learned that hey, we’re human.  I also learned that I might have experienced “delayed detoxification” of the foods I ate while at my brothers.

While I managed to eat substantially raw over the holidays (I even brought my Vita-Mix!), I also ate small portions of SAD food, curious to see what would happen.    Not once did I get sick – not at all.   In fact, I was fine the whole week!    But on my first morning back in Ohio, I woke up to a stuffy nose, mucus on the throat and found myself coughing!   A nasty cold was wading its way through me and I knew it.

Uh-oh.

Okay, enough about me – Michael is here and I want to turn the spotlight on him.    So I’ll stop now and get to the business at hand.

Oh WAIT (palms extending upward like a traffic cop), before I do that, I think it’s fair to tell you how we “met.”    How it happened was divine timing, let me tell you.

After the incredibly successful interview with Lance of Jungle of Life (the last part of our interview generated over 50 comments!!!), I was wondering where to go from there.

A moment ago, I mentioned that some of the reading I had done since coming back home from the holidays was spiritually related.  I was led to a site that opened my eyes about why everything has been happening in the way it has.  I’m talking about the massive fallout in the financial markets, greedy executives falling from their perches and politicians getting caught red handed with “pay for play” schemes.

All of this has to do with how the earth and its inhabitants are drastically raising its vibration toward the light.  The dark forces are rapidly falling out of favor.    Those who gained their wealth through unethical/greedy means are finding themselves in dire straits.    All of the earthquakes, forest fires and hurricanes are the Earth’s way of cleansing itself to make way for the light to gain more prominence.   That means lightworkers of the world are gaining more of a foothold because they are aligning with increasingly higher earth vibrations.    It’s a fascinating theory that very much resonates with me.

With this information, I went looking for someone new to interview and that’s when the universe brought Michael J. Chase to my attention.   It arrived in the form of a simple, innocent email from him, telling me how much he had been enjoying my blog posts and how they’ve inspired and uplifted him.    It was short, sweet and genuine.    Of course, that piqued my interest.   Who was this guy?  What did he do for a living?  I immediately went to his site.   After spending several minutes roaming around his site, I knew I had a perfect match for the Stephen Hopson Interview Series.

So, let’s get with it – LET’S WELCOME MICHAEL J. CHASE!!

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 guess I’d have to say that my “professional title” is an inspirational speaker…but to be honest, I don’t feel like I have a job.   I truly believe that the key ingredient to living an authentic life is doing something that inspires you while creating joy for others.   Our career choices are simply vehicles, which reveal our life’s purpose – Service, Compassion, Kindness and Love.   Taking something that you are passionate about and contributing to the lives of other people is the surest path to happiness.

Stephen’s Response: Your response is befitting of a light-worker, you know that?  I admire how you’ve found your calling while bringing joy and kindness to others.  You bet that’s living an authentic life!  How could it not be?  What could be more genuine than that?  Isn’t that what we’re here to do?  To provide service?   Even the Bible has something to say about that!

Yes, I agree that taking something you are passionate about and contributing to the lives of other people is the path to happiness.  In fact, what you’re doing is actually helping me re-evaluate my goals for 2009, did you know that?!?!   Yes, that’s right Michael!  You are already making a difference in MY LIFE and the interview has barely begun!   I am so inspired by what you doing that I want to do what you’re doing too – spreading kindness and love.

My friend and hydrotherapist Linda Clifton said to me shortly before I left town for the holidays, “It’s important to frame your mind in such a way that you think more about being of service to others and the money will take care of itself.”    While I’ve known that intellectually, it wasn’t until YOU came onto my radar and rocked my world with what you’re doing.    God was using Linda to plant that seed in my mind because He knew you would come along and knock me out!

2. Tell me in 3 to 5 sentences something we can’t read in your bio or at the “About Page” at ”The Kindness Center.”

Although she’d never admit it, my mother has been instrumental in my effort to “change the world.”   If it were not for her love and protection during my childhood…I don’t think I’d be here today.   I grew up in a very unkind and abusive environment, which I was able to survive because of my mother’s love.   She is just an amazing woman and one of my best friends.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, wow, wow.  Bless your mom for being there for you.  That was mighty courageous of her because I can only imagine that she was protecting you even when risking her own physical safety.  Would that be about accurate?

Well, Michael, I’m a strong believer that every single thing happens for a reason.  The abuse you endured was in preparation for the role you now occupy, do you believe that?   We are all training for something.   Everything that happened to me as a baby, kid, teenager, young adult and now adult has not been without divine purpose.   The great adversity we each endure is to strengthen us for a future role of some sort.  We’re often not aware of the significance of everything until much later.

There are numerous examples of such adversity that has led a person to take up a cause for the betterment of the world.  Look at what Lance Armstrong has done for cancer research.   If it hadn’t been for his cancer, Lance would probably not be spearheading the work he’s doing to find a cure.  Same thing with people who suffered abuse who have decided to break the cycle of violence and turn things around.

It goes along with the thinking of why I was born deaf.  Did you know that for many years I didn’t like the fact that I was deaf?  It wasn’t until I realized I was born for a purpose when things began to turn around for me.

One last thing….we actually choose the parents and the life we have.  I know that before I was born, I made a spiritual contract with the various people I would deal with throughout my life, including my parents.  I even wrote an article about that in “What’s Your Contract with God?”

