Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

To everyone...

1) If you had to summarize your outlook on life in one or two sentences, what would those sentences say?

2) If you have a specific "philosphy" or motus concerning specific aspects of your life: as in
a) personal life
b) spiritual growth/wellbeing
c) social interaction, relationships, friendships
d) work
e)?
... what would those motus be?

3) What event, situations or circumstances you lived (you don't have to share the details) you think marked your personality and outlook on life the most?

4) From whom (it can be many people) did you learn the most, when it comes to "wisdom" about life?

5) What things get you going when you get down? As in... what lifts your spirits?

6) What are the "things" you most love in the world? (say, music, animals, etc.) and/or you could not live without

7) Do you have specific goals and plans for the future (no need to share them) or do you prefer to make them "on the go"... or both?

What one or many things you would not want to die without doing before passing away?

9) IF you feel like sharing, what was one thing that you "got intuitively right" in life (an outlook, an attitude, a disposition) and what you got it all wrong and made you make big mistakes ... but that you learned from. What one thing, for example, you used to do or think "wrong" and now you've changed your mind?

10) In a moment of utter despair or pain, what do you think make people overcome situations?

11) Do you believe in things happening by pure coincidence, or do you see a wisdom and "sense of purpose" in everything that happens in life, whether you believe in a Mighter Power or not?

12) If you could live anywhere in the world, or live in a very particular way... what would that place or situation be?

13) What do you fear the most?

14) What are your best traits as a person and your worst ones?

15) Since we are at a site that discusses beauty... are you happy with how you are or, whether you are not or overall are, are there any specific facial traits, body characteristics or signs of ageing, disease or whatever that make you self-conscious?

16) If you could be anyone else or like anyone else, mind, soul and/or body, or one for each, what would those people be? as in what role models you have for inner development, beauty or both?

Well, just a "few" ideas

1) If you had to summarize your outlook on life in one or two sentences, what would those sentences say?
HAVE PASSION IN EVERYTHING YOU PURSUE, HAVE PURPOSE IN YOUR LIFE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HAVE FUN.

2) If you have a specific "philosphy" or motus concerning specific aspects of your life: as in
a) personal life
b) spiritual growth/wellbeing
c) social interaction, relationships, friendships
d) work
e)?
TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WOULD EXPECT TO BE TREATED.
... what would those motus be? WHAT IS MOTUS? MODUS PERHAPS? OR MOTIVES?

3) What event, situations or circumstances you lived (you don't have to share the details) you think marked your personality and outlook on life the most?
HMM, MY PARENTS DEFINITELY. I WOULD SAY A HUGE COMPONENT OF WHO I AM COMES FROM MY GENES. FROM MY FATHER'S SIDE, I GOT A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF TASTE, THEY ARE NATURAL ORATORS AND WRITERS, ARE ARTISTS, AND ARE VERY PASSIONATE FOR THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE. FROM MY MOTHER'S SIDE, A DRIVE TOWARD BUSINESS, LOVE FOR OTHERS, AND A PSYCHOTIC WORK ETHIC.

4) From whom (it can be many people) did you learn the most, when it comes to "wisdom" about life?
MY MENTORS: MY DAD, MY MOM, ED WILLIAMS (FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR): THEY ARE THE PEOPLE TO WHOM I HAVE DEDICATED MY BOOKS.

5) What things get you going when you get down? As in... what lifts your spirits?
WITHOUT A DOUBT, HUMOR. I AM ALWAYS JOKING AND WATCHING CRAZY STUFF. WHEN I CHOSE THE SHOW FOR MY STAFF TO SEE IN NYC, I PICKED AVENUE Q BECAUSE I KNEW IT WOULD BE HILARIOUS, HAVE SOME MUSIC IN IT, ETC. IT WAS A BIT OFF COLOR (LIKE ME AT TIMES). I AM A BIT IRREVERENT. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE SERIOUS.

6) What are the "things" you most love in the world? (say, music, animals, etc.) and/or you could not live without
BEAUTY. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL DESIGN. THE DESIGN OF THE IPOD. ANY INDUSTRIAL DESIGN. A BEAUTIFUL PATEK PHILIPPE WATCH. ITALIAN CLOTHING. BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. FINE FOOD. ANYTHING GORGEOUS. I ADMIRE ARTISTS WHO CAN EXPRESS THEIR VISION OF THE WORLD. I LOVE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN BECAUSE IT MARRIES FORM AND FUNCTION. THAT IS WHY I LOVE ARCHITECTURE.

7) Do you have specific goals and plans for the future (no need to share them) or do you prefer to make them "on the go"... or both?
YES, TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT WHAT I DO. TO BE A HOUSEHOLD NAME ACROSS THE WORLD. TO MAKE A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE IN MY FIELD AND TO MAKE A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE ONE PERSON AT A TIME. OUTSIDE OF MY IMMEDIATE FIELD OF PLASTIC SURGERY, I WANT TO SHAPE THE WELLNESS REVOLUTION AND CREATE A SIZABLE IMPACT.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I WANT TO HAVE A FAMILY, RAISE CHILDREN, AND CALM DOWN ON MY PROFESSIONAL GOALS, I.E., TO ESTABLISH BALANCE.

