One of the favorite questions of the journalists : ” now that you got everything you wanted, do you still have dreams?”

First, I didn’t get everything I wanted, although I got the most important things in life (love, fulfilling my personal legend, faith). Writing is a constant challenge, where you have to dig into your soul, having discipline, inspiration, and courage at the same time.

Second, like everybody else, I have my list of things that I want to do, and are still waiting. I don’t make “New Year’s” resolutions, but there are several unfulfilled tasks. I have enough time (contrary to the legend that famous people are always busy – they are not), I can afford, but I postpone.

Here is my list of things that I would love to do, and I never did. Would you please also share yours?

A]to learn how to dance well (from a 1 to 10 scale, I would say I am 2)

B] to learn how to play guitar ( from the same scale, I am definitely 1)

C] spend three months in a monastery, totally isolated from the world ( I already talked to the abbot three years ago, but I am always postponing)

D] a safari in Africa (politically incorrect, of course)

E] to sponsor a good boxer (I know it sounds politically incorrect, as the previous item, but boxing for me is the ultimate body dialogue)

F] to learn boxing myself

G] being in orbit circling the planet (the Russians are making a business out of it, but I never actually sought the information out)

H] to have dinner with Nelson Mandela (this one I tried, but I did not manage so far)

I] to fly a Mirage (as a passenger, of course)

While writing this list, I realized that I did most of the things I wanted (the most recent being a 9.280 kms train journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, in 2006). And probably I also have some other itens that are so hidden in my heart that I don’t even know. But just in case that I remember some more, I will update this list.

So, what are your “New Year” resolutions that you never ever managed to fulfill?

by Paulo Coelho

‘While in Asia in 2007, TEDster Paul Koontz got the priceless chance to spend a few days in North Korea. He brought his two kids — and his camera, capturing both quotidian detail (like the military bearing of a lonely traffic warden) and the grand spectacle leading up to the Mass Games. It’s a rare perspective on a culture we know far too little about.’

‘Johnny Lee demos his amazing Wii Remote hacks, which transform the $40 game piece into a digital whiteboard, a touchscreen and a head-mounted 3-D viewer. A multi-ovation demo from TED2008.’

Eve was walking in the Garden of Eden, when a serpent came over.
“Eat this apple,” said the serpent.
Eve, having been instructed by God, refused.
“Eat this apple,” insisted the serpent, “you must look more beautiful for your man.”
“No need,” answered Eve, “there is no other woman besides me.”
The serpent laughed: “Of course there is.”
And, since Eve didn’t believe him, he took her high up on a hill, where there was a well.
“She is in that cave; Adam is hiding her in there.”
Eve leaned forward and saw, reflected in the water down the well, a beautiful woman. Immediately, without hesitation, she ate the apple the serpent was offering her.

by Paulo Coelho

Here I continue to reproduce excerpts from conversations with my master, from 1982 to 1986)

- Why is there so much tragedy and misery in the world?
- Tragedy and misery are different things, and very lengthy subjects. Which would you like to talk about first?
- At the moment, about tragedy. Why does man suffer?
- Read the Bible and you will find the following: “that which is good, comes from You, my Lord. That which is evil, also comes from You, my Lord. Therefore what is there to fear?”
- Nevertheless, we do suffer.
- Certainly. But take this into consideration: of every ten problems we have, nine are created by our own selves - through guilt, self-punishment, self-pity. However, from time to time a great obstacle appears in our path, which was put there by God, and which is there for a reason. The reason is: to give us the opportunity to change everything, to move forwards.
“What is tragedy? A radical change in our lives, always linked to the same principle: loss. Suffering is always the result of a loss, either someone or something - such as health, beauty, or one’s financial conditions.
“When faced with a loss, it is no use trying to recover what has gone. On the other hand, a great space has been opened up in your life - there it lies, empty, waiting to be filled with something new. At the moment of one’s loss, contradictory as this might seem, one is being given a large slice of freedom.
“But most men, when faced with tragedy, fill this space with pain and bitterness. They never think there may be other ways of facing the inevitable.”
- For example?
- Firstly, by learning the great lesson of wise men: patience, the certainty that everything - both good and bad - is provisional in this life. Secondly, using this sudden change of course to risk new things in daily life, to do things you always dreamed of.
- This is clear regarding material things. But what about someone’s death?
- We have spoken much about death, and you know that for the one who passes on, it does not exist - that person is enjoying the delights of a radical transformation. The sensation of death only exists for the one left here. Every dear person, upon departing, becomes our protector - after going through a period of longing, we should be joyful, since we are better protected. In the same way, one day we will be on the other side, protecting the people we love down here.
- And those we hate…
- Exactly as you imagine. They remain tied to us through the feeling of bitterness. That is why Jesus said: “before going to the temple, go back and forgive your brother.” One must be forever washing one’s soul with the water of forgiveness.
- But going back to tragedy…
- There is something which is impossible to measure: the intensity of pain. We know a person is suffering because they tell us, but we cannot evaluate exactly how much. We often try to compare someone’s attitude upon being faced by a tragedy, and we end up judging them to be stronger or weaker than they really are. Do not compare random pain with nothing; only the one suffering can know what he or she is going through.
“Therefore, when inevitable tragedy appears, we must remember these three things: to make the most of the freedom of loss, not to judge the pain, and to learn the art of patience. It will destroy 9/10 of that which you are, but the 1/10 which remains will make you an infinitely stronger person. ”

