Findthemagic

Martial Artist, Bohdi Sanders' quote, "When you react, you let others control you. When you respond, you are in control," offers powerful insight into how we handle challenges in life. At first glance, reacting and responding might seem similar, but there’s a crucial difference.
Here is an example from an experience I had as a sophomore at UCLA. As part of my Humanities curriculum, I was determined to learn about as many cultures as I could, as long as the professor teaching the course was of that heritage. I took over a dozen such classes, and the one that left the greatest impression on me was entitled, “African American Studies.”
I was eighteen years old and ready to conquer racial issues one culture at a time. Give me a break, I was just a kid with big dreams. I walked into the room eager and open to learn. I sat in the front of the class which was my habit; you see, I always wanted to make direct contact with each professor, looking for some magnetic vibration that would indubitably reach me. I noticed almost immediately that everyone in the room was staring at me. I smiled at them, eagerly trying to demonstrate my joy in being there. I felt the presence of someone so close to me, I could feel his breath. I refrained from jumping out of my seat and said, “Good Morning, Professor Andrews.” In return, I received a cold stare.
Professor Andrews finally spoke: “What are you doing here?”
“I signed up for your class,” I said with a lot of confidence and positivity.
“Don’t you notice anything strange about that?” he queried.
I scanned the room and noticed I was the only Caucasian present. I didn’t know what to say so I kept quiet.
“Why do you want to take this class?”
I told him about my hopes of learning something about many different cultures.
He looked confused. He finally said, “You can stay. I can’t stop you. I will tell you this: there is no way you can get an “A” in this class, because you can’t ever step into our shoes and understand what it is like to be black.”
My heart started racing. I felt tears forming in my heart and racing up to my eyes. I held my ground. I finally responded: “Dr. Andrews, I know I can’t ever walk in anyone else’s shoes. I can only truly know my own self. And sometimes I have trouble with that. I trust that you will be fair with my evaluation. I am here to learn; not to earn a grade.”
I never worked as hard as I did in that course. And I did learn…I felt like an ignorant child grasping every word, every emotion, every thought that I could retain in my brain. I learned from the professor and from my peers. Often, I responded at the very moment I was fighting my reactions. I refrained from reacting and continued responding. And, I did get an A in that course. That grade meant more to me because of what it represented than it ever could as an extrinsic reward: Professor Andrews evaluated me on my contribution to the course and my insights; rather than on the color of my skin.

When the Bell Doesn’t Ring Anymore: Exploring Post-Teaching Life!
Teaching is a calling, a passion, and sometimes… an exhausting marathon. For many educators, there comes a moment when the lesson plans feel repetitive, the energy wanes, and the school bell that once inspired now just signals the start of another long day. So, what happens when the bell doesn’t ring for you anymore? I can only speak for myself. When I was ready for a change, I explored post-teaching life with confidence—and maybe a little humor!
First, let’s address the elephant in the classroom: deciding to leave teaching was not an easy choice. I’d poured years into my students, wrangled a class full of future world-changers, and developed incredible multitasking skills (juggling lesson planning and coffee drinking should be an Olympic sport).
But I was hearing the call for something different—more flexibility, fresh challenges, and escape from grading endless stacks of essays.. I found I could honor the journey I had been on while still exploring new horizons.
I Wondered, “What Do Teachers Do After Teaching?”
Teachers develop a unique set of skills that are transferable to many fields. I knew I could use them to still provide service to others. Maybe not kids this time; perhaps their parents. I thought how amazing it would be to guide parents to think with a positive mindset and to encourage their children to take a leap of faith when they have a yearning to meet a goal.
I knew what I didn’t want:
No more 9-midnight (including the things we do after school ends for the day: lesson plans, grading papers, meetings with parents and other teachers).
No more long commute. Each time I started a teaching position at a new school, I found myself living 70 miles away.
Let’s be real: teachers have a deep sense of purpose. I didn't become a teacher because I loved paperwork and meetings. It’s important to think about what drives me now. Is it the need for more freedom? A desire to work in a new environment? Maybe I wanted a career where my passion for people and communication could shine, without the daily grind of classroom management.
By redefining my “why,” I found clarity on my next steps. Whether it’s pursuing a side hustle, continuing in a new field of education, or exploring a completely unrelated passion, the key was figuring out what made me excited to get out of bed; to step into the unknown. But I remembered, I’ve faced much worse. If I could survive a room full of sugar-fueled students after a holiday break, I could definitely handle a career transition. So, I embraced the challenge with a growth mindset—something I’d been teaching my students all along!
