In the movie “Coach Carter” one of the students stands up and recites this quote to Samuel L. Jackson’s character.  It is a very moving moment, and so applicable for the situation that they are going through.  It sounded familiar to me, and my smart husband looked it up on google so I could share it with you.  The same passage was read by Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in 1994, but he was not the original
author.  The quote was written by Marianne Williamson.  It comes from
her book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course
in Miracles.”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is
that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our
darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be
brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not
to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the
world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within
us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our
own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do
the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.”

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

The Academy Awards are coming up next Sunday, February 27.  I’m a huge movie fan.  I go to the movies at least twice a week.  Of course, many of these films I could have missed and not even noticed, but then there are the really good ones, those gems that keep me coming back to the theatre.  I like movies that have something to say, movies that can show us something about life, or about ourselves.  This year there were a few that stood out in that way.  I have reviews up on www.familyeveryday.com, and my “Oscar” picks up on my blog if you’re interested.  Three of my favorites are actually “biopics”, based on the lives of real people.
“Finding Neverland”, is sweet and moving and magical.  James Barrie had a very interesting way of looking at life.  He shows us the beauty of keeping some of our child-like qualities, like playfulness.
“The Aviator”, tells the story of Howard Hughes.  This man made an impact on the world because he didn’t see obstacles.  He maintained commitment to his vision.  Though he struggled to keep his sanity, in many ways he was fearless.
“Ray”, is the life story of Ray Charles.  This man had a hard life, and so many challenges.  Yet he was able to tap into that power within and create some of the most memorable music of our time.

What were your favorite movies this year?  Who do you think will win the awards next weekend?  I have a “movie” section on the discussion board now, let’s talk about it!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

“A rose by any other name” so the saying goes.  And yet we really identify with our own names.  For many of us, our name is the name that our parents chose for us.  Sometimes we go by a middle name, or a nickname version of our given name, and in that way we make it more personal, more “ours.”  

Our name can change as we grow, and it may also reflect our growth.  It can change when we marry; it can change to “Mom” or “Dad” when we have kids.  It can change just because we want it to, for our own personal reasons.  Madonna has taken the name Esther because it is meaningful to her in her practice of Kabbalah.

When Freddy was born we chose the name Frederick Jack after his two Great Grandfathers.  Frederick was a popular name in the “olden days” but it’s a little more rare now.  Wouldn’t you know that we seem to attract Freds now wherever we go?  My sister married a Fred, and another Fred lives right across the street from me!  And when Freddy was little and wanted to change his name to Rafael, after the Ninja Turtle, we found The Fred Society.  He has loved his name ever since!  If you are a Fred, or know a Fred, you have to check out this site, it is wonderful!
http://www.fredsociety.com

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

It’s no news that the world is in terrible turmoil right now.  I honestly don’t know if things are getting worse, or they are just continuing in different parts of the world.  But one thing I do know is that whatever happens affects all of us. We are all connected.  We can’t separate ourselves from what goes on in some distant country.  I recently saw the movie “Hotel Rwanda” and it really brought to light some of the basic human emotions that we all share.  Peace is a huge concept, and of course it is something we all want, something we strive for.  World peace, community peace, inner peace, it’s all connected.  We all have to do our part to make it happen.

Deepak Chopra has written a beautiful new book called “Peace is the Way.”  I love the way Deepak writes because he expresses so well what is really important.  It’s so clear.  I’d love it if this book could be in every classroom.  We need to learn to get along!  And some of these basic lessons can be learned in school.  Peace is a possibility.  A definite possibility.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0307236072/brightideaspr-20/002-9328219-9119209?creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1 creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

I read an article recently about a new restaurant near the University of Pennsylvania called “Cereality.” This is one of those times when I say to myself: “I should have thought of that!” It’s an interesting concept.  On the menu are various name brand cereals.  They’re served up in take-out boxes like you get with Chinese food.  You can mix cereals, and you can get additional toppings, like bananas, or even chocolate chips, depending upon what you fancy at the time!  The servers are dressed up in pajamas, and there is a milk bar where you can choose your own low-fat, no-fat, chocolate or soy variety.  The owners are pleased that the neighborhood, and especially the students, have taken so well to Cereality that they’re planning on opening up several more stores near college campuses.

I think this is great!  Cereal is simple, and comforting.  We all have memories of our mornings with Tony the Tiger or the Trix Rabbit.  If coffee can be high-concept and the economy can support a Starbucks on every corner, I think Cereality will do very well.  I’m rooting for them!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Yes, I am making new year’s resolutions again this year.  That’s nothing new.  But the start of the new year is not the only time I make resolutions.  I think of the newness that comes with the start of each season.  I mark progress and set goals each year on my birthday.  I think of the new year starting at the beginning of each school year, and each new year of marriage.  Each day, really, is a new beginning!  So, as 2005 approaches, I know that I will be diligent with my resolutions, but I will also be flexible with myself, because things change, and I am happy to change right along with them.  Happy New Year!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

3 Days Before Christmas
by Lissa Coffey

‘Twas the days before Christmas
And all through the house
Lay scraps of ribbon and an
Unironed blouse.
“Company’s coming!”
I say with a shout,
“Pick up the clutter,
Take the newspapers out!”
Yet all of my wishes
Are met with rolled eyes.
“Relax, Mom, it’s family,”
My teenagers sigh.
And so I resolve
To just do what I can,
Not strive for perfection
From my lovable clan.
Remember that Christmas
Is not just a day.
It’s the feeling of warmth
That our hearts give away.
No one will remember
Those musical elves,
Or notice the mismatched
Books on the shelves.
What they will think of
On this holiday,
Is the love that was shown
In your very own way.
So keep that in mind
As you turn off the lights
Merry Christmas to all
And to all a good night!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)