3. How long have you been promoting the act of kindness?

Actually promoting kindness as a way of life began for me in 2007.   Before starting The Kindness Center, I knew that being kind was the “right thing to do,” but I had never actually considered it as a method for personal and spiritual growth.   Since making kindness my intention for all that I think, say and do, it has completely transformed my life.   But honestly…I do not feel as if I’m special by doing this work.   Everyone has the same ability (and endless opportunities) to express the energy of kindness every single day.   It is truly our nature to be kind. What it comes down to is the power of choice.   Choosing to adopt kindness as a way of life…is choosing to be who you truly are.   We were created to be kind.   When we arrived in this world we were not unkind, judgmental, or looking to create war.   We came into this world as pure love.   The problem is that most people have forgotten who they truly are.   My mission in life is to simply remind people of their perfection and loving nature.

Stephen’s Response: You are humble and gracious.  You are also right when you say everyone has the same ability to make kindness a way of life.  That’s why I thought you were a perfect fit for this series.  It’s so important to remind people why they are here – to be kind and serve others.   Like you said, it’s our inherent nature to be kind.

You got it – choice!  (I’m nodding my head so fast that I’m afraid my neck will snap!).  It is up to us to enact what we know to be right.

It’s simple – like you said, we have forgotten who we are.  it’s time to get back to the basis and do what we know is right.    The world of greedy businesspeople, dishonest politicians and hate mongers would not want you to remember this.  They make it their business to be ruthless – why?  So they can enrich themselves while the rest of the world begs for scraps.

Well, no more!  Do you see what’s happening in America and around the globe?  The people who used greed and dishonesty to reap their fortunes are falling rapidly.    Financial institutions are coming apart at the seams and it’s all part of the changes Mother Earth and her inhabitants are making toward the light.  It’s why we need light-workers like you to help increase the Earth’s vibration to even higher levels.   WOOT!

Okay, I let myself get carried away for a minute but man, that’s my new passion!  To help increase the light and push the dark forces back further and further.  Oh yes, this is better than sex!  Whoo hoo!

4. What is the real reason you started “The Kindness Center“?

Unkindness was a disease in my family, and growing up around so much anger and sadness definitely took its toll on me.   For years I tried almost every personal growth program, self-help book, and spiritual teaching out there in an effort to find peace with myself, and my past.   After reading hundreds of books and tapping into some wonderful teachings, I was making some progress, but had yet to find the secret to being consistently happy.   But in the spring of 2007 all of that changed.   After having a major epiphany about kindness, (that crazy story is on my website)   I just knew this message needed to be shared with the rest of the world.

Stephen’s Response: And I’m with you!  I make it my commitment to join forces with you.  What about the rest of you (looking at the vast audience of over 600 people)????  Won’t you join forces with us?  Will you do a random act of kindness this week?

Not to brag or anything, but I already did my random act of kindness this week and I will make a point of doing at least one small act every single day.  Yesterday, I was decluttering my home/office and gave away a handful of appliances to surprised residents in my building that included a relatively new breadmaker, microwave, a toaster/oven and a blender.   With the exception of the blender (NO, not the Vita-Mix  –  I’m keeping THAT), the others were gifts that were passed on to me because the original owners wanted to give them away.  All I did was to “pay it forward.”

This morning I got an email from a Facebook friend who told me that two hours later my microwave found its way to the home of a young man who was struggling to save money and needed a microwave so that he could cook more at home.  How cool was that?!?!   That message lifted me up so high I was afraid I’d crack my head on the ceiling!

When you give from the heart – I’m telling you – it substantially increases your vibration.  It puts you in a position to receive even more from the universe simply because you gave kindly.

So let me ask you again, what will you give away today?  What act of kindness will you do this week?

5. One of the reasons why you’re being interviewed, Michael, is because you’ve started a small revolution, promoting the act of kindness, giving up a lucrative photography business to do so.  One of the requirements for an interview here is the demonstration of authenticity.  People who are genuinely kind and live their life accordingly are authentic in my book – how could they not be?  What caused you to make such a switch of careers and lead this way of life?

I actually had MANY critics when choosing to pursue this dream. I was sixteen years into a very successful photography career, making great money, winning awards, traveling, and considered “one of the best” in the portrait business when I closed my studio.   My incredibly supportive wife, (also an award winning photographer and co-owner of the studio) was 100% behind me though.   She knew I had discovered something very big and it could change people’s lives and the world.   So without hesitation, we sold all of the photography equipment, closed the studio doors and never looked back.

Other people thought I had completely lost it though.   As a high school graduate with no college education, the cries of “How will you pay your bills!?” “Why would you give all of this up?” “How can you make a career in kindness?” were endless.   But I’ve never really been one to listen to the voices of the “non-dreamers” in my life.   The critics are usually the ones dissatisfied with their own lives and have a difficult time seeing other people who dare to dream.   I’ve learned that if you let other people’s opinions seep into your head, you’re living their life, and not yours.   The stuff in your head, (fears and so-called rational choices based on the opinion of other people) will never lead to an authentic life.   Whenever I listen to my intellect, true happiness eludes me.   When I listen to me heart however, life always seems to carry me in the right direction.

My heart is my own personal GPS device for living an inspired life.   Like a GPS in a car, I simply type the directions into my hearts desire, trust it and go!   Sure I may miss a street or two along the way, but it’s only because I wasn’t paying attention.   The voice in your heart will always get you to your destination. But like I said…you have to trust it.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, gosh, you just gave me goose bumps!  I did almost exactly the same thing you did back in the mid-90′s.  For the benefit of those who are new here, I had a very successful Wall Street career as a banker and then stockbroker for a major firm (which ironically got merged with a bigger bank, probably saving it from financial ruin during the recent fallout).   One day I was on the beach in Florida when I had a spiritual revelation.  I knew intuitively that God had other plans for me.  The words I “heard’ that day was that I was to become an inspirational speaker, author and eventually pilot.  Like you, I had a bunch of naysayers.  They are exactly as you describe here  – people who don’t dare dream and would rather that you stay on their level to “make them feel good.”  For those who haven’t read the stories I wrote about leaving Wall Street, you can read one of them at “The Moment of My Spiritual Revelation on the Beach.”

