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101 Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner, Boyfriend, or Girlfriend

How well do you know your partner? We don't just mean their favorite color or movie, but really know them. Beyond daily habits and favorite things, have you ever asked the deep questions? Or serious questions that truly matter? Their likes, dislikes, trauma, regrets, passions, dreams and greatest desires. RELATED: Do the 36 Questions That Lead to Love Really Work? These are not meant to undermine your relationship. An honest discussion will benefit you in many ways: Build deeper trust and understanding to get through not only the good times, but also the bad ones. It's a fun (even if it can get heavy sometimes) way to strengthen your bond. It allows you to be vulnerable and learn more about yourself. It encourages active and emphatic listening, which tends to reveal a lot about your partner's character and values. Overall, it's a great opportunity to learn more about your partner, their past, and visions for the future. Asking the right question at the right time can help us realize breakthroughs in many important areas of life, from finding out what we want to do with our life to improving personal relationships. How well do you know your partner? Discover Deeper Connection with Your Partner! Uncover the Secrets of Love and Intimacy with this Couples Card Game Communication will bring understanding and understanding will cause harmonious mutual relationships which can establish peace and stability. – Lobsang Tenzin The Power of Deep Questions in Every Relationship RELATED: How Soon Is Too Soon to Move In? The 5 Most Important Questions to Answer Understanding is the gateway to compassion and love, and questions allow us to obtain that necessary level of understanding, helping us learn why our partner behaves or thinks a certain way. Looking for meaningful questions to deepen your relationship? Here are 101 conversation starters to help you and your partner connect on a more intimate level. Couples Should Have Deeper Conversation about Life1. What’s something you’re glad you’ll never have to do again? When it comes to getting to know your partner on a more meaningful level, it really helps to build an understanding of any experiences they’d like to avoid — and why. Knowing the answers to these questions can be stress-relieving, or help to circumvent awkward situations, as well as cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of their character. 2. What’s one thing you always procrastinate on?3. What would you do with your life if you were suddenly awarded a billion dollars? While winning a billion dollars is highly unlikely, anything is possible. What this question really reveals is more than their dream vacation, or how they would spend almost unlimited wealth. It reveals where your partner’s priorities lie when the usual obstacles and impediments are removed, and what their biggest dreams will be — the ones they’d like to pursue in their heart of hearts. 4. What should a healthy relationship provide for the people in it? Relationship questions like this one are rather crucial to your expectations and theirs, and can be very helpful in determining whether your relationship needs and goals are aligned or not. If they’re not, you may find there is common ground enough to come together anyway — but knowing comes first. 5. Do you believe everything happens for a reason, or do we just find reasons after things happen?6. Is there anything you consider absolutely unforgivable? If your partner has a deal-breaker associated with unforgivable acts, it doesn’t hurt to know what it is so you can be sure that it doesn’t conflict with any of your unforgivable end zones. Plus, if you disagree on what’s forgivable, that’s worth discussing. 7. If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first?8. In your life, what has been the biggest blessing in disguise? This is a great way to understand how your partner’s mind works — how they put things in perspective for themselves, and how they process ‘positive’ vs ‘negative’ forces in their lives. 9. If you could pick one year of your life to do-over, which would it be and why? 10. What is one behavior that you never tolerate? Your partner may not tolerate clutter or messiness in their home, or they may not like the idea of having friends over late into the night. It's worth comparing and contrasting which behaviors you find acceptable and which you can’t stand. How else will you know if you’re well-aligned? 11. If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only three words?12. What is the one thing that makes you feel alive? Whether it’s mountain climbing, skydiving, performing in front of an audience, traveling to new places, or simply being creative on a regular basis, it’s worth knowing what gets your partner’s juices flowing. Because arguably, feeling alive is everything! 13. What would your perfect day look like? Not only can this question help you plan the perfect surprise birthday itinerary, but it can teach you a ton about how your partner likes to unwind and have fun — always useful information! 14. Do you usually follow your head or your heart when making decisions? Contrary to surface-level understandings, "heart people" can be highly compatible with "head people," even helping to balance one another out, so don’t worry about their answer being different than yours, or being overly emotional compared to them. Also, don’t get stuck on black-or-white answers, as these things never are. 15. What is something that never ends well? It prompts discussion about experiences or situations that consistently have negative outcomes. It can reveal patterns to avoid, and potentially add some humor about mistakes to avoid. 16. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?Romantic Questions: Thinking about Your Relationship These are not just random questions to ask your boyfriend or partner. In real life, knowing how they want to spend date night, what the most attractive quality they find in others is, or what their favorite romantic movie is can seem like a silly thing to want to know at first. RELATED: 3 Ways to Beat Relationship Boredom However, they are also interesting questions that reveal much about compatibility, and the sort of romantic things and experiences they want in their lives. 1. What did you think when you first met me? If you haven’t discussed your first impressions of one another, there’s really no time like the present. The answer to this question might be amusing; it might also be romantic. One thing's for sure, it’ll give you an insider's view on the path your partner traveled to choosing you. 2. What about our relationship makes you really happy? Best case scenario: you gain a deeper understanding of what your partner appreciates about you, which can serve as a wonderful anchor in your relationship. Not to mention, regularly communicating what you appreciate about one another is the stuff of strong relationships. 3. If you had one word to describe our relationship what would it be?4. What’s your biggest fear for this relationship? Relationship anxiety is extraordinarily common, but there’s no antidote to this particular brand of fear like talking it through with an empathetic partner. Relationship fear is often based on past experiences, and once they’re out in the open, they have a greater chance of dissipating. 5. What’s one difference between us that you absolutely love? They say opposites attract, and while this is certainly not always the case, having palpable differences is often a source of interest, intrigue and attraction between partners. Why not get some positive feedback on being yourself? 6. What’s one similarity between us that you absolutely love?7. What about me (outside of a physical feature) made you fall in love? If you’re in love, and the feeling is mutual, this is a question that can only feed your mutual affection and appreciation for one another — so don’t be afraid to ask. 8. What’s your favorite memory of us? It's a reflective question that opens up emotional connection and at the same time helps you understand what your partner values most about your relationship. 9. What’s one thing you want to do together that we’ve never done before? This question is perfectly suited to laying sprawled out in a field of flowers, visioning for the long-term with your significant other. It’s really healthy to want to share certain experiences (be it singing a duet at an open mic, entering a marathon, or buying real estate). And it’s even healthier to express it! 10. Where is your favorite place to be with me?11. What’s one thing you’re scared to ask me, but really want to know the answer to? These types of boyfriend questions are important: If your partner actually has an answer to this one, chances are you’ll want to ask the question. Better to get everything out in the open sooner than later. It may end up being an opportunity to hear the hardest truth, but one that strengthens the relationship over the long term. 12. What’s one thing you feel our relationship is lacking? It's a constructive but honest question. Feel free to ask it only when you are both ready for feedback so you can identify unmet needs or areas for growth. 13. What’s your favorite non-physical quality about me? Attraction is often based at least in part on physical traits, particularly at the beginning of a relationship. But if your relationship is a strong one, there is surely more to your bond than looks. Hearing all the other things that fuel your partner’s attraction can be really refreshing, enlightening, even. 14. If our relationship ended, what’s the one thing about it you’d miss the most?15. What do you think was your most vulnerable moment in our relationship? Staying honest (and therefore vulnerable) is integral to any successful relationship. What better way to achieve this than to talk about moments of authentic vulnerability without judgment? 16. What’s one secret you’ve wanted to tell me, but haven’t?17. What’s your favorite way to receive affection? Different people have different love languages, from physical touch, to words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and acts of service. There’s no better way to give and receive affection than by speaking each other’s language. 18. What’s one thing you think makes our relationship unique from everyone else’s?19. If you could change one thing about our relationship what would it be? It might seem counterintuitive to invite conversation based on the assumption that your partner would, in fact, change something about your relationship, but sometimes, it’s questions like these that make someone feel comfortable enough to raise an issue that's been on their mind. 20. What do you think is your biggest strength in this relationship?21. What’s one thing about your life you would never change for someone else, including me? While the tone of this question may seem a tad negative at first glance, identifying your partner’s non-negotiable traits, habits or attachments can go a long way toward helping you understand what’s most important to them in life. 22. What about us do you think works well together? How do we balance each other out?23. What does love mean to you?24. What do I mean to you? This question is makes both parties vulnerable, so it's natural to want to shy away from it. But at a certain point in your relationship (you’ll know what point — it’s different for everyone), hot and heavy questions like this one are fair — and, hell, they can be extremely romantic too. 25. What was your first impression of me?26. What’s the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen?27. Do you believe in love at first sight?Fun Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner Not everything has to be so serious! Sometimes the best relationship advice is to be silly and enjoy cute questions about crazy things. RELATED: The 60 Best Secret Crush Quotes to Help You Thirst in Style Funny questions can sometimes lead to a really good conversation that you guys will be really glad you had. 