What one or many things you would not want to die without doing before passing away?
SHARING MY LOVE WITH A SPECIAL WOMAN WHO CAN BE BEAUTIFUL FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE, SHARE MY PASSION IN LIFE, AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN.

9) IF you feel like sharing, what was one thing that you "got intuitively right" in life (an outlook, an attitude, a disposition) and what you got it all wrong and made you make big mistakes ... but that you learned from. What one thing, for example, you used to do or think "wrong" and now you've changed your mind?
REALLY IN SHORT, FAT GRAFTING. TO ABANDON BROWLIFTS, TRADITIONAL EYELID SURGERIES AND TO BASICALLY DISH EVERYTHING THAT I LEARNED IN FELLOWSHIP AND START OVER. TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE POWER OF THE INTERNET IS COMMUNICATING PERSONALLY BUT EXTENSIVELY TO THE WORLD AND CAPTURING THE POWER OF VIDEO TO GET MY MESSAGE OUT THERE TO THE WORLD, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

I WAS A TOTAL MICROMANAGER 10 YEARS AGO. I HAVE REALIZED THAT TODAY I AM A LEADER AND NOT A MICROMANAGER. I LEARNED THAT FROM ED WILLIAMS. I LEARNED THAT ALLOWING THE GREAT PEOPLE AROUND ME TO FLOURISH BY INSPIRING THEM TO GREATNESS RATHER THAN CRUSHING THEM WITH THE WEIGHT OF A STUPIDLY DEMANDING AND PEJORATIVE BOSS.

I LEARNED THAT HAVING TWO OFFICES IN DALLAS WAS STUPID, A WASTE OF RESOURCES, AND NOW MY CAPTURE MARKET IS NO LONGER DALLAS BUT PRINCIPALLY THE WORLD. I REALIZE THAT 80% OF MY BUSINESS FLIES IN FOR MY SERVICES AND DALLAS IS STILL THE CORE BUT ONLY A PART OF MY LARGER VISION.

10) In a moment of utter despair or pain, what do you think make people overcome situations?
HOPE. HOPE IN THE FUTURE. HOPE IN LOVE. HOPE IN ONESELF. THERE IS A GOOD SAYING, "A MAN CAN LIVE A WEEK WITHOUT FOOD, A FEW DAYS WITHOUT WATER, A FEW MINUTES WITHOUT AIR, AND A SECOND WITHOUT HOPE." WHEN VICTOR FRANKL IN MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING SAW THAT A FELLOW CONCENTRATION CAMP INMATE WOULD GIVE UP FOOD FOR CIGARETTES, HE KNEW THAT PERSON WOULD DIE IN A FEW DAYS BECAUSE HE LOST HOPE. HE WAS ALWAYS RIGHT. INSTEAD, FRANKL LOOKED FOR THE HOPE OF TEACHING AGAIN UPON RETURN TO VIENNA. GUESS WHAT HE DID AFTER THE WAR? FOR A MAN WITH NO SHOES IN THE SNOW, BARELY ANY FOOD AND HOURS OF DAILY LABOR WITH NO END IN SIGHT, HOW DID HE SURVIVE? HOPE.

11) Do you believe in things happening by pure coincidence, or do you see a wisdom and "sense of purpose" in everything that happens in life, whether you believe in a Mighter Power or not?
I SEE AN INCREDIBLE DIVINE PROVIDENCE IN MY LIFE. HOWEVER, I ALSO DO NOT WANT TO BE SO ARROGANT AS TO THINK THAT I AM SPECIAL. THAT IS PURE NARCISSISM. I CANNOT EXPLAIN THE MISERY IN THIS WORLD AND MAN'S INHUMANITY TO MAN. I CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY I SURVIVED THE BALI BOMBING BY LEAVING 10 HOURS BEFORE EVERYONE IN THE BAR I WAS IN THE NIGHT BEFORE WAS BURNED ALIVE OR NOW IS DEAF WITH 80% BODY BURNS. I AM THANKFUL BUT NOT ARROGANT ENOUGH TO CONSIDER MYSELF THAT SPECIAL. I ALWAYS HAVE GRATITUDE BUT CAN'T UNDERSTAND OR BEGIN TO FATHOM THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE UNFORTUNATE THAN I.

12) If you could live anywhere in the world, or live in a very particular way... what would that place or situation be?
AS FAR AS A CITY, I LOVE PARIS. THAT BEING SAID, I AM AN AMERICAN AND AM VERY HAPPY WITH WHERE I AM. I LOVE DALLAS NOW. I WAS A CRAZY PASSIONATE NEW YORKER BUT THAT PHASE OF MY LIFE IS OVER. CONSTANZE, MY PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR, ASKED ME LAST NIGHT AT THE END OF WORK, "AFTER OUR NEW YORK TRIP, DO YOU MISS BEING THERE?" I ANSWERED HONESTLY, "NOT EVEN A LITTLE." I MEANT THAT. I LOVE TRAVELING BUT I AM HAPPY AND SETTLED WHERE I AM.

