March 30, 2010: Great News For Nike--They Can Drop Tiger!

I don't have all the answers for cleaning up the mess Tiger Woods has made in his personal life and business world.  But I do have one piece of the puzzle.  Nike can now drop Tiger as a spokesman.  That's right, as in b'bye, see ya, sayonara, 

They can drop Tiger because I have the perfect spokesman for their Just Do It campaign.

Steve Froemming.

Who?

Steve Froemming.  Yes, I'm suggesting Nike replace the world's best golfer with a guy who works as a janitor in Minnesota, has dyslexia and Tourette's syndrome.

You're missing the brilliance of my plan?  You won't once you hear his story.  Photojournalist John Gross from KTSP in Minneapolis gave me a heads up over the weekend.  "Gotta see this guy," he suggested.  Boy, was he right.

See, the fact that Steve doesn't make a ton of money and has some obstacles is just the beginning of his story.  The big story is how he doesn't let any of that stop him from going for his dream. 

Watch his story to see what that dream is, to see a winner in a in a "no whining" zone, to see how he doesn't do what most people do---feel sorry for himself and focus on why he can't live his dream. 

No, Steve gets up each day and just does it.

Wanna get over your own whining?  Wanna meet a true champion.  Check out Steve Froemming and his website. 

Just Do It.

March 19, 2010: Dare You!

I love to tip you off to inspiring books and thoughts I come across in my travels. 

The latest is from amazing author Kelly Corrigan.  She rocked a lot of folks world in 2008 with her first book, The MIddle Place.  That one was inspired by the experience of being treated for cancer at the same time her father was.  And yet, that's not what the book was about at all.  It was about life and daring to live it with an open heart.  She did a reading among a bunch of women that turned into a video that went viral.

Now, Kelly is back with new book called, Lift.  Why lift? She explains that it's, "is a hang-gliding term, the column of hot air inside turbulence, the air that pulls you up and lets you keep going." 

In the spirit of soaring, Kelly has created a new video that dares you to share your dream.  You know--the one you don't think anyone will believe along with you?

I loved listening Kelly yesterday, so thought I'd share.  Take a listen and then, if you dare, please share your secret dream over on my Facebook page.

March 15, 2010: What I Would Ask Tiger

I had fun with a creative exercise this weekend.  I asked myself what would I do if I got that first and only interview with Tiger Woods?

What would I ask him if I had the opportunity to sit across from him and look him straight in the eye.

My interview style has always been pretty simple whether talking to world leaders on CNN or getting the honor of interviewing inspiring people here DarynKagan.com.  It's not about trying to sound super smart or trick the person.  I simply ask myself, "What do I wonder?"  That's it.  I figure if I wonder something, someone out there who doesn't have access to the amazing people I've been able to meet is probably wondering the same thing, too.

That's how I get to my simple question for Tiger Woods.

I'd ask Tiger, "Why?"

No, not why did he cheat on his wife with an endless string of cheap looking women who couldn't hold a candle to the grace, class and beauty of his wife.  Tiger pretty much answered that a few weeks ago when he read that now famous statement.  He did it, well, because he could.  Because he felt entitled to dip his hand into the candy jar of temptations that his fame and wealth presented him.

No, I'd ask him why he appears to want his wife back so badly?  Why is he fighting so hard for her?

We live in an age when folks trade in spouses all the time.  Who cares if  you are with someone who loves you and is devoted to you.  It's so easy to toss that  aside and go get a shiny new toy.  Society doesn't seem to care or judge.

So what is it with Tiger? Is it simply a matter of wanting what it looks like you now can't have?  Is it like many cynical people have suggested he just wants his family back to restore his family man image to get endorsements back?  Personally, I really don't think it is that.  Sad to say, but he could go get a new wife, have some new kids, most importantly win a few major golf tournaments and it would be "kaching" with new sponsors all over again.

Or is it possible  that while watching his life implode, Tiger woke up and saw the miracle was beside him all along.  The miracle that is this wife and kids?  Is that why?

I've been lucky enough to witness miracles in the lives of many people.  Few things fill my heart more than getting to witness someone appreciating their miracle.  Few things have broken my heart more than watching others miss the miracle right in front of them.