I let myself dream again and reinvent myself. Why not? I owed it to myself and my future.
I found something so similar to teaching that I thought it must be a dream come true. It was through personal development and success education that I found my own niche as an independent business owner. I set my schedule at fifteen to twenty hours a week! I did it! I wanted to work on my own schedule and no longer miss out on travel, celebrations, and family gatherings. Done! I wanted to earn millions so I had no worry about my nest egg, realizing that with inflation, millionaire status was not such a unique choice. After four years as my own boss, I am on my way and will hit the mark.
When the bell doesn’t ring anymore, it doesn’t mean your journey has ended—it’s just the start of a new chapter. Some say it is safe to work for somebody else. Really? I have met plenty of people who lost their jobs virtually overnight? So much for security! Pay raises: the glass ceiling is shrinking the work environment.
One thing I hated most about teaching was the cesspool environment of teachers’ lounges: Politics and Gossip! NOTHING I would miss in that swampland.
I am now surrounded by a group of likeminded people who think with open hearts, have the guts to take action when an opportunity presents itself, and think thoughts into being. I am home!

Finding Prosperity: Beyond Accruing Wealth
When we think of prosperity, the first thing that often comes to mind is wealth—financial success, a comfortable lifestyle, and the freedom that money can bring. However, true prosperity is so much more than just the numbers in your bank account. It’s about finding abundance in every aspect of life—health, relationships, personal growth, and fulfillment. It’s about living a life that’s rich not just in material wealth, but in joy, love, and purpose. Over the past four years, I have discovered true prosperity and have found immense joy in helping others achieve it in their lives. Life couldn’t be better.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Health is wealth,” and it couldn’t be more true. No amount of money can buy the vitality and energy that good health brings. I have experienced this firsthand. Four years ago, I was overweight and taking 19 medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney damage, and depression. Today, I’m down to just one medication, and my doctor says my body is ten years younger than it was. At 74 years old, that feels like a miracle. How did I do it? By changing my mindset. I now wake up each morning grateful for my beautiful life, my amazing business in personal development, and my wonderful relationships. It’s all about how you think: negative thoughts bring negativity into your life, while positive thoughts attract the outcomes you desire. I used to view food as a comfort, a way to cope with anger, depression, and challenges. I gained weight weekly, and my problems remained. Through my daily studies of Personal Development, I’ve learned to see food as nourishment for my body. I no longer eat to numb negativity; I eat to sustain and honor this body, grateful for every day I get to live in it.
The people we surround ourselves with are one of the greatest sources of richness in our lives. True prosperity comes from building and maintaining deep, meaningful relationships. The global community in Personal Development, Leadership Development, and Success Education has been a treasure trove of connections and friendships for me.
Another key element of prosperity is personal growth. Life is a continuous journey of learning and evolving, and true prosperity comes from embracing that journey. It’s about setting goals that go beyond material success—goals that fulfill your passions, challenge your mind, and contribute to your personal development. Every day, I focus on the goals that drive me towards success. Many of them have already become my reality, and others are on their way.
At the heart of true prosperity lies purpose—the sense that your life has meaning and that you’re making a positive impact in the world. I love attending our live events, which can happen anywhere in the world. We always engage in Random Acts of Kindness for locals who need a helping hand. The feeling of helping others is truly remarkable.
Finally, true prosperity is rooted in gratitude and contentment. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more—more money, more success, more recognition. But prosperity is also about appreciating what you have, recognizing the abundance that already exists in your life, and being content with the present moment. When you cultivate a mindset of gratitude, you open yourself up to even more abundance because you’re able to see and appreciate the wealth that’s all around you.
If someone had told me five years ago that I could be living this joyful and successful life, I would have thought they were out of touch with reality. But I was wrong. We have the power to change our prosperity at any age, no matter our circumstances.

More Gratitude in My Heart: Cherished Moments on Our 7-Day Venice Cruise
I recently shared my story about being rescued by strangers in Venice. Today, I want to open my heart and express my deep love and gratitude for the beautiful souls in our global community who go out of their way to spread happiness, health, and wealth to everyone they meet. I am incredibly blessed to be one of the recipients of their boundless love.
Our 7-day Mediterranean cruise was not just a journey across stunning seas but also a journey of learning, connection, and profound friendship. It was a time to reconnect with the wonderful friends I've made through our shared commitment to Personal Development and service to others. The word "friend" holds a special place in my heart. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to know many amazing people who have brought joy and success into my life. But true friendship, to me, is something more—it’s about those angels who share in our victories, big or small, and are there to support us when we need it most. They know, as I do, that our bond is a two-way street, filled with mutual celebration and unwavering support.