13) What do you fear the most?
LONELINESS, AS I AM SINGLE, IS BIG ON THAT LIST. I DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING IN MY LIFE, AND I DON'T PLAN ON DOING THAT FOR MY SPOUSE.

14) What are your best traits as a person and your worst ones?
BEST: HUMOR, PASSION, WORK ETHIC, LEADERSHIP, CREATIVITY
WORST: MATH SKILLS, IMPATIENCE WITH OTHERS, HATING TO DO ANYTHING THAT IS MUNDANE (HOUSEHOLD CHORES, ETC.), I LOVE FATTY FOODS (OUCH!)

15) Since we are at a site that discusses beauty... are you happy with how you are or, whether you are not or overall are, are there any specific facial traits, body characteristics or signs of ageing, disease or whatever that make you self-conscious?
I AM CONSTANTLY WORKING ON GETTING MY BODY BETTER. I STRUGGLE WITH THE DESIRE TO EAT GOOD FOOD AND GET MY BODY BETTER CONDITIONED. AS FAR AS FACIAL FEATURES I DON'T LOVE: I HAVE A BIG HEAD (LITERALLY), A RELATIVELY HIGH FOREHEAD (MAKING MY HEAD BIGGER BUT FORTUNATELY NOT RECEDING HAIRLINE), SOME FAT UNDER THE CHIN. OVERALL, I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THINGS. PEOPLE HAVE ASKED, "WOULD YOU CONSIDER PLASTIC SURGERY?" MY ANSWER IS YES. THE THINGS THAT I WOULD DEFINITELY DO ARE BOTOX AND HAIR TRANSPLANT IF NEEDED AND THAT IS ABOUT IT. THE ONLY REAL FEAR FOR ME AS A GUY IS LOSING HAIR. BEYOND THAT I DON'T MIND A FEW WRINKLES AND AM PRETTY COMFORTABLE WITH THE REST OF MY FACE.

16) If you could be anyone else or like anyone else, mind, soul and/or body, or one for each, what would those people be? as in what role models you have for inner development, beauty or both?
I DON'T HAVE A CURRENT ROLE MODEL. I READ A LOT AND THINK A LOT BUT COULD NOT PIN IT DOWN RIGHT NOW. I LOOK AT MY MENTORS AND I LOOK AT MY STAFF AND I LOOK AT MY FRIENDS FOR INSPIRATION.

THANKS FOR THIS QUESTION. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE TOO TIRED TO ANSWER IT BUT I ACTUALLY QUITE ENJOYED DOING IT. I WAS AS HONEST AS I COULD POSSIBLY BE IN EVERY ANSWER SO WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS ME ON THE PAGE. MY MOM'S WRITTEN ENGLISH IS DIFFICULT FOR HER SO SHE ASKED THAT SHE NOT CONTINUE TO SUBMIT ANSWERS HERE. I HOPE YOU RESPECT THAT. SHE IS A FOND READER OF THIS FORUM BUT IT IS A LOT OF WORK FOR HER TO RESPOND. I APPRECIATE YOUR QUERIES ABOUT HER BUT SHE HAS MADE THAT REQUEST TO ME.
BEST,
SML

P.S.: I HOPE THAT SOMEONE ELSE RESPONDS TO THIS FORUM POST TOO AT LEAST TO SOME OF THE QUESTIONS.

1) If you had to summarize your outlook on life in one or two sentences, what would those sentences say?
DON'T WHINE OR BE A VICTIM, TRY AGAIN AND BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

2) If you have a specific "philosphy" or motus concerning specific aspects of your life: as in
a) personal life
b) spiritual growth/wellbeing
c) social interaction, relationships, friendships
d) work
e)?
IN ALL THOSE AREAS, I'VE COME TO THINK OVER-EMOTIONALISM IS NOT PRODUCTIVE, BE YOURSELF AND BE
GENUINELY INTERESTED IN OTHERS (I'M GRATEFUL THIS INTEREST IN OTHERS IS NATURAL TO ME.)

3) What event, situations or circumstances you lived (you don't have to share the details) you think marked your personality and outlook on life the most?

I WAS RAISED BY DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE WHO WORKED LIKE CRAZY-CASH ONLY TYPES. THIS DIDN'T ALWAYS THRILL
ME BUT IT'S DEFINITELY INFLUENCED ME AND MY CHOICES.

4) From whom (it can be many people) did you learn the most, when it comes to "wisdom" about life?

MY DAD. I'M MOST LIKE HIM PERSONALITY-WISE, ALBEIT MORE TALKATIVE. OTHER WOMEN I'VE MET IN STUDIES--
HELPED ME LEARN WHAT TO JETTISON AND REVEL IN WHAT'S JUST RIGHT.

