“We have the need to be accepted and to be loved
by others, but we cannot accept and love
ourselves. The more self-love we have, the less we will
experience self-abuse. Self-abuse comes from
self-rejection, and self-rejection comes from having
an image of what it means to be perfect and never
measuring up to that ideal. Our image of
perfection is the reason we reject ourselves the way we
are, and why we don't accept others the way they
are.”

-- Don Miguel Ruiz

“The maxim ‘Nothing but perfection’ may be
spelled ‘Paralysis.’”

-- Winston Churchill

“After enough mirror gazing, we all develop our
‘cosmic sense of humour.’ We no longer try to be
perfect, or try to get all our work done in time.
We become content with whatever life brings. Just
to deal with what comes up without crucifying
ourselves or others is enough of a challenge.”

-- Paul Ferrini

I did the absolute unthinkable today ; got up at 6:30 to go to a breakfast meeting with Kay Pollak at Folkets Hus , Sundbyberg, 7:45 - 09:15. Anyone who knows me knows just how unusual that is