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Snoop Dogg Wouldn't Choose Sides, Tupac Called Him Out

Snoop Dogg Wouldn't Choose Sides, Tupac Called Him Out

Snoop Dogg is an icon of positivity and peace, but that wasn't always the case. After the "Drop It Like It's Hot" gangster rapper faced felony charges and 3-year prison sentence he decided to make a change. Slowly but surely, Snoop Dogg traded in the "guns, drugs, and thugs" lifestyle for cannabis and a lucrative business partnership with Martha Stewart. But decades later it seems his past is coming back to haunt him. In a shocking interview, Jada Pinkett-Smith confronts Snoop about Tupac’s tragic death. She asks the questions no one dared ask: Why did Snoop and Tupac have a falling out? Did Snoop betray Tupac to save himself?

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Widow Learns About Her Late Husbands Huge Debt - Then She Gets a Message From a Stranger
Everyday Heroes

Widow Learns About Her Late Husbands Huge Debt - Then She Gets a Message From a Stranger

In April 2020, Meng Rui's husband, a fisherman, tragically drowned at sea. He left behind two children, aged 8 and 7 months...and a huge boatload of debt.Meng wasn't just devasted by his death, she was terrified. A stay-at-home mom with no income, the sudden loss of her husband left her not only grieving but also struggling to make ends meet for her family.To make matters worse, the compensation she received from his employer (the equivalent of $150,000) was completely used up, paying down the debt he had accrued years before to treat his father's serious illness. The family was left destitute...until a stranger contacted Meng on WeChat.Money From Mysterious Stranger Starts Arriving Every MonthTo put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, Meng, 29, found a job in a supermarket earning a paltry $280 a month. While something, it wasn't enough to cover all of their expenses.Meng was drowning under the weight of financial insecurity.But then, one day out of the blue, Meng received a message from a stranger on WeChat. The person, who refused to reveal their true identity, had heard about her family's plight from a social worker and wanted to help.Shortly afterward, Meng received a money transfer of $200. Then again the next month and the next...And every month for the past four years. Extra cash arrives for important festivals and holidays, like the Lunar New Year. The money, which nearly doubles her monthly income, has been life-changing. Anonymous Benefactor RevealedFor four years, Meng's mysterious benefactor remained anonymous. However, with the help of the Chinese media, the single mom of two finally uncovered her fairy godmother — or in this case, godfather.He lived 20 hours away, in Zhoushan, China.Last month, Meng, along with her mother-in-law and her four-year-old daughter, hopped aboard a coach and a train to make the long trek to thank Yu Xiaolong in person."To thank this benefactor face-to-face has been a wish in my heart for a few years," Meng said.Her wish finally came true. Meng and her entourage met Yu in person at his company, a marine technology enterprise business."Thank you so much. Without your help, we could not live. Your monthly donation gives us hope." Meng Rui to Yu XiaolongIn addition to their heartfelt gratitude, the family also came bearing gifts, a silk appreciation banner and a bag of peanuts. "We do not have precious things to give you. These peanuts were planted by us. We hope you like them," Meng told Yu.Despite his significant impact on the Meng family, Yu remains humble telling them that his generosity is "not a big deal." It also isn't stopping any time soon. He plans to continue funding the family until the kids are 18 years old. Paying It ForwardYu's monthly donations don't just positively impact the family financially, they also have a profound side effect, one that can't be measured in dollars and cents.They instill a sense of hope and security for their future. And that? Is priceless.Meng hopes to pay his kindness forward someday and is teaching her kids to follow in their benefactor's footsteps."I will regard Mr. Yu as a family member. I will educate my kids to remember his kindness and make their own contribution to society in the future," she said.Yu heard about a stranger in need and decided to do something about it. And his recurring act of kindness is the difference between making it and not for one young family. Not all of us can afford to keep another family afloat financially, but we can all commit to spreading a different kind of wealth — kindness.More from Goalcast:Widowed Veteran Comes Up With an Incredible Idea to Combat His Depression – And He’s Doing It for FreeFirefighter Tragically Kills Pastor’s Pregnant Wife – Instead of Getting Revenge, the Widower Befriends HimRich Widower Shocks Relatives by Leaving $276,000 to Hotel Bellboy After His Death – Has a Heartwarming Reason Why

Man Pressured to Leave Overweight Girlfriend So He Did What He Should Have Done a Long Time Ago
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Man Pressured to Leave Overweight Girlfriend So He Did What He Should Have Done a Long Time Ago

After sharing a sweet anniversary post with the world, teenagers Emily Phillips and her high school sweetheart, Aidan Harrison, were harassed online for the worst reason. Over the course of two years, Phillips had put on a "significant" amount of weight. The comments called her "too fat." Thousands of strangers urged her boyfriend to "leave her."They Said Her Weight Gain Was “Disrespecting” Her Man@emphillipx/TikTokWhen Phillips posted a sweet "time jump" anniversary carousel for her friends and family, she had no idea the post would go viral — and the horrific backlash they would receive. Phillips innocently shared a photo from their first date titled "Day 1." Next to it, she posted a recent photo titled, "Day 884." "I'm so happy to experience a love like ours, and know what love is," she captioned the post. In both photos it's clear the couple are very in love. They are holding each other and smiling big — but that's not what the rest of the world saw.Instead, they saw a confident woman, comfortable in her skin at any size — and they wanted to tear her down. The comments were sexist, cruel, and endless. Many of the comments were written by men (probably without girlfriends) writing about how unworthy of love this beautiful, young, woman was, simply because of her weight. One Twitter user — who we can only assume is a men's rights activist — went on to write, "This is why you need to be on top of everything as a man to ensure that things such as this do not happen." Some Twitter users speculated that perhaps Phillips was pregnant. Implying that this alone would justify her weight gain — that a woman is only exempt from having the "perfect" body, if she is with child. It's impossible as a woman, to look through the hateful comments Phillips received, and not have your blood boil.How This Boyfriend Graciously Put an End to the “Lies” Her TikTok had a snowball effect. Overnight, her post gained over 30k comments (and we'd advise against looking through them). While some of the comments encouraged the couple to "ignore the hate," most of the comments were devastating, calling the 18-year-old Phillips all kinds of awful names that we have chosen not to share with our readers.While we can only imagine how many tears Phillips must have shed behind closed doors, her devoted boyfriend Harrison, put the haters in their place in the simplest way. Harrison knew if he responded to each mean comment individually, it would only add fuel to the fire. After all, these mean spirited comments are written with the express purpose of hurting the feelings of those reading it.So instead, he posted this — and it was perfect."We're happy and that's all that matters. I love you sweetheart," he wrote.Young Woman Embodied True Confidence and It’s Inspiring Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a very real consequence of living in the digital age. Without even intending to, we have never been more accessible to thousands and thousands of people we've never even met. The good news is, we have seen the wide reach of the internet be used for good.The bad news is, we have also seen it used to spread hate. Emily Phillips's story is the perfect example of how damaging cyber bulling can be. But thankfully, her story doesn't end there. She chose to have an ever bigger impact, by not doing this one thing.Instead of removing her post, or turning off the comments, Phillips would not allow her haters to get the best of her. She left her post up — hateful comments and all. What happened next was even more incredible. Eventually women and men from all over chose to support this couple. They reminded her she was beautiful. They reminded her love wins. Emily Phillips refused to hide her body in shame — and hopefully her strength inspired others to do the same.It's easy to be a back seat driver. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," friends will dismissively advise. But when you're the target of hate, it takes a whole different kind of strength to withstand it.She took a heartbreaking situation and used it to uplift others. Shockingly, Emily Phillips is paving the way for women who struggle with self-esteem issues, one hateful comment at a time.More from Goalcast:Her Daughter Excluded Her Best Friend for Being “Too Fat” – Shocked Mom Takes Matters Into Her Own HandsWoman Goes to the Gym to Work Out – Breaks Down When She Hears These Startling Words From a ‘Hardcore’ Gym BroPlus Size Man and His Size 8 Wife Receive Rude Comments From Haters – Come Up With the Perfect Idea to Silence Them

68 Mom Quotes That Will Make You Want To Call Your Mom and Tell Her You Love Her
Quotes

68 Mom Quotes That Will Make You Want To Call Your Mom and Tell Her You Love Her

In this collection of 69 heartfelt mother quotes, we explore the diverse, touching, and even downright funny aspects of motherhood. Mothers hold a unique place in our hearts, often embodying an irreplaceable source of love, wisdom, and support. Their influence shapes our lives in countless ways, from the early days of childhood to the journeys of adulthood. These quotes, shared by writers, poets, celebrities, and everyday folks, remind us of the special bond we share with our moms and the profound impact of their love has on our lives.Warning: as you read through these quotes, you'll find yourself you may just find yourself missing your own mom and feeling the urge to reach out and share your appreciation for the amazing woman who has played such a significant role in your life! For those whose mothers are no longer with them, may these quotes can serve as a beautiful tribute and a source of solace, celebrating the enduring spirit of maternal love. Empowering Quotes About Motherhood (19)"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." Robert Browning"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." Cardinal Mermillod"A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend."Unknown"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." Rajneesh"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow."Maya Angelou"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever."Unknown"A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place."Amy Tan"A mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."Marion C. Garretty"A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking."Helen Rice"A mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired; it need not be deserved."Erich Fromm"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness."Honore de Balzac"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."Agatha Christie"Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have."Joan Ryan“Motherhood has relaxed me in many ways. You learn to deal with crisis. I’ve become a juggler, I suppose. It’s all a big circus, and nobody who knows me believes I can manage, but sometimes I do.”Jane Seymour“(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.”Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper“Motherhood is hard enough without judgement from others who don’t know the whole story.”Sarah Addison Allen“You don’t take a class; you’re thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.”Jennie Finch“Chosen motherhood is the real liberation. The choice to have a child makes the whole experience of motherhood different, and the choice to be generative in other ways can at last be made, and is being made by many women now, without guilt.”Betty Friedan, "The Feminine Mystique""A mother's arms are made of tenderness, and her children sleep soundly in them." Victor HugoFunny Quotes on Motherhood(27)Photo by Andrea Piacquadio /Pexels"Does this baby make me look fat?"Amy Schumer"You can tell what was the best year of your mother's life because they seem to freeze that clothing style and ride it out."Jerry Seinfeld"Raising kids may be a thankless job with ridiculous hours, but at least the pay sucks."Jim Gaffigan"If your kids are giving you a headache, follow the directions on the aspirin bottle, especially the part that says, 'keep away from children'.Susan Savannah“Honey, I’m your mother. It’s my job to strong-arm people into seeing how amazing you are.”Beverly Goldberg, The Goldbergs"Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age."William Feather"“The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.”Calvin Trillin"Motherhood: feeding them as a baby and then through most of their twenties." Unknown"I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.”Phyllis Diller"A suburban mother's role is to deliver children; obstetrically once and by car forever after." Peter De Vries"Silence is golden. Unless you have kids. Then silence is just suspicious." Unknown"Behind every great kid is a mom who's pretty sure she's screwing it all up."Unknown"You know you're a mom when you understand why mama bear's porridge was cold."Unknown"I don't want to sleep like a baby, I want to sleep like my husband" Unknown"My two-year-old referred to her coat pockets as "snack holes," and this is what I shall forever call them" Rebecca Caprara"I told my mom she was invading my personal space, and she said, 'You came out of my personal space.'Unknown"I was a really good mom before I had kids." Trisha Nobile"Parenthood: Where you can never find the scissors but your kids always know where you hide the chocolateUnknown"If a woman speaks and no one is listening, her name is probably 'Mom!'"Unknown"My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it." Buddy Hackett"I used to have functioning brain cells, but I traded them in for children." - Unknown"The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable."Lane OlinghouseWhen your kids are teenagers, it's important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you."Nora Ephron"I might look like I'm listening to you, but in my head, I'm thinking about what to cook for dinner."Unknown"I asked Mom if I was a gifted child. She said they certainly wouldn't have paid for me."Calvin and Hobbes"If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way your mom told you to do it from the start."Unknown"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing."Phyllis Diller"When your 'mom voice' is so loud, even the neighbours brushed their teeth and get dressed" Unknown"They say to test out baby names, say them over and over again. Bull. What they should really suggest is to be called Mom over and over again and see if you still choose that."UnknownCelebrity Quotes About Motherhood (23)"Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials."Meryl Streep"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's."Princess Diana"It's not easy being a mom. If it were easy, fathers would do it."Betty White“'You have suffered enough.' That became my mantra for motherhood from there on out. You have suffered enough. If you can make it easier, make it easier, and don’t feel guilty about it.”Ali Wong"Wine is necessary."Kelly Clarkson"Motherhood is basically finding activities for children in three-hour pockets of time for the rest of your life"Mindy Kaling"Every day when you're raising kids, you feel like you could cry or crack up and just scream 'This is ridiculous!' because there's so much nonsense, whether it's what they're saying to you or the fact that there's avocado or poop on every surface"Kristen Bell"Sleep at this point is just a concept, something I'm looking forward to investigating in the future"Amy Poehlr"It’s the best acting of my life right here, the well-rested woman. It’s my finest role"Kerry Washington"You know how once you have kids you never ever pee by yourself again? At least one of them is always in there with you at all times."Jennifer Garner"I always say if you aren't yelling at your kids, you're not spending enough time with them."Reese Witherspoon"No one told me I would be coming home in diapers, too."Chrissy Teigen"Ah, babies. They're more than just adorable little creatures on whom you can blame your farts."Tina Fey"Usually the triumph of my day is, you know, everybody making it to the potty."Julia Roberts"Stop saying 'we're pregnant.' You're not pregnant. Do you have to squeeze a watermelon-sized person out of your lady hole? No."Mila Kunis"I don't think so mommy!" is what my child said after, "Can you please pick up the popcorn you threw all over?"Anna Faris"'I've leaned that it's way harder to be a baby. For instance, I haven't thrown up since the '90s and she's thrown up twice since we started this interview."Eva Mendes"Twelve years later the memories of those nights, of that sleep deprivation, still make me rock back and forth a little bit. You want to torture someone? Hand them an adorable baby they love who doesn't sleep."Shonda Rhimes"The majority of my diet is made up of foods that my kid didn't finish." Carrie Underwood"Becoming a mom to me means you have accepted that for 16 years of your life, you will have a sticky purse." Nia Vardalos"Parenting is f---ing hard!" Adele" I can be covered in spit up on a conference call while I'm pumping and that's okay, because this is my perfect. It may not be somebody else's, but this is mine."Kerry Washington"Like all parents, my husband and I just do the best we can, and hold our breath, and hope we've set aside enough money to pay for our kids' therapy." Michelle Pfieffer"I'm one of five kids. My husband is one of four, so we're officially breeders."Blake Lively