by Paulo Coelho

March 28 was The Opus movie World Premiere Event in Edmonton, at the Delta South Hotel and Conference Centre, featuring “The Heart of New Business”.

I asked for reviews of The Opus, from Edmonton and beyond, and received another two today, thanks to Lynn and Clint:

Lynn Says:

March 29th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

I went to the screening of the Opus last night in Edmonton. This was a great experience. The film is so much more than the secret. It was deeper and more practical on every level. The film was just awesome. I bought a copy and have already watched it again this morning. I am so excited. This film has the tools to take anyone to their goals easily and more surely.

The event was awesome too. Scott Duncan the violinist from the film played and several speakers spoke. They were all so great. I especially thought Douglas Vermeeren was extremely powerful. He is an amazing individual. And he has created an amazing film.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FILM.

If you are interested in personal development in any way. SEE IT!

Clint Says:

March 29th, 2008 at 6:04 pm

I also went to the premiere of The Opus in Edmonton. It was a great movie. The place was packed. It was crazy. But the energy was good. The film is so much more than a sequel to the secret. The secret was great. But it left a lot missing. This film actually gave me steps I could do and things to think about TODAY. it was not a new agey conversation about energy. It was powerful realistic invitation to action. And not just action - the right kind of actions to take. I highly recommend it as the best personal development movie ever made. The other thing I liked about it was that those teachers from the secret that made it into this movie actually got share some depth. I almost got the feeling that what they said in the secret was only part of their stories. This film is so much better.

I didn’t get to the speaking part of the event. it happened earlier in the day - but after having seen the film and talking with a few people I wish I would have. It sounded really good too. So if the Opus is comign to your town. I would encourage you to make sure you go. You won’t be disappointed and you will walk away 1000 times more powerful than when you walked in.

As a side note I met Douglas Vermeeren and his wife Holly after the event. They are the kindest people you could imagine. And they are so classy and full of grace to everyone. I know they must have had a long couple of days with all the screenings lately, but they were so kind and interested in everyone that they met. I watched from a distance in awe. The guy is really living the Opus and you can see what a difference it is making for him. If you get the chance to meet him you’ll see what I mean. Totally awesome guy.

Curiouser and Curiouser …

‘In Google Maps, you can add any place that does not already appear on the map. From your favorite town square to little-known landmarks, make sure everyone can find the places most important to you.’
http://maps.google.com

Curiouser and Curiouser …

There are many paths to happiness; and if you have found one that works, you have most likely found your own “right” path. But, if you are still seeking happiness, there are certain elements of thought, word, and action, anyone can cultivate, nurture, or develop in order to create a life of peace, happiness, health, and contentment. Below is a list of Ten-Important Keys to creating a happy life; if you could master any one of them, you’d be well on your way to a life of happiness. But, simply considering the ideas on this list will change the way you look at the world — and the way the world looks back at you.

10-Keys to Living a Happy Life:
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