6. If I were to ask you to dig a little further, how would you define who you really are from a spiritual/cosmic point of view?

Each day I see proof that I am in a wonderful partnership with the energy of love and kindness.   Call it God, universal intelligence, spirit, whatever…but I know that my life is a miracle and an extension of his or her creative desires.   I see these desires as the fundamental nature of love rather than fear.   Living a fearful life completely disconnects us from our spiritual source.   Fear is the cause of unkindness and the reason we abuse ourselves, other people, animals and even the earth.   Kindness, however, is love in motion and can heal this planet.

I truly believe that if we are to change the world, we must not put the responsibility on other people or even God. To change the world we must change our own hearts.   The Dalai Lama has said that “world peace begins with inner peace” – Mahatma Gandhi told us “You must be the change you want to see in the world” – and even Jesus told us that “you can do all that I have done…and still greater things.” These great spiritual warriors have continually reminded us that, we are the change – we are the peace – and a better world becomes possible when we express our divine purpose here on earth…to serve, to love, and to meet all of life with a kind heart.   And as we begin to think and act from our hearts, we will see each other as God sees us…as six billion miracles, which make up the totality and very essence of life.

Stephen’s Response: Yes, I am there too – I also have a fabulous partnership with God, universal intelligence, spirit – all of the above.  I love it!  I never go through a day without at least having a “conversation” with them whether through prayer, reflection or meditation.

Fear is our worse enemy.  I haven’t announced this to the community yet but just before the holidays, I took a Reki course from a local Reki master.  It was a weekend long seminar the led me to becoming a certified Reki practitioner.

At the end, we were given two certificates.  One was a Reki certification.   The other was a list of thoughts or maybe I should say “code of conduct” for Reki practitioners.  One of them says “Just for today, do not worry.”   In other words, do not be fearful!  Take it one day at a time.  You can worry about tomorrow if you want to but just for today, don’t worry.  I love it!

You really put it succinctly when speaking of spiritual warriors who have told us through the ages that our purpose is to love.  It’s that simple.

7. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  Given?

Other than, “don’t eat yellow snow” (sorry, I couldn’t resist) I’d have to say that some of the greatest advice I ever received was from my 80-year old best friend, who also just happened to be my grandfather.   “Moppy” was my mom’s dad and just an amazing man.    He was always full of wit, wisdom and endless humor.   He was such an inspiration to me.

One day I called him for some much needed advice.   As I waited on the other end of the phone, expecting some profound wisdom of the ages to flow from his 80 years of life, he simply said to me: “Michael, just be yourself.”   “Geez gramp, thanks a lot, I had never even considered that.”   But after really thinking about it, his advice just blew me away!   He was so right!   I had been so busy trying to escape my past and everything I despised about myself, it was no wonder I couldn’t “find myself.”   Each day I was trying to be somebody I was not.   It was such simple, yet profound advice during that time in my life.

Sadly, Grampy “Moppy” passed away the same week I closed my photography business and began this new journey.   But I can still feel him with me every single day.   Oh, and by the way Gramp, if you happen to read this…you still owe me five bucks from the Patriots game we bet on before you left.   As always, you can just mail me cash…

Stephen’s Response: Haha, that’s funny!  “Don’t eat yellow snow.”  Hooohoo (slapping my legs).  Well, my friend, that’s a mighty good advice for anyone!  LOL.

“Just be yourself.”  That’s right.   I almost managed to lose a speaking engagement last year because I was secretly afraid I wasn’t up to snuff for the gig until a friend at the time said, “Just be yourself.”  How profound!

By the way, has “Moppy” sent the money he owes you?   If he somehow managed to slip you five bucks from heaven, please send him to me.    I’d like to make a deal with him.  Hahaha.

8. What do you consider your proudest achievement in life?

Breaking the chain of abuse in my family is definitely the greatest achievement in my life.   I remember being very young and telling my mother that I would never be the way my great grandfather, grandfather, and dad were.   The men on my father’s side of the family were the furthest things from being kind. Alcohol, drugs, extreme violence, and unspeakable acts poisoned our family.

I also promised my mom that I would be an amazing dad someday.   From that one decision, I was able to become a loving father to my now 17 year-old son, Alex.   He has changed my life in ways that he will probably never even know.   I just love him with all my heart and soul.

Stephen’s Response: You touched on something I talked about earlier in the interview.  The kind of people who are making a difference are those of you who are breaking the cycle of violence and healing others through acts of kindness.

I can only imagine the extreme violence you talked about.  I know a man who was once beaten to a bloody pulp by his father when he accidentally scratched the surface of the family car.   He told me it took many years to forgive his father for that.  Fortunately for him, he’s at peace with it (his father has passed on).

Michael, I did not want this part to end so soon.  I feel so connected to you.   You will do amazing things in the world with your kindness center.    I absolutely must talk about joining forces with you!

Words alone do not convey how deeply you’ve stirred my soul.  And now I want to join forces with you!

The key is HOW?

Click here to see Part II.

Food for thought for the audience:  That’s it – HOW can we join forces with Michael?  Will you perform one act of kindness today?  Do it!  Please.  It doesn’t have to be outrageous or expensive.  A smile could do wonders.  Pay the toll for the person behind you on the freeway.  Give away a favorite appliance that you no longer use to an unsuspecting neighbor.  Wipe the snow off your neighbor’s car or shovel the driveway for them.  Give away a coat to a homeless teen.  There are COUNTLESS of ways you can extend an act of kindness.