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The Great Takedown of Nickelodeon’s Dan Schneider - How Even Small Voices Have the Power for Impact
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The Great Takedown of Nickelodeon’s Dan Schneider - How Even Small Voices Have the Power for Impact

What do Amanda Bynes, Ariana Grande, Jaime Lynn Spears, Victoria Justice, and Miranda Cosgrove all have in common? They were all young girls hand-picked by Dan Schneider to become the face of his TV creations.Now, over 30 years later, a series of chilling truths have come to light with HBO MAX's new hit documentary, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. The 2024 four-part documentary television series details the toxic behind-the-scenes world of children’s television from the late 1990s to the early 2010s. Most of which was during Dan Schneider's tenure as a producer on Nickelodeon. In his heart-wrenching interview, Drake Bell drops a bombshell. The former Nickelodeon child star bravely disclosed the horrific sexual abuse he faced as a young boy during his time on Drake and Josh. His confession is on the heels of fellow Nickelodeon child star Jeanette McCurdy's takedown of the toxic on-set culture she faced as a child star. McCurdy was the first of Schneider's "projects" to speak out about the abuse she faced at Schneider's hands.They Offered McCurdy $300,000 To Stay Quiet—Why She Chose To Speak Up InsteadIn her tell-all New York Times Bestseller I'm Glad My Mom Died, Nickelodeon child star, Jeanette McCurdy writes about the executive who would massage her at work, photograph her in bikinis, and pressure her to drink while underage. She refers only to the looming presence as "The Creator." McCurdy never mentions Schneider by name but she doesn't have to. Over two decades at Nickelodeon producing hit teen tv shows from Drake and Josh (2004-2007) to iCarly (2007-2012), Schneider was dropped in 2018 when allegations of inappropriate behavior (uncomfortably close to sexual misconduct) were made by female Nickelodeon writers, namely Jenny Kilgen.In the same breath they offered $300,000.00 to Jeanette McCurdy to keep quiet about her experience growing up under Schenider's thumb."What the f--k? Nickelodeon is offering me three hundred thousand dollars in hush money to not talk publicly about my experience on the show?" she wrote in her memoir. "My personal experience of 'The Creator's' abuse?' This is a network with shows made for children. Shouldn't they have some sort of moral compass? Shouldn't they at least try to report to some sort of ethical standard?"- Jeanette McCurdy,"I'm Glad My Mom Died"The 180 made some wonder, just how blind the children's TV network really was to the inappropriate behavior of their top producer. Nickelodeon kept quiet after McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died hit the shelves. It seems they were waiting for the backlash to die down—then HBO Max dropped their investigative documentary March, 2024.The latest crime to whip a media storm after the release of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, concerns Drake and Josh star Drake Bell.Drake and Josh Star, Drake Bell Claims Sexual Abuse Drake Bell was one of the few male child actors Schneider took a shine to—and nearly 20 years later, it's been revealed the 35-year-old Bell is far from the lucky child star he appeared to be."The abuse was extensive and it got pretty brutal"Drake Bell, Quiet on SetIn a heart-wrenching interview, Bell opens up for the first time ever at the alleged sexual abuse he faced as a young boy at the hands of dialogue coach Brien Peck (no relation to his co-star Josh Peck). Bell claims Peck began grooming him at around 15 years old. Peck's gradual integration into Bell's life caused a rift between the young actor and his father, despite earlier concerns raised by Bell's father about Peck. Eventually, Bell cut ties with his father as his manager.In 2001, when Bell was 15, he allegedly woke up to find Peck abusing him. Despite promises from Peck that it wouldn't happen again, the abuse worsened over time. Fearful of speaking out due to Peck's influential connections in the industry, Bell remained silent until 2003, when he confided in his mother after outside observation of his distress. This led to an investigation during which Bell recorded Peck's confession to the abuse.Following a call to the police, an investigation commenced during which Bell disclosed he had recorded Peck's confession on tape. Nonetheless, Bell was surprised to find Peck's side "entire side of the courtroom was full" of supporters when he was sentenced in 2004 for lewd acts with a minor stemming from Bell's accusations.Kate Taylor is the investigative journalist who called for the court to unseal the letters of support Peck received. Shockingly Peck's powerful industry connections had earned him over 40 letters—many of which included "victim blaming"—written by beloved celebrities like James Marsden and Alan Thicke.All of these horrors occurred under the watchful eye of Dan Schneider—who was famous for knowing every single thing that moved on set—down to the very last detail.So, Who Is Dan Schneider Really?@danwarp/InstagramWell, it depends who you ask. If you ask Nickelodeon, he was their Michael Jordan. Their top creative executive who amassed his $40 Million fortune creating hit TV show after hit TV show. From Zoey 101 to iCarly, Dan Schneider could not miss. In fact he is the recipient of their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. But if you asked former Zoey 101 child star, Alexa Nikolas, he was the creepy adult man who sat outside her change room during her costume fittings, when she was 12 years old. “Whenever I had wardrobe fittings, [Schneider] always had to be in them. Thank God there was a curtain, but he was literally [sitting] on [a] chair right outside of the curtain. [It was] to the point where he would sit in the chair, and I would come out and do a little spin. [He] would look at the wardrobe artist and say, ‘Can I have the Polaroids?'”- Alexa Nikolas, Real PodBefore Nickelodeon He Suspiciously Dropped Out of Harvard To Repair ComputersIt's been repeatedly reported the Dan Schneider, 58 exhibited an unhealthy obsession with the entertainment industry from an early age. Even though Schneider was accepted to the prestigious Harvard University, he dropped out after just one semester to repair computers back in Memphis. The Drake and Josh creator has never elaborated on the reasoning behind this rather bizarre career choice.Shortly after dropping out, Schneider (who acted in high school plays) became interested in acting after seeing an advertisement for on set extra work. After landing his first role in a movie, he moved to Los Angeles. He went on to appear in a variety of television shows and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. But Schneider's significant transition from actor to "creator" began when he joined Nickelodeon as a staff writer. He quickly rose in the ranks and became one of Nickelodeon's television producer's in the late 1990s, after meeting then-Nickelodeon President, Albie Hecht at The Kids Choice Awards (1988).His First Hit Show, "All That"Schneider's first success came with his kid's sketch comedy All That (1999). Schneider wrote the pilot in the style of popular adult sketch comedy Saturday Night Live, but with a kid-friendly twist—–sort of.Over the 10 seasons, the All That casts included Keenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Gabriel Iglesias, Mariah Carey's Ex-Husband Nick Cannon, Jamie Lynn Spears, and most famously, Schenider's first muse—Amanda Bynes.In 1999 Dan Schneider had displayed a fascination with Amanda Bynes. He was so blown away but her natural talent he created Bynes her very own show, aptly titled The Amanda Show. Bynes was just 13.He Was Proud To "Discover" Amanda BynesThe first of its kind for kids, The Amanda Show was set up as a show-within-a-show.At the beginning of each episode Bynes would enter onto a set reminiscent of an old talk show. She would address a studio audience before the episode would launch into a series of independent sketches that included stars like Drake Bell and Josh Peck.Dan Schneider on "The Amanda Show" Schneider's "world building" would become his signature, and spin-offs would become his main vehicle. Schneider's very own NCU (Nickelodeon Cinematic Universe) could not be stopped.His collaboration with the network resulted in a string of remarkable successes, including the iconic shows including: Drake & Josh (2005), Zoey 101 (2006), iCarly (2007), Victorious (2010), Sam & Cat (2013). Under his production company, Schneider's Bakery (named after his grandfather's shop), Schneider solidified his spot as not only Nickelodeon's top executive, but a powerhouse in children's programming.If only it was a simple as that.Controversies Around Dan Schneider's Best Known SeriesDan Schneider and Jamie Lynn SpearsHowever, as Schneider's prominence grew, so did the controversies surrounding his behaviour on set and the treatment of his young actors. Reports of an unhealthy work environment, allegations of verbal abuse, and questionable interactions with underage cast members raised significant concerns. He Told This "Zoey 101" To Change In Front Of HimZoey 101 is a popular teen sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The show follows the life of Zoey Brooks (Jamie Lynn Spears), a teenage girl who enrolls in the previously all-boys Pacific Coast Academy and navigates the challenges of school, friendships, budding romances, and how to give a men's urinal a makeover.Finding out PCA was not a real school, and was actually just a compilation of exterior shots of Pepperdine University, was a character building moment in every 90s childhood. But it turns out, PCA tween dream was not all it was cracked up to be.Following the release of Jeanette McCurdy's memoir, actress Alexa Nikolas who played Nicole on the first two seasons of Zoey 101 has spoken out about her uncomfortable experiences with Schneider."I did not feel safe around Dan Schneider while working at Nickelodeon. Every time he came on set my body got extremely tense."- Alexa NikolasNikolas joined the cast at only 12 years old. Schneider's boundary-busting behaviour (like sitting-in on Nikolas' wardrobe fittings) was instead spun as Schneider protecting his creative choice a-la "high standards."For Nikolas those high standards were "traumatizing". In an interview with Insider, Nikolas recounts the hyper-sexualized energy on the children's television show.*trigger warning*Nikolas recalls a scene that made her deeply uncomfortable at 13-years old. In an unnamed episode, Jamie Lynn Spears had a syringe of goo squirted onto her face, that ends up drips down her in a suggestive way. According to Nikolas, Schneider found this shot amusing. The pornographic nature of this shot was apparent enough, that a male teenage cast mate was able to make the link, saying out loud "it's like a c*m shot."* Schneider defended himself by saying the substance was green, similar to Nickelodeon's well-known slime, and stated that the episode aired without any concerns raised by viewers.Nikolas was later written off the show for her behind-the-scenes feuding with Spears. She recalls Schneider pulling her into a meeting with other executives and yelling at her until she ran out and cried. Alexa Nikolas claims she felt bullied by Spears. The power imbalance was stark. Not only was Spears in a more senior position on the show (being the title character and having starred on The Amanda Show prior) but she is also pop-icon Britney Spears' younger sister.In an interview, Nikolas recalls that at 12 years old, she did not see these power imbalances as she does now. When she brought, what she perceived to be her unfair treatment, to the attention of Schneider and Nickelodeon higher ups, she was reminded "this is not Nicole 101." In 2022, Nikolas founded her initiative Eat The Predators, an activism group for minors in the entertainment industry.As a result, Nikolas was not invited to join the cast of the movie reboot: Zoey 102, streaming July 27th, 2023 on Paramount +.Nikolas was was released from her contract going into Season 3, and her character was replaced with Victoria Justice, who would, in true Schneider fashion, go on to have her own show (a version of a spin-off) Victorious.Encouraging Teen Drinking On "Victorious" Was Just The Tip of The IcebergIn 2010, Nickelodeon levelled up with its more mature show Victorious. Victorious is perhaps most notable for giving two-time Grammy winner Ariana Grande her breakout role as Cat Valentine. And while the Thank U, Next singer has stayed silent about her relationship with Schneider, Nickelodeon has come under fire for "sexualizing" and "infantalizing" young Grande in a compilation of resurfaced clips that speak for themselves. Clips include Grande pouring water on herself upside down, putting her foot in her mouth, and sticking her fingers down her throat.But Grande wasn't the only young actress they targeted in scripted scenes with pornographic undertones. Daniella Monet, who played Victoria's older sister Trina, recalled a time when she expressed concern to the network about a particular Victorious scene–in which she ate a pickle while applying lip gloss.Monet shared with executives that it felt too sexualized to air, but Nickelodeon dismissed her concerns and aired the episode anyway.While most of the Victorious cast has remained tight-lipped over the allegations of misconduct, some chose to speak out. Jennette McCurdy, who played Sam Puckett on iCarly, did not–despite being offered $300,000 to stay silent."iCarly" Is His Most Successful Show To Date—The Dark Reality of His Pride and JoyEverything we know about Schnedier's sinster behavior on the set of iCarly we initially know from Jeanette McCurdy 2022 memoir.I'm Glad My Mom Died is a moving account of McCurdy's experience growing up in a series of extremely controlling environments: being passed from her co-dependent mother to an even-more controlling Schneider.In her memoir, McCurdy's recounts the textbook pattern of abuse and gaslighting she faced at the hands of Schneider. As is the harrowing experience of most child actors, at 14, McCurdy was her family's breadwinner and exploited on either side of her paycheck. In her memoir, McCurdy looks back at the spectrum of Schneider's behaviour. She recounts moments when Schneider would massage her at work, photograph her in a bikini, and pressure her to drink alcohol when she was underage. At the same time, Schneider was hanging the prospect of McCurdy's very own spin-off show over her head. “The Creator is doing the thing that I’ve heard from my co-stars he does with every new star of a show that he’s making—he takes you under his wing. You’re his favorite...”- Jennette McCurdy, I'm Glad My Mom Died McCurdy also claimed, in the vein of clinically diagnosed narcissists everywhere, Schneider would often pit the stars of his two hit shows (iCarly and Victorious) against each other, in order to get them to do what he wanted them to do."The Victorious kids get drunk together all the time. The iCarly kids are so wholesome. We need to give you guys a little edge."- Dan Schneider to Jennette McCurdy, "I'm Glad My Mom Died"While none of McCurdy's co-stars have confirmed (or denied) her claims, they may not be at liberty to. Similar to Disney–Nickelodeon is known for making their young, naive talent sign binding NDAs. However, McCurdy's been indirectly supported by a number of Nickelodeon executives and female writers who have spoken up on Schneider's overt sexism and all around creepy behaviour.Dan Schneider Loves Feet—But Hates Women (Writers)Schneider's outright distaste for female writers is well known in the industry. Kayla Alpert a female writer on All That, relayed that on her first day, Schneider told her that women were not funny and dared her to name a single funny woman.Schneider's reps have since spoken out to say Schneider, "really likes Tina Fey." An unnamed Nickelodeon staff writer backed Alpert's claim stating Schneider once "openly stated he didn't like having female writers in the writer's room." In fact, deep diving into The Schneider's Bakery archives we see after The Amanda Show, Schneider rarely hired female writers at all. In fact his show Drake and Josh, and Zoey 101 credit a remarkable *zero* female writers. While the more progressive iCarly, Victorious, and Sam & Cat do not credit more than two women in the writers' room in the entirety of their runs.In a harrowing chain of events, writer Jenny Kilgen disclosed Schneider would force her to massage his shoulders and preform embarrassing tasks for money. Schneider allegedly pressured the writer into simulating "being sodomized" while she was telling a story about high school–because. When these claims resurfaced Nickelodeon decided it was probably time to cut the chord.Where is Dan Schneider Today?In an exclusive interview with and paraphrased by the New York Times, "[Schneider] declined to comment on the investigation. But he defended his leadership style, denied he left on bad terms, and described his departure as a natural confluence of events after an 'exhausting' period in which he delivered as many as 50 episodes of shows each year.While the jury's out on whether or not anyone's buying this, and whether or not Schneider (who's been virtually silent since the allegations dropped) will ever work again–the overall consensus is: wherever Dan Schneider is now, is a place I don't want to be.Update: Since the release of "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" Dan Schneider Has Broken His SilenceIn an online statement, the former Nickelodeon producer acknowledged numerous reports of inappropriate behavior shared by actors and others featured in the recent docuseries, Quiet on Set.In his video apology, Schneider urges Nickelodeon to remove questionable content from previous shows. The Lesson LearnedWhile it's easy to dismiss Schneider's influence because of his show's young target audience, in stark reality, Schneider was the head of a children's network that had a net worth of over $20 billion dollars. That's a lot of power. Under his jurisdiction, Nickelodeon became the most valuable children's cable TV network in the world. Schneider managed to make his way from actor to writer to producer to show runner over the years with little to stand in his way, and all with that big, Harvard, brain of his.It took brave and confident women, actors and writers alike, who refused to take part in his games, refused to sit quietly when they knew something was wrong, and to speak out against the man who held their pay checks in his hand. It takes strength and bravado to take on an industry Goliath. Through the strength of these women, one was taken down. Even small voices have the power to make a large impact.More From Goalcast:Why iCarly’s Jennette McCurdy Refused $300K in Hush Money to Write a Book Called ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’Bella Thorne Now: A Close Look at What Happened to the Former Disney StarWhere Are They Now: The Private Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Chris Gardner Beyond the Pursuit of Happyness: The Work Begins
Self