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?3. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose? Although questions like these have a bit of a party-trick vibe, they can also be very revealing of your partner’s core values. What does your partner value more: looks or lucidity? While answers should be taken with a grain of salt, you can learn lots from the inevitable explanations that accompany such answers. 4. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die? (If their sense of humor is dark like yours)5. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be? Many of us fantasize about possessing certain "superpowers" or abilities. This is a fun question to ask, but it can also teach you lots about your partner’s deepest wishes (be it to fly above it all, turn invisible on whim, or set fire to things spontaneously) — so ask, ask away! 6. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?7. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? In the spirit of bringing the best out of one another, this question can help you plan a future in which you do just that. Why not encourage your partner to follow their dreams and talk through it with them if they get stuck? 8. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?9. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life. Think of your most embarrassing moments as a treasure trove of a) good stories, b) hard lessons learned, and c) personal growth signposts. Sharing these with your partner will very likely bring you closer. After all, any partner worth their salt wants to know the real you — not the airbrushed version. 10. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?11. What’s your favorite karaoke song?12. What is your go-to Halloween costume?13. Who is your big celebrity crush?Questions to Ask Your Partner about the Future1. Where do you see yourself in five years? If your partner hasn’t given any thought to this question, and you have (or vice versa), a discussion wouldn’t hurt. Sometimes all it takes is a little communication for two people to start creating five-year plans together. 2. How do you see our future together? Where do you see it headed? It may seem daunting, but it’s important to have ‘the talk’ with your best friend and potential lifelong mate. If your hearts and paths are aligned, there shouldn’t be much in the way of surprises. If they're not, it’s still definitely worth knowing so you can reassess. 3. What are your goals in the relationship?4. What are your thoughts on having a family? This is not a peripheral question: if you want a big family but your partner would rather limit your dependents to cats and dogs, you need to have a discussion to determine whether there’s enough flexibility to move forward. 5. Where do you see yourself living when you retire?6. What are your financial priorities and goals? Money and love may seem antithetical, but the strongest relationships are transparent on all fronts. In other words, if you couldn’t care less about money or saving for the future, but your partner is steeped in mutual funds and RRSPs (or vice versa), it may be worth talking about to avoid future conflicts or imbalances in the relationship. 7. What is on your bucket list that we can do together this year?8. What’s the one thing you want to achieve the most before you die? If your partner has a goal to end all goals — something they don’t want to leave this earth without achieving (i.e. writing a novel, or opening a café) — you may want to consider getting behind it and supporting them. Because happier people make better partners! 9. Do you have any habits you want to change? Be it quitting smoking and drinking, or curbing a bad temper, knowing your partner’s personal betterment aspirations can help you be a stronger support when they need it the most. 10. What do you most look forward to about getting old? ‘Getting old’ might not be a topic either of you naturally turn to, but talking about it can really help clarify your respective life trajectories (or at least the ones you see yourself following), as well as how your partner imagines life with you in the (distant) future. 11. What are you hoping to learn in the coming year?12. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your whole life? It reveals your partner's life wisdom and values, formative influences, or mentor relationships. 13. If you could see into the future, what’s one thing you want to see? Many of us would rather not look into the future and find out things that might rob us of quality of life in the present moment. Then again, your partner may have good reasons to prefer knowing how certain life aspects will unfold. You should probably hear this. 14. How do you want to be remembered?Questions to Ask Your Husband, Wife or Partner about Their Past1. When’s the last time you felt vulnerable? How did you cope?2. What have you accomplished in the past year that you are most proud of? Close as you feel to your partner, you may not actually be aware of how they judge their own achievements and what it is they take real pride in. True intimacy requires learning more about your partner’s inner world when the opportunity presents itself. 3. What were the major turning points in your life? From past trauma dating back to one's childhood, to struggles with anxiety, depression, or addiction your partner may have dealt with before knowing you, ‘turning points’ come in many forms. Learning your partner means knowing their history. 4. When’s the last time you pushed out of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?5. What is your happiest memory? Sharing the happiest memories of our lives is a beautiful way of getting closer to our partners while opening the door to creating new happy memories together as a couple. 