All eyes are on 'La La Land” heading into Oscars season. The film received a stunning 14 nominations, tying it for the all-time record.

'La La Land” is a beautiful, creative and magical movie with an ending that no one I know can agree on. As my friend John said to me the other day, 'The end left me confused, but not in a bad way.”

I mention 'La La Land” because everyone I seem to talk to feels like they are living in some version of a 'La La Land” illusion. But unlike my friend John, they tell me they feel confused – but in a bad way.

I get it. We seem to be living in a world of alternative facts, which in turn makes one question any and all facts. When people want to confuse you … be it in your home, your place of work, the movies or in the world at large … they create alternate realities so convincing that you begin to doubt your own reality and, in turn, you feel like you're starring in some strange film. You feel like your mind is in 'La La Land.”

So, if you do feel like you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, might I suggest you stop and take a reality check.

Yes, there is such a thing as reality. It's a place where facts are not alternate. Where life is really unfolding. Where people trying to come into our country really are being detained due to their ethnicity or country of origin. Where people do what they say and say what they do.

Now, when I'm in doubt or confused or suffering, I circle back to what I'm certain and clear about. I reach out to certain friends and family members that I know are grounded in truth and will tell me the truth, even if it's unpleasant.

I go to church. I sit in silence. I breathe. I walk in nature. I read. (See the eight lifestyle choices that the Buddha instructed his followers to practice to alleviate suffering and confusion.) I write and I write and I write. I tune out the noise. I turn off shows where people scream at each other and throw out facts they can't substantiate. I turn to my meditation practice.

When in doubt, I don't ask other confused people what's going on. I ask myself, what do I think is going on? What do I think is real? What do I trust? What do I observe? What do I feel?

I keep my focus there. I also reach out to people who can teach me a thing or two about mental focus and about how to keep my mind where I want to keep my mind, not where someone else wants to take it.

Enter Tom Brady. Yes, I said Tom Brady. This week, Tom Brady also made history (yes, so did Meryl Streep – if I were looking for acting lessons or lessons in courage, I would call her). Tom Brady is on his way to a record-setting 7th Super Bowl. Yes, he's an incredible athlete, but he's also an amazing student of mental fitness. Keeping his mind calm, clear and focused is just as important to him as keeping his body in peak physical shape. So, before you tell me you might not be a Patriots fan … actually don't, cause I am,  … please do yourself a favor and read the answers Tom wrote for you about how he's learned to keep his mind focused … where it needs to be and not where others might want him to focus.

My fellow Architects of Change, this is a time to stay focused. Stay focused on what you know to be real and true. May we each be brave enough to challenge what is, imagine what can be and Move Humanity Forward. Challenging what is is the best way to make sure you don't end up living in 'La La Land.” Because unless you're Emma Stone or Ryan Gosling, that's not where we need to be.

 

NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE

YOU DECIDE: SENATE UNVEILS HEALTH CARE BILL

Senate Republicans unveiled the draft of their new bill to rollback and repeal parts of Obamacare on Thursday. No matter your age or your gender, this affects you, so it’s important to get informed. Watch my video to learn more.

PRINCE HARRY: ‘WE’RE ALL MENTAL’

As I’ve written before, we all have mental health challenges. Prince Harry reminded us of that this week and encouraged us all to move towards acceptance and away from judgment.

UBER CEO RESIGNS. NOW WHAT?

Travis Kalanick isn’t the first founder to be ousted from his own company. Here are five lessons on life and leadership from other execs who had to accept that stepping down was the right thing to do.

FAITH LEADERS: CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS?

Some of the world’s top spiritual guides, including Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama, encourage us to find common ground in this new video campaign.

PASSIONATE VIEWS & POWERFUL PERSPECTIVES
FROM ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE

GLENNON DOYLE-MELTON: “WE WIN OTHERS’ ACCEPTANCE BY ACCEPTING OURSELVES AND OUR DECISIONS.” 

Author Glennon Doyle Melton, who I sat down with for an Architects of Change conversation last October, checks back in with us after a year of finding her truth, which included marrying her love, Abby Wombach.

ACADEMY-AWARD WINNER BRIAN GRAZER: “I WANTED TO MAKE A MOVIE THAT COULD DESTIGMATIZE DISABILITY. THAT BECAME A BEAUTIFUL MIND.”

Architect of Change Brian Grazer, the award-winning producer of films including Splash, Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, discusses how he’s used his work to foster deeper understanding.

JANET MOCK: “HAVING A MOM THAT AFFIRMED MY TRUTH…LET ME LEAD THE WAY.”

Trans Activist and Architect of Change Janet Mock shares what her mother’s love and support taught her about the values every parent should have if they want their children to feel loved and accepted.

ARCHITECT OF CHANGE OF THE WEEK:

GORDON HARTMAN: “INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY ARE TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WORDS IN OUR VOCABULARY.”

Gordon Hartman is giving hope and a good time to millions of Americans with disabilities after opening the country’s first-ever fully-accessible theme park and waterpark.

>> READ MORE <<

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

SHOP FOR YOUR MIND

“My First Coloring Book Is On Sale Now!”

I’m so excited that Color Your Mind” is now a national bestseller! If you know someone with Alzheimer’s or another brain-related challenge, or if you know someone who is a caregiver, I hope you’ll consider gifting them with a copy. It’s designed with love.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT I’VE BEEN THINKING

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