Chris Gardner Beyond the Pursuit of Happyness: The Work Begins

What comes to mind when you think of wealth? Dollar signs? A photoshoot-ready home in a highly-polished suburb? Frequent trips to exotic locations and five-star dining? Or maybe the symbol of wealth for you is a freshly-valeted Ferrari, with bright red paint you can see your reflection in, leather seats, and an exhaust mistaken for the turbo-charged thunder of a jet engine.It was a red Ferrari that mesmerized a 27-year-old struggling salesman one day in the early 80s, in a parking lot outside of San Francisco General Hospital. As the salesman was walking by, the car pulled up to the curb. Stirred by what he saw, he decided to approach the car’s owner, who was dressed to impress in a tailor-fit suit.Instinctually the salesman approached the man with two questions: “What do you do, and how do you do it?” Those two questions sparked a chain of events that led to the salesman’s rapid rise in fortune, a bestselling memoir, a Hollywood film about his life, millions in the bank, and his own Ferrari. Not any Ferrari. A Ferrari once owned by sporting legend Michael Jordan.Before the wealth and success, though, the salesman spent a year homeless on the streets of San Francisco, with his toddler son, moving between homeless shelters, park benches, and public toilets. Does the story sound familiar? The movie is The Pursuit of Happyness. And the man behind the story is Chris Gardner.Despite his rags to riches tale, money isn’t everything for Gardner. Years after the film’s conclusion, Gardner turned away from riches, and away the successful business he’d developed. After 30 years in the finance industry, a heartbreaking loss led him to take his own advice — to pursue his own version of happiness. And to inspire others to dream. A Fatherly BondWill Smith has only starred in two biographies. In 2001 he played the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Five years later, in 2006, he was playing Chris Gardner. Coincidentally, these portrayals earned Smith his only two Oscar nominations, both for Best Actor, in 2002 and 2007. In an interview with AALBC, Smith explained his reasons for choosing the role:“I saw the 20-20 piece [on ABC-TV ] on Chris' life, and the power of the story blew me away. There was a look in his eyes, a confidence, and a strength, after having traveled that journey. He personified the American Dream. It felt to me that the reason that America has been successful in this world is based on the idea that Gardner is possible.”Part of the attraction to Gardner’s story was the American Dream, combined with his unwavering care for his son, his desire to never give up. It’s hard to imagine Smith acting opposite anyone other than his real-life son, Jayden. The pair’s natural love and care shines through the screen. But Smith had to fight for Jayden to be cast, due to concerns of nepotism by executives involved in the movie.To compensate for the conflict of interest, Jayden, who was six-years-old at the time, had to audition nine times. When the studio asked for a 10th audition, the film’s director, Gabriele Muccino, put his foot down. He told producers he was “emotionally incapable” of making the film without Jayden in the role. It was a fight worthy of the character Smith was playing.To understand the fatherly bond, you have to look back in time. Gardner’s upbringing was one of violence and uncertainty. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1954, he never knew his own father. He was raised in poverty by his mother, Bettye Jean, and his stepfather, who was physically abusive. Making a vow to be the father he never had, he was committed to providing for his children and being present. His daughter Jacintha was born in 1985, after the events in the movie. Christopher Gardner Jr. was only two-years-old during the spell of homelessness.(Matt Giroux / Getty)Gardner, whose daughter had to convince him Smith was up to the task of portraying him by reminding him he played Ali, worked closely with the actor through the production and filming process. The pair enjoyed strong chemistry, which shows in Smith’s portrayal. Mirroring Gardner’s love for his son, Smith said:“Jaden and I got to spend every single day, 10 or 12 hours a day, together, working on this film and it became clear that whatever you have to offer financially doesn't matter. Whatever situation you are in, it doesn't matter. You have to be there. You have to be with your child. To be able to spend that many hours a day together, our bond took off in a way that I never imagined.”Although Gardner went on to earn his fortune — his current-day worth is estimated to be around $60 million — it was never his true motivation. His pursuit of happiness was something money couldn’t buy. Ironically, it would be years until Gardner took his own advice and turned his back on the finance industry to follow his passion.Pursuit of Happyness to Happily Ever After?When capturing someone’s life story into a film lasting a few hours, what do you include? What do you leave out? Feel-good stories often end at a moment of triumph, celebration, or redemption. Stories can’t go on forever, they have to end. The credits have to roll, the audience has to return to their lives. In the Pursuit of Happyness, the happily ever after ending packages the uncertainty of life into a neat conclusion.The immortalized story zooms in on a few years in Gardner’s life. Over two hours, we see his journey from struggling salesman, single father, homeless and broke, attempting to earn a job at a top stockbroker firm, Dean Witter Reynolds — an opportunity offered by a man in the red Ferrari, Jay Twistle (Brian Howe), who was a successful stockbroker.Before his opportunity to change career, Gardner attempts to sell medical equipment, which he’d gambled his life savings on. Growing debt and pressure to provide for his family led to the breakdown of his marriage, and eventually, his wife leaves with his son. Gardner tells his wife to return him, which he does. That’s when his financial situation escalates. Unable to pay for rent, he’s told to leave his apartment in a week’s time. The day before his internship interview, Gardner is arrested for unpaid parking fines and has to stay in prison overnight. He sprints from his cell to his interview, arriving in a vest and trainers, covered in paint from last-minute apartment renovations.Yet he charms the panel and lands the internship, only to find out it's unpaid. Dedicated to making a better life for himself, Gardner agrees. He moves to a nearby motel with his son, where he is soon kicked out for unpaid rent, leaving him on the streets. The most poignant moment comes as he and Chris Jr. spend a night sleeping rough in a public toilet.Through spells in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, Gardner keeps his homelessness secret from his colleagues, doing all he can to earn enough to impress enough to be offered a full-time role. Against all odds, Gardner makes it through his internship whilst struggling to look after his son and keep his life together. As the film approaches the conclusion, the fateful day arrives. In an emotional scene, Gardner is called into the office and offered a full-time position. With tears in his eyes, he walks the streets in disbelief, picks up his son, and walks into the sunset, as the real-life Gardner walks by.The uncertainty of life, packaged into a neat conclusion, and Gardner is set up for financial security and happiness. His first step was affording an apartment and a roof over his head, already a leap from sleeping in public toilets and homeless shelters. In 1987 Gardner founded his own firm, Gardner Rich. He became a multimillionaire. But this wasn’t happily ever after. Life goes on, after moments of triumph, celebration, redemption. Events in Gardner’s life once the credits rolled would make for an equally-compelling sequel. His biggest challenge, greatest loss, and most heroic chapter was yet to come.The ‘Y’ in happynessPursuit of Happyness is noticeable for its deliberate misspelling of the famous phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence. Gardner’s inspiration came from a daycare center he sent his son to, as shown in the film. But the meaning stretches back to a 1776 essay by a biracial man, Lemuel Haynes, who argued blacks and whites were created equal.Gardner has added his own meaning, too. The Y is about “you” — finding your unique happiness, in whatever way that looks. With that comes the responsibility to work for it, to understand what you want, and make it happen, not to rely on others, or chance. Asked in 2009 if he was happy, Gardner responded:“I am healthy. As a single parent, with a lot of help, I've raised two children that have become very special young people. And I'm doing work that reflects my values. That makes me happy. And you'll notice I did not mention movies or money. Money is the least significant aspect of wealth.”Certain facts in the movie deviated from real life. The internship paid a salary of $1,000 per month, which he spent on daycare for Chris Jr. The man in the Ferrari was Bob Bridges, not Jay Twistle. He sold various medical equipment and didn’t invest his life’s savings. Most importantly, his onscreen wife, Linda (played by Thandiwe Newton) is a combination of two women: Sherry Dyson, Gardner’s ex-wife, who he was married to between 1977 and 1987, and Jackie Medina, the mother of his two children. This creative retelling meant that another woman, Holly, wasn’t shown in the film. Yet she was the person Garnder calls “the love of my life.” And it was Holly who catalyzed his change of direction. “You can lose a house, get a new house. Lose a job, get a new job. But when you lose the person that you love more than life… that's irreplaceable,” Gardner told Goalcast in an exclusive interview.The romance started unexpectedly, on what appeared to be a normal day. “I'm on the stationary bike, and suddenly the most incredibly beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life walked into the gym. She's got no makeup. She's drenched in sweat from head to toe,” he said. But the attraction was far beyond physical. “It wasn't what she looked like — it was what I saw and felt,” he added.(Matt Giroux / Getty)Overcome by a desire to get to know her, Gardner followed the same instinct and courage that encouraged him to ask the man in the red Ferrari. Whilst that question led to his ultimate fortune, Gardner’s question to Holly led to another kind of wealth. He approached her and asked her out. “She could have said no. She could have said, I'm in a relationship. She could have said, I'm not interested. I had to know. And I'm glad I did.”In 2012, six years after the release of Pursuit of Happyness and 20 years after they met, Holly died at the age of 55. “I will never forget waking up one morning. Holly would always bring me a cup of coffee to bed. She said, ‘I have to tell you something. I'm losing my vision.’ And it wasn't the words but how she said them that made me sit up on the bed.” His fear was founded. Holly had an inoperable brain tumor.After initial denial, Gardner faced up to another level of suffering and hardship. “It has given me a new perspective on what it means to struggle. I had overcome every obstacle achieved, every goal, slayed every dragon. I had done everything that I was supposed to do in that business, started at the absolute bottom, scratched, fought, crawled, and worked to the absolute top.”“I could have continued to sit at that desk and chase some more stocks. Chase some more bonds. Chase some more deals… I could have done that, but when Holly was diagnosed, it changed everything.” Over the next four years, Gardner was Holly’s prime carer, which he calls an honor. Despite the struggle, the pair experienced moments of joy, love, and intimacy. It led to a profound change in his life. Still working tirelessly at his successful company (his work ethic is symbolized by the fact he wears two watches), Holly’s nearness to death led to a re-prioritizing of values. “She kept asking me the same question,” Gardner told Goalcast. “‘Now that we can see how truly short life can be, what are you going to do with the rest of your life?’” A Change of Direction For Chris Gardner(Matt Giroux / Getty)Before her first session of chemotherapy, Holly had a stroke and fell into a coma for months. One evening at the hospital, Gardner whispered words of reassurance in her ear. “I leaned down and I said to her ‘baby, if you want to let go, if you want to stop fighting, I'm okay, I'm gonna be okay,’”. After months of being motionless, Holly’s leg moved. Her foot caressed his arm. She died the next day.There was no going back. Although highly successful and enjoying his work, at the deepest level, Gardner wasn’t fulfilled. He quit his job the day she died. “I had to start taking some of my own advice,” he said. “I had written about it for a very long time, that if you're doing something that you're not totally committed to, that you're not totally passionate about, you're compromising yourself every day.” Turning his back on bonds, Gardner chose a new mission — to help others in their own pursuit of happiness.He started a new career as a motivational speaker and author, traveling all across the world for 200 days per year. Prior to the pandemic of 2020, Gardner was regularly speaking to crowds of thousands. “So many people around the world are now having their own pursuit of happiness moments and experiences,” he says. “Part of my journey right now is to empower others as they begin and continue to take these baby steps on the journey to their dreams.”Since Pursuit of Happyness was released in 2006, Gardner has written two more books. In 2009 he released Start Where You Are, a book filled with life lessons in how to follow a similar path of moving from the impossible to the possible, aptly answering the two questions he asked all those years ago: “what do you do, and how can I do it?”In 2021, Gardner released his third book, Permission to Dream, inspired by Holly’s death. In an attempt to answer the question, “what will you do with the time you have left?” Gardner shares the true fable of an adventure with his nine-year-old granddaughter, Brooke, and in turn how he worked on giving himself permission to dream.In between the change of career and writing, Gardner never forgot his roots and his spell of homelessness. He helped fund a $50 million project for low-income housing and job opportunities in the very same place he spent time on the streets with his son. He regularly donates clothes and shoes, and spends time volunteering in homeless shelters.This Part is Called: The HeroAll stories have to end, but you can’t help but feel Hollywood’s depiction of Gardner’s life ended prematurely. The credits roll, but Gardner didn’t stop being an inspiration. Hollywood got to see the Chris Gardner who could overcome all obstacles, to transform rags to riches. But if the chapter after the film’s events had its own title — from building his empire, caring for Holly, and choosing to change his life direction to help others — it would be “the hero.”Chris Gardner might have been immortalized for his rags to riches story. But more than anything, Gardner epitomizes a winner’s mindset. A man pursuing purpose, not profit. Gardner faced more tragedy and turmoil after the “happily ever after” his story depicted. But despite trying times, his approach to life continues to be an inspiration. Gardner is a man of value and determination, two things money can’t buy.Perhaps that’s a criticism of the movie — it captures the love he has for his son, but it emphasizes money, and success, as true wealth. Gardner sees money as the least important aspect of wealth, a perspective that only increased after Holly’s death. “I no longer connect net worth and self-worth,” he says. “What you do doesn’t determine who you are.”Gardner’s life changed that day in the parking lot, in ways he couldn’t have imagined. All it took was the courage to ask a stranger two questions, to follow his instinct. Asking a question in the gym led to 20 years of love and companionship with his wife, Holly. What questions can you ask, and where will they lead you?What opportunities are waiting for you? How can you make your own luck? How can you live a life of value, purpose, and the type of wealth that comes from within?“You can make money, you can lose money. You can't make time. How much time you got left in your life? Don't nobody know,” Gardner says. A man humbled by the raw reality of life, and what he terms “spiritual genetics” passed on by his mother, Gardner oozes as much wisdom as he does charisma. “There is no exit ramp for happiness,” he reflects. “There's no exit ramp for peace, tranquility, beauty, all those things sometimes are on this road.”In Permission to Dream, Gardner shares his idea of Atomic Time— the desire to make every minute meaningful. With time the most precious commodity, how do you choose to use it? Go after opportunities, don’t look for exit ramps, stay the course. But don’t forget that the most important part of the pursuit is to occasionally slow down, pause, reflect, and take in the scenery, enjoy atomic time. “Sometimes,” Gardner says, “the beauty is the journey.”Looking at Chris Gardner’s journey, it’s hard not to agree.