Tiger's dad used to boast that he knew his son was destined for greater things even beyond his amazing feats on the golf course.  Most people thought Earl Woods was bragging too much about his son.  Would he be President?  Would he solve world hunger?  Would he save the world?

But what if Tiger's dad was right.  Tiger will do something so much bigger than break records on the golf course.  But what if that bigger thing has nothing to do with the problems, distractions, and superficial rewards waiting for him out in the world.  What if that bigger thing was letting the world witness one man wake up to the miracle prize that was right beside him all along? That would be huge indeed.

That's what I wonder.

That is Tiger,  why I simply want to know, "Why?"

March 10, 2010: What Am I Brewing With My Life?

I love my Sunday mornings.

I meet two of my best lady friends at a local Starbucks.  We go running, usually about 6 miles depending on who's injured or training for longer distances.  Then we sit and have coffee.  Great bonding time.  I tell folks that guys have a Saturday golf game, this is that same kind of time for us.

Last Sunday, as I waited by the counter for our steaming coffees to come up, I noticed a 3-ring binder resting to the side.  Ever curious, I took a glance and noticed it was the Starbucks training manual.  Inside were instructions for making every possible combination of coffees.  What really caught my attention was what was on the outside. It was a one sheet declaration of Starbuck's purpose. 

"Our Starbucks Mission," it was titled. "To inspire and nurture the human spirit--one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

It goes on to describe, "our coffee, our partners, our customers, our stores, and our neighborhood."

This delights me!

Why?

Because it reflects the, hands down, best advice I've received since I stepped away from the corporate world of journalism and went out on my own.

You hear all about needing a business plan when you start your own business.  My friend, Dana Hughes, taught me that I need something far more important than that.

"You need a Belief Plan," she said.

"A Belief Plan?" Like most of you, I had never heard of such a thing.

Yes, a Belief Plan.  Dana explained how I needed to sit down with a pad and paper or my computer or whatever and commit my beliefs to a document.  What are my beliefs? My values? My intentions? My non-negotiables?

Trust me, it's a heady and exciting exercise.  Why do it?  It's helped me get clear on who I am, what I do, and why I do it.  Dana likes to say, "The clearer you get, the faster it comes, and the more you know what to do with it." 

From a visual perspective, I like to think of it as drawing the map of the house that is my life.  As people, opportunities, and situations show up at the front door, my Belief Plan helps me know where each one goes to help build my dreams and support the kind of life I believe in living.  It's also helpful for telling what and who doesn't get past the front door.

It appears one person's house plan is another company's cup of coffee.

Good for you, Starbucks!

By the way, just as life and time can change us, I know my Belief Plan also adjusts as time goes on.  The first one I created 3 years ago looks different than the one I worked on 6 months ago.

Recently, I took the time to get clear once again on the purpose and intention of this website and the content I create for other projects.

This is what I came up with:

I'm dedicated to bringing you uplifting stories of hope, inspiration and courage that will make your heart go zing.   You l have an opportunity to experience the ways ordinary people can rise above challenging circumstances to improve their lives and the world around them.  You can expect to feel and connect with moments that show the world what's possible and the triumph of the human spirit, along with the ability to participate in a community where you can share and discuss inspiring stories.

That's my intention, which I believe reflect my values and beliefs.  I hope I'm living up to that for you.

What about you?  Do you have a mission statement, intention, or values for your life?  Please share over on my Facebook Page.

March 9, 2010: Would've Brought You With Me, If I Could

It happened again last Thursday night. Because of my job--running this destination for inspiring news I found myself in the company of two incredible people.

Don Teague is a correspondent for CBS News.

Rafraf Barrak is the young Iraqi woman who worked as Don's translator as he covered the war in Baghdad for NBC News.

They have a new book out called Saved By Her Enemy.  In it they share their incredible story of how a young woman raised in a devout Muslim Iraqi household came to live with Don's Christian family in the Bible Belt of America.  As they worked side by side in Iraq, Rafraf was Don's lifeline to getting great stories.  It also became clear that her working for Americans marked her for death.

Their book tour brought them through Atlanta last week so I went to interview and hang out with them for the hour before a fascinating speaking engagement. 
That's why I wish I could've brought you with me.

You, too, would've been able to hear Rafraf's incredible story.  How she was raised to fear and hate Americans, yet now can't begin to tell you how much she loves this country and all that it has to offer.

You would've heard Don share the story of realizing he and his family were being called to do something really big, even if it seemed crazy.

"What did that phone call home to your wife sound like?" I had to wonder.

You'll actually hear Don's answer in today's featured story.

But there is only so much I can pack into a two minute video.

The extras?

Those would include getting to hear Rafraf talk about the basic goodness of people.  It has taken some time for her and her family to wrap their heads around the idea that people they thought were their enemy would take in a young woman, help her get aclamated to a new culture and set up in an American university so that she could get her masters degree.  What have they asked for in exchange? Nothing.

It's also fascinating to hear Rafraf talk about being the ultimate fish out of water.  In the last few years she's learned everything from how to ride a bike, drive, and use an ATM machine.  Oh yeah, all while pursuing her master's degree in political science and questioning everything she was brought up to believe from who is good; who is evil to fundamental choices about her faith.

When you watch the video you'll see much has changed for Rafraf.  From how what she believes to how she dresses.

She and Don hope by telling their story they might just change a tiny bit of our hearts. 

Spending time with them Thursday night I was reminded of the good in people everywhere, how good it does feel to help someone else just because, and how good it feels to have the courage to look at a situation differently than others try to convince us.

I hope you get just a piece of that from the video here on DarynKagan.com.  For an even bigger dose I hope you take Don and Rafraf up on their invitation to join them in their book.

March 5, 2010: Who Are You Wearing?

"Who are you wearing?"

That's the big question that will be asked over and over again Sunday on Oscars red carpet.

I know because I spent many years asking it as I covered the Oscars and many other awards shows for CNN.  My answer over the years varied from Vera Wang to Badgley Mischka.  The zillion dollar jewels I borrowed always came from Fred Leighton Jewelers. 

I am so glad I had those experiences.  I'm just as glad that this year I will be wearing Nick and Nora.  Yeah, as in the fun flannel pajamas you can buy at Target. Instead of the red carpet, I'll be on my red couch at home. Comfy. Slippers instead of six inch heels.  Yay!

The change of venue and life assignment also means a much more relaxed viewing schedule.  When I covered the Oscars and worked the red carpet, I had to see EVERYTHING.  After all,  you never knew who you would be able to grab for an interview so you had to be ready to to anyone about their big movie and night.  This would often mean going beyond the call of duty, as I've made not secret here of how uncomfortable I am watching what I call "bad dream movies." 

Yes, all those years covering traditional news and every awful, horrifying story didn't cost me a wink of sleep. But show me one movie with a lick of violence or just a touch scary and I'm up for days.  Don't know what's that's about, but has been true since I was a kid afraid to watch "Starsky and Hutch." My brother used to try to convince me to watch, "I promise, they don't die.  It's a TV series they need to be back next week."  No matter, even the suggestion of Huggy Bear, the affable pimp, could make me tremble.

With that information in mind, you won't be surprised that the Oscar-related movies I've seen this year are: Crazy Heart, Up In The Air, Julie & Julia, and The Blind Side.

That's it. I'm done.  No need or desire to see Precious.  The Hurt Locker? Please, even the little clips I've seen on TV give me the heebie jeebies.  I could imagine going to see Avatar in 3D to see what all the technology fuss is about.  But honestly, I would want to go for  30 minutes, see the whiz bang oh wow technology and then walk out.  3 hours? That's bringing back real life bad dreams of having to sit through the Lord of the Ring movies. Wait, was there more than one?  Or did it just seem like 10? Here's how I summarize those movies: There's a cute hobbit. A bad thing happens. There's a cute hobbit. A bad thing happens. Repeat over and over again.

I will say the only other movie hanging out there that I'd like to see is Up.  I hear great things about that.  Might get around to it tonight.  Maybe not.  If not, it'll be all about getting my look right for Sunday night.  So much to do!  Must decide on which scrunchy I'll use to make ponytail on top of my head. And which fuzzy pair of slippers will go best with those flannel jammies.

What about you?  Who are you wearing Oscar night?  Any favorite movies you are rooting for?  Please share over on my Facebook page.