6. How have you changed in the past five years?7. When was the last time you cried and why? Some people cry often, and others rarely. We all have different relationships to shedding tears, and understanding your partner’s will only shed light on their emotional reality. Bonus: asking the question entails sharing a vulnerable moment, and vulnerability breeds intimacy. 8. What is an important life lesson you’ve learned?9. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? We don’t all have the same notions of courage, or of boldness. You can learn volumes about your partner by hearing them tell of the most daring thing they ever did, and the kind of results it manifested in their life. 10. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from past partners? Not everyone likes to discuss their previous relationships with their current partner, and indeed, there should be a limit to such discussions. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t valuable lessons to be shared. Chances are that learning about your partner’s experiences in previous serious relationships will help you to better understand their behaviors today. 11. What’s the most challenging setback you’ve ever experienced? How did you overcome it?12. If you could change one thing in history, what would it be?13. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?14. If you had to listen to just one of the songs you loved as a kid for the rest of your life, which song would it be?15. Did you have any pets growing up? Particularly if animals are important to you, and/or you plan on having pets in the future, it’s integral you get to know your partner’s attitude toward animals. 16. What is your favorite childhood memory?Heavy Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner1. Do you want to have kids? If so, how many?2. When you’re having a bad day, what makes you feel better? This is the kind of question that helps you better understand how to comfort your girlfriend when she's down and just needs a reprieve from life for a minute (or a day). Whether it’s cooking a meal, cleaning the apartment, or giving her a temple massage, these are important life skills, so never underestimate them! 3. Do you consider yourself a jealous person?4. Have you ever cheated on a partner? If your girlfriend has cheated in the past, it’s worth knowing, just as it's worth knowing what led her to it, and how she feels about it in retrospect. People grow and change — they do it all the time. 5. Why did your last relationship end?6. How important is religion or spirituality in your life? Religion and/or spirituality may or may not play a significant role in your life — either way, unless the topic was at the forefront of your first meeting, your partner might have an altogether different relationship to faith. If you want to build a future together, don’t hesitate to ask her. If she’s worth being in a relationship with, she’s worth really knowing. 7. Who was your role model growing up?8. Have you ever been in an emotional or physically abusive relationship? If your partner has coped with an abuser in the past (be it an ex-partner, a parent, or anyone else) getting closer to your girlfriend likely means learning what she’s been through — to whatever extent she’s willing to share. 9. How important are looks to you?10. Do you think a relationship can come back from cheating? In a committed, monogamous relationship, no one wants a partner who strays. That said, your boyfriend might take cheating less seriously than you do — or vice versa. Put your mind at ease by addressing concerns as they arise, and with total transparency. 11. How long was your longest relationship?12. How do you see our future together: do you envision a two-income household, or a different arrangement? Whether you envision yourself as a blissfully content stay-at-home-mom, a high octane corporate executive — or both — finding out what kind of household arrangement your boyfriend imagines for his future (i.e., blissfully content stay-at-home dad) can help circumvent a lot of potential conflict in the future. 13. Have you ever struggled with addiction? While it’s true that our struggles do not define us, your boyfriend’s history with any sort of addiction is something you’re within your rights to ask about, as it may affect you too. Even if this does not represent his current reality, understanding his past struggles can help you become a lot better acquainted with the man you’re sharing your life with. 14. Have you ever been engaged or married? Becoming acquainted with the broad strokes of your boyfriend’s past romantic life can help you better understand his behaviors, interests, and hesitations in your current relationship. 15. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? You might have a very different style of communicating or relating to others than your boyfriend does. This doesn’t make you incompatible—in fact, it might even make you extra complementary. Still, it helps to address these differences so you can better understand and empathize with one another, while also being supportive of your partner even if you can’t directly relate to their difficulties. Why Are Questions in Relationships So Important? Ultimately, when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships, communication is both king and queen! The more deeply you open up to truly getting to know one another, the sturdier your foundation will be. Nothing can shake you if your version of intimacy includes sharing your best and worst moments with compassion, acceptance, and love. Asking questions (and answering them) without reservation is a surefire way to open up the floodgates of vulnerability—by extension cultivating deeper shared emotional experiences. With additions by MJ Kelly and Maya Khamala KEEP READING: Are You in Love? These 5 Proven Signs Will Help You Know for Sure