100 Powerful Motivational Quotes to Help You Rise Above
Motivation

100 Powerful Motivational Quotes to Help You Rise Above

Every member of the human race knows that life can present difficult challenges, often taking all the fun out of our day to day lives. To overcome these obstacles there are a lot of good strategies you can employ, and very often the answer lies within. One great way to dig deep and overcome your difficulties is to get motivated! You may need motivation for work, home life, or simply to gain the extra positive energy necessary to develop success and get through the week. Enjoy the inspirational quotes below, and remember that the only limit to achieving our desires is one of imagination! Create your own happy life by filling it with purpose, and you can achieve excellence and fulfill your own dreams and your own life plan on your terms.Motivational Quotes: Information to Inspire Your LifeThere Is No Greater Thing You Can Do With Your Life And Your Work Than Follow Your Passions – In A Way That Serves The World And You.RICHARD BRANSON (more Richard Branson quotes)Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.ROALD DAHLIf you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.DOLLY PARTONThe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.HELEN KELLERLife is a series of baby steps along the way and if you add up these tiny little steps you take toward your goal, whatever it is, whether it's giving up something, a terrible addiction or trying to work your way through an illness.HODA KOTBBe thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.OPRAH WINFREY (more Oprah Winfrey quotes)To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.REBA MCENTIRESuccessful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking: “What’s in it for me?”BRIAN TRACYThe biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.OPRAH WINFREYAs soon as something stops being fun, I think it’s time to move on. Life is too short to be unhappy. Waking up stressed and miserable is not a good way to live.RICHARD BRANSON"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, '"What are you doing for others?""MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (more Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes)"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."MICHAEL JORDAN"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within."MAYA ANGELOU"It's not what we have in life but who we have in our life that matters."MARGARET LAURENCE"Embrace the glorious mess that you are."ELIZABETH GILBERT"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."DR. SEUSS"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."HELEN KELLER"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."CHARLES SWINDOLL"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON"Without passion, you don’t have energy. Without energy, you have nothing."WARREN BUFFETT (more Warren Buffett quotes)"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently."WARREN BUFFETT"Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."DALE CARNEGIEWork for that feeling that you have accomplished something…Don’t waste your time on this earth without making a mark.JOE ROGAN"Life is not fair, get used to it!"BILL GATES"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."RALPH WALDO EMERSON"Live for each second without hesitation."ELTON JOHNWe define ourselves far too often by our past failures. That’s not you. You are this person right now. You’re the person who has learned from those failures.JOE ROGAN"You don’t need to be better than anyone else, you just need to be better than you used to be."WAYNE DYERSuccess Quotes To Inspire and Help You Overcome RoadblocksFor some, there is only one motivation that they need, and that’s providing for their family. For others (like Elon Musk, for example) motivation can be harder to come by - especially if your goal is to move the human race forward and onto Mars!. Everyone feels like quitting at some point, and no one has all the answers. And even though it can be tempting to get under the blanket and shut out the world sometimes, quitting won’t make the challenges go away. If you give zero effort, you’ll have exactly the same number of chances at getting what you want.Use these motivational quotes for work, for your personal life, and for anything that requires that extra boost of motivation.When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.ELON MUSK (more Elon Musk quotes)Talent is god-given. Be humble. Fame is Man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.JOHN WOODENEverything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.WAYNE DYERThe Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.WINSTON CHURCHILL (more Winston Churchill quotes)If you can tune into your purpose and really align with it, setting goals so that your vision is an expression of that purpose, then life flows much more easily.JACK CANFIELDWhatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.NAPOLEON HILL (more Napoleon Hill quotes)A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken a new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.TONY ROBBINS (more Tony Robbins quotes)Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.HENRY DAVID THOREAUBy recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands – your own.MARK VICTOR HANSENLife is what happens when you're busy making other plans.JOHN LENNONYou will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.CHARLES BUXTONYou cannot afford to live in potential for the rest of your life; at some point, you have to unleash the potential and make your move.ERIC THOMASNothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.CALVIN COOLIDGEThere is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.PAULO COELHOBelieve in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.ROY T. BENNETTThe best way to gain self-confidence is to do what you are afraid to do.SWATI SHARMAYou can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.DALE CARNEGIEI can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.JIMMY DEANNothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I’m possible'!AUDREY HEPBURN(Derek Hudson / Contributor / Getty)Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.HENRY FORDEverything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.GEORGE ADDAIRBelieve in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.NORMAN VINCENT PEALEIf you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.LES BROWNSomeone else’s success does not equal a failure for you.JOE ROGANSuccess is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.WINSTON S. CHURCHILLTry not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.ALBERT EINSTEINYour time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.STEVE JOBSDon't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.JOHN D. ROCKEFELLERThe most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.ALICE WALKERYou have to see failure as the beginning and the middle, but never entertain it as an end.JESSICA HERRIN, FOUNDER AND CEO OF STELLA & DOTInspirational Quotes About Persevering Through Difficulty: From Albert Einstein to Babe RuthIt may be just an opinion, but a so-called “minimum wage work ethic” will not get you want you want (or deserve!). Use the following handpicked motivational quotes to inspire you to not give up, but rather, to come through the other side and emerge as a winner!I like criticism. It makes you strong.LEBRON JAMESA person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.ALBERT EINSTEINNever give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.WINSTON CHURCHILLOur greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.THOMAS EDISONIt is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.ARISTOTLE ONASSISIt’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.VINCE LOMBARDIWhen everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.HENRY FORDIf you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.VINCENT VAN GOGHOur greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.CONFUCIUSHardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.C.S. LEWISWhen you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELTIt always seems impossible until it’s done.NELSON MANDELAThe greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.NELSON MANDELAHard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.BOB RILEYStrength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.MAHATMA GANDHIYou’re going to go through tough times – that’s life. But I say, ‘Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’ See the positive in negative events.JOEL OSTEENEvery problem is a gift –- without problems we would not grow.TONY ROBBINSTwenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.MARK TWAIN (more Mark Twain quotes)Believe you can and you’re halfway there.THEODORE ROOSEVELTIt’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.JILLIAN MICHAELSThe man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t are both correct.CONFUCIUSNever give up. You only get one life. Go for it!RICHARD E. GRANTYou just can’t beat the person who never gives up.BABE RUTHIf you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.TONY ROBBINSIt is never too late to be what you might have been.GEORGE ELIOTYou don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.RICHARD BRANSONOnly those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.ROBERT F. KENNEDYMotivational Quotes for Women - From Eleanor Roosevelt to Lady GagaWe all look forward to strong, successful and independent women. But have you ever wondered how they managed to become strong and successful? Here are some motivational quotes about success for you to achieve your ambitious goals from some of the most impressive women throughout history.If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.MAYA ANGELOU (more Maya Angelou quotes)Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.MARGARET MEAD (more Margaret Mead quotes)Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this.CELINE DIONDo all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can.HILLARY CLINTONNever give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.HARRIET BEECHER STOWEI've always been famous, it's just no one knew it yet.LADY GAGA (more Lady Gaga quotes)Any actress who appears in public without being well-groomed is digging her own grave.JOAN CRAWFORDFame is not the glory! Virtue is the goal, and fame only a messenger, to bring more to the fold.VANNA BONTAOptimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.HELEN KELLERMy mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.RUTH BADER GINSBERGHappiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and enjoying it for everything that it is.MANDY HALEWith the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.ELEANOR ROOSEVELTWithout an open-minded mind, you can never be a great success.MARTHA STEWARTIf you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just.ANITA RODDICKThe most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.AMELIA EARHARTWe may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.MAYA ANGELOUFearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me. ARIANNA HUFFINGTONLife is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.VIVIAN GREENEBelieve in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going.CHANTAL SUTHERLANDWe don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.BARBARA DE ANGELISI may be kindly, I am ordinarily gentle, but in my line of business I am obliged to will terribly what I will at all.CATHERINE THE GREATNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.ELEANOR ROOSEVELTA woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.DIANE MARIECHILDWhatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.CHARLOTTE WHITTONI want to do is because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.AMELIA EARHARTSome women choose to follow men, and some choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.LADY GAGAAny woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.MARGARET THATCHER (more Margaret Thatcher quotes)Motivational Quotes for Business Starting a business is tough, but if you want to change the world and make money while you’re at it, you might need some inspirational quotes and motivational quotes to get you going. You can not only plan to be a success, you can plan to succeed beyond your wildest dreams! Who knows – you could be the next Steve Jobs! Let these quotes for business inspire you, remind you of why you started in the first place, and get you out of your comfort zone.Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.GEORGE HERBERTYou don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.ZIG ZIGLARLife is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.HELLEN KELLERPlay by the rules, but be ferocious.PHIL KNIGHTEvery problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.ANTHONY ROBBINSYou only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.WARREN BUFFETTSuccess usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.HENRY DAVID THOREAUAnd the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.ANAÏS NINYou cannot afford to live in potential for the rest of your life; at some point, you have to unleash the potential and make your move.ERIC THOMASDon’t settle for what life gives you; make life better and build something.ASHTON KUTCHERTwenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.MARK TWAINPress forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.GEORGE WHITEFIELDWhen you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to get it.JIM ROHNFortune always favours the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself.P. T. BARNUMMany of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.THOMAS A. EDISONMost of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.DALE CARNEGIEWhen obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.ZIG ZIGLARSuccess is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.PELECharacter cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.HELEN KELLERSuccess is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.WINSTON CHURCHILLI am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.STEPHEN COVEYThe road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.COLIN R. DAVISOpportunities don't happen. You create them.CHRIS GROSSERIt is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.HERMAN MELVILLEI’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.MICHAEL JORDANBusiness opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.RICHARD BRANSONThere are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.COLIN POWELLThe only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.VIDAL SASSOONThere’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.SETH GODINMotivational Quotes for College Students - Quotes About Life in School and BeyondBeing a college student is stressful. After all, preparing for the real world is not an easy job! We can all use a little bit of help getting through, so check out these motivational quotes about life to keep you resilient.A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.NELSON MANDELA(Gideon Mendel / Getty)Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.OG MANDINOIt never gets easier. You just get better.JORDAN HOECHLINThe true success is the person who invented himself.AL GOLDSTEINAll progress takes place outside the comfort zone.MICHAEL JOHN BOBAKMake the most of yourself….for that is all there is of you.RALPH WALDO EMERSONDefiniteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.W. CLEMENT STONEThe future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELTLittle minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune, but great minds rise above them.WASHINGTON IRVINGReal difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.THEODORE N. VAILWith realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.Dalai LamaBelieve in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.CHRISTIAN D. LARSONAll our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.WALT DISNEYIt does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.CONFUCIUSEvery problem is a gift –- without problems we would not grow.TONY ROBBINSDon’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.JIM ROHNTwenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.MARK TWAINChallenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.JOSHUA MARINELearn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.DENIS WAITLEYBelieve you can and you’re halfway there.THEODORE ROOSEVELTIt’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.JILLIAN MICHAELSIt is never too late to be what you might have been.GEORGE ELIOTYou don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.RICHARD BRANSONCollege is the reward for surviving high school.JUDD APATOWEducation is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.MALCOLM XEvery year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you.JOHN GREENStriving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest when you haven't planted.DAVID BLYCollege inspired me to think differently. It's like no other time in your life.LARA OLEYNIKMotivational Quotes from CelebritiesEveryone looks for a little wisdom and inspiration now and then, even celebrities. Here are some of the top motivational quotes from celebrities to push you forward on your journey to success. Allow these inspirational quotes to fill your mind with clarity and purpose, straight from Hollywood.You never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.GEORGE CLOONEYDon’t settle for what life gives you; make life better and build something.ASHTON KUTCHERLove yourself first and everything else falls into line.LUCILLE BALLDon't give it five minutes if you're not going to give it five years.MEGHAN MARKLE​Every day is not a success. Every year is not a success. You have to celebrate the good.REESE WITHERSPOONSuccess is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.COCO CHANELI refuse to accept other people’s ideas of happiness for me. As if there’s a ‘one size fits all’ standard for happiness.KANYE WESTLife is being on the wire, everything else is just waiting.KARL WALLENDALife is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.DENIS WAITLEYIt is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.J.K. ROWLINGWhen you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.ELLEN DEGENERES Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this.CELINE DIONStick around. Don’t lose your heart, just keep going, keep at it.MARK RUFFALOI'd rather be called a boy and play with paper airplanes than be called a man and play with a girl's heart.NIALL HORANI don’t like to share my personal life… it wouldn’t be personal if I shared it.GEORGE CLOONEYThe image is one thing and the human being is another. It's very hard to live up to an image, put it that way.ELVIS PRESLEYI've always been famous, it's just no one knew it yet.LADY GAGAAny actress who appears in public without being well-groomed is digging her own grave.JOAN CRAWFORDFame is not the glory! Virtue is the goal, and fame only a messenger, to bring more to the fold.VANNA BONTAYour imperfections make you beautiful, they make you who you are. So just be yourself, love yourself for who you are and just keep going.DEMI LOVATONo matter how talented you are, not everybody is going to like you. But that’s life, just stay strong.JUSTIN BIEBERDon’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love.EMMA WATSONIf you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.LEONARDO DICAPRIOIgnore the naysayers. Really the only option is, head down and focus on the job.CHRIS PINEI’ve learned it’s important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is.RYAN GOSLINGI can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.EMMA STONEI’m a big believer in accepting yourself and not really worrying about it.JENNIFER LAWRENCEI don’t do things for the response or the controversy. I just live my life.RIHANNAMotivational Quotes for EntrepreneursPlanting a sapling and starting your own business are similar in terms of growth. First, you need to invest money and time. Then, gently taking care of your new project, you must build with no expectations in return. During the entrepreneurial journey, you may require constant motivation. Here is a collection of motivational quotes for entrepreneurs to help you keep the fires burning bright. Hopefully, these inspirational quotes will help you so that you never lose the passion you need to succeed.I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.ESTÉE LAUDERDon’t let others convince you that the idea is good when your gut tells you it’s bad.KEVIN ROSE, CO-FOUNDED DIGGThink big and don’t listen to people who tell you it can’t be done. Life is too short to think small.TIM FERRISSI owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.G.K. CHESTERTONI don’t know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it.SUSAN BUTCHERFar and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.THEODORE ROOSEVELTIf you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.STEVE JOBSAlmost everything worthwhile carries with it some sort of risk, whether it’s starting a new business, whether it’s leaving home, whether it’s getting married, or whether it’s flying into space.CHRIS HADFIELDEven if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.WILL RODGERSThe real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.BARACK OBAMAWinners never quit and quitters never win.VINCE LOMBARDIThe first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.ANDREW CARNEGIEThe way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.WALT DISNEYSuccess depends on employees. For me knowing and connecting with my employees is very important.DIVINE NDHLUKULA, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DDNS SECURITY OPERATIONS LTDLimitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.JAMIE PAOLINETTIDo not focus on numbers. Focus on doing what you do best. It’s about building a community who want to visit your site every day because you create value and offer expertise.CASSEY HO, FOUNDER OF BLOGILATES.COMYou have to see failure as the beginning and the middle, but never entertain it as an end.JESSICA HERRIN, FOUNDER AND CEO OF STELLA & DOTIn the age of transparency, honesty, and generosity, even in the form of an apology, generate goodwill.ALEXANDER ASSEILY, FOUNDER OF JAWBONEIf you know too much before the start, then you will get overwhelmed. Come up with an original idea, and don’t copy because there will be no passion. You need that otherworldly passion. Just start.JENI BRITTON BAUERDon’t try to do everything by yourself, but try to connect with people and resources. Having that discipline and perseverance is really important.CHIEU CAOIt’s necessary to find a mentor who can invest time to know your personal capabilities and business model.NIGEL DAVIES, FOUNDER OF CLAROMENTISDon’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.JAS BAGNIEWSKI, CO-FOUNDER OF EVE SLEEPYou have to get good at ceding control and not taking things personally. Even seasoned entrepreneurs have struggled with that. I think it’s about not taking failures personally and also not taking successes personally.LEILA JANAH, FOUNDER OF SAMASOURCE AND LXMIYour ability to attract, evaluate, and forge strong working relationships with co-founders, early employees, and investors often mean the difference between failure and success.CLARA SHIH, CO-FOUNDER OF HEARSAY SYSTEMSMy advice is to focus on the importance of forging a long-term relationship, whether with colleagues, partners, or customers. It is often easy to get caught up in short-term decisions.SHEILA LIRIO MARCELO, FOUNDER OF CARE.COMIf you’re starting something on your own, you better have a passion for it, because this is hard work.SALLIE KRAWCHECK, CO-FOUNDER OF ELLEVESTBe nicer to your customers than your competitors.RICHARD REED, CO-FOUNDER OF INNOCENT DRINKS