Then please tell us about it in the comments.  Let’s show Michael some INCREDIBLE SUPPORT and act courageously by performing an act of kindness, not to satisfy the ego but to warm your heart and those of ours.

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Luckily because I brought my new laptop with me, I was able to post the first of two parts of an interview i did with Lance from Jungle of Life last week and what a hoot it was!

Did you see it?

If not, before you read any further, please go to the Stephen Hopson Interview with Lance of Jungle of Life, Part I of II and get to know this very special person.  My interview with him generated a huge response and I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened again with Part II today.      This young man has touched a lot of people’s hearts and souls with his work over at Jungle of Life and they came out in full force to let us know how much they enjoyed seeing him in the spotlight over here.    I couldn’t be more happy to do that for a deserving person who has consistently shown how much he cares about you and I.

With that said, I’m very excited to present Lance once again, LANCE, COME OUT FROM THE “GREEN ROOM”!!!!

11.  What is your favorite word?  Least favorite?

Favorite: Journey.   It’s not just a musical group (although they did have some great songs!).   When I think of “journey” I think of how our travels have taken us all to where we are today.   And that our “journey” yet to come, what lies ahead of us – is filled with whatever we put into it. We’re all on a “journey”, our own “journey” – and we each have the power to direct our own “journey” in the directions we choose!

Least favorite: Can’t. This word brings up in me the whole idea of not being even willing to try.     It says “defeat” before even giving something a chance.

Stephen’s Response: You know what?  The word journey is exactly what I talk about during my speaking engagements.    I believe I am a spiritual being having a human experience on this journey of life.  We all came here for a specific divine mission and when it’s all over, we “go home.”    Once I realized this from a bigger view, I began to realize how every one of us has a job to do.

I also don’t like the word “can’t” but as you can imagine, I encounter that word every day in business.  It’s amazing how easy that word slips from our mouths (even mine, I admit it).  If only we could slow down our responses and see the big picture.  There’s always a solution to a problem – ALWAYS.  We just have to find it.  I would not have become the world’s first deaf instrument rated pilot if I agreed with everyone who told me that would not be possible with “You can’t do that – it says so in the FAA rule booklet!”

12.  What was the most embarrassing moment of your life that you now look back at and laugh, cry or smile?  What was the lesson you learned?

Have you ever been sick, Stephen – throwing up kind of sick? I’m sure you have, as have all your readers.   Maybe you can relate.   Imagine being a kid in elementary school – and getting sick while at lunch.    And throwing up all over the lunchroom table, all over your friend’s lunches, all over the table…you get the idea.    Embarrassing.   I think it would be, still today, if it happened to me.   I know it was definitely embarrassing as a young kid in elementary school!   And to think, I was rarely sick when I was in school.   The thing is, everyone got over it.    I look back now and laugh.   Well…it’s a guarded laugh.   I really don’t wish this on anyone – either to have this happen, or to witness it (ugly mess)!   The lesson I learned: Embarrassing moments happen.   People forget much quicker than we do.    And life goes on…

Stephen’s Response: OMG, your experience actually reminds me of what happened when I was in sixth grade getting ready for a class photo.  Firstly, the boys were required to have a tie, which I didn’t have (my mom had to bring it in, to my chagrin).  Then shortly after the tie was put on, I must have spilled something on my shirt, leaving a big dark stain.  Can you imagine?!?  I thought my world would collapse!  But like you said, it was quickly forgotten but not by me!  LOL.

13.  Name the top 5 articles from ”Jungle of Life” that you believe readers at Adversity University would benefit from.

• Kindness Comes In Small Gestures – A look at kindness, and how small things can mean the most.
• Fear: Does It Hold You Back? – Sometimes, fear can hold us back.  Unless we take steps to turn those fears into positives.  This is a look at how we can do this in our daily lives.
• Spread Your Wings and Fly – When your comfort zone starts to become a little too comfortable, it’s time to spread your wings and fly!
• Sometimes You Just Have to Take That Leap – The unknown.  It’s out there for all of us.  Here I take a look at what it’s like to take that first step into the unknown, using skydiving as a real life example of doing this.
• Weeds…In Your Life -A look at our lives, the “weeds” we have in there, and how important it is for us to get rid of these “weeds” that keep us from reaching our full potential.

Stephen’s Response: You amaze me – do you know why?  Because I’m a pilot and two of your articles above use some form of avaition to get your point across like skydiving and “spreading your wings and fly”!   I loved all of these articles, especially “Kindness Comes in Small Gestures.”  That was a tearjerker.  I felt as if I were right there witnessing the scene between your boy and the girl who couldn’t get her mitten on.  That one is destined to become a classic at your blog!

14.  What do you hope God will have to say to you when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You have shined brightly, my son – welcome home.

My hope is that I am a light in this world, in some small way that I have made someone’s life better. I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes:

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stephen’s Response:  Indeed you shone brightly Lance!  I think all of my readers and yours would have to agree with that.   Isn’t it amazing how the power of blogging gives all of us an equal chance of being recognized?  Loved?  Respected?   Honored?  Revered?    Blogging gives people like you and me the chance to flourish without being rejected by the big publishing houses “because you don’t have enough of an inspiring story” or “the market isn’t big enough for your stories.”

15.  What’s the top five items on your “Bucket List”?  (Inspired by the movie ”The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman).

• Write a book - I’m starting down this road as we speak, and it’s both scary and exciting at the same time!
• Complete a half-marathon and/or mid-distance triathlon – I’ve competed in short races in both of these events. It would be really an exciting experience to compete at some of the next levels up (even if by compete I mean just finishing the race!)
• Travel - I’m leaving this one open-ended, as I don’t necessarily have one destination in mind. More of a real desire to see much of this world, and the beauty that exists in all her many reaches.
• Learn to play the guitar - I love the sound of the guitar, and it would be very cool to be able to play someday.
• Climb a mountain – To really be out in the wilderness, to hike to a mountain’s peak, and experience it’s beauty from on top – that would be an amazing experience!  This would be a rugged, back to the basics, getting in touch with yourself, type of journey.