On this cruise, I was surrounded by love, admiration, and the kind of caring that makes life so special. These friends—these angels—ensured that my journey was memorable, and they succeeded beyond measure. There are so many people who wear the title of “Friend” in my life, and it’s hard to know where to begin in expressing my gratitude. But I’ll do my best to honor a few of the many who have touched my heart.
The first people I met from our community as we prepared to board the ship were Michael and Karin. I’ve seen them many times on our Zoom calls, but this time, I had the pleasure of speaking with them in person. We found our way to the transport buses together (I’m not great with maps!), and in that moment, we shared a reciprocated love that warmed my heart.
Then there’s my beloved Lorna. She brought me into this incredible business—the greatest gift anyone has ever given me, a gift that has changed my life. Lorna and I have met in person before, but each time we’re together, our bond grows even stronger. She spent so much time on the cruise checking in on me, and I love her for that. Through Lorna, I’ve also had the joy of knowing her wonderful husband, Keiran. They both exude love and gratitude with every word and smile.
I’d also like to express my deep gratitude to Peggy and Paul. On this cruise, I got to know them better and meet their darling daughter, Holly. She’s growing up in our world of leadership development and success education, and it shows! Holly is not your typical kid—she’s self-confident, makes great decisions, and isn’t afraid to stand up in front of hundreds of adults, whether to sing karaoke or join a group activity to spread kindness to the lovely people of Montenegro.
Speaking of Montenegro, it was so hot that my sandals literally melted! We were walking around, helping the residents of the city, but the heat was taking its toll on this seventy-four-year-old young woman. The group I was with noticed my distress. Without a word, Lorna stepped forward and said, “It’s time for you to return to the ship.” I was disappointed in myself but knew she was right. Then, another miracle arrived in the form of two angels, Brian and Robin. Not only did they find a water taxi for me, but they also left their own adventure in Montenegro to accompany me back to the ship. Who does that? True friends—grateful individuals who put others before themselves.
James and Bex, as well as Eileen and Mark, hold special places in my heart. I don’t think they realize how much I admire and adore them. The words they speak are always spellbinding and supportive. I am forever indebted to the love they give me every time we come together.
So many others played a part in making this journey unforgettable—whether by healing a giant blister on my foot, inviting me to breakfast or lunch aboard the ship, or escorting me to the Marco Polo Venice airport for my trip home. My gratitude goes out to Vic, Elizabeth, Sandra, Dylan, Lisa, Eva, Karen, Lise, and so many more. If I forgot to acknowledge you, please forgive me.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to express my deep gratitude to our company leaders: Shane, Rach, Leia, and Greg. Leia spent hours with me along with Holly, writing a script that displayed the story of gratitude we experienced in Montenegro. She is also the beautiful daughter of Shane and Rach. Here is another young teen who knows how to lead and exudes self-confidence. They provided us with powerful workshops on self-improvement—a lifelong journey—and showered us with gifts as a token of their appreciation for those of us who attended this epic event. The cruise may be in the past, but my love for all these incredible individuals will endure forever.

The Power of Gratitude: I Found It On A Venice Cruise
In a world that often moves too fast, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget to pause and appreciate the good things in our lives. Yet, expressing gratitude is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to boost our mood, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a deeper sense of happiness. I found the power of gratitude when traveling with my business on a 7 Day Cruise starting in Venice.
Lost In Venice
I have never been spectacular at reading maps. When I got off the water taxi in Venice, my google map app told me I had a 3-minute walk to my hotel. I was blissfully happy. Surely I could manage such a short trip to my hotel, even while lugging my fifty pound suitcase at my side. Venice is a gorgeous walking city with beautiful bridges accessed by stairs that undulate throughout the city. I courageously turned on my google map and started my journey. I discovered something most challenging: Google maps documented the travel but didn’t tell me when I was heading the wrong direction. However, soon I noticed that the time to my destination was increasing. I was lost! After dragging my luggage up and down numerous bridges with their stairs, I felt like a mouse in a maze. The temperature of over 100 degrees exacerbated my situation. Soon my face was beet red. Just as I was ready to sit down wherever I was and spend the night as a homeless victim, a couple from Spain on holiday came to my aid. They gave me water, looked at my desired destination, and told me they were taking me to my hotel. The thought that they could be criminals never entered my mind. I saw them as angels sent from heaven and so they were. One grabbed my suitcase and the other hung on to me, and off we went. They found my hotel with little trouble, stopping several times to let me rest and to ensure I was drinking water. Reaching my destination, I wanted to pay them for going out of their way to help me. They refused. We hugged, laughed, and said goodbye. I may not ever see them again. I may not know their names, but they will live in my heart forever. Gratitude is a pay it forward entity. I help people whenever I can. Miraculously, I get paid doubly for my efforts every time. The world is a beautiful place when we look for the love in people rather than hate.