Wim Hof: The Iceman’s Heroic Journey To Warming The Hearts of Millions
Self-Development

Wim Hof: The Iceman’s Heroic Journey To Warming The Hearts of Millions

The moments in life that shape your destiny tend not to be rational but guided by deep intuition, an intelligence not comprehended with the conscious mind, but one that commands respect. One winter’s morning in Amsterdam in 1976 was one such moment for a 17-year-old boy unaware of the magnitude of a choice he was about to make.Walking through Beatrixpark in the Dutch capital, the vapor of breath visible in freezing temperatures, the young man felt a strange calling. A calling most would call crazy or even dangerous. At that moment the young man felt the urge to jump into the icy canal. Rather than dismiss this intuitive pull, he stripped off his clothes and boldly took the plunge.As his body was submerged and shocked, something incredible happened — his mind fell silent. Immediately, this 17-year-old knew he was onto something profound. His intuition led him into the sub-zero waters of one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful attractions, and to a sense of personal liberation.That moment led this 17-year-old to dedicate his life to overcoming the cold, befriending discomfort, and kindling his inner fire. He would go on to defy scientific limitations, break multiple world records, climb Everest in just a pair of shorts, and eventually become a cultural phenomenon known the world over, teaching others to unlock their inner power, too.That winter’s day in 1976 was the day a legend was born. It was the day Wim Hof started his journey to becoming the Iceman.A destiny written in the starsWhen Wim shares his story with Goalcast in an exclusive interview, it’s hard to shake the peculiar sense that the stars aligned. Born on 20 April 1959 in a small city in the Netherlands, Sittard, he was one of nine children. Wim’s working-class parents were interested in practices such as yoga, karate, and Hinduism, each of which contained core teachings that would inspire Wim’s approach.Wim’s desire to help humanity began years before his plunge into the icy canal. Aged 12, he was struck by the cruelty and unhappiness he saw in the world, and made a pledge to himself to do something about it. “How, I did not know. Sometimes you don’t start to find the answers, but start to live the question. You become a searcher. I became a searcher, and a searcher becomes a finder.”The secret was found five years later, a Sunday morning, alone near the canal, an intuitive pull led to Wim’s greatest lesson. “I lived in a squat, I had no money. I was very happy. I was a thinking man, but puzzled. Books books books. Debate debate. Philosophizing. Philosophizing. That was my mind. Always thinking. My body was great, I did incredible yoga stuff, yet I kept on thinking, thinking.” When Wim entered the ice-cold water, he knew he’d hit the jackpot. “I had this feeling which I can translate into: this is it. And it is not a thought, but a deep recognition of who you are and what you are.” His mind fell silent. He played with the ice, overcome by fascination, the sense of cold barely noticeable. “I took that feeling with me. I had reached a different state of awareness inside my body, and it gave me a rush for the rest of the day.”After his initial dip, Wim’s thinking mind returned. To ensure his new practice wasn’t coincidental, he returned to the same spot the next day. Again, into the icy water. Again, the blissful silence. “I was astonished. I had broken open my being, my awareness, into a different dimension.”The breath and the life forceAs Wim teaches, the breath is an anchor between consciousness and the body. It’s an automatic process; you don’t have to think about breathing, you just do it. Yet it’s a process easy to consciously control. Intentional inhalations and exhalations place you in command of the most crucial bodily process, allowing you to breathe in a way that relaxes the body.Wim has demonstrated the ability to control more than the breath, including lymphatic, neurological, and hormonal systems. His method builds upon a rich history of traditions, although tailored for modern times, free of philosophical excess. After his early years of books, books, books, he developed his technique through first-hand experience. Instead of studying the words of others, he studied nature itself.Wim’s approach to extreme temperature as a portal to mind control is closely mirrored by Tummo meditation, or pranayama (prana is Sanskrit for breath or life force), a tantric practice of inner heat, and part of Tibetan Buddhism. Like Wim, many ancient traditions viewed the breath as the link between body and soul. This is reflected in the evolution of language, too. In the Western world, the etymology of psyche comes from the Greek psykhē, meaning “the soul, mind, spirit; life, one's life, the invisible animating principle or entity which occupies and directs the physical body.” Another source, psykhein, means “to blow, or to breathe.”One yogic text, the Chandogya Upanishad, compares pranic energy to the Sun. The energy emanating from the sun, sustaining life, is said to be the same as prana within, which is the body’s source of heat. Although this appears metaphorical, Wim Hof embodies Sun-like radiance, his technique a powerful way to ignite an inner-heat that can overcome the coldest external situations.Born a missionaryWim’s destiny was chosen long before ice or oath. When his mother gave birth to his brother, the doctors were unaware she was pregnant with twins. By the time they realized, it was almost too late. “They had to push her fast to the operation room to cut me out. A cesarean filled her with fear, so she pushed me out just in front of the doors. As she did, she said the words: ‘Oh God, let this child live, I will make him a missionary.’” 2007 was a formidable year on Wim’s path. He broke the world record for the fastest barefoot half marathon in snow, and reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in less than two days, wearing only shorts and shoes. But the biggest breakthrough came in an experiment at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, where Wim demonstrated something remarkable — he could consciously control the vagus nerve.The vagus nerve originates in the brain stem and runs through the neck into the chest and abdomen. It’s the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, responsible for major physiological functions including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration, and digestion. In recent years, scientists believe the vagus nerve holds the key to wellbeing.Wim’s technique suppressed inflammatory bodies in his bloodstream, those associated with chronic illness. Previously thought impossible, now scientists are exploring the link between diaphragmatic breathing, or deep breathing, the vagus nerve, and the activation of the body’s parasympathetic system, or the rest and digest relaxation response.Wim’s ability to demonstrate this in an experimental setting was a game-changer. Once ridiculed, the Iceman was moving beyond an entertainer and endurance athlete. He was gaining the attention of the scientific community by doing things humans were not supposed to be able to do. But this was Wim Hof, superhuman, chosen missionary.When the doctor in charge of the experiment told Wim that his results would have huge consequences for humanity, his mother’s words came back to him. “I knew the missionary was born,” he said. Like much of Wim’s life, triumph was closely met by adversity. “Half an hour later I get another phone call saying to me my mother had died.” Less than an hour before her death, and 48 years following her bargain with God, her son’s mission became crystal clear — to revolutionize the understanding of the power of the human body, through science. As he processed the news of his mother’s death, fittingly, he was left with a growing conviction.“I’m only a simple man, but now I’m going to change the world.”A defining tragedyMy mentor once told me that the greatest teachers are those who didn’t discover their gifts easily. They’re those who struggle, experiment, adjust their approach, and find a way that works for them step-by-step. Only by going through that process can they teach others to walk the same path. The hero’s journey always seems to include adversity before the hero returns, ready to share their learning with the rest of the world. Wim’s story is no different.Following his first jump into the canal, Wim continued his practice, although he kept it mostly to himself. When he was 21, he met his wife, Olaya. “I met her when I was 21. She was a free mind, and she was beautiful, so extroverted. She talked to everybody, she danced, she expressed herself, I called her a butterfly. I fell in love with her. I knew she was the one. It’s like the water. It’s not a thought, it’s a feeling, a deep recognition. She was it. She blew my mind.” The pair had four children together, and Wim envisioned spending the rest of his life with her.Following the birth of their third child, things took a turn for the worse. “A shadow came into our life. And that shadow grew larger and larger, and it took over. She was so suppressed in her spirit, it was heavy. I could do 100 pushups with one arm and one breath, yet I was helpless, seeing how this darkness overtook our presence, and she was drifting away because the darkness took hold.”Feeling powerless to save the love of his life, Wim relied on the refuge of yoga, cold water, and breathing exercises to remain strong, and support his children, as Olaya’s mental health deteriorated. She was overcome by manic depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. In 1995, at 2 o’clock in the morning, she kissed her children goodbye, before jumping eight stories to her death. Wim had no choice but to continue to care for his children, and it was during his period of profound grief that he found refuge in the ice. Through his discipline and determination to learn from trauma, Wim developed a growing conviction to share his gift with the world. “I couldn’t reach her. I loved her. Maybe she was part of a bigger scheme, because I’m going to change the world. And her heart, her depth, her wanting a world where everyone is talking, having fun, creating, sharing... that I will make.”To this day, Wim is inspired by the memory of Olaya. She gives him the resilience to keep going. “Her spirit is still within me. I haven’t lost it. I could’ve lost it easily, the darkness that took over, I could’ve drifted, but my kids had to be taken care of, the warmth of the nest had to come back. I couldn’t help her, but now I can help millions through changing science and showing that we have a completely different paradigm to take on.”Breaking through barriers to mainstream recognitionAfter Olaya’s death, Wim developed an unwavering belief in the transformative power of the cold, and the ability to control the body and mind. But he was often ridiculed or thought of as crazy. “I have always been there, but the world was not there. They were not interested in my philosophies.” Then came a moment of serendipity — a TV news crew filmed Wim jumping into holes he’d cut in the ice at a frozen lake. By happenstance, he saved a man who had fallen and was moments from death.That moment put him on the map. His star was rising, and people were curious about the Iceman, stunned by his superhuman feats. “TV is crazier than me,” he says. “They began to challenge me. Can you swim 50 meters under the ice? Can you stand in ice for 2 hours? They challenged me all the time, I was simply doing that as a discipline to get a hold of my agony. I did that and then I got more reputation, became more famous, but that was not my war.”Those who aren’t overly familiar with Wim’s story may see these feats — he broke 26 world records — as superficial or pure entertainment. But Wim’s motivation was always to break through, to become famous with the purpose of furthering his mission. “I had found a way to get back inside myself to deal with my pure emotion, to turn it around into energy, into success, into love, into warmth, everything was there.”That’s not to say Wim’s extreme feats are free from risk. During a rehearsal for a world record attempt, he swam under thick ice without goggles. The aim was to swim from one hole to the next, a distance of 50 meters. But due to the cold, his eyes began to freeze, his vision went hazy, and he couldn’t find his exit route. He almost died but was rescued just in time by a diver who pulled him out by his ankle.“What I learned, that moment, under the ice, is that through the control of the life force you are able to go past what you think, go into the subconscious, go into a challenge the most extreme of all,” he reflects. “Drowning is not pleasant, it is agony, pure agony, claustrophobic, in the dark, under the ice, with no energy, it’s horrific. But it was not for me, because I was in control of the life force.”Just as cold exposure led to Wim’s deep insights and the development of his technique, TV exposure put him on the map, and that’s when science came calling. The list of scientific research, with Wim at the subject, is outstanding. Most remarkable, in 2014, he taught a group of his students how to control their immune systems when injected with toxins.Had Wim Hof been a genetic freak, he would never have become who he was today. It was only by diving headfirst into the depths — literally and metaphorically — as a journey of self-discovery and resilience — that he was able to create a structure to teach others. Or put another way in his book, “If Wim Hof is superhuman, then his method is a way to teach others how to be superhuman as well.”Growing influence and the Wim Hof MethodLook on YouTube, and you’ll see Wim’s video explaining his breathing technique currently stands at 36 million views. It’s hard to estimate the impact his teaching is having on the world, as his approach becomes mainstream, and millions are experiencing a host of benefits, from improved energy to better mental and physical health. Years of graft and humility at the mercy of nature led to the development of the Wim Hof Method. It’s based on three pillars: breathing, cold therapy, and commitment. Deliberate breathing, as shamans have taught for thousands of years, unlocks hidden potentials in the body. Cold exposure ignited a host of beneficial physiological changes. And commitment is necessary to stick with the practice.So what about the technique itself? Due to the intensity of the breathing technique and the risk of lightheadedness or losing consciousness, it’s recommended only to try in a safe environment. The technique is simple, so simple that Wim believes he’s had to fight so hard for people to respect the approach. This is because modern society equates value with complexity. The steps of the Wim Hof method are:Step 1: Get comfortable. It’s recommended not to try the exercise while standing up.Step 2: Take 30 or 40 breaths. These should be deep breaths, into the diaphragm, until a tingling sensation is experienced in the head or body. Although it can feel like hyperventilation, this isn’t the case (although it’s advised to stop if you feel dizzy). Allow breathing to follow a circular motion.Step 3: After the cycle of breathing is complete, breathe out and hold your breath for as long as feels comfortable, without force. Step 4: Once you can no longer hold your breath, breathe in and hold the breath for 10-15 seconds.These steps are repeated for around three rounds. It’s recommended to move from the exercise into meditation. In addition, cold exposure is most easily achieved with cold showers. Begin by taking 30 seconds at the end of a shower to blast the cold, mentally focusing beforehand, and doing your best to relax the body. Over time, it’s encouraged to extend this to 10 minutes for the full benefits.When I first started taking cold showers, I became hyper-aware of my mind’s instant recoil when faced with the sensation of cold. The moment I had the courage to adjust the temperature, my muscles tensed, and a narrative came on board. Too cold! Get out! At that moment I became aware of how much my mind judged the cold. But was that true? Or was it a story? Were sensations just sensations?A risk of modern living and excessive time spent caught up in thinking is a disconnect with the body. Without self-awareness, it’s easy for the body to become numb, like a passive bystander that carries you from A to B. Extreme temperatures, however, have an energizing effect — the body wakes up. And through that process, the mind becomes quiet.What’s next?From producing pain-reducing chemicals, energizing parts of the brain suppressed during meditation, producing adrenaline, and regulating the skin’s temperature, Wim is an embodiment of mind over matter. “Isn’t that logical?” he says. “The power of our mind, as a captain of the vessel, to sail the oceans? To express the soul? That’s the way nature has built us to be.”For a man radiating energy and purpose, it seems Wim’s biggest contribution to humanity is yet to come. Inflammation is responsible for 60 to 70 million deaths each year and multiple chronic diseases, yet he was able to teach a group of students to reduce inflammation in 15 minutes, all with the power of the mind. The Ice Man dreams big, picturing a world where consciousness defeats physical and mental illness.There’s an unmistakable spiritual element that runs through the essence of Wim’s approach to life and healing. “I tested myself deeply, and that deep sense came back on. That deep sense is to challenge yourself until you find love, true love, through all the confusion, an unconditional love. And there is happiness, strength, and health. There is the soul.”Perhaps now, more than ever, humanity needs to reconnect to the collective soul, for the sake of the planet and for better harmony and health. And if there’s one man crazy enough to attempt to ignite this change, it’s Wim Hof. “I am here, fully conscious, and showing through Goalcast that my goal is to bring happiness, strength, and health to everybody, scientifically endorsed.” Wim’s journey is the true hero’s journey, one of resilience, unwavering belief, and triumph in the face of uncertainty and doubt. He took the path he knew he had to take to gain respect, and credit for a practice he knew was effective, decades before recognition. Having mastered his mind and his body, Wim is a man on a mission, determined to keep changing the world.“We are facing a big enemy, money, power, establishment… but the new paradigm is where we are able to guarantee happiness, strength, and health, because we love our kids, we love the world, we love life.”Although he’s known as the Ice Man, watching the warmth, love, and energy radiate from Wim as he talks about his mission, it’s impossible not to get inspired. And with Wim leading the charge, a man known for making the impossible possible, there’s a sense that the paradigm he talks about is waiting for us.It’s a big challenge, but one that feels possible to move towards, one deep breath at a time.Your mind's power is limitlessHave you pushed yourself to grow today?