Stephen’s Response: I hope you plan to blog about your marathon experiences and take lots of pictures because that’ll keep yourself accountable and inspire the rest of us to take up some form of exercise to whip ourselves in shape.   I agree that climbing a mountain and experiencing the view at the top would be an incredible experience.  Come to think of it, I’ve never actually done that myself.  Hmmmmmmm……….

16.  Being deaf, I am always curious to know which sounds other people love and hate to hear.  Tell us a sound you absolutely adore and a sound you detest.

Sound I love: Young children laughing – the sound of a baby or young child laughing is such a sweet, innocent, real laugh.    It brings a smile to my face every time I hear this.   I recall my own children, moments I’ve had with them – and the sweet sounds of pure joy their bodies have echoed.   Moments I’ll cherish always.   And moments I still love to hear from any young child I encounter… It really is true joy coming from their bodies!

Sound I detest: Screaming/arguing/fighting. I notice this (surprise, surprise!) amongst my own kids. Really, it doesn’t happen that much, yet – they are kids, and they will fight sometimes.   In a way, I can accept this, knowing it is part of growing up, and of learning to get along with those you live with.    When it bothers me even more is when I hear it from other adults.    I find it sad – sad that we sometimes have to resort to this.   Why?   I know that we can get emotionally “worked up” – yet I question if this screaming at others is really the right solution.    Maybe it has a place in certain situations.    Still, it is a sound I do detest.    That, and fingernails on a chalkboard (we don’t really have many of those anymore, though)…

Stephen’s Response: Can you tell I like asking this question?    It gives me a chance to “experience” different sounds just by reading the person’s response (in this case, that would be you Lance).   Ever since I started the interview series last year, no one has given the exact same answer, making the diverse responses I get to this question to be very interesting!

18.  We all have our likes and dislikes.  What would you say turns you on and what turns you off?  Give the first answer that comes to your mind without censoring or editing it.

Like: Honesty. When someone is honest – even in the face of looking bad themselves, this is very much a quality that I like. It speaks very highly of their character and ethics, two traits I very much admire.

Dislike: Bitter cold.   In two forms.   First, in the real, physical form – bitter and cold temperatures – that can chill us to the bone.   I’m in Wisconsin – we have our days!   When I hear below and zero in the same sentence, uh-oh…   And also – bitter cold – in the form of attitudes from others.   No matter what our position, what our title, what we’ve “earned”, what our status – we should still treat others with respect and kindness.   A cold and bitter attitude is a real turn off.

Stephen’s Response: Yes, honesty or transparency is a winner, especially if we have a vested interest in the outcome that could go down the drain in a hurry if the truth were known (whatever it is).    I notice that when you’re honest about something that has you in dire straights, the other person isn’t usually expecting it and has to take a moment to adjust since the opposite answer was expected.  Does that make sense?

I’m with you about the “bitter and cold” attitude.   While I try to have compassion for cold people, I certainly don’t make it my business to  hang around them!  Their energy is often toxic.

19.  And finally but not least, where can we find out more about you?

The best place to find out about me is my blog, the Jungle of Life.    Stop by, and explore this place I call the jungle, which probably isn’t all that different from your own jungles!  You can also find me on Twitter.  If you don’t find me at either of these places, I’m probably sleeping…

Stephen’s Response: And that’s a wrap folks!  Be sure to check Lance’s blog but I’m warning you – you’ll get hooked!   Thanks Lance for coming over to Adversity University to spend some quality time with us today!  We are so sorry to see you leave and go back to the jungle but many of us will be looking for you in the days ahead.  We’ll weave through the well worn paths to find you resting in the middle of the jungle.   I have nothing but the best wishes for a great new year for you and your family!

Stephen, thank you, very much, for this moment you’ve given me here.  It’s been a wonderful opportunity to share a little (well…maybe more than a little!) about myself.  Your questions were challenging, and that’s good – you made me really think about my answers on all of these.  You’re doing great work here Stephen!  It has truly been an honor to be here these past two weeks…

Lance, the pleasure was all mine.  I love shining the spotlight on people who are authentic, walks the talk and treats other people with love, honor and respect.  You’re all that and much more.  It was a privilege and honor to host you here at Adversity University!  I know you and I will continue to stay in touch in 2009 and I’m looking forward to it!

Folks, there you have it.  I’ll be writing again soon with a gratitude post and share with you lots of good stuff happening.   It’s going to be a GREAT year for all of you.  Just put your mind to it and be prepared to be amazed.

Until then, enjoy the rest of the week.

a

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! 

a

As you all know by now, I am extremely passionate about two things that have emerged this year.  Can you guess at least one of them?  (Hint:  It “started in September 2008.”)

Still can’t figure it out?

Okay, how about this….a good handful of you have been following me on this thing and you’re trying it out for yourselves.

Give up?

Okay, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you guessed correctly:  the raw food journey!

The other topic has to do with something I announced the beginning of this week.  (Hint:  It’s in the last gratitude post.)   The first commentator who guesses the right answer wins a prize (yet to be determined but the prize will come from the answer given).

So what will today’s “interview” be about?

RAW FOOD!

Now, I realize not every one of you are into eating raw food exclusively but I’m assuming that most of you are at least interested in losing weight, increasing your energy ten-fold, waking up more alert, experiencing clarity of the mind and sporting a healthy glow?

