Never, Ever Give Up: DDP Yoga

I love youtube clips that get people pumped up, that can make  people smile, and that can potentially change people’s lives.  This inspiring story of Arthur Boorman, via Diamond Dallas Page Yoga,  had me yelling at the screen and pumping my fist as I watched the incredible transformation.

Thanks to Kelly O’Neil, who just recently earned her certification as a Yogi, for another Sunshine Club gem!   -mp

“Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try — he couldn’t do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story.

Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey – he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

Arthur was getting stronger rapidly, and he was losing weight at an incredible rate! Because of DDP’s specialized workout, he gained tremendous balance and flexibility — which gave him hope that maybe someday, he’d be able to walk again.

His story is proof, that we cannot place limits on what we are capable of doing, because we often do not know our own potential. Niether Arthur, nor Dallas knew what he would go on to accomplish, but this video speaks for itself. In less than a year, Arthur completely transformed his life. If only he had known what he was capable of, 15 years earlier.

Do not waste any time thinking you are stuck – you can take control over your life, and change it faster than you might think.

Hopefully this story can inspire you to follow your dreams – whatever they may be.
Anything is Possible!”

Happiness, Revealed.

The video clip below, courtesy of Louie Schwartzberg, pretty much exemplifies what the Sunshine Club and MMP’s philosophy, “Celebrate Life” is all about.

Treat yourself to 9 minutes of some powerful & beautiful reminders of how amazing this journey is.

Louie, an amazing artist and story teller,  says at one point, “I didn’t have much money, but I had time and a sense of wonder.”  As a father, this really resonates.  I want my daughter to realize that time is life’s most precious commodity and that passionate curiosity will help keep her on her little ballerina toes.

Thanks to Kelly O’Neil for another Sunshine Club gem.

Enjoy…

 

 

Celebrate The Life of Nora Mae this St. Patty’s Day!

She’s still able to laugh out loud, dance to one of her favorite songs and even wave all day to her adoring fans every St. Patrick’s Day… at 107 years old!

The Sunshine Club salutes Nora Mae Collins!

Check out this great story and video from Barry Paddock!

P.S   Most readers know that I don’t drink at all, but, like my friend Artie Evans, who had a Manhattan with two olives every afternoon, it seems like a ‘shot o’ something’ each day might be good for ya! 

Thanks to Mike for another feel-good submission!

A Passion for Purposeful Living- Marcello Recommends: “Aspire” by Kevin Hall

In the AfterWord of “Aspire,”  Dr. Gerald Bell wrote that Kevin Hall’s “passion for living a purposeful life is contagious.”   After two days of ingesting, contemplating and being inspired by Kevin’s insightful collection of thoughts, I think Gerald summed up the glaring feeling that you’ll experience upon completion of the book.  If not, check your pulse.

When I was younger, my mom encouraged me to ask people I admired out to lunch to see if they’d be gracious enough to share their expertise and winning ways with an enthusiastic sponge who revels in the pursuit of happiness.  (A practice I continue to this day)

Most were incredibly generous and many became treasured friends and mentors.  It was obvious that Kevin, an undeniable master of this practice, is seemingly fearless when it comes to connecting with people & positive vibes while allowing his curiosity for betterment steer him in the direction of the wisest folks on the planet.  Hall has also managed to breathe new life into etymology and treat the world to a nugget-packed, four year literary effort entitled, “Aspire- Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words”

Without trying to make lite or over-simplifying it, the best way I can describe Kevin’s book is to say that it was like reading 11 extended versions of the most profound fortune cookies ever opened up.   The 11 cookies/chapters included personal stories and poignant research about core values and philosophies like Humility, Empathy, Namaste, Ollin, Passion, Sapere Vedere and Integrity.

There are guest contributions and targeted mentions throughout the pages by inspirational A-listers like Mother Theresa, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo Da Vinci as well as Lance Armstrong, Stephen Covey, Harry Cordellos and Marva Collins to name a few.

I think a good book, aside from being one that I actually keep reading after the first 10 pages, is one that either makes you think, that entertains you or one that makes you take action.  Aspire is a trifecta.  Kevin added a cool little twist and interactive ending to each chapter that encourages you to reconnect and show gratitude to specifically-impactful people in your life.  This commendable reminder alone would have made the read worth it.  Good on you Kevin.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Neen James, for sending me a copy of Aspire.