Neighbour Calls Police After Hearing Elderly Couple's Cries of Loneliness - Officers Step In With Best Response
Uplifting News

Neighbour Calls Police After Hearing Elderly Couple's Cries of Loneliness - Officers Step In With Best Response

Seniors across the world are suffering from a second pandemic — loneliness. But a couple of police officers in Italy had the perfect remedy for one couple in their 80s and 90s.Desperate for human connectionNo one had visited 84-year-old Jole and 94-year-old Michele in months. Meanwhile, all they saw on TV was stories of war and abuse — and this was well before the COVID-19 pandemic and increase in extreme weather events seen in the last couple of years. So, they cried out of desperation. So much so, that a neighbor called the police."It is not always an easy life," police wrote about the incident in a 2016 Facebook post reported by the Independent. "Especially when the city is empty and the neighbours are away on vacation. Sometimes the loneliness melts into tears. Sometimes it's like a summer storm. It comes suddenly and overtakes one.""Jole and Michele, they love each other. But when the loneliness is a burden on the heart, it may happen that they lose hope," the statement continued. "Can happen, like this time, that they scream so loud in their despair that, in the end, somebody calls the state police."A dollup of humanityFour officers identified as Andrea, Alessandro, Ernesto, and Mirko responded to the call, but instead of dismissing their loneliness, they did something remarkable — they made them dinner. Pasta with parmesan to be exact."There isn't a crime. Jole and Michele are not victims of scams, as often happens to the elderly and no burglar came in the house. There's no one to save," continued the post. "This time, for the boys flying over, there is a more difficult task to perform. There are two lonely souls to reassure."According to the statement, the police asked for permission to access the pantry and improvise dinner."A bowl of pasta with butter and cheese. Nothing special. But with a precious ingredient: inside it is humanity."Questura di RomaThere's a cure for lonelinessWhile this story occurred a few years ago, it's no less relevant today. So many people, especially seniors, suffer from loneliness. The issue even prompted a grocery store chain in the Netherlands to make "chat registers" so employees can visit lonely customers. But this pandemic has a cure. We must be kind and check in on our elders, whether they're family or otherwise. How? Stop for a chat if you see them on the street. Volunteer. Give seniors you know a call more frequently. Or, maybe make someone a pasta dinner.More uplifting stories:4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First HousePoor Man Who Missed Job Interview To Save A Life Had Employers Lining Up To Hire HimDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For OthersKindness Lasts ForeverWether it's saving someone at sea or giving up your plane seat, kindness makes a lasting impact.

Inspiring Celebrities

Hugh Jackman Knew The Truth About Anne Hathaway
Videos

Hugh Jackman Knew The Truth About Anne Hathaway

"A lot of people wouldn't give me roles because they were so concerned about how toxic my identity had become online," Anne Hathaway told Vanity Fair.

Jennifer Aniston Confronts Matthew Perry After She Broke His Heart
Videos

Jennifer Aniston Confronts Matthew Perry After She Broke His Heart

Matthew Perry, adored for his role on "Friends," battled hidden struggles while Jennifer Aniston moved on with Brad Pitt. Despite his confession of feelings for Aniston and subsequent rejection, she noticed his suffering. Aniston's unwavering support and refusal to abandon him played a crucial role in helping Perry overcome his devastating addiction. How did she save Matthew Perry from himself?

She Watched Ben Affleck Suffer For 13 Years and Had Enough
Videos

She Watched Ben Affleck Suffer For 13 Years and Had Enough

For 13 years, Jennifer Garner witnessed Ben Affleck's addiction struggles, and stood by his side enduring all his battles and setbacks. Amidst the excitement and renewed romance between Affleck and his former-ex Jennifer Lopez, the spotlight often overlooks the reality of his relationship with Jennifer Garner. Over a decade, Garner and Affleck crafted a nurturing family environment, but when Affleck's challenges escalated, Garner faced a heart-wrenching crossroads.

Self-Improvement

They've Been Divorced for 27 Years, but When His Ex-wife Got Sick, He Was the First to Step Up
Family

They've Been Divorced for 27 Years, but When His Ex-wife Got Sick, He Was the First to Step Up

When couples get divorced, most exes shut the door, lock it, and throw away the key. It's not just the end of a chapter, it's the end of the whole dang book.But for Megan Tai's parents, divorce, as it turns out, wasn't the end of their story.Nearly THREE DECADES later, her dad walked back into her mom's life after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial cancer. He didn't just show up. He stayed; honoring old love, loyalty, and vows at a time when she needed it the most. A Cancer Diagnosis Brings Love Back AroundMegan's parents met more than 30 years ago in California. Her father, originally from Hawaii, was stationed there during his time in the military.They fell in love and had two children, Megan and her older brother. Shortly after Megan's birth, the couple separated. Her dad returned to Hawaii and her mom became a single parent, raising the kids on her elementary school teacher salary.For more than 20 years, they lived completely separate lives. And then came a devastating cancer diagnosis."Fast forward 20+ years later to my mother's diagnosis - my father was one of the first people by her side when she was released from the hospital."Megan Tai via GoFundMeMegan, who works full-time in domestic violence services and is also a graduate student studying Marriage and Family Therapy, moved back in with her mom to help.Overwhelmed with trying to take care of her mom alongside keeping up with her work AND school, Megan was struggling.So, her dad stepped up. In an incredible act of love, he left his life in Hawaii, hopped a flight back to California and moved in. TikTok Video Goes ViralIn a gutwrenching TikTok clip, Megan shares snippets of her parents battling cancer...together.It may only be 20-seconds long, but boy, it packs a punch. She captions it: "POV: Ur parents have been divorced for 20+ years and ur dad's still the first one there when your mom gets diagnosed w Stage 4 cancer."In the video, Megan's dad lovingly helps his ex with her exercises, spots her going up the stairs, and keeps her company, reading with her and playing video games. Take a look:According to Megan's GoFundMe, this is the first time in her 27 years that she's seen her parents live together under one roof. "He did everything - helped her exercise (even when she felt like she couldn't), cooked her meals, took her out on drives, picked up her medications, and so much more," Megan writes. "They talked for hours. They bickered like they were still married. They laughed.""They helped me see them as they were when they were younger."Megan TaiAnd in doing so, not only did they work on healing her mom, but it also helped to heal a lot of childhood trauma for their daughter.Reaction to the VideoSo far, the video has garnered a staggering 8.1 MILLION views in just one week. Because...LOVE. And while they may not be IN love with each other, it's clear that despite everything, love remains.And it turns out, these exes aren't the only ones to honor a life and love they once shared. A number of people came forth to share their own stories. "My parents divorced 30 years ago and when my mom was on her death bed, my dad came to visit her often with goodies and they told each other they loved each other," wrote Hi_Dee Aye.MVP10210 commented, "My father held her hand when she passed. They were so close. Divorced 25 yrs by that point. Never saw my father cry ever until that woman died.""Parents divorced 20+ years too. Dad was hospitalized 2 weeks, my mom insisted he come stay with her after he was released so he wasn’t alone during recovery. It really is beautiful," said Lon."I took care of my ex-husband during hospice. I loved the life and children he gave me. I owed it to him," shared Brenda Carmichael Da.Enduring Bond of FamilySometimes people just don't fit as a couple and marriages end. But as Megan's parents prove, that doesn't mean that the love just ends with it. No matter how their marriage ended, at some point in their lives, Megan's parents obviously loved each other very much — and that love still counts for something. Even 20-plus years later.As one commenter so aptly put it, "Love has so many forms. This one is pretty freaking great."And it's a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love and the lasting impact it can have.Ultimately, Megan's parents' story serves as a poignant reminder that while marriages may end, the unbreakable bond of family always remains.More from Goalcast:Man Takes Care of the Bills for 4 Decades – After He Passes Away, His Wife Makes an Incredible DiscoveryWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s SonTeen With Cancer Invites Taylor Swift to His Prom but She Rejects It – Then She Does This

Woman Stops Visiting Her Baby Daughter in the Hospital - So the Married Nurses Taking Care of Her Take Her In
Family

Woman Stops Visiting Her Baby Daughter in the Hospital - So the Married Nurses Taking Care of Her Take Her In

