I was painfully shy, so much so that it pained me to walk alone across crowded hallways or grounds. In my first months of college, I used to eat lunch in my car to avoid the appearance of solitude that I imagined would be evident to all who passed to witness the boy alone at the table. As an actor, I could perform before hundreds of people with what appeared to be great ease and comfort; as a person, I could not walk without unyielding self-scrutiny. I saw myself as a misfit in a cold, uncaring world.

Early in my studies, I had a professor, a professional actor named Jim Thorpe. We began our work with Jim learning circus skills. Jim believed that if people could do something that they never thought that they could do that it would enable them to see their own potential and possibility. We began by juggling. If one would have passed the studios where we worked, you would have concluded that chaos was underfoot. Balls were flying everywhere with mumbled apologies and embarrassed laughter. Jim patiently instructed us and forced us to keep practicing. Eventually, we could all juggle for several minutes in any number of combinations.

One early morning on my way to class, I had a moment. It was a quiet moment, one that nearly went unnoticed. I caught myself walking across the crowded quad on the campus with an unconscious confidence. I no longer felt that all eyes were upon me. I no longer felt that I was a misfit forced to interact on a strange and unfriendly planet. It was no longer necessary for me to eat in the car. I found myself comfortably seated in one of the many dining halls on campus. Soon after, I was joined by others and friendships were formed. I began to see myself for who I truly am....simply a man, making his way on his path, to create a life for himself.

It is not about "them." It is not about "it." It is about you and all of your power, possibility and potential. You can deny it, but you cannot destroy it. Why are you holding yourself back? Today, own all that you are and step into the world proud of all that you have accomplished. Look into the mirror and acknowledge the beauty that is uniquely yours. This day will never come again.

Success or sabotage?  Success must first be created from within; you must be able to see yourself as successful before you can be successful.

Is this going to be an incredible day? The day is ripe with possibility; how you choose to use it is up to you.