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Dan Lok | My Hero is My Teacher
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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.

Woman at a restaurant's window and two teen employees.
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Rude Customer Has a Disagreement Over $6 - Teen Employees Have the Perfect Response

Working in customer service can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with rude and demanding clients. That’s particularly true for some teens, who work these jobs for part-time money and are often bullied by adults. Perhaps that’s why people are applauding these teen girls for the way they expertly handled an over-the-top customer.

Betty White Revealed Why She Never Had Kids - And It's an Important Lesson for Everyone
Celebrities

Betty White Revealed Why She Never Had Kids - And It's an Important Lesson for Everyone

Betty White is a beloved actress and comedian whose career spanned more than eight decades. She’s best known for her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. She had her start in local programs on Los Angeles television stations in the 1950s and then became a staple as a game show panelist appearing on Password, What’s My Line, To Tell the Truth, Pyramid, and Match Game during the 1960s. She had a huge breakthrough in the early 1970s when she was cast as “man-hungry” Sue Ann Nivens during the fourth season of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. White called this a career highlight and felt that the role was made for her. She became a regular on the show during the fifth season. Betty White won two back-to-back Emmy Awards for her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1975 and 1976. RELATED: The Powerful Story Behind Betty White’s Refusal to Remove a Black Dancer From Her ShowFrom there, White went on to star in The Golden Girls as Rose Nylund, a naïve woman from St. Olaf, Minnesota. The show was the biggest hit of White’s long career. In her later years, she was a regular guest on several late-night television shows, did a stint on The Bold and the Beautiful, appeared in the 2009 Sandra Bullock – Ryan Reynolds movie The Proposal, and starred in TVLand’s Hot in Cleveland for the entire six-season run of the sitcom.White passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 99. She was just 17 days shy of turning 100. Betty White had a long and distinguished career, a happy marriage, and many pet dogs she doted on but no biological children. She was asked many times why she didn’t have kids. Her answer might surprise and inspire you. Why Did Betty White Never Have Children of Her Own?Betty White appeared to have it all. She was successful, beloved, and loved. She had a long life, and happy marriage (her third), but people always wondered why she wasn’t also a mother. The answer to the question of does Betty White have children is hidden in her relationship history. She met her first husband, Dick Barker while volunteering with the American Woman’s Voluntary Services during World War II. They married in 1945. Barker owned a chicken farm in Ohio and wanted to live a simple life on the farm. White was not interested in that and they divorced within a year of getting married. RELATED: Betty White quotesIn 1947, she married a Hollywood talent agent named Lane Allen. They divorced two years later because he wanted children and Betty did not. In a 2012 interview with CBS, White was asked if she ever regretted not having kids. “No, I've never regretted it. I'm so compulsive about stuff, I know if I had ever gotten pregnant, of course, that would have been my whole focus."She also admitted another, bigger reason why she didn’t have kids. "But I didn't choose to have children because I'm focused on my career. And I just don't think as compulsive as I am that I could manage both.”Who Was Allen Ludden?Betty White appeared on the game show Password in 1961 where she met the host, Allen Ludden. In an interview with the Archive of American Television she said she wasn’t looking for another marriage but when she and Ludden met, she said “We felt like we knew each other.” She said he had watched her on her television show Life of Elizabeth and he had watched her on some of his previous shows. A few weeks after they met, Allen Ludden’s wife died of cancer. He had three children that were 9, 10, and 13 at the time.A few months after his wife died, White and Ludden were in Cape Cod appearing in a play together. During this time, White bonded with Ludden and his kids and he started asking her to marry him, which she didn’t take seriously at the time. After a year of Ludden asking White to marry him, he finally bought a ring and asked Betty to marry him properly. But she balked. He put it on a chain around his neck, confident that she’d eventually say yes. RELATED: Why Is Sandra Bullock and Boyfriend Bryan Randall’s Co-Parenting Style So Unique?On Easter Sunday 1963, Allen Ludden sent Betty White a stuffed white bunny with ruby, diamond, and sapphire earrings. She finally said yes to his proposal. They married on June 14, 1963, and White gained stepchildren.In an interview with People, she recounted her love affair with Ludden, calling him the love of her life. She also said she regretted saying no to his proposal at first. "I spent a whole year, wasted a whole year that Allen and I could have had together, saying, 'No, I wouldn't marry him. No, I won't." she told Oprah in 2015 (via People). "I wasted a whole year we could have had together."White and Ludden were married until his death from stomach cancer in 1981. She stated many times that she'd never marry again and she didn't. In a 2011 interview with Anderson Cooper he asked her why. She said, "I had the love of my life. If you've had the best, who needs the rest?" When Betty White died on December 31, 2021, her last word was “Allen,” PageSix reported. Meet Betty White’s Stepchildren: David, Sarah, and MarthaWhile Betty White never had kids of her own and didn’t regret it, by marrying Allen Ludden she gained three stepchildren, David Ludden, Martha Ludden, and Sarah Ludden. In an interview with People in 2009, Sandra Bullock recounted a conversation with White about being a stepmom. Bullock said, "Betty said, 'You know what? I never had children biologically. I married someone who had three children. And how blessed I was to have those three stepchildren.’" David Ludden is the firstborn of Allen Ludden and his late wife Margaret McGloin. He was born in 1948 and received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked as a history professor at his alma mater and also taught history at New York University, Closer Weekly reported.RELATED: Inspirational quotes for kidsMartha Ludden was born in 1950. When her father married Betty White, she was a teenager who’d just lost her mother to cancer two years previously. She was not happy with the marriage and her relationship with her father suffered as a result, Closer Weekly reported. Martha grew up to become an attorney.Sarah Ludden was born in 1952. She had a great relationship with her stepmother and tried to be the middleman between her stepmother and Martha. Sarah was a dancer who transitioned to a career as a karate instructor. She opened up a small karate school with her partner Nancy Lanoue.Who Are Betty White’s Heirs?Betty White had a net worth of $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her estate included a $5 million home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The details of White’s will remain private. Technically, White’s stepchildren are not legal heirs automatically entitled to her estate.RELATED: Dolly Parton’s Unusual Life Defies Everyone’s ExpectationsAt the time of her death, White had a golden retriever named Pontiac. She may have set up a pet trust to ensure he would go to the right person or place after she died. By all appearances, Betty White had it all. A successful career, a happy marriage, friends, stepchildren, and a long life. White knew herself well enough to realize biological children of her own were not something she wanted. Her career was more important and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is refreshingly self-aware.READ MORE: Dolly Parton’s Unusual Life Defies Everyone’s Expectations