Taylor and Drew Deras have a special place in their hearts for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Methodist Women’s Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Not only is it where they both work as registered nurses, but it's also where they met and fell in love. And now? It's where they found their family too, adopting a little girl, Ella, who was once one of their patients. On the Brink of SurvivalElla was only 1 pound, 2 ounces when she was born in May 2021. A micro-preemie, she was roughly the size of a mango.Born months before her due date, at 23 weeks and one day, she faced a long stay in the NICU, and even then, her odds of survival were low. Knowing her complex health challenges, Taylor immediately signed up to be her consistent caregiver. Unable to breathe on her own, Ella spent months on a ventilator. "She was intubated for multiple months at a time," Taylor told ABC News. "She was just very sick. There [were] times where the doctors would tell us, 'Watch her. I don't know if she'll make it through the night tonight.'" Miraculously Ella survived. By the summer of 2021, Ella required less oxygen and was drinking from a bottle. Her biological mother, who was in her early twenties, started working more and visiting less. Unable to cope with Ella's complex medical needs, eventually she just stopped visiting altogether.In December 2021, Ella became a ward of the state. Becoming Foster Parents to a Medically Fragile ChildBy this time, Ella had spent eight months in the NICU and both Taylor and Drew had fallen in love with the tiny fighter. They both spent hours with her, holding her and reading to her. Terrified about what would happen to the medically fragile girl in the foster system, the couple made a bold choice. They reached out to Ella's social worker and asked to be her foster parents. “When Ella’s biological mom heard we were interested in fostering, she said, ‘I want Ella to go to you,’” Taylor said. “She trusted us with her."But Ella wasn't out of the woods yet. Just as the couple were preparing to bring her home, Ella's health took a nose dive. The left side of her heart was failing. Instead of going home, Ella was rushed to the Children's Nebraska.She needed a tracheostomy — a surgically created hole in her windpipe that provides an alternative airway for breathing. As a result, she could no longer eat on her own but had to be fed through a tube in her stomach.It also meant she would require round-the-clock care. Already committed, the couple refused to back out. "As a foster parent, it was just like, the guard that you had prior to protect yourself of not falling in love with someone else's child, it just fizzled away, and you're just like, 'OK, this child needs me and I need them,'" Drew said.Ella Comes HomeOn April 7, 2022, Ella finally came home. Because of her special medical needs, the couple had to hire a nurse to be with her when they couldn't. That summer, Ella's biological parents relinquished all parental rights. And on November 18, 2023, National Adoption Day, Ella, now two years old, came home...for good.In front of a crowd of 40 family and friends, Ella became Ella Deras. And Taylor and Drew officially became “mama” and “dad.”After the judge announced Ella’s new name, the courtroom was quiet. “All you could hear was Ella go, ‘Yay.’ It’s the one thing that brings me to tears every time.”Drew DerasToday, Ella is thriving. With the help of a number of therapists and specialists, she's meeting all her milestones. "Now, she's walking and talking and meeting developmental milestones that a 2-year-old would do. And she'll start preschool in the fall," Taylor shared.It Was Meant to BeTaylor believes it was all part of God's master plan. "There's no other way," she said. There isn't just one road to parenthood. Families come in all shapes and sizes and through all different means. For Taylor and Drew, their family came together when they least expected it and in a way they never saw coming. But now? They can't imagine life without their little Ella. "We just feel lucky that it gets to be for the rest of her life," Drew said. "We just love her so much."More from Goalcast:Man Finds Out His Ex-girlfriend Wants to Put Their Daughter Up for Adoption – Flies Across the World to Stop ItNurse Notices No One Shows Up to Take Care of 14-Year-Old and Her Triplets – So She Adopts Them AllSingle Man Adopts Sick Baby With No Parents – He Grows Up to Make History

Setting Relationship Goals - Why It's Important and How to Do It
Dating

Setting Relationship Goals - Why It's Important and How to Do It

Ever wondered how power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z keep their love alive for 23 years? Hint: luck has nothing to do with it. If you've been blaming your failed relationships on "the wrong person"—think again/ it may be time to reconsider. Just like building a dream career, successful relationships don't happen overnight and they definitely don't happen by chance. It takes hard work, thoughtful strategizing, and it isn't always "sexy." Forget the glitz and glam—these power couples know the real secret lies in setting goals and boundaries. From cozy date nights to self-care, these are a few A-listers who are masters at making love last.Ready to unlock their secrets?A Lasting, Passionate Relationship Isn't Just For Starry-Eyed Romantics—It's For Skeptics Too!According to award-winning psychotherapist and TV host Dr. Jenn Mann, the #1 reason relationships don't make it past the 1 year mark is because as soon as our relationship doesn't go according to plan, tensions can get so high, the whole relationship crumbles."It is easy to get along in the honeymoon phase of a relationship. During the early stages, when we are falling in love, all we see is how alike we are and how wonderful our new partner is. We see our commonalities, not our differences. “You like pizza. I like pizza! We are so alike! We are perfect for each other!” We are merged. We feel like one person, a unit, a “we.” The first time we see our differences, it may feel like a huge betrayal (“What do you mean you voted for him?”), because it marks the moment when we are thrown back into the reality of being two separate people with different thoughts and beliefs."Jenn Mann, InstyleSo what about all the people who make it past the honeymoon phase? The "1 year mark"? Does that mean they have it all figured out?RELATED: After 40 Years Together Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell Refuse to Marry–How They Work Against the Rules Maybe...but maybe not. Ask yourself are your partner really share a deep and powerful connection, or are you just co-existing...like glorified roommates?We've all heard the dreaded saying, "I love them but I'm not in love with them"—in fact, we've probably even said it ourselves, but what if we told you that being "in love" isn't the luck of the draw you think it is?What Are Relationship Goals? Why Are They Important?Relationship goals are more than just whimsical fantasies or Instagram-worthy snapshots; they are the guiding principles that steer a couple toward a fulfilling and harmonious partnership. At their core, relationship goals encompass the shared visions, aspirations, and milestones that both partners aim to achieve together. These goals provide a roadmap for growth, fostering communication, understanding, and mutual respect along the way. Most importantly, they serve as your relationship-sonar in times of turbulence so you and your co-pilot can navigate the storm together. From building trust and deepening intimacy to navigating challenges as a united front, setting relationship goals cultivates a sense of purpose and commitment that strengthens the bond between partners. In essence, relationship goals aren't just important—they are the foundation upon which enduring love is built.How to Get Clear on Your Love GoalsCANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney attend the "Money Monster" premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Clemens Bilan/Getty Images)Whether you're in a happily committed relationship, enjoying the thrill of new love, or searching for a partner, setting relationship goals is within everyone's reach. But before we dive into pursuing the love we desire, it's important to have a clear idea of what that love actually looks like.Some Questions To Ask YourselfWhat does my ideal, healthy relationships look like? What romantic relationships do I idealize? How would my partner and I stay on the same page or resolve conflict? How do I prefer to receive love from my partner? How would my partner and I best communicate in everyday life?When it comes to setting relationship goals, it's not one-size-fits-all. Getting a clear picture of what a healthy relationship looks like for you may be vastly different than what it looks like for a friend or a family member.Don't be afraid to compare notes but try and stay away from comparing goals.Choosing Which Couple Goals to Set And When/ ALT HL: The 8 Most Important Couple Goals To Set And WhenNEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Actors Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds attend the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)First and foremost, relationship goals should be something both you and your partner set together. Setting one-sided couple goals probably isn't the best idea and will likely lead to disappointment. You have to start somewhere—and the best place to start is on the same page."When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time so that we could always prioritize our personal life. That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that - it takes balance."Blake Lively, Further Ado PodcastIf you're drawing a blank on what an appropriate relationship goal looks like, here are the 8 most important things to know when it comes to making your relationship work.#1. Understand Each Other's "Love Language"Counselor, Gary Chapman coined the widely popular theory of the "Five Love Languages". In his work, Chapman found that couples often had difficulty feeling and expressing love (despite their partner's best efforts). So he broke down the themes from these discussions into what's known as the five love languages:Physical touchQuality timeActs of serviceGiftsWords of affirmation. Chances are, you and your partner don't have the same love language. The chances are even higher that you show your partner love the way you want to receive love. It's a bit of a trap. The problem probably looks a little something like this:After a long work week, you spend hours cooking your partner their all-time favorite meal (acts of service)—the least they could do is wash the dishes (acts of service). Instead, the dishes pile up in the sink while they run over to the TV and put on your favorite movie for a Netflix and cuddle sesh (Quality Time, Physical Touch).Even though their heart's in the right place, you can't enjoy the movie because you're too busy thinking if they really "loved" you...that casserole dish wouldn't be soaking in the sink.RELATED: What Are The 5 Love Languages, How Do You Speak Them, And Which One Is Right For You?It easy to see why identifying you and your partner's love language is a quick way to get crossed wires, uncrossed. Good news is, "quality time" is one of the most common love languages and it here's a simple hack to get it right.#2. Commit To A Weekly Date Night — "Don't Stop The Romance"NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1978: Suzanne Somers and husband Alan Hamel at Studio 54 circa 1978 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty Images)If there's one thing Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel knew how to get right—it was romance.After 55 years together, Somers heartbreakingly passed away in 2023 and fans were overwhelmed by Hamel's masterful letter he wrote to Somers in her final days. He found a way to pack 55 years of love into one last, beautiful, tearjerking punch.READ MORE: On Her Final Night, Suzanne Somers’ Read Alan Hamel’s Love Letter – A Beautiful Look at Love After 46 YearsBut even though the love of his life would leave him too soon—Hamel and Somers lived with no regrets. They made every moment on earth together count. In rain or shine—dressed up or dressed down—the soulmates famously shared the secret to their marriage:"Listen to one another, give each other a lot of attention, keep it exciting, date. My marriage is very romantic. … We might sit here and have a tequila. … We dance, I cook, we sit out and watch the moonlight on the ocean."Suzanne SomersThey also reportedly had sex twice a day—but who's counting!#3. Maintain The Physical ConnectionTOPSHOT - US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs' tight end #87 Travis Kelce after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 11, 2024. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)While we may not all have the libido of ThighMaster influencer Suzanne Somers we don't have to! When it comes to setting relationship goals around intimacy don't underestimate the significance of physical touch. Incorporating consistent physical connection into your relationship offers numerous benefits. Simple gestures like hand-holding, hugs, or a reassuring pat on the shoulder can trigger the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good hormone," while also reducing cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone.While physical intimacy is undeniably important, it's crucial to understand that it's just one facet of intimacy in a relationship. Intellectual, spiritual, and emotional connections are equally vital. Creating a safe and comfortable environment where both partners understand each other's preferences and boundaries enhances the pleasure derived from physical touch.However, it's essential to approach physical intimacy with sensitivity and awareness. Attempting to force physical closeness or using it as a substitute for deeper emotional connection can backfire. Achieving a healthy balance in physical touch requires open communication, mutual understanding of body language, and respect for each other's boundaries.Remember, physical connection encompasses more than just sexual intimacy. From a warm hug in the morning to a sweet kiss goodnight, there are countless ways to express affection and strengthen the bond with your partner. You don't need to be an expert in massage therapy to reap the benefits of physical touch—simple gestures can go a long way in nurturing intimacy and emotional well-being. So, prioritize physical connections and make them an integral part of your relationship journey.However, try not to get the purpose of the "love languages" confused. Showing your partner "love" is so important but it's not a substitute for the sometimes hard conversations.#4. Improve Your Communication When it comes to love communication really is key—and miscommunications are one of the first things that can tear a couple apart.As you’re building your list of goals, an important thing to think about is the way you and your partner communicate. It's easy to make the assumption that our partner knows exactly how we feel–—but assumptions can be deadly to a relationship. No matter how long the two of you have been together, your partner can never know what you truly feel unless you tell them. So prioritize communication."If I was going to have an equal voice with this very opinionated man, I had to get myself up."- Michelle Obama, "Becoming"Understanding how your partner feels and why they think this way is critical to a healthy romantic partnership. Different backgrounds, upbringings and experiences can sometimes make it difficult to see things from our partner's perspective. Make it part of your relationship goals to better understand one another. If communication is a couple goal you both want to prioritize but have trouble with, seeking the help of a licensed therapist to act as an unbiased evaluator can be a great tool to utilize.Just ask Barack Obama and Michelle Obama! After 30 years together, the former President and First Lady have openly credited therapy as a huge help in making sure they are always on the same page!#5. Discuss Your Shared Values And Prepare For Values To Change AS You GrowTOPSHOT - US actor Ben Affleck kisses US actress and singer Jennifer Lopez as they arrive for the screening of the film "The Last Duel" presented out of competition on September 10, 2021 during the 78th Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)One of the biggest miscommunications a couple can have is thinking they have the same values—only to find out, in big relationship defining moments they couldn't be more wrong. A relationship defining moment could look be when a couple is deciding how they want to raise their children or whether or not they want to get married. This discovery can be devastating. The million dollar question is, how do you avoid it?Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are great example of a Hollywood "it" couple who learned from their miscommunications and learned from it. "Bennifer" didn't make it the first time around—and the exes went on to raise their children in very different ways—with Lopez opting for a more lavish Miami lifestyle and Affleck keeping it low key in LA. So what changed? What made this couple reunite years later? Did the stars align? Or did they just get clear on their shared values.Though the two went their separate ways in 2004, 17 years later they resurrected one of Hollywood’s favorite romances. After being spotted on multiple loved-up outings and at red carpet appearances together, they were finally married in 2023. But before they tied the knot the couple made it a priority to talk about what really mattered and how this time was going to be different.In an exclusive sit down with VOGUE, Lopez shared how the second time around was even better than the first. They had years to mature and become full formed individuals. When they reunited they were no longer "two halves" struggling to make a whole. They were two whole people coming together who put their shared family values first, instead of their careers. He’s a wonderful, wonderful father and father figure to them as well, ’cause he has his own three beautiful children and then there’s us. He’s fantastic. He really steps up to the challenge of what [being a stepfather] is and what that means, and they love him."Jennifer Lopez, VOGUE (2023)Lopez and Affleck's story is a revealing reminder of the significance of aligning with a partner who shares your values, particularly when envisioning a future together. While initial discussions about important topics such as living arrangements, family planning, and career aspirations may lay the foundation for a strong connection, it's crucial to recognize that values can evolve over time.Continual communication about evolving priorities and aspirations is essential for maintaining harmony and alignment within the relationship. Whether it's a shift in living preferences or a newfound desire to establish roots in a specific location, addressing these changes openly and honestly fosters understanding and prevents potential conflicts down the road.If identifying your and your partner's values may feel too broad, here are the 7 most important "core values" according to psychotherapist and celebrity relationship guru, Esther Perel. Communication: Keeping open lines of communication with your partner can set you up to having a successful relationship. The busyness of life can make it challenging for couples to keep one another informed. However, maintaining a clear back and forth of information is the only way to ensure the relationship will be sustainable.Equality: Seeing each other as equals fosters mutual respect. This can create a deeper emotional connection and create greater intimacy between you and your partner. Honesty: Honesty and trust go hand in hand. Being honest with your loved one allows you to build a healthy relationship. Without honesty, the foundation of the relationship can falter and lead to heartbreak.Intimacy: Take time for physical and emotional intimacy. You should not ignore a healthy sex life, frequent displays of affection, and date nights.Shared beliefs: Religious beliefs can play a significant part in a person’s life. Though religious differences do not always signal a deal-breaker, having shared beliefs can make navigating through life together, especially if parenting, easier.Trust: Every good relationship needs a foundation of trust. Relationship experts claim that trust is the most important value of every successful relationship. Without trust, romantic relationships quickly deteriorate.Validation: Emotional validation is the process of making your partner feel understood. Ensure you acknowledge their points of view and emotions. Emotional validation provides mental health benefits and is a healthy way to care for your partner's well-being.While it's highly unlikely you and your partner will share all values, it's important that you and your partner have at least 3-5 of these values in common.#6. Support One Another—No Matter What"Always supporting me (literally)" The #1 most important shared values a couple needs to have, is family values. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham may just be the best example when it comes to demonstrating how powerful supporting your partner and can be (literally)! After all, you're not just building a life together...you're building your forever family.Despite the fact that celebs are stars in their own right—over 25 years together have proven the power couple are partners in work and in life. The couple share four children: Brooklyn, 24, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper Seven, 11.In their widely successful Netflix doc, Beckham, The Beckhams unpack years of their life together. The ups (winning a world cup), the downs (the cheating scandal that nearly broke them), and everything in between!The power couple may lead crazy busy lives but it's never stopped them from making sure family comes first."Running a business [and] most importantly, being a mum, wouldn't be possible without David. Not only is he the most incredible father, but he's supportive and someone who loves and inspires me every single day."Victoria Beckham, Glamour Women of the Year Award. The bottom line is—if you're putting them before you and they are putting you before them, you have the best chance for success. But supporting your partner can look different depending on the situation. It's not about blindly agreeing to everything they say. Sometimes it looks like challenging their beliefs in order to help them grow.#7. Fight Fair—Be A "Master Negotiator"EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 06: Barbra Streisand and James Brolin attend the "And So It Goes" premiere at Guild Hall on July 6, 2014 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images)Disagreements in relationships are inevitable. How delicately a couple navigates conflicts can make or break a relationship. So that's why if you're going to fight, fight fair. Or in other words: compromise!"I think everybody needs to be a negotiator. Everybody needs to have patience and know when to take a walk."James Brolin, PEOPLEAfter 25-years of marriage to the legendary diva Barbra Streisand, it should go without saying that Brolin knows a thing or two about conflict resolution. His advice couldn't be more spot on.RELATED: Barbra Streisand and James Brolin’s Advice for a Successful Marriage Is Seriously SimpleResearch suggests "happy couples" avoid criticism, steer clear of extreme language, and prevent arguments from escalating by joint-problem solving.If you know your partner shuts down when things get heated, don't push their boundaries and force them to give you answers. Step back. Give them space to think. Or in James Brolin's words let them "take a walk." Fighting fair can look like:Knowing how your partner's conflict resolution style may differ from your ownRespecting your partner's boundaries Making your needs knownIf this all sounds like a lot—one simple trick to remember when you're in a heated debate with your partner is to avoid starting a sentence with "you always..." or "you never..."!They always leave the toilet seat up? They never take out the garbage?Probably not. But the truth is, remembering this when we're "seeing red" can feel in possible. In the middle of a fight—the #1 most important thing to remember is this—what outcome do we really want after passions cool and the fight is over? Do want to hurt or do we want to heal?#8. Manage Your Emotions—Don't Forget You Want The Same Outcome!9th November 1999: Married American actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick smiling while standing in front of a handheld 'Access Hollywood' microphone at the For All Kids Foundation's Second Annual White Rose Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City. (Photo by Karl Feile/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)It shouldn't come as a surprise that effective communication is critical for a healthy relationship, but just because this goal is simple—doesn't mean its easy.When we have a problem with our partner it can be tempting to "outsource" for advice. We may call our mom or a best friend. We swear we're "just venting," but a lot of the time what we are looking for is advice.That's not always a bad thing! But it can be a slippery slope (especially when you're not dealing with a licensed professional). We can be quick to tell everyone what our problem with our partner is...except our partner!That's why after over 30 years of marriage to Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker's best piece of advice is to "keep things just between the two of you".RELATED: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s Advice to a Lasting Marriage Is One Very Simple ‘Secret’Asking outside opinions can distract us from dealing with the real problem. We can't expect someone to change if they don't know what is going on with us, right? If Your Partner Calls You The More "Emotional" One...If your partner calls you the more "emotional" one, when problems arise, you're probably pretty reactive. Chances are you read into every little action and behavior—when they seem "distant" you take it personally.The "emotional one" is the person pacing in the living room, interrogating their partner who sits silently on the couch cross-armed. It's confusing. The more you try to "communicate"—the more they shut down.But remember facts are not feelings! Sometimes when you think you're communicating—you're not. You may phrase your insecurities like a question—but really you're making a statement. For Example: In a tense car ride after leaving your mother-in-law's house you may ask your partner "why they never stand up for you". Even though it's phrased like a question it's not. You're telling them they never stand up for you. It makes sense they may get defensive or shut down completely. That's not a conversation. That's a confrontation.If you're a volcanic eruption of emotions all your partner is going to want to do is step on rocks to dodge the hot lava!Conflict Resolution Tip: For The "Emotional Ones"Try taking a beat and not being so reactive. Breathe and ask yourself if the big emotions you're experiencing are rooted in reality. Then sit with it a few days.If you're still feeling you have something you need to say, then say it!Your partner may get defensive but trust they will come around—because they want your relationship to work too. Don't jump on every little word they say. Wait it out. Actively listen instead of waiting for what you want to hear. Don't take their pace personally. Just because you may want to "fix" the problem right away, doesn't mean it's always the right answer. If Your Partner Calls You The More "Emotionally Unavailable" One...For the "emotionally unavailable" ones, communicating looks completely different.Unlike their partners, the "emotionally unavailable" ones tend to suppress and detach from their relationship conflicts. This can lead to big miscommunications that eventually push their partner away in the long run—which isn't what they want!If the "Emotional" partner seems to care too much— the "emotionally unavailable" partner doesn't seem to care at all. However no matter how convincing their act may be, this isn't the truth.The emotionally unavailable partner wants to be seen and heard too. They just don't know how to process their feelings at the same rate! The "emotional" partner has a tendency to take over the conversation and leave little room for the "emotionally unavailable" partner to process their feelings and say their piece.So instead, they shut down. But what these personality types don't understand is their partner wants to hear how they feel. They just have a hard time asking instead of guessing.RELATED: HOW YOUR ATTACHMENT STYLE AFFECTS YOUR RELATIONSHIPOnce you can identify why this caused you to feel a certain way, try and get into these habits:Talk to loved ones about what they’re feelingWrite down what you think and feelTry meditation or therapyExercise to relieve stress and increase endorphinsPractice being aware of their thoughts when they’re emotionalRemove themselves from an emotional situation if it is becoming uncontrollableDon't be afraid to discuss these goals with your partner. It's about progress not perfection. They just want reassurance that you care. Don't be afraid to ask for them to work on their emotional regulation too.These sorts of goals are often best met when both parties are working together, and often key components of a more lasting love.If nothing else remember: it's not a confrontation, it's a conversation!How to Set Goals: A Normal and Healthy Part of a Relationship You understand why it's essential to set goals in a healthy and thriving relationship and have a few couple goals in mind that you'd like to discuss with your partner. Now it's time to sit down and have a conversation. Here are a few tips for setting relationship goals with your significant other.Choose a neutral space to discuss relationship goalsDetermine the length of time for each relationship goalSet check-in dates for each relationship goalInclude at least one fun relationship goalMake sure your relationship goals are measurableEvaluate how your love goals make you feelMake sure your couple goals are equally weightedDon't just set and forget your goals. Consistency is key. Achieving goals requires ongoing work from both you and your partner.It Works If You Work It—Because You're Worth It! Setting relationship goals takes time and effort – but the payoff is worth it. Even if you decide to start small, setting couple goals will undoubtedly yield a stronger relationship.However it's important to remember while there is no shame in working on your relationship don't mistake setting goals with trying to change your partner. Sadly, sometimes when a relationship has soured it's a case of not-meant-to-be that all the self-help books in the world can't fix.However, if you're merely ironing out the wrinkles with the right person and you both share aligned love goals, you'll have a clear pathway for achieving them and a means of assessing your relationship goals as you move forward. It's important to keep in mind that working towards relationship goals should be a positive endeavor – something that feels rewarding and enjoyable."Every woman in her late 20s goes through a period where she just doesn't believe love is out there anymore, but it is. And I think the minute you stop looking for it is when it comes for you."Kristen BellWith the right tools, effort and mindset, you can use relationship goals to build the future you want with your partner.