5) What things get you going when you get down? As in... what lifts your spirits?
THIS WILL SOUND VERY SILLY--MY DAUGHTER'S TURTLE TORTELLINI (SO CUTE!) AND YO-YO MA CELLO SUITES-
COMPLETELY PAVLOVIAN FOR ME-TEARS AND JOY

6) What are the "things" you most love in the world? (say, music, animals, etc.) and/or you could not live without
TREES AND BIRDS--I'VE REALIZED WHEN WE TRAVEL THIS IS WHAT I LOOK FOR INSTANTLY, THE TYPES INDIGENOUS

7) Do you have specific goals and plans for the future (no need to share them) or do you prefer to make them "on the go"... or both?
WE'VE PLACED OURSELVES IN A SITUATION (LOCALE) WHERE I'M VERY BUSY, YET AIMLESS. DESPITE HAVING FUN,
I'D LIKE TO WORK ON A PLAN...NO EXCUSES I NEED TO GET FOCUSED AND NOT JUST BUSY.

What one or many things you would not want to die without doing before passing away?

I PRAY I LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO ROOM NEXT(MONITOR) MY GORGEOUS DAUGHTER AT UNIVERSITY. (j/k)


9) IF you feel like sharing, what was one thing that you "got intuitively right" in life (an outlook, an attitude, a disposition) and what you got it all wrong and made you make big mistakes ... but that you learned from. What one thing, for example, you used to do or think "wrong" and now you've changed your mind?

INTUITIVELY RIGHT? MY MARRIAGE-BELIEVE IT OR NOT I USED MY HEAD WHEN I SAID YES, BY THEN MY HEART
HAD TAUGHT ME A THING OR TWO.

OUTLOOK/ATTITUDE/DISPOSITION--I'M SORRY I CAN'T THINK OF A WAY TO WRITE THIS THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE
BRAGGING--I AM THANKFUL TO MY CREATOR THAT I'VE NEVER BEEN A JEALOUS HUMAN BEING...LIKE MY DAD (AND
MOM) I'VE NEVER EXPECTED TO BE "HANDED" ANYTHING, WHATSOEVER. GET AFTER IT IF YOU WANT SOME.

10) In a moment of utter despair or pain, what do you think make people overcome situations?
RESILIENCY AND SHEER DETERMINATION--PLAY THE HAND YOU'RE DEALT AND GET YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IN ORDER.

11) Do you believe in things happening by pure coincidence, or do you see a wisdom and "sense of purpose" in everything that happens in life, whether you believe in a Mighter Power or not?

STILL CONFLICTED ON THIS GREAT QUESTION FOR ALL TIME...


12) If you could live anywhere in the world, or live in a very particular way... what would that place or situation be?

RIGHT NOW I'D MOVE TO HIROSHIMA, JAPAN AND BECOME INSTANTLY, MAGICALLY FLUENT IN JAPANESE.
WE WERE THERE TWO WEEKS AGO AND I WILL NEVER, NEVER, EVER FORGET THE BEAUTY, THE STRANGE
FEELING I HAD THERE THAT I'M UNABLE TO DESCRIBE IN ANY WORDS.

13) What do you fear the most?

HEARTLESS PEOPLE WITH NO CONSCIENCE.

14) What are your best traits as a person and your worst ones?

I CAN SEE GOOD IN MOST PEOPLE FROM A MILE AWAY. ( I CAN SEE EVIL FROM A MILE AWAY. )

ANECDOTALLY, IN COLLEGE, I WAS MISTAKEN FOR EXCHANGE STUDENT BY MANY BECAUSE THOSE WERE MY GROUP--
SPECIFICALLY COLOMBIAN, POLISH AND LAOTIAN. I DIDN'T THINK A THING OF IT THEN, AND I'M STILL NOT
SURE WHAT, IF ANYTHING, THAT INFORMS...I'M CAUCASIAN MIDWEST (USA) GIRL, FWIW.

15) Since we are at a site that discusses beauty... are you happy with how you are or, whether you are not or overall are, are there any specific facial traits, body characteristics or signs of ageing, disease or whatever that make you self-conscious?

I LIKE MY FACE, ALWAYS HAVE. I LOOK 10 TIMES BETTER SINCE DR. L DID PLASMA/F/G/BOTOX/LIPS.
I REGRET YEARS IN THE SUN....MY ARMS AND SHOULDERS LOOK TONED BUT SUN-DAMAGED (MUCHO YARD WORK- JUST CAME IN
FROM 3 HRS. OF IT-GOOD THING THIS IS INTERNET, NOT INTERSCENT!)


16) If you could be anyone else or like anyone else, mind, soul and/or body, or one for each, what would those people be? as in what role models you have for inner development, beauty or both?

I AM GRATEFUL AND HAPPY WITH MY LOT IN LIFE.
ROLE MODELS, ANYONE WHO IS ALWAYS LEARNING, TRYING SOMETHING NEW, SOMEONE WHO LOVES
LIFE AND IS ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD....DR. LAM APPEALS TO ME FOR THESE REASONS. I LOVE BEING
AROUND PEOPLE WITH GREAT PRESENCE.


NOW, IF I HAVEN'T BORED YOU INTO A COMA, I THANK YOU FOR READING MY RESPONSES TO MYSTERYAGAIN'S QUESTIONS.
IF YOU ARE, IN FACT NOW IN A COMA-I AM SO SORRY!