Most people want these things.  I have accomplished all of that plus so much more since changing my dietary habits over 3 months ago.   While I’ve been chronicling my experiences, I haven’t really defined what exactly it means to eat raw food or how it’s affected my life in other ways.

So today I’m going to put up a couple of questions that some of you have been asking me lately.  Let’s do this!

1.  What is Raw Food?

It is uncooked, unprocessed food.  I mentioned in the last post that this way of life is fast catching on and sooner or later the media will start labeling it the “plant-based” diet.  Just the other day I saw David Wolfe, the biggest raw food guru on what looked like “Entertainment Tonight.” (I was at the gym running on the treadmill and didn’t quite catch the name of the show).

Uncooked and unprocessed foods are for the most part, natural plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables.  It helps if you buy organic because there are no pesticides or other chemicals involved.  By definition, uncooked foods means nothing is heated above 42 C/118 F degrees.   That means if you make “raw soup” for example (which could be a blend of tomatoes, carrots or whatever you desire), it cannot go above those temperatures because otherwise it’s no longer “raw.”  (More on this in the next question)

2.  So if you eat raw food, you must not be eating cooked meals.  Why not?

At this stage of my journey, while a substantial portion of my diet includes fruits and vegetables, there are occasions when I will order chicken with my salads, especially when I’m traveling.  But when I’m home, I’m pretty much eating between 90 to 100 percent fruits and vegetables.

If you heated your foods above 42 C/118 F degrees, the live enzymes are killed off.  Enzymes are used to help digest your food.   We are all born with a reserve of enzymes but they are gradually depleted over a person’s life.  When you are eating meat (or anything that’s cooked above those temperatures), there are no live enzymes in the foods to assist with digestion.  What happens is the body’s reserve of enzymes are being used instead.  Along with that, the body is consuming enormous amounts of energy to digest those “dead foods.”

Have you ever felt lethargic after eating a heavy meal?  Ever wonder why?  It’s because your body has to work harder to digest what you just ate!  On the other hand, plant-based foods are full of live enzymes, making digestion easier, faster and more efficient.

There are other things that happen when you eat cooked meals but suffice to say that cooking destroys the life force.   Eating cooked food is like eating “dead meat.”

3.  If you’re eating primarily fruits and vegetables, where are you getting your protein?

Would you believe it if I told you that you do not need meat to maintain an adequate intake of protein?  Most people don’t know that -  – when I tell them I’m on a raw food diet, that’s usually the first question they ask. (Photo:  alaskaveg*n)

Raw food has twice as much protein as cooked food so you’ll actually need less!  All the green leafy vegetables I use for my smoothies and salads have a ton of minerals and protein all of which more then exceed the daily minimum vitamin/mineral requirements.

For example, the average percentage of calories from protein in green leafy vegetables ranges between 35 to 50%!   Unless you just eat fruit and nothing else (not much protein in them), it’s very hard not to get more than enough protein from your green leafy vegetables, certain nuts and seeds (among other things).

4.  Is eating raw food safe?  I heard you can get e-coli from eating spinach!

One day I was at a coffee shop on my way out when I noticed a man reading a book that led me to think he was a raw foodist.  I can’t remember the title but the cover had a photo of vibrant fruits and vegetables.  So I asked if he was.

His immediate response was, “Heck, NO!  I don’t want to expose myself to e-coli!”

He isn’t the only person to think that way.  My mom warned me of the same thing when I first told her about going raw.

Folks, this “outbreak” happened in 2006.  Not long afterward it was reported that eating spinach was safe again – take a look at this two year old article from a medical news website:  “Fresh Spinach Safe to Eat Again.”

Unfortunately, that spinach scare (initiated by the FDA, believe it or not) may have done more harm than good because it’s indelibly imprinted on the minds of many people like my mother and that man from the coffee shop.

Here check this out:  “Spinach scare may have done more harm than good by discouraging consumption of healthy greens.”

5.  Okay, so what do you eat on a daily basis?

My raw food diet is actually very simple.  Even when I was eating “SAD” food (Standard American Diet), I never cooked up a storm or made elaborate plates for myself unless I had company over.  I’m pretty simple when it comes to preparing meals.

Generally, I start off the day with a cup of green tea (no more coffee!) followed by a green smoothie using my Vitamix (the ingredients of which change daily except for some kind of green leafy vegetable that serves as the base ingredient like spinach, kale, red leaf or romaine lettuce).

A mid-morning snack might consist of superfoods like a handful of gogi berries with cacao beans or barring that, a frozen banana.  Lunch would usually consists of a spinach salad or a variation thereof.  A mid afternoon snack could be a juice drink, depending on my inclination to make one.   Dinner is any one of the above or something out of a raw food cookbook if I’m feeling adventurous.

6.  My God, you’re depriving yourself of life’s pleasures like coffee and cigars!

The old Stephen smoking a cigar at brother's house.

I have to smile at that one because just the other day I was talking to someone from church who I used to hang out with who said to me that I was depriving myself of life’s simple pleasures like coffee and cigars.

When she said that, my first response was that it was her, not me, who felt that I was depriving myself because if she were in my position, she’d feel that way.  In other words, she was transferring her feelings to me.

To be honest with you, I really don’t feel that way at all.  When I stopped smoking cigars and drinking coffee, it was a natural byproduct of the new lifestyle.  It just clashed with what I was doing and I knew it.

I never said to myself, “I’m going to quit smoking cigars and give up coffee by a such and such date.”  It just happened naturally.  I still have a bag of unused coffee sitting on the shelf in the refrigerator – I see it every morning and not once have I felt the need to make some.    As I type this blog post, I’m in a coffee shop – the wonderful aroma of coffee doesn’t entice me into wanting a cup.  Isn’t that interesting?  Especially after YEARS of starting off my mornings with a hot cup of steaming coffee.   Miraculous if you ask me!

