One key factor in the downward spiral in our educational system is that there is too much stroking and too little real feedback.

I always thought every day was a gift, but now I am looking for where to send the thank you note.

When you do something young enough and you train for it, it just becomes a part of you.

Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

It's interesting, the secrets you decide to reveal at the end of your life.

Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scenario. I call it 'the eaten by wolves factor.' If I do something, what's the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by wolves? One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist, is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose. There are a lot of things I don't worry about, because I have a plan in place if they do.

You may not want to hear it, but your critics are often the ones telling you they still love you and care about you, and want to make you better.