That was awesome. I was tremendously moved in Hiroshima myself. I walked to the place in the park where the bomb hit. Wow! I walked through the museum and cried. There were two times that history felt so much present that it was crushing. Hiroshima and the concentration camp, Dachau, in Munich, Germany. I am glad I was a history major. I think when we are troubled in life, we don't really have any sense of perspective. At Hiroshima, I also felt bad that the Koreans were only recently acknowledged as war victims since they were basically industrial slave labor in Hiroshima during the war. Don't get me wrong. I think we can find evidence of man's inhumanity to man in every single culture that ever existed: U.S. against Native Americans, any colonial power (you name it), etc. We need to open our hearts to one another and I think travel helps us gain a perspective of our place in the world. I also went to Nagasaki. Much smaller museum/exhibit but still amazing. If you had to go to one place to see that kind of history though, go to Hiroshima. If you are a Japanese history freak like me, then go throughout all of Honshu into Kyushu island.

Hi!
Regarding Dr. Lam's answers first ->

>HAVE PASSION IN EVERYTHING YOU PURSUE, HAVE PURPOSE IN YOUR LIFE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HAVE FUN.

Well, you certainly live up to your philosophy in life! You do all of that!

>... what would those motus be? WHAT IS MOTUS? MODUS PERHAPS? OR MOTIVES?

Oh, sorry. "Motus" is a latin word that means "your slogan", basically

>FROM MY FATHER'S SIDE, I GOT A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF TASTE, THEY ARE NATURAL ORATORS AND WRITERS, ARE ARTISTS, AND ARE VERY PASSIONATE FOR THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE. FROM MY MOTHER'S SIDE, A DRIVE TOWARD BUSINESS, LOVE FOR OTHERS, AND A PSYCHOTIC WORK ETHIC.

Nice combo!

>WITHOUT A DOUBT, HUMOR. I AM ALWAYS JOKING AND WATCHING CRAZY STUFF. WHEN I CHOSE THE SHOW FOR MY STAFF TO SEE IN NYC, I PICKED AVENUE Q BECAUSE I KNEW IT WOULD BE HILARIOUS, HAVE SOME MUSIC IN IT, ETC. IT WAS A BIT OFF COLOR (LIKE ME AT TIMES). I AM A BIT IRREVERENT. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE SERIOUS.

Your humor is evident in the video . I love when you sort of jump in the background sometimes, appearing behind one or another of the staff

> THAT IS WHY I LOVE ARCHITECTURE.

Would you consider pursuing studies in Architecture, do you buy books or attend seminars for architects? or would like to?

> YES, TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT WHAT I DO. TO BE A HOUSEHOLD NAME ACROSS THE WORLD.

I think you already are.

> TO MAKE A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE IN MY FIELD AND TO MAKE A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

Well, I haven't even seen you and you have already made a difference in my life. Honest. From what I learned from you regarding plastic, esthetic issues, but general issues too!

> OUTSIDE OF MY IMMEDIATE FIELD OF PLASTIC SURGERY, I WANT TO SHAPE THE WELLNESS REVOLUTION AND CREATE A SIZABLE IMPACT.

Since you approach people as a whole and their wellbeing encompassing all aspects of their body (and soul), I would say that that is already happening!

> ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I WANT TO HAVE A FAMILY, RAISE CHILDREN, AND CALM DOWN ON MY PROFESSIONAL GOALS, I.E., TO ESTABLISH BALANCE.

I guess "balance" is the one thing that's the hardest for all us to reach, the one thing we struggle all throughout life with . Because as our life changes, we have to balance more and different things, so we are always trying to balance things out.

> SHARING MY LOVE WITH A SPECIAL WOMAN WHO CAN BE BEAUTIFUL FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE, SHARE MY PASSION IN LIFE, AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN.

You already share your passion of life and the wonderful woman I bet will be there anytime soon! You are beautiful inside and out, so the women you will encounter who are that way too will feel drawn to you and you will find your "special one" there, I am certain!!

> REALLY IN SHORT, FAT GRAFTING. TO ABANDON BROWLIFTS, TRADITIONAL EYELID SURGERIES AND TO BASICALLY DISH EVERYTHING THAT I LEARNED IN FELLOWSHIP AND START OVER. TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE POWER OF THE INTERNET IS COMMUNICATING PERSONALLY BUT EXTENSIVELY TO THE WORLD AND CAPTURING THE POWER OF VIDEO TO GET MY MESSAGE OUT THERE TO THE WORLD, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.



> I WAS A TOTAL MICROMANAGER 10 YEARS AGO. I HAVE REALIZED THAT TODAY I AM A LEADER AND NOT A MICROMANAGER. I LEARNED THAT FROM ED WILLIAMS. I LEARNED THAT ALLOWING THE GREAT PEOPLE AROUND ME TO FLOURISH BY INSPIRING THEM TO GREATNESS RATHER THAN CRUSHING THEM WITH THE WEIGHT OF A STUPIDLY DEMANDING AND PEJORATIVE BOSS.


(I will have to read what is a micromanager).