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Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan posing on red carpet and a woman in a black dress speaking into a microphone.
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Nicola Coughlan Has Brilliant Response To Fan Calling Her Bridgerton Scenes "Very Brave"

Bridgerton is arguably the HOTTEST show on Netflix (and not just because it's one of the streamer's most popular series ever). Every season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling and their respective love story. And while seasons one and two did not disappoint, season three is the one fans have been waiting for. Finally, #Polin takes center stage. While Penelope and Colin are the talk of the "ton," it's the actress who plays Penelope, Nicola Coughlan, who's really got people talking after shooting down a body-shamer in the most epic way possible.

The Untold Story of Michael and Janet Jackson's Complex Relationship
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The Untold Story of Michael and Janet Jackson's Complex Relationship

Michael and Janet Jackson, two of the most iconic figures in the music industry, captivated audiences worldwide with their talent and stage presence. However, behind the scenes, their relationship was a confusing cocktail of deep affection, intense rivalry, and profound challenges.

The Disturbing and Beautiful Story Behind Danny Trejo's Salma Hayek Tattoo
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The Disturbing and Beautiful Story Behind Danny Trejo's Salma Hayek Tattoo

Actor Danny Trejo is known for many things, including one of the most famous tattoos in the world. When Danny revealed it to his co-star Salma Hayek, she was shocked to learn the truth behind its uncanny resemblance to her face.

The 11 Best Bridgerton Quotes to Make You Feel Powerful, Romantic and Wise
TV Shows