What’s Keeping You From Taking Your Next Career Path?
In talking to the many prospects who contact me each day, I find that one of the most common reasons for not starting a journey toward independence and uncapped earning potential is money: "I don't have the money to start right now, but when I do, I want to start." Spoiler alert: Not having the money to start is an excuse, not a reason. Rarely, do people with this excuse ever get started. There is always an expense that pops up to shatter their belief in themselves that they can succeed.
When I started in this business four years ago, it was during the pandemic. I was seventy years old and had just lost my directorship of three educational centers that closed permanently during the lockdown. I knew I had challenges: no money coming in, Social Security frozen as they decided how to adjust my payments, no money in the bank due to my now-deceased husband's illness, and no jobs being offered to this senior educator with a PhD and over 30 years of experience. It was time to reinvent myself so I kept myself open to possibilities.
I found an ad on a job board that sounded fantastic. I’ve always loved personal development and valued my positive mindset. I was ready to give up a long commute and 80-hour work weeks. At fifteen hours a week on my own schedule, this was perfect. I watched the presentation and fell in love with the business. I started the next day, scraping money together from several sources. You see, the passion comes first, and the money will follow. And it has—doubling and tripling what I ever made in teaching.
I saw this as my opportunity to change my life, just like in the movie Rocky (1976).Rocky (1976), directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone, is a quintessential underdog story that embodies several key concepts of personal development. The film follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the world heavyweight title. His journey from obscurity to a title fight is a powerful narrative of growth, perseverance, and self-discovery.
Rocky’s story is a testament to perseverance. Despite being dismissed as a “bum” and struggling to make ends meet, Rocky doesn’t give up on his dream. His relentless training and refusal to quit, even in the face of overwhelming odds, highlight the importance of determination in personal growth. His journey is a reminder that success often comes from the willingness to keep going, even when the path is difficult.
At the start of the film, Rocky lacks confidence in himself and his abilities, seeing himself as just another nobody from the neighborhood. However, as he trains and prepares for the fight against Apollo Creed, he gradually begins to believe in himself. This self-belief is crucial for his transformation from an underdog to a legitimate contender.
Rocky sets a clear goal for himself—not to win the fight, but to “go the distance” with Apollo Creed, something no other fighter has done. This goal is realistic yet challenging, and it gives Rocky the focus and motivation he needs to push through his training and the fight itself.
Rocky’s rigorous training regimen, which includes early morning runs, intense workouts, and even unconventional methods like punching meat carcasses, demonstrates the importance of discipline and hard work.
Throughout the film, Rocky faces numerous challenges, from financial struggles to physical exhaustion. Despite these obstacles, he remains resilient, continually pushing himself to overcome adversity. Rocky’s journey also involves overcoming the self-imposed limitations he has placed on himself.
Rocky’s decision to accept the challenge of fighting Apollo Creed, despite knowing the odds are stacked against him, illustrates the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Rocky is more than just a sports film; it’s a powerful narrative of personal development. Through perseverance, self-belief, goal setting, discipline, resilience, and the support of others, Rocky Balboa transforms from a down-and-out boxer to a symbol of hope and determination.

How I Learned To Accept My Students By Their Actions
As a young teacher, I once had two boys in my classroom who were there under court order for robbery. They could attend school every day without disciplinary actions or go to jail. They chose school and ultimately followed different paths in life.
Paul knew he was innocent. Mistaken for his brother by the police, he pled guilty to protect his twin, who never came forward to clear his name. Morris was guilty but insisted he was innocent, arguing that his poor family had thrown him out on the streets at ten, forcing him to steal to survive. He saw himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, though he never shared his loot with anyone in need.
Paul, scarred by his experiences in jail before being placed in my classroom, kept blaming his failures on the past. He never moved past those memories and eventually committed other crimes, landing him in jail for at least fifteen years. Morris, on the other hand, was eager to escape his cycle of poverty, hunger, and crime. I worked with him for the year he was in my class, and he later sought help from a counselor. He delved deeply into personal development, turned his life around, had his juvenile record expunged, went to college to become a psychologist, and graduated.
The only difference between the two boys was how they thought about things.
