I've been studying about how to thrive beyond adversity for 30+ years.

I owe my inspiration to 3 famous people whose tragic pasts didn't stop them from thriving:

Oprah Winfrey: actress, author, philanthropist

Born into poverty, survived childhood sexual abuse, got pregnant at 14, and suffered numerous family losses including her son.

Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand. - Oprah Winfrey

Maya Angelou: writer, poet, civil rights activist

Survived childhood rape and became mute for 5 years after her rapist was murdered, endured racism and incessant harassment growing up, and had odd jobs like working as a fry cook and a madam for lesbians.

I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass. - Maya Angelou

Carlos Santana: musician, songwriter

Exposed to violent environments in his early life, survived sexual assault, family betrayal, and tuberculosis.

Most people are prisoners, thinking only about the future or living in the past. They are not in the present, and the present is where everything begins. - Carlos Santana