Below are a few excerpts to whet your appetite …

 

 

“Understanding, as well as appreciating, our unique calling is crucial.  The two most important days of our life are the day we were born and the day we discover what we were born to do.  That’s the day we catch the vision of who we were meant to be.”  -Kevin Hall

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms- to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”  -Viktor Frankl

“We often receive what we desire for others.”  -Pravin Cherkoori

“Enthusiasm is the fuel of happiness and bliss.  It refers to the divine light that shines within each one of us.”  -Authur Watkins

Everything about Mother Nature is harmony and flow.  She doesn’t fight the elements, she embraces them.  Rivers don’t run uphill.  Plants don’t try to grown in the Arctic.  Animals thrive in their natural state.”  -Kevin Hall

“Sight is a function of the eyes, vision is a function of the heart…  Vision sets you free from the limitations of what the eyes can see and allows you to enter into the liberty of what the heart can feel.    Never let your eyes determine what your heart believes.”   -Myles Munroe

“Live life in crescendo…   It means that your greatest work or contribution is always ahead of you.” -Steven Covey

“Limitless possibilities await those who have the humility to admit they don’t know it all.  Prosperity is found by cultivating and attitude of lifelong learning.”  -Kevin Hall

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being”- Albert Schweitzer

Nothing is more validating and affirming than feeling understood.  And the moment a person begins feeling understood, that person becomes far more open to influence and change.  Empathy is to the heart what air is to the body.” –Stephen Covey

“I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”  -John Burroughs

“The masters in the art of living make little distinction between their work and play, their labor and their love, their minds and their bodies, their information, their recreation, their love and their religion.  They hardly know which is which; they simply pursue their vision of excellence at whatever they do, leaving others to decide whether they are working or playing.”  -James Michener

Click here to order your copy… 

Neen James- It’s Australian for Fabulous, mate!

You know it’s going to be a great party when the hostess greets you at the door and offers you a beverage and a tattoo.

Super-Productivity expert and social media darling, Neen James, along with her Master of the Barbie and technology aficionado husband, Andy, held their annual Celebrate Australia soiree at their lovely home in Bucks County, Pa.

What makes a party fabulous?   First and foremost, it’s your guest list.  As I mentioned in the last post, 10 Tips for Celebratory Success, when you invite the people you care about and the people who care about you, the rest will fall into place. 

Neen and Andy are connected to an eclectic group of cool people and thought leaders from all over the world.  The house was buzzing with teachers, lawyers, publicists, professional speakers, realtors, media specialists, marketing managers, designers, make-up artists, yoga studio owners, tech experts, and even one special event entrepreneur who got a golden e-ticket this year.

The vibe was ultra-friendly and positive.   Laughter was a constant-  as was a nice mix of aspirational conversation, trips down memory lane and a sprinkle of networking for potential collaborations… Just right for a festively-chic night out.

Neen tweeted her guests earlier in the week reminding them to “bring your appetite.”   I’m glad I took her advice and also ran an extra 3 miles in the morning.  The constant service of delectable Aussie-inspired appetizers featured; prawns on the barbie,  meat pies, sausage rolls, lamb chops and specialty quiches. The aromas were as delightful as the flavors.

Neen Knows:  If you’re planning a party and want to create an intimate affair but don’t want the potential stuffiness and conversational limitations that can result from a sit-down dinner, opt for a heavy menu of passed hors d’oeuvres instead.   When paired up with the right mixology offerings, this ‘freedom to mingle alternative’ to being a seating chart slave can really enhance your guest’s experience.

Neen and Andy also came through in what I call the “little things” department.  They decorated the house with Aussie flags, played some cool Aussie beats in the pool room, offered everyone temporary Aussie tattoos, and had an awesome ‘Best of Australia’ photo montage playing on their huge living room plasma screen.   The images were stunning! All of these elements combine to spark fun and interactive exchanges among your newly-introduced friends.

It was a pleasure meeting everyone in the fabulous network of Neen.  No matter who I encountered, everyone agreed that her ability to ignite people’s productivity on both a personal and professional level is uber-impressive.  If you think you can keep up, fasten your seat belt and follow her on twitter. @NeenJames

Special thanks to Neen and Andy for their generous hospitality and friendship.

Continued health, happiness and success!

 

 

Encore Gallery:

 

 

 

Next Page »