This brings to mind The Shawshank Redemption (1994), a film that profoundly explores personal development through the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully imprisoned who transforms his life through resilience, hope, and integrity. He was a banker wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover; yet, he finds his journey of resilience, hope, and personal growth within the confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary.
Andy Dufresne's unwavering resilience is a cornerstone of his personal development. Despite facing a harsh and unjust environment, Andy maintains his integrity and dignity. His ability to persevere through brutal conditions, corrupt prison officials, and personal tragedies showcases his inner strength and determination.
One of the film’s central themes is the power of hope. Andy's belief in a better future sustains him throughout his imprisonment. He famously tells his friend Red, "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." Andy's hope not only keeps him mentally and emotionally strong but also inspires those around him, demonstrating how maintaining a positive outlook can lead to personal growth.
Andy's resourcefulness is another critical aspect of his personal development. He uses his skills and intelligence to improve his situation and those of his fellow inmates. From creating a prison library to helping the warden with financial schemes, Andy’s ingenuity allows him to navigate the prison system and gain a sense of purpose and control over his life.
Throughout the film, Andy remains true to his moral compass, even when it would be easier to compromise his values. His integrity in the face of corruption and moral decay in the prison system highlights the importance of staying true to one’s principles as a foundation for personal development. Andy’s meticulous planning over nearly two decades to escape from Shawshank demonstrates his vision and long-term thinking. His ability to set goals and work steadily towards them, despite numerous obstacles, underscores the importance of patience and strategic planning in achieving personal growth and freedom.
The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful narrative of personal development, illustrating how resilience, hope, resourcefulness, and integrity can transform an individual even in the most adverse conditions. Andy Dufresne’s journey from a wrongfully convicted prisoner to a free man living his dream is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation.

What Are Daydreams All About?
Do you remember sitting in a classroom when a teacher caught you staring out the window at something far more interesting than the lesson? The teacher probably reprimanded you for daydreaming and ordered you to pay attention. As a teacher, I handled this differently. Instead of scolding the student, I would join them at the window and engage in their daydream. I’d ask, “Wow! Do you see what I see out there? What do you see, Avery? What are you thinking about?”
At first, the student would look confused, expecting to be reprimanded. Soon, my students learned that no matter the lesson, we could use the real world to discuss the topic. Daydreaming, in my teaching strategy, was a way to harness imagination. Imagination strengthens creativity, and creativity is essential for living an exciting life. It is an integral part of personal growth.
This approach to imagination and creativity is beautifully depicted in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013). Walter's journey from a timid dreamer to a bold adventurer is a powerful example of personal development. Here's how the movie illustrates key personal development concepts.
At the beginning of the film, Walter is depicted as a man paralyzed by fear and routine, living more in his daydreams than in the real world. His journey begins when he decides to step out of his comfort zone to find a missing photograph. This decision marks the first major risk he takes, pushing him to face his fears and uncertainties.
Walter’s life is shaken by the transition from print to digital at Life magazine, which threatens his job. Instead of succumbing to despair, Walter embraces the change and uses it as a catalyst to reinvent himself. His willingness to adapt and grow is a fundamental aspect of personal development.
As Walter travels across the globe—from Greenland to Iceland to the Himalayas—he engages in physically and emotionally challenging activities that he never imagined himself doing. Each successful adventure, such as escaping a volcanic eruption or skateboarding down a mountain road, builds his self-confidence and reshapes his self-image from a timid daydreamer to a courageous adventurer.
Throughout his journey, Walter rediscovers his passion for life and his work. His quest to find the missing photograph leads him to appreciate the beauty and significance of the world around him. This rediscovery of purpose is crucial for his personal development, as it reignites his enthusiasm and drive.
Walter’s adventures help him realize the importance of living authentically. By the end of the film, he has shed his imaginary escapes for real-life experiences. He learns to appreciate the present moment and to engage with the world directly, rather than through the safety of his daydreams.
Walter faces numerous obstacles and setbacks during his journey, from natural disasters to personal fears. Each challenge he overcomes strengthens his resilience, teaching him that he is capable of handling whatever life throws at him. This resilience is a key component of his personal growth.
Walter’s journey is also marked by meaningful connections with others, such as his growing friendship with his co-worker Cheryl. These connections help him realize the importance of relationships and community in personal development. Through his interactions, he learns to open up and share his true self with others.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a compelling portrayal of personal development, showcasing the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone, embracing change, building self-confidence, discovering purpose, living authentically, cultivating resilience, and connecting with others. Walter Mitty’s journey from a timid dreamer to a confident adventurer inspires us to take control of our own lives and pursue our dreams with courage and determination.