Inspiring Speeches

Dan Lok | My Hero is My Teacher
Friends

Dan Lok | My Hero is My Teacher

Dan Lok - Believe In Kids Entrepreneur and author Dan Lok shares a life-changing moment with his teacher Ms. Fallon who saw in him the potential he never saw in himself. This is a story about the power of teachers. Transcript: I got bullied. I wasn't good at communicating with people. I was very afraid because I couldn't speak a word of English. At the time I remember I had to deliver a little speech in order to pass the class. You know, to get the grades. And every time I had to give a presentation, anything like that, I would skip the class because I was so afraid. I would just hide in the bathroom because I didn't want to be found. And Ms. Feldon saw that. She was like, "Well, what are you doing, Dan? You need to do your speech." And I said, "Ms. Feldon, I can't do it. I'm so afraid. I'm so scared. I have stage fright." And she said, "You know what? If you don't do the speech, I cannot let you pass." She said, "Why don't you come to my office after class and I will help you. I will coach you." And she did. And she was helping me overcome some of my shyness. Speaker 1: I still remember I was very nervous. My palms were all sweaty and my face grew pale, and I did it! She let me pass. And she was the first one to believe in me that, "Hey, you know what? You can do better. Don't let the circumstances hold you back." And she took the time. That's very important. Fast-forward many, many, many years later, walked right into school. I said, "I've come to thank you." She said, "For what?" And I told her the whole story. Remember back then? And she said, "Yeah, of course I remember!" Right? And she said, "I always saw something in you. That you've got potential, you're a great kid." And I gave her two books and she was shocked. "What is this?" I said, "I wrote these two books." And so she was very, very emotional. That was a very special experience. Speaker 1: As a teacher myself, to so many people, young people, entrepreneurs around the world, I understand the impact that you could have on somebody by one gesture, one encouragement, one quote, one story. Spending a little bit more time with a kid after school just giving him a little bit of encouragement. She believed in me. And I think people underestimate the power of having someone believe in you more than you believe in yourself.

My Life Online Workshop | Two Questions to End Bullying for Good
Goalcast Originals

My Life Online Workshop | Two Questions to End Bullying for Good

My Life Online Workshop - Be Kind Online Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will ‘always’ hurt me. What if we lived in a world where online haters and trolls magically turned into your own motivational guru? This simple 2-question test makes that world possible. Transcript: You are sick. Get help. You're retarded. Then Keairra says, "O.M.G." At which point, Emma goes, "Don't you ever brush your teeth? I bet the camera is dying of your breath and oh my god I can't say more. There's so much more things about you like your ugliness." Then Zoe says, "Okay, please don't post videos. Please." Now just pay attention to how this room feels right now. Behind that screen, is a real human being with emotions, with feelings, with hopes, goals and dreams. There's this huge thing that will either hurt your chances or help your chances of making it all happen. We're talking about your life online. Let's say that someone in this very room wants to be in the NHL, because I'm a coach. In this day and age, you can hop on Google, look up your name and you happened to be someone named Zoran. And I see that Zoran once upon a time put a comment underneath a video that said, "Child, you are sick. Get help! You're retarded." Do you think that in this moment, for me, someone who can give you an opportunity to do something you want in life, I would keep him or cut him? The fact that I would probably cut this dude before he's even been told he's on the team, is exactly why you have an incredible opportunity. Because if you want to hurt yourself and others, hey, online, great place to do it. So this is an example of someone who might have never even known they were going to get the best opportunity possible to achieve their goals, to maybe get that dream job, to go all the places they want to go. They might never know they lost that opportunity over a simple comment. We don't say this to scare you. We say this to excite you. We say this to get you motivated and inspired and empowered to approach your life online in a way that actually relates to all the things you say you want to achieve in life. Here we go. I've got a post ready to go. I get to ask myself a couple questions. What's the first question? Is it... True. And if it's not true, what do I do? Don't post it. But if it is true, what do I do? And the second question is it... Kind. Is it... Kind. And if it's not kind, what do I do? Don't post it. We're not dealing with cell phones. We're not dealing with Ipads. We're not dealing with someone on the screen. We're dealing with an actual human being. This program belongs in every, single classroom that's out there. Your life online can help become a veterinarian. Help learn a language. Help meet amazing people. What do you want to say to the world? Live your life online, in a way that helps you get all of those things that you say you want in life. So the question becomes, who do you want to be?

Life Advice from Who's Been Through Everything
Goalcast Originals

Life Advice from Who's Been Through Everything

Look UpIn this motivational video, these seniors tell you how to live your best life one mistake at a time. Learn from their mistakes. They're life-changing.Transcript:I don't look back on the tragedies that I have went through in my life; jail, drugs, liquor.I don't put those labels on myself anymore, because I have found that I have more love and respect for myself to carry me through anything.Yeah, I've been in prison most of my life, half my life.My life has just been disfunction. The last 30 years I've spent downtown Los Angeles on Skid Row.I was one that was homeless at one time.And when we feel that way, we give up on life, and when we give up on life it destroys our spirit.But I did not go, you know, you can go to the left or go to the right, I went to the right. I didn't wanna spend my whole life in there.So there are gonna be struggles in life, I mean that's life, and that's how life is presented to every individual that's on earth.Because nothing turns out in your mind how you think they're supposed to be. Open your eyes, open your heart, look at things exactly the way they are.Just listen to your heart and head. As long as your heart and head are together, then you're whole.Try to find somebody that you can talk to about anything.Don't be shy, just ask for help if you need it.And I try to be a happy person, I'm a giving person, and I get back in return.The night I got out, they told me I was gonna get out after 18 years, and I got on my hands and knees and I asked God, please let me have a better life than I had before I came in. And he gave it to me.I don't care how much street life you have, it's nothing. The real game is education, and that's what I want.You have to grow up in your mind, you have to know and understand what you've been taught.Don't be a follower, be a listener and a learner.Go to school, get your education, I did not do that, I ended up doing drugs.You learn and you move on, and you use those type of experiences as strength in your struggle and doing more positive things in life and not making those same mistakes again.I really admired the kids yesterday and watched them turning all over the country, marching. Keep it up, don't stop.That special prayer that I had for the state of the world. I just live day by day.Time to take action, give up your apathy, get involved, that's my advice.Don't let anybody tell you what you can't achieve, you can achieve anything you want, if you want it bad enough. Never surround yourself with negativity. Shy away from negativity at all cost, because that is the very root that will continue to have you down. Don't look down, always, always look up.