Not long after I started drinking smoothies in the mornings, I saw an incredible increase in energy that lasted me throughout most of the day.  Isn’t that why we drink coffee in the first place?  For the caffeine?  To stay awake?

So, no I don’t feel I’m depriving myself of cigars and coffee!

7.  I understand some of your friends no longer hang out with you because they think you no longer have anything in common with them. Is that true?

Yes, it is.  I used to hang around with a certain person a lot before I decided to embark on this dramatic switchover from the SAD to raw food diet.  I remember one day she was over at my house visiting.   It was right around the time I was making the dietary transition.

I was preparing myself an avocado with cherry tomatoes sandwich and asked if she wanted one.  Her nose wrinkled in distaste and she appeared to take a step backward saying, “There’s nothing in there for me, is there?”   I got the distinct impression this was a bit too much for her to digest.   Understandable.   I thought she’d get over it.

She never did.   A week turned into two into three.  Never heard a peep out of her.

Today we are no longer hanging out.  It was a choice both of us made, really.  What we once had in common, we no longer do.   And it wasn’t isolated to our different eating habits either.  My whole way of being (physical, mental and spiritual) has also gone to another level.  It’s like shedding old skin and emerging as a different person.

Left Behind

She even commented the other day, “You don’t drink coffee anymore?  My GOD, I don’t even know who you are anymore!”  Radical changes like that tend to scare your friends off because you’re no longer the same person they knew.   Yes, it can happen.  (Photo:  rebelshootsfan)

I asked why she was distancing herself from me to which she replied that she “didn’t want to get hurt.”  I was saddened to hear that but I also understood.   She was choosing to stay where she was while I moved forward with what I needed to do with my life.

When anyone makes a dramatic change in their life, whether it involves going into business, taking on a whole new physical fitness program, eating different food or changing careers, it’s inevitable certain people will get left behind because it’s part of life’s natural ebb and flow.

It’s like this.  An alcoholic decides to clean up his act and gets sober.  How does he improve his life and stay that way?  Not only does he go to AA meetings but he also leaves behind his drinking buddies because otherwise he’d slide backwards.

Because I no longer eat SAD food, I’m now wanting my circle of friends to be those who understand what I’m going through and eat healthy alongside me.  I can’t be eating burgers at fast food joints anymore.  My friend made a good point when she asked, “Tell me Stephen, do we have anything in common anymore?”

Point well taken.

Food for thought:   I have a couple thoughts I want to leave with you today:

1.  Have you ever made a dramatic change in your life (hopefully for the better) only to find that some of the people you once hung out with have made a decision not to go with you on your new journey?   How did you deal with that?

2.  Have you figured out what my other passion is?  (The first commentator who guesses the right answer will get a prize from me – the prize is directly correlated with the answer).

3.  Have you thought about buying a Vita-Mix for your kitchen for the holidays?   If you order your Vitamix through me, you get FREE SHIPPING!  (a savings of $25).  Click here for more details.

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By the way, for those of you who are RSS/email subscribers, just so that you know, I have two articles for you today.  This one and “End of the Week Gratitude Theme # 54.”  Simply scroll up your email/RSS notification and you’ll see both of them.

The last time I interviewed myself, I received a couple of interesting comments from the community who thought this was a good idea because it’s a way for them (i.e. you) to get to know me more (especially now that I’ve taken on a whole new lifestyle, the raw food way to optimal health).    I mean, after all, just about every post I write these days have made some reference to this.

I’m thrilled to say that a good handful of you have actually taken the initiative to check this out for yourselves.   That’s GREAT!   Your success is my success.   That’s why I do this – for YOU.     Feedback from the community is incredibly important – I totally rely on your comments as a way of knowing how well you’re doing with your own experiments.  So please keep them coming, okay?

I’m trying to put myself in your shoes and determine what you would want to know about me.  While I’ll compose a couple of questions tonight, why don’t you add your own in the comment section for the next time I do this again?   As you’re formulating them, keep in mind these are questions you’d ask as if you were sitting across from me at the table.

Let’s roll with the questions!

1. Do you see yourself continuing with the raw food lifestyle forever?

When I first made the decision to go raw, I also adopted the philosophy of  “eating to live, not living to eat.”  Big difference!   While I am super conscious of what I am putting in my body these days, I’m not obsessed with eating.   Instead, I’m very focused on bringing my body, mind and spirit back into wholesome health, the way God intended for me.

Vita-Mix Blender

Having said that, not long after I made that decision, I went out and bought a Vita-Mix blender, which was not cheap.   However, by taking that sort of action, I was sending a strong statement to my subconscious that I was very serious about making good on this life-altering decision.

I was also letting the universe know that I was worthy of such an investment.   How many of you have said to yourselves at least once, “Oh I don’t want to spend that much money on myself!”???

My thoughts exactly – been there, done that.

After learning as much as I have so far, I cannot possibly return to SAD.    How could I?

I show no signs of slowing down.   In fact, I continue to delve further and further into this world, becoming more and more astonished at the kind of information I never knew about.   I look up to people like Philip McCluskey (who I interviewed here recently) and others who have gone this way.   I see how they’ve successfully made the lifestyle change and how much it’s markedly changed their lives for the better.

Isn’t that what we all want?

So, yes, I see myself continuing with the raw food lifestyle.    I also want to add that the raw food movement is gaining momentum in the mainstream.    People are gradually catching on to the lies and deceptions of the big pharma companies and their cozy relationships with the FDA.    More and more raw food restaurants are popping up in metropolitan cities.   It’s only a matter of time.