> I LEARNED THAT HAVING TWO OFFICES IN DALLAS WAS STUPID, A WASTE OF RESOURCES, AND NOW MY CAPTURE MARKET IS NO LONGER DALLAS BUT PRINCIPALLY THE WORLD. I REALIZE THAT 80% OF MY BUSINESS FLIES IN FOR MY SERVICES AND DALLAS IS STILL THE CORE BUT ONLY A PART OF MY LARGER VISION.

True, I don't have the means to, but I would definitely and will definitely fly to Dallas or wherever you would be to have you work on my face! When someone is good, people don't mind going an extra mile (literally) to see him/her!

> HOPE. HOPE IN THE FUTURE. HOPE IN LOVE. HOPE IN ONESELF. THERE IS A GOOD SAYING, "A MAN CAN LIVE A WEEK WITHOUT FOOD, A FEW DAYS WITHOUT WATER, A FEW MINUTES WITHOUT AIR, AND A SECOND WITHOUT HOPE." WHEN VICTOR FRANKL IN [i]MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING[/i] SAW THAT A FELLOW CONCENTRATION CAMP INMATE WOULD GIVE UP FOOD FOR CIGARETTES, HE KNEW THAT PERSON WOULD DIE IN A FEW DAYS BECAUSE HE LOST HOPE. HE WAS ALWAYS RIGHT. INSTEAD, FRANKL LOOKED FOR THE HOPE OF TEACHING AGAIN UPON RETURN TO VIENNA. GUESS WHAT HE DID AFTER THE WAR? FOR A MAN WITH NO SHOES IN THE SNOW, BARELY ANY FOOD AND HOURS OF DAILY LABOR WITH NO END IN SIGHT, HOW DID HE SURVIVE? HOPE.

I can't believe you brought up Viktor Frankl! I discovered his work many years ago and I truly, truly have him as an inspiration, as someone whose words I repeat to myself or someone I like to read and whose thinking I try to make sink in my mind. What an extaordinary man he obviously was.

> LONELINESS, AS I AM SINGLE, IS BIG ON THAT LIST. I DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING IN MY LIFE, AND I DON'T PLAN ON DOING THAT FOR MY SPOUSE.

I don't think you will remain single for long! but even if for some really really really odd reason (and no, I really don't think that will happen) you had to remain single, you are the type who will never be or feel lonely. Someone who gives and loves so much never will be lonely.

> BEST: HUMOR, PASSION, WORK ETHIC, LEADERSHIP, CREATIVITY

Forgot to mentino: generosity. You are generous with sharing your knowledge. And ambition, in the good sense of the term (looking up for improving and bettering oneself all the time, setting new and better goals all the time).

> THE ONLY REAL FEAR FOR ME AS A GUY IS LOSING HAIR.

Well, seems it won't be a problem, you have good hair!

> I DON'T HAVE A CURRENT ROLE MODEL. I READ A LOT AND THINK A LOT BUT COULD NOT PIN IT DOWN RIGHT NOW. I LOOK AT MY MENTORS AND I LOOK AT MY STAFF AND I LOOK AT MY FRIENDS FOR INSPIRATION.

I find that wonderful. I think it's good to not want to be like anyone but ourselves. Only, ourselves "improved" with the help of what our role models and "mentors" taught us.

> MY MOM'S WRITTEN ENGLISH IS DIFFICULT FOR HER SO SHE ASKED THAT SHE NOT CONTINUE TO SUBMIT ANSWERS HERE. I HOPE YOU RESPECT THAT.

Sure, that's ok! it's perfectly understandable! especially considering how busy she already is!

And now... regarding MementoMori's answers ->

> DON'T WHINE OR BE A VICTIM, TRY AGAIN AND BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

Wow, love it!

> IN ALL THOSE AREAS, I'VE COME TO THINK OVER-EMOTIONALISM IS NOT PRODUCTIVE, BE YOURSELF AND BE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN OTHERS

Love that too.

> I WAS RAISED BY DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE WHO WORKED LIKE CRAZY-CASH ONLY TYPES. THIS DIDN'T ALWAYS THRILL ME BUT IT'S DEFINITELY INFLUENCED ME AND MY CHOICES.

Do you regret some of those choices or do you think that even when they were not the best, if they were not the best, that you found a way to make those choices work for you?

> THIS WILL SOUND VERY SILLY--MY DAUGHTER'S TURTLE TORTELLINI (SO CUTE!) AND YO-YO MA CELLO SUITES-COMPLETELY PAVLOVIAN FOR ME-TEARS AND JOY

Not silly in the least!!

> TREES AND BIRDS--I'VE REALIZED WHEN WE TRAVEL THIS IS WHAT I LOOK FOR INSTANTLY, THE TYPES INDIGENOUS

Wow! DITTO!!!!!! I am a humogous bird lover, rescue birds (have 10, all with defects) and loooove to learn about the birds of my country (or any, for that matter) and do bird-watching. Well, if you travel to South America, you'd better let me know! I could accompany you or help you with some "bird and flora-watching" tours .

> WE'VE PLACED OURSELVES IN A SITUATION (LOCALE) WHERE I'M VERY BUSY, YET AIMLESS. DESPITE HAVING FUN, I'D LIKE TO WORK ON A PLAN...NO EXCUSES I NEED TO GET FOCUSED AND NOT JUST BUSY.

