Sarah Brightman sings your wake up call today with this video. Some say she has the voice of an angel. Although I think Paul Potts still motivates me best with his story from rags to riches, pursuing his dream when he sings this song. Enjoy this video as you take on your day.

With the tragedy of a 16 year old Hawaiian boy who was taken by the ocean this week, and another friend being rushed to the hospital last week… I thought I’d share a song that has always lifted my spirit and reminded me who to turn to in times to despair.

This post is:

* In memory of Cory Kimo Aiwohi

who is remembered as a popular teenager with friends at Kailua and Castle high schools.

* for the continued prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery of
Jason Oman (Smiling guy on the right, pointing to my friend Simon Leung)

a brilliant marketer and #1 best selling author of “Conversations with Millionaires,” who recently experienced a brain aneurysm, and is currently recovery from surgery at a hospital in Atlanta.

Here are 5 different takes set to the song: “You Raise Me Up” a song to lift us when we’re weak, down, or in need of a little inspiration…

Choose which one fits your style, or watch them all – then tell me which one is your FAVORITE inspirational video set to this song.

Feel free to bookmark this page to lift you up when you need it.

1 – Westlife video – “You raise me up”

What this video makes me think of…

I think of my grandparents who immigrated to America in search of a better life for their family – and the gift they gave me by doing so, and my parents for giving me the love and confidence to stand on mountains, and walk on stormy seas and be strong when I feel weak or downtrodden…

2 — “You Raise Me Up” An Inspirational Video For Everyone – Faith based video

What this video makes me think of…

When times are rough, and friends have let you down, or when the whole world looks dark and bleak – I remember what’s really important, and that I’m in God’s hands… no matter what – and that I CAN do all things…

“You Raise Me Up”
sung by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up… To more than I can be.

3 — Josh Groban with children’s choir from Africa – “You Raise Me Up”

What this video makes me think of…

These children and their gorgeous smiles and voices inspire me just by looking into their eyes and upon their bright shining faces…

4 — Michelle Kwan: skates beautifully to: “You Raise Me Up”

What this video makes me think of…

A true US Champion and inspiration to anyone to be their very best – Michelle Kwan always elicits such emotion from her audience.

5 — Celtic Women – “You Raise Me Up”

Violinist, Dancers – gorgeous visual video – WOW! A MUST watch and listen to…

Remember – tell me which one is your FAVORITE – and why… and feel free to leave any requests for prayer you may have – so I can lift you up along with all my friends who visit this post who can lift you up in prayer as well.

Written by an Australian Dentist….and too good to not share with the world….
(Pictures inserted in post are taken by a variety of artists in honor of our heroes who went IN when everyone else – went OUT.)

To Kill an American

You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as Native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan; the only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, 2001, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.

Americans welcome the best of everything…the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best services. But they also welcome the least.

The national symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America.

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers on the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families.

It’s been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.

But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Keep this letter going!
Send this post around the World.
Then pass it around again.
It says it all, for all of us.

And to all those serving…
We Salute You!
And – We THANK YOU!!!

Do dreams come true?
Dream fulfillment – does it really start with a decision?

Lack of confidence is a dream KILLER!

Bullied as a boy, Paul Potts found his escape in music, in singing. His voice was his best friend.

He “almost” gave up his passion for singing. In debt, after years of illness, he all but abandoned his passion for Opera.

Until he got on Britain’s Got Talent, Paul was in “settle-mode.”

Paul said, “I settled in to being a mobile sales person…”

His mindset was stuck in “I’m-not-good-enough-mode.”

Mr. Potts admitted, “I almost didn’t send the application in…”

Wow! The world would’ve missed out BIG TIME if he listened to the dream-killing-demons of doubt.

What is the world missing out on when you hold back your talents, skills and abilities? What drives you? What kind of difference would your life be like if you “took a chance” and pursued YOUR dreams?

Paul Potts in New York, America, TV Interview NBC – Dreams

From Rags to Riches

To all of those bullies out there…
Paul says, “Thank You!”

To all those who say, I hope his success doesn’t change Paul Potts, now that he’s won, and made his dreams come true… I say – I hope it DOES!

I hope he “settles in” to his REAL destiny for his life, full of unstoppable confidence, love and respect for himself, and those around him; I hope he reaches ALL his dreams this year: quickly paying off his debts, fulfilling his next dream of finally having a family of his own, and is successfully singing and selling his music to the world for the rest of his life.

Yes – I hope this DOES change Paul Potts, and he loves every single minute of it.

God knows – the world is a much better place now that we all got the chance to meet Paul Potts!

To all you who worry about people staying “humble” (which really means “staying down on yourself”) don’t worry – he’ll always be “Paul Potts”, but he’ll be a more fulfilled Paul Potts because his spirit has now been filled as he is living his true destiny. The world has recognized his talent, and we all benefit as a result of Paul Potts pursuing his dream.

Success eluded this Welshman… lack of confidence almost killed his destiny… until… one day… he “took a chance”, he “made a decision” and most importantly, he “took action!” He submitted his application, and pursued his dream – despite what the voices tried to prevent him from doing. WOW! What a Triumph!

What will YOU do TODAY to pursue YOUR Dreams?

Remember – the world will be a much better place when YOU live YOUR Destiny.

Don’t let ANYONE tell you different – especially that still small voice you hear in your head called FEAR.

Instead – listen to your Coach – and pursue your Destiny every day! Take some type of small action each and every day to make your dreams come true. Because one day, you’ll wake up, and realize you’re living your true purpose – and the world will thank you for it!

To those of you who have bullies in your life (either real or in your head) thank them – because ultimately, they made you a stronger person. Use Paul Potts as a source of inspiration for your dreams.

Get past the negative thinking – the “bullies in your mind” and remember – YOU ARE SOMEBODY!!! You’re __________ __________!!! (Fill in the blanks with your name.)

Britain’s Got Talent – with Paul Potts coming to town!

This is the moment we’ve ALL been waiting for… 2 million votes later – and now …
The results are in!!!!

Did Paul Potts win the show?
Will he perform for the Queen?

Or did he just win his confidence and a better life, now that he knows what he’s truly made of?

Watch and see for yourself.

Again – I dare you not to cry.

Britain’s Got Talent FINAL RESULTS SHOW with Paul Potts

Now – for your motivational minute…

Who is someone that YOU believe in?
Your children? Your friend? Your spouse?
Take a moment to forward this post to them and encourage THEM to pursue THEIR dream – knowing that YOU believe in them – and want them to win in life.

It’s amazing what a little bit of belief and encouragement will do for someone to help them pursue their destiny. Look at what it did for Paul Potts. Now YOU can be that person who encourages another person’s talent, gifts or abilities… TODAY!

It’s an honor to be
Your Motivational MD,
Deborah Cole Micek

PAUL POTT’S FINAL PERFORMANCE on Britain’s Got Talent

What are YOU here for?

It was the judges question to Paul Potts, but I’ve found that as human beings placed on this earth, we often ask ourselves this same question… “What am I here for?”

Paul Potts reveals in this video:

This competition has been the BEST thing that’s ever happened to me. I wasn’t even sure if I should enter the competition…

And to come from that position, to being in the final round, is just… Mind-Blowing!

I just can’t believe that all this is happening — to ME!
It’s transformed me from a guy who has had NO confidence in himself whatsoever, to showing me that I CAN achieve things… I just have to BELIEVE in myself.

I can finally walk around with my head held high.

I’m starting to feel like somebody now.
And I don’t want that to change.

Watch Paul Pott’s final performance on “Britain’s Got Talent”.
I dare you not to have goosebumps…
I dare the hair on your back not to go up…

Coaches Tip from this series:

As you’re following this 5-part video series on Paul Potts, watching his performance with each round he moves to, and now in his final performance on “Britain’s Got Talent”, remember this:

YOU can BEGIN feeling more confident — this very moment. You don’t have to wait to feel this way. You just have to believe.

Start walking around holding your head high TODAY – because you ARE somebody!

Every cell of your body, every fiber in your being was formed and created by someone who loves you more than you can ever imagine. If you had an inkling of the depth of this extraordinary love, you’d NEVER hang your head low again!

You are here for a purpose. Discover that purpose. Pursue that purpose. Though it may take all your life – and all you’ve got – continue holding your head up, reaching for the skies, and pursuing your dreams.

Because THAT, my friend – is what LIFE is all about.

Then celebrate with me – knowing you’ve got a friend in this world who wants the BEST for you – and rejoices in your success and happiness – as though it were my own.

Go ahead – share some of your dreams, goals and accomplishments in the comment box below. Let your own light shine. When you do – you’ll give permission to other readers to do the same. Just as Paul Potts has done for you right now.

Stay tuned for the next motivational post, where the final decision will be announced of who wins “Britain’s Got Talent”.

Paul Potts Semi Final winning performance

Paul Potts admits, “I’ve always had a problem with confidence.”

Watch this man, Paul Potts, transform himself and his confidence level from his 1st performance in yesterday’s post, to this next performance on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

I recommend after watching this 2nd performance, you watch the first 60 seconds of Paul Pott’s video capturing his 1st public performance in yesterday’s post and see the difference for yourself.

It’s amazing what a little bit of confidence does for a person’s countenance, body posture and soul. It’s incredible to see how far a little bit of recognition from others will go for lifting a man’s soul to reach his Destiny.

Paul Potts admitted his fears in the beginning of this video, “My Voice has always been my best friend. If I was having problems at school, with bullies, I always had my voice to fall back on.

I don’t know why people bullied me…
I was always a little bit different.
That’s why I think I struggle with self-confidence.

But when I’m singing… I don’t have that problem.
I’m in the place where I should be.” (I LOVE this line!)

Do you have something like this in your life?

Times when nothing else matters. There’s no fear, no worry, no anxiety – you just feel complete, because you’re doing what you were born to do.

Paul Potts reflects, “All my life, I’ve always felt insignificant.”

(It breaks my heart anytime I hear this from anyone.)

“But after that first performance, I realized – I AM somebody – I’m Paul Potts!”

When asked what it feels like now that he took the chance, pursued his dream to perform in public and now receiving such an overwhelmingly positive response from people everywhere, Paul Potts describes the feeling,

“It’s like “jelly”.
It’s been like I’m on a roller coaster ride.
Like being on a bus and I just don’t want to get off! I don’t want the bus to stop!”

What do you enjoy doing that completes you? What can you do right now to pursue your dreams and live out your destiny? Let Paul Potts continue to inspire you as you follow this 5-part video series over the next few days.

And remember – BE CONFIDENT – it makes all the difference to your ultimate success!

Paul Potts – Mobile salesman by day… Opera Singer in private

The world of show business seemed to be a million miles away for Mr. Paul Potts from South Wales as he stepped on the stage in this 1st video of “Britain’s Got Talent”.

A mobile phone sales person by day.
An opera singer in secret.

Paul Pott’s Dream?
“To spend my life doing what I feel I was born to do…
to sing Opera.”

Watch the judges “initial reaction” to Paul Pott’s “DREAM” of singing Opera.

(Ever feel that look from others when you share your dreams to negative people, who “think small”?)

Then, watch the judges AND the crowd’s “FINAL reaction” to Paul Pott’s “DREAM” of singing Opera – and you tell me – does Paul Potts have a chance of making his dream come true?

I dare you not to be moved.

This video is so powerful, you don’t even need to like Opera or even have speakers turned up on your computer to FEEL the emotion behind Paul Potts performance.

I dare you not to reach for a tissue.

I dare you not to jump up out of your chair and take some type of action – large or small – to reach for YOUR dreams after watching this video.

I dare ya’!

As you watch this Inspirational Video a 2nd and 3rd time around… imagine the crowds reaction being YOUR crowd of raving fans! Imagine they’re all cheering YOU on to achieve your destinty… to be great… to be brilliant!

And as the judges give their “expert” opinion… imagine they’re saying YES to YOU and your goals.

You may want to bookmark this page and watch it daily for the next 21 days. And be sure to catch the next 4 posts of remaining videos to follow over the next 4 days…

Stay tuned! And Get Motivated NOW!

Your Motivational Coach,
Deborah Cole Micek
Add me as a Friend on MySpace
The Motivation MD

PS: Thanks go to John Allen Mollenhauer from MyTrainer.com for originally turning me on to Paul Potts and this video. I was an instant fan of Paul Potts, the weekend this video came out and wanted to figure out how to vote for him in “Britain’s Got Talent” TV show series all the way from Hawaii.

Apparently… I didn’t have to… the world stood on its feet for him in his 2nd performance as he moved to the next round… stay tuned for tomorrow’s next video and post as we follow Paul Pott’s pursuit of his dream in this 5 part video series.