One could come from less than humble beginnings, to become a winner from within.

Upon achieving a lifelong dream, I thought, this is the way to live your life -- in the moment, and to the fullest.

To help yourself, you must be yourself. Be the best that you can be. When you make a mistake, learn from it, pick yourself up and move on.

Life can be tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid. You think you got problems? Get in my private jet and we'll go to Somalia or Rwanda. I'll drop you off in the middle of Baghdad.

I'm so alive.

As I stand facing the beauty of the never-ending Pacific Ocean, a late afternoon breeze blows down from the hills behind. As always, it is a beautiful day. The sun is making its final descent. The magic is about to begin. The skies are ready to burn with brilliance, as it turns from a soft blue to a bright orange. Looking towards the West, I stare in awe at the hypnotic power of the waves. A giant curl begins to take form, then breaks with a thundering clap as it crashes on the shore.

Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.