Stop to watch the sunset while walking alongside Ventura Beach and Pier. Breathtaking! They say some of the best things in life are free...I think they are right!

*I am reading Quiet this summer. It has really made me think about my students, about how society values extroverts, and how the value of quiet personalities can be under appreciated. I highly recommend the book and this TED talk that is given by the author.

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

"Eat, Pray, Love" Author Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.

Inspiring words from Kid President to help BUILD YOUR AWESOME!
There’s plenty of reasons to dance, you just gotta’ look for them.

You should give people high 5’s just for getting out of bed.

Just treat everybody like it’s their birthday, even if it’s not.

The biggest mess-up, not forgiving each other’s mess-ups.

Take brain pictures.

It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.

YOU! You’re awesome! You are made that way. You are made from love to be loved to spread love. 

Love is always louder, no matter what! Even if hate has a blowhorn, love is louder! So let your LIFE be loud!

I’m really glad you are here. We don’t say that enough to each other here

If you have not watched Les Miserables, it is really worth your time. I have seen the musical several times, and it is actually easier to follow the storyline in the movie.  Aside from all the criticisms of the actors' abilities to sing or not in the movie, the themes of grace and redemption are beautiful and make you reflect on moments in your own life when your actions may have affected another life and prompts you to consider how you extended grace and forgiveness to others. The music is phenomenal and the story touches your soul. It's a beautiful story and one all should stop to watch.

This is the funniest and most entertaining commencement speech I have watched. The valuable lesson that Ellen DeGeneres shares is a significant one which emphasizes the importance of integrity and being true to yourself.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8ToRVOtRo

In 2008, Vin Scully, the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, gave the commencement address at Pepperdine University. I have attended many graduation ceremonies and listened to many speakers over the years. This speech is the most memorable graduation speech that I have ever witnessed. Mr. Scully is undoubtedly an icon in American history. When he began to speak, I realized that I had been classically conditioned to associate his voice with Farmer John hot dogs, and I actually began to crave one and even imagined smelling one--this is most curious because I don't even eat or like hot dogs! What made an impression upon me was not his charismatic nature, his amazing ability to speak without even glancing at his notes very often, but it was his clear, simple and important message. Four short words: Very Difficult But Possible. He told the stories of baseball players who he knew, but not the ones we all know from the headlines. He told the story of those with very difficult journeys that still believed that their dreams were possible. It was inspiring. A simple message. Very difficult but possible. I left there remembering his words and feeling inspired by them. Thank you, Mr. Scully...and from wherever you are in the world, I hope that you somehow know that you made me stop to think about those four simple words, Very Difficult But Possible.
To View the Video: http://www.pepperdine.edu/pr/releases/2008/may/scullyspeech.htm
(*Mr. Scully receives his honorary doctorate from Pepperdine and this takes the first 5 minutes of the video.)