!!! Ditto again. Same situation here. I must do that too.

> INTUITIVELY RIGHT? MY MARRIAGE-BELIEVE IT OR NOT I USED MY HEAD WHEN I SAID YES, BY THEN MY ART
HAD TAUGHT ME A THING OR TWO.

Wow. I would love one day to hear what things you've learned, if those are things that can be put into words.

> OUTLOOK/ATTITUDE/DISPOSITION--I'M SORRY I CAN'T THINK OF A WAY TO WRITE THIS THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE
BRAGGING--

Does not sound like bragging!

> RESILIENCY AND SHEER DETERMINATION--PLAY THE HAND YOU'RE DEALT AND GET YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IN ORDER.

Wow, yet another great "slogan" for life

> RIGHT NOW I'D MOVE TO HIROSHIMA, JAPAN AND BECOME INSTANTLY, MAGICALLY FLUENT IN JAPANESE.
WE WERE THERE TWO WEEKS AGO AND I WILL NEVER, NEVER, EVER FORGET THE BEAUTY, THE STRANGE
FEELING I HAD THERE THAT I'M UNABLE TO DESCRIBE IN ANY WORDS.

How interesting. A priori, and not having been to Japan, of course, I could have never imagined that someone would want to live in a place that, because of the media, we tend to associate with horror. What you said is truly truly interesting!

> HEARTLESS PEOPLE WITH NO CONSCIENCE.

Very pragmatic, real, logical fear!

> I CAN SEE GOOD IN MOST PEOPLE FROM A MILE AWAY. ( I CAN SEE EVIL FROM A MILE AWAY. )

That's awesome.

> I LIKE MY FACE, ALWAYS HAVE.

Good! I struggle with self-esteem regarding my looks so I admire people who feel the way you do about their own looks. We should all feel that way about ourselves.

> NOW, IF I HAVEN'T BORED YOU INTO A COMA

Most definitely not!

Hi MysteryAgain,
1. No architecture for me. I tried to draw up the plans for my center and realized I have no formal training so I was fooling myself. I will let the professionals do their work. Gary Williams who built my building is a magician.
2. Are you going to answer those same questions you posed to me and to the forum?
best,
sml

Mysteryagain, thank you! I anticipate reading YOUR thoughts on your own questions. I reread mine and I don't like my response how I like my face, always have. I think that might have been (I'd been working in the garden) conqueror of daylilies bravado talking. Better answer would be that I've been happy enough. I've had my face improved and other things now stand out (at least to me) as less than optimal.

Ultimately, perspective is most imporant. I never want to be so superficial, self-centered that I think how physically beautiful I am is primary. We all are SO MUCH more than how we "look". If we aren't, then physical beauty is worthless, in my humble opinion. ( Besides, pressed clothing, clean nails, decent haircut + an enthusiastic attitude go a long way.)

Dr. L once asked me how I picked my screen name, MementoMori. I'm sure I stammered something about art. If I'd been more clever, I might've said I'm Mori, seller of tschotkes. In truth, I like that name because it translates roughly to 'remember you are mortal' or 'remember you must die'. Perspective, again. Let's not waste a precious moment on trifles or unnecessary worry. We could be laughing! or any other option that's better.

O.k. with that, I'm going to go work on that "plan" and I mean it. I'll titrate my LFP site time to a minimum. (I learned titrate HERE--it IS great for vocab. enrichment...though I think I just misused this excellent word.)

1) If you had to summarize your outlook on life in one or two sentences, what would those sentences say?

I guess: Everything happens for a reason, everything good or bad happens so that we learn something about life and the mission we have in it. Life is wonderful and we must learn to NOT focus on the bad or else we become slaves of fears, regrets and our negative thoughts.

2) If you have a specific "philosphy" or motus concerning specific aspects of your life: as in
a) personal life

God always wants the best for us. Accepting life as it is and not wanting to control what is uncontrollable, while making the best of what we CAN controñl, in a positive way. is the key to inner peace

b) spiritual growth/wellbeing

If we don’t work at bettering ourselves until our last breath, our life will lose its sense of purpose and we will have empty lives.

c) social interaction, relationships, friendships

We attract what we are or think about ourselves. That said, we must not be naïve: there are bad people out there. Just, they do not have as much power as we think, it is ourselves who give them power or not over ourselves… and we can only do something to work against their wrong deeds in the world. We all have a way to connect to others and enrich their lives, and make the world a better place.

d) work

Work at something you love and you will do a great job. And learn to love or accept the things not so wonderful about it too. Never underestimate what you can do to others and how you can end up learning yourself even from a work or situation you don’t like. Still, fight to do what you dream of doing, the way you dream of doing it. Just… until you get there, enjoy the ride. And once there, keep in mind that your job of bettering yourself at what you do is never done.
Yet, keep in mind that work is not the one only thing our life revolves around. It makes us useful and gives us a sense of purpose… but other “things” do, too. Do not let those OTHER things in the backburner.

3) What event, situations or circumstances you lived (you don't have to share the details) you think marked your personality and outlook on life the most?