This is why I previously recommended that you subscribe to the free Natural News newsletter.   Reading their articles will definitely be an eye-opening experience for many of you.

Okay, next question?

Stephen’s Response to Himself:  Whoa, not so fast my buddy boy!  Let me just say you packed a wallop of an answer to that first question.   It’s true that when you follow a decision with strong action like buying a $500 blender, you are indeed sending a strong message to the universe as well as your inner self.  Of course, there’s always the chance that one day you’ll abandon the whole thing (like most people) but knowing you, that’s highly unlikely especially since you’ve kept yourself accountable in a very public way via this blog!

2.  Does maintaining a raw food lifestyle mean you’re eating raw meat and fish?

Raw Meat

Good heavens NO!

As we speak now, the raw food movement is quickly moving from the “hippie-peace-loving” image into the mainstream.    It hasn’t quite reached critical mass but it’s getting there and I think the media will eventually label this way of eating the “plant-based diet” because that’s what we’re really doing — eating fruits and vegetables, not raw meat and fish!

I can see how the mere mention of “raw foods” can be off putting, even scary, because the first thing that comes to most people’s mind when I say those words is raw meat and fish.

Besides, I’ve pretty much eliminated meat except for the occasional pieces of chicken in my salad.   I don’t think I’ve had fish since September but I do think I’ll have one every so often.  You see, I’m not 100 percent raw and I don’t think I ever will be.

So the next time you hear someone say “I’ve gone raw,” think plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables!

Stephen’s Response to Himself:  Well, I think you singlehandedly cleared up a very common misconception.   Nothing more I can add to that, is there?

3.  You mentioned in your last blog post that today was the 2nd of a 3 day juice feast that you’re doing.  What’s that all about?  Are you trying to starve yourself to death?!?!?!?!?

Hahaha, no, of course not!   Without going into too much detail at this time, let me just say that I’m actually undergoing a very short-term experiment as a result of in-depth research I’ve done on juicing.   Have you ever heard of people feasting on water for a certain number of days?

Well, it’s like that except I’m drinking freshly made juices, giving me not only calories (versus zero for water feasts) but also a ton of nutrients.   It is another way to clean my body of old toxins and waste.   Large amounts of nutrient liquid are passing through my body, cleaning, rehydrating and alkalizing it, according to juicing experts like Angela Stokes, author of “A Juice Feaster’s Handbook.”

I’ve mentioned Angela Stokes several times by now.  In her handbook, she talked about how she went on a 92-day juice feast and what it did for her. That might be considered drastic to some of you but I will probably do that sometime in 2009, especially after I buy a more powerful juicer like the Greenstar.    I’ve been using Juiceman, Jr,. a decidedly low-end juicer, which has been good enough for my purposes for now.

Just think of this 3 day juice feast as a mini-experiment to see how my body reacts.  Based on yesterday and today, I’ve noticed the following:

Separate container full of pulp after juicing

1.  My body is still producing waste, which means I am getting rid of old stuff left behind in the colon even though I have not consumed any solid foods in two days.

2.  Both days I experienced fantastic energy.    It was not hard at all to wake up early (between 4:30 and 5:30 am) and get a head start with the day.   Even though juicing experts recommend plenty of rest, yesterday afternoon I had a vigorous workout.   Today I got wrapped up in my work and didn’t make time for the gym because time flew like crazy.

I’ve read reports that the reason you’re on a roll during a juice feast (at least in the beginning anyway) is because your energy is sky high and your mind seems to be sharper than usual.  As a result, you end up having fun with whatever you’re doing to the point where you don’t notice time flashing by.

3.  On the morning of Day 2 (today), the scale reported my lowest weight in several years (151.5).   What will it say tomorrow? 

Update:  I just stepped off the scale on the morning of Day #3 and it said:  150.5!  That’s a total of 2 pounds lost during the 3 day juice feast.  WOOT!    I love watching my tummy shrink.  But once I start eating solids again on Thursday, my weight will probably rebound to its natural range which I think is somewhere between 153 to 155 lbs (according to the running average lately).  By the way, in case you forgot, I began this summer at 178.5 lbs. – you do the math! 

If I can do it, so can you!  Just a matter of commitment, focus and dedication to returning yourself back to natural health.  It’s that simple!

4.  The juices were surprisingly filling although not as much as the smoothies because the juicing machine separates the fiber by dumping it into another container (see photo).    To my surprise, I felt satisfied after making at least one cup of juice every 3 or 4 hours.   Sure, I felt some hunger pangs in between but they were not severe enough to cause me to fall off the wagon.    Yes, it took a fair amount of discipline but so does anything you want to achieve!

Okay, that’s enough, I’ll write a full article on the benefits of juicing sometime in the future.

Stephen’s Response to Himself: Don’t forget to mention that if at anytime during the feast you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, STOP.  Don’t push yourself over the edge.  It’s not meant to be horribly uncomfortable.  There’s nothing wrong with taking small steps like you’re doing with a 3 day juice feast to see how it goes before going back to eating solids again.   If you decide to extend it to longer periods, that’s up to you.  The key is listening to your body and doing what it tells you do to because it “knows.”  Guidebooks are only meant to serve as a guideline, the rest is up to your inner spirit.

Judging from the in-depth responses you’ve given tonight, we’ll stop here and turn it over to the community for questions they want to see in the next “self interview.”    Meanwhile, thank you Mr. Hopson for doubling as the interviewer and interviewee.  You sure have a split personality!

To everyone else, that’s enough entertainment for today.  Go and have a great one until the next time.  And oh yes, don’t forget to use the comment section for questions you want for the next time I interview myself.

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