The 11 Best Bridgerton Quotes to Make You Feel Powerful, Romantic and Wise

In case you've been somehow lost in time, Bridgerton is one of the most streamed series on Netflix, and one of the most popular shows on TV today, period. Now with two seasons under its belt, the binge-worthy show has captivated and entertained audiences across the world. Set in Regency era London, the romantic drama series centers on the social season of the city’s elite, when eligible young adults fill their dance cards and vie for enviable marriages — along with money, power, social status, and love — at fancy balls and parties. RELATED: The Best Love Quotes for Him and HerBased on the bestselling Bridgetron novels by Julia Quinn, the show thrills with its sexy, modern take on the classic British high society period drama as it follows the fictional Bridgerton family’s eight children and their romantic escapades. Epic plot twists, peppy dialogue, gorgeous sets and costumes, and lots of cheeky gossip and steamy chemistry keep eyes glued to the screen. Even better, its first season, which began streaming in December 2020, provided a welcome reprieve from the doldrums of pandemic lockdowns. And stunner Regé-Jean Page, who stars as Simon, the Duke of Hastings, aka the smoldering heartthrob of the show, won a legion of loyal, panting fans. Season two, which was released in March 2022 didn’t disappoint either, becoming the most watched Netflix show in 92 countries.But the show is more than its smoldering stars and the tension of navigating courtly manners with rompy romance. Captivating dialogue makes Bridgerton a wellspring of quotes that stick with you well after watching the series.“You have no idea what it is to be a woman..." -DaphneFull Quote: “You have no idea what it is to be a woman, what it might feel like to have one’s entire life reduced to a single moment.” -Daphne BridgertonIn this quote, Daphne Bridgerton, the “diamond” of the season, laments to her brother Antony about the inequities faced by women, particularly that the person they marry will define the rest of their lives. Even today, the choice of whom women marry remains a seminal moment and topic of conversation. However, it is gratifying, as the viewer, to know that it no longer reigns as the biggest and only life-changing choice in a woman’s life.“If you desire the sun and the moon all you have to do is...” -EloiseFull Quote: “If you desire the sun and the moon all you have to do is go out and shoot at the sky. Some of us cannot.” -Eloise BridgertonEloise Bridgerton, sister to Daphne and Antony, is a budding feminist who rails against the corseted confines of female life for London’s nobility. RELATED: 75 Relationship Quotes To Cherish The One You LoveIn this line, she explains to another brother that the world works very differently for men and women. In their world, men get to have adventures and go after their dreams, while women are stuck with aspiring to be a bride — relegated to spinsterhood.“There is but one thing that humbles the highly-regarded...” -WhistledownFull Quote: “Be it shame or slander, seduction or smear, there is but one thing that humbles even the most highly-regarded members of our dear ton…a scandal!” -Lady WhistledownLady Whistledown reports and feeds on every scandalous deed and misdeed happening during each courtship season. She aptly notes that the nobility and gentry thrill at reading about every last bit of gossip in her breathless society newsletter — but they certainly don’t want to be the subjects of her posts. Here, she speaks truth that, no matter how big the personality, or how vaunted the family name, the great equalizer during this period boils down to one thing: reputation. Interestingly enough, even in our modern world -- or perhaps especially in it -- that remains truer than ever.“You wish to follow your heart and I wish to nurture my mind.” -EloiseFull Quote: “You wish to follow your heart and I wish to nurture my mind. Let us leave it there.” -Eloise BridgertonIn this quote, Eloise is talking to her sister Daphne. The siblings often butt heads but come to an understanding of sorts. Each, in their own way, want something more than the traditional marriage match. RELATED: 50 Sex Quotes & Sayings to Share with Your PartnerDaphne seeks love, which tends to be quite low on the optimal courtship priority list, while Eloise isn’t much interested in being courted at all. Instead, she hopes to pursue developing her mind and interests rather than jumping into becoming a wife and mother.“Her heart is no matter, as long as her hand remains free.” -Queen CharlotteQueen Charlotte is a force with which to be reckoned. Highly political, mercurial and attuned to the public’s perception of her, Queen Charlotte has her hand on the pulse of every budding romance. Here she makes the point that love isn’t the key to these marriages — and really, doesn’t matter at all. Essentially, she wants to be the arbiter of the most important matches. Ironically enough, love is a big driver in the queen’s own marriage.“Why must our only options be to squawk and settle?” -EloiseFull Quote: “Why must our only options be to squawk and settle or to never leave the nest? What if I want to fly?” -Eloise BridgertonEloise longs for much more than to be engaged — and doesn’t keep quiet about her disdain for the demeaning pageantry of the social season. RELATED: 60 Confidence Quotes That Will Boost Your Self-WorthLike many modern women, she’d rather not settle into a small life sequestered at home under the thumb of a man she barely knows. Instead, she wants the freedom to test her wings and fly.“The ones we love have the power to inflict the greatest scars.” -WhistledownFull Quote: “The ones we love have the power to inflict the greatest scars, for what thing is more fragile than the human heart?” -Lady WhistledownHigh society’s anonymous gossip columnist, who uses the pseudonym Lady Whistledown but is actually wallflower Penelope Featherington, always has her own unique take on every potential match — and power play — happening in town. But she also sees the truth (and pain) all around her, often noting what others miss. For instance, how those we love often disappoint us and can cause us immense heartbreak."You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires." -AntonyAnthony Bridgerton is poised to marry the lovely Edwina Sharma. However, despite his best efforts he can’t help but fall for her pragmatic older sister, Kate Sharma. RELATED: 25 Trust Quotes To Help You Build Stronger RelationshipsThe two burn for each other, despite trying to hide their feelings from themselves — and everyone else. Perhaps the forbidden nature of their desire is what fuels it, making it impossible to ignore.“We chose to love each other, every single day...” -VioletFull Quote: “We chose to love each other, every single day. It is a choice, dearest. One that is never too late to make.” -Violet BridgertonIn this quote, Violet Bridgeton explains what made the relationship with her dearly departed husband so magical. She makes the point that marriage and romance are not fixed institutions, but instead require love and care every step of the way to maintain or stoke passion and harmony. She reminds us that even if it’s been ignored, a couple can find each other again."I love all of you. Even the parts that you believe are too dark." -DaphneFull Quote: "I love all of you. Even the parts that you believe are too dark and too shameful. Every scar. Every flaw. Every imperfection. I love you." -Daphne BridgertonHere, Daphne professes the all-encompassing depth of her love for her husband Simon. The couple shares an intense passion, but so much more. RELATED: 90 Motivational & Inspirational Quotes for WomenShe is letting him know that the secrets and deep shame he holds need not stay hidden from her. Their love is beyond anything he can imagine and nothing he can do or has done will break that bond. So, he can let go of his fears and self-doubt and simply trust their love.“It is not a man’s appearance or title that will woo you.” — KateFull Quote: “It is not a man’s appearance or title that will woo you. It is his mind and spirit that will court yours.” — Kate SharmaKate Sharma participates in the social season for the sole purpose of helping her beloved sister, Edwina, find a superior match that not only secures their family’s financial future but also provides Edwina with the love, passion and care she deserves. In this quote, Kate reminds her sister to look beyond outward appearance and achievements and instead focus on what the man himself has to offer. Ironically enough, by unwittingly following her own advice, Kate gets swept up by the mind and spirit of a man she tries her hardest not to love.KEEP READING:25 Loyalty Quotes That Will Help You Build Stronger Relationships

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

Inspiring Celebrities

Musician Jelly Roll speaking into a mic and a teen wearing a cowboy hat looking shocked.
Uplifting News

Bullied Teen Makes Desperate Plea at Jelly Roll's Concert - So, He Changes Her Life

Country-rap artist Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) may be on top of the world right now but he had to spend a lot of time in the hole before he got there. Notoriously jailed 40 times, he spent a decade drifting in and out of jail on various drug charges. It wasn't until a prison guard told him he was the father of a baby girl in 2008 that he finally got the motivation to do whatever it took to get out of jail and stay out.He completely changed his life. And now? He's paying it forward and doing the same for others.

Kate Winslet Leonardo DiCaprio posing in front of TItanic and Revolutionary Road
Celebrities

The Best Moments: Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's 30 Years of Friendship

From declarations of love to laughter on the red carpet, we've rounded up our favorite moments between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet that have kept our hearts aflutter for over two decades.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson smiling and a screenshot of Dwayne Johnson's post on Instagram.
Uplifting News

Dwayne Johnson Serenades 4-Year-Old Girl in Home Hospice Care With Her Favorite Song

Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson surprised us all with his singing chops as the lovable, shapeshifting demi-god Maui in the Disney smash hit, Moana.But it's his performance off-screen for one very special 4-year-old girl that's currently making waves on social media.

Self-Improvement

Beyonce and Jay-Z dressed up on the red carpet
Dating

Why Setting Relationship Goals Is Important - And How to Do It

Ever wondered how power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z keep their love alive for 16 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 who is really at fault.

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

Inspiring Speeches

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.

Ibram Kendi | How to be the Smartest in the Room
Inspiring Speeches and Interviews

Ibram Kendi | How to be the Smartest in the Room

Ibram Kendi - Grow Your Intellect Are you an intellectual? Ibram Kendi breaks down what it really means to be the smartest person in the room. His message will make you reconsider everything you knew about intelligence and productivity. Transcript: I want to talk to you about what is next for your mind. The point of my address is to ask you a very simple question. Are you an intellectual? I'm asking this question because you need to know that having a doctorate does not make you an intellectual. Becoming a professor does not make you an intellectual. Working in a research lab does not make you an intellectual just like there are MDs who are not healers, just like there are reverends who are not about God. Do not become that person. No doctorate degree is required to join the intellectual academy. This is an inclusive academy with all types of people coming from all types of backgrounds. There are people with only a GED. There are incarcerated people. There are homeless people in this intellectual academy. There are poor people in this intellectual academy. So when I say "intellectual," I'm not referring to someone who knows a wealth of information. All of you I'm sure know a lot. I do not measure a person's intellect based on how much a person knows. How much you know has no bearing on how much you are an intellectual. I define and many others define an intellectual as someone with a tremendous desire to know. Intellectuals have a tremendous capacity to change their minds on matters, to self-reflect, to self-critique. Intellectuals are only governed by one special interest and that special interest is rarely self-serving and that special interest is finding and revealing the truth. How many of you have a tremendous desire to know? How many of your minds are wide open to new ideas? How many of you are searching for ideas that challenge how you see the world? How many of you are willing to look differently at the world with the blink of new evidence? How many are you critiquing your own ideas as intensely as you critique the ideas of others? Intellectuals are a nomadic people, constantly changing their conceptual location, constantly in search of a better conceptual space. We have workout warriors of the body, those who pump iron to break down old muscles to allow newer and bigger and better muscles to grow in their place. Well, intellectuals are workout warriors of the mind regularly breaking down old ideas to allow new ideas and bigger ideas and better ideas to grow in their place. Are you an intellectual?