Ode to Robin Williams

Every so often, a kindred spirit comes along,

To make us believe, that every one of us belongs.

He stands his ground, to be laughed at from afar,

Or is he just behaving, like he’s singing in his car.

Because the joys of laughter, are keen pleasures to delight,

He accepts the Almighty’s work, and shines them like sunlight.

Be it true, Bicentennial Man, that your words are meant to heal,

Thus every single one of us, in your presence we should kneel.

For it is you, oh great one, who persevered when few believed,

To blaze a path for brethren souls, where our dreams can be conceived.

We thank you for your brilliance, we applaud you for your zeal,

Kudos for all the memories, because you doubtlessly made us feel.

Rest in Peace, Sir Robin Williams, and no worries about lucky seven,

Because for sure you’ll keep them laughing, at the pearly Gates of Heaven.

Stay Zen #9 – Top 5 Household Item Exercises

I confess. I didn’t make it to the gym or yoga class yesterday. That’s right, too busy getting this next episode of Stay Zen ready to publish.

But no worries, because I was able to get a quick workout in with my Top 5 Household Item Exercises. No BS here folks, because regardless of your financial situation or your super busy life, all it takes is a little creativity and discipline and bam! You got your workout in. Enjoy – R

Stick to Your Guns

Whenever I hear the expression “stick to your guns”, I think of Tom Cruise (aka Maverick) in the 1986 blockbuster, Top Gun, when he’s in the heat of battle with six hostile MiGs and triumphantly declares, “I will not leave my wingman”.  Now that’s someone with true conviction who literally sticks to his guns, and one who sets a great example for anyone with little or no resolve to even make it through Lent without abandoning their abstinence.

Case in point:

I recently had dinner with two friends, a man and woman about my age (i.e., 50), who have each gained 20+ pounds in the past year. And both said exactly the same thing – that they “gave up sugar for Lent” and were determined to shed their unwanted weight. But when it came time for dessert, they both changed their tune and ordered the most sugar-filled items on the menu – Tiramisu in an edible chocolate cup and a slice of Red Velvet cake.  So when I chuckled and asked, “Aren’t you going to stick to your guns and not eat sugar for the next 40 days”, they simply brushed me off and said it was no big deal since it was only this one time.

So much for having the courage and discipline to stick to their guns, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. Something I just can’t get my arms around (no pun intended).

Think about it. Setting your intentions and following through with your game plan, i.e., doing what you say, is not only good for your psyche and your self-confidence, but also helps everyone else around you because you’re leading by example. And if you don’t believe you can do it…NONSENSE. Just set your intentions and muster the fortitude to stick to your guns.

YOU CAN DO IT…just like I’ve been doing in Hollywood for the past 7 years. Peace – R

Rich Tola at LA Fashion Week
Rich Tola at Los Angeles Fashion Week (March 10, 2014)