Probably being raised in a loving family with what I think was a healthy outlook on the value of work, work ethics and what “really matters” in life. I was raised in a context where no one was materiastilic, yet everyone was ambitious in the sense of aspiring to becoming better or being better at what they did or at their situation in life.

Also, having gotten to know people, GOOD people, very different than I in all ways. It taught me how we all are the same and yet how we are all perfect, and how there is some truth and something to learn from anyone and everyone, without having to change oneself to accommodate anyone else’s desires for that reason.
Tolerance and respect are the basis of harmony in our relationship with others. My so eclectic friends taught me that.

Finally, having survived an abusive relationship where an apparent great boyfriend became a monster after we got married, in a sudden change that I was not ready for and that left me confused (I could not believe he could be intentionally mean) and very depressed. The serious depression and constant attacks to my persona eventually ended up by making me react, rebel and learn to stand on my own, to learn to take hard decisions and even put myself in uncomfortable situations just to preserve my dignity. It toughened me up, in a good way. It made me rethink of every aspect of my life and what I wanted it to be or not, what I really wanted versus what I had thought I wanted, etc. And to not fear to be alone. Because nobody who loves him/herself and has God in his/her soul and beings to love and be loved by (and animals J and plants J) can ever be really lonely.

4) From whom (it can be many people) did you learn the most, when it comes to "wisdom" about life?

My parents, my best female friends, my significant other and as weird as it might sound, from my various pets.

5) What things get you going when you get down? As in... what lifts your spirits?

Being with my pets, listening to music, dancing, getting to know positive people with strength and courage and a good sense of humor. Like you all here.

7) Do you have specific goals and plans for the future (no need to share them) or do you prefer to make them "on the go"... or both?

Both. I like to have goals, yet I like to change them or reshape them “as life goes on”. Never knowing what my life will entail and what I might want for next is part of the fun. I know what the ultimate goals of my life are, the rest… well, they change a bit, or not, it depends. It is part of the fun.

>What one or many things you would not want to die without doing before?

Whatever that will make me look back at my life and feel that I LIVED my life and not let it just pass me by. That I made a difference to at least someone or for something.

9) IF you feel like sharing, what was one thing that you "got intuitively right" in life (an outlook, an attitude, a disposition) and what you got it all wrong and made you make big mistakes ... but that you learned from. What one thing, for example, you used to do or think "wrong" and now you've changed your mind?

My criticism in the sense of never taking to heart whatever was said to me that went against my conscience. I never accepted what I was told that I did REALLY not accept, not even as a kid. Even if I was forced to do something, I would state loud and clear why and how I thought it was unfair. I never minded being left out or feeling a misfit if I ended up that going for following my conscience. I never felt I had to respond to anyone but my conscience and God.

I was wrong in the sense that I assumed, when way younger, that certain values or lifestyles were linked to people not being good or being “bad”… I learned that things are not as black and white as we often grow up thinking they are. And that even what we believe for ourselves can change over time. That we are complex beings and that we make mistakes. That that is not a sign of failure, but of being human… and actually a humbling lesson (making mistakes) that helps us be happier if we learn from them.

10) In a moment of utter despair or pain, what do you think make people overcome situations?

Hope. Which to me is linked to a sense of purpose in life. Which in turn is linked to love. Love to others, love to oneself, love to God, love to life, love to love… and dreams of growing in those “loves”.

11) Do you believe in things happening by pure coincidence, or do you see a wisdom and "sense of purpose" in everything that happens in life, whether you believe in a Mighter Power or not?

I believe in a Mighter Power. I believe in God, although I don’t mind what ·name exactly you use for that Mighter Power. I believe that this power makes us unique and that it happens because each of us is a gem with a mission in life. So, even coincidences end up not being coincidences. Even stuff that really happens out of sheer coincidence will lead to choices or attitudes that WE HAVE CHOSEN and where there is not, not really, simple luck or bad luck.

12) If you could live anywhere in the world, or live in a very particular way... what would that place or situation be?

My own country, with a better financial situation, and/or Florianopolis in Brazil.

13) What do you fear the most?

Fear. I fear the paralysing effect of fear… and mediocricy.

14) What are your best traits as a person and your worst ones?

Good: Loyalty, Tolerance (at least in general), an immense desire to learn more and more all the time about all sorts of matters. It makes the world more interesting.

Bad: Impatience, self-doubt and insecurities, particularly (long story but it has to do with people in my life and the story of my life) regarding my looks.

15) Since we are at a site that discusses beauty... are you happy with how you are or, whether you are not or overall are, are there any specific facial traits, body characteristics or signs of ageing, disease or whatever that make you self-conscious?

Well, I love myself when I think of myself as the result of the genetic mix of people I love. I love myself when I think of my uniqueness. But around others, I often fall into a blue mood when I hear criticism regarding my looks… that happened way too often and then it is hard for me to keep my head up and indeed not feel like less than others.

16) If you could be anyone else or like anyone else, mind, soul and/or body, or one for each, what would those people be? as in what role models you have for inner development, beauty or both?
I just would like to be the best version of myself. Just get INSPIRED by others.

thanks for your honesty and sharing. i didn't expect anything less.