As someone who grew up in the Bronx, I certainly learned my share of four-letter words, but none are more powerful than nice.

GRIT is Guts, Resilience, Industriousness and Tenacity. GRIT is the ability to focus, stay determined, stay optimistic in the face of a challenge, and simply work harder than the next guy or gal.

Ubiquity is the new exclusivity.

I’ve never written a song that’s hopeless. I’m not a hopeless person. I’m crazily optimistic. I crazily see the good in people. – singer Michael Stipe of R.E.M. Focusing on the tiniest details, finding magic in even the smallest inspirations, embracing the briefest moments-that’s where passion is.

You have to treat everyone you meet as if they are the most important person in the world – because they are. If not to you, then to someone; and if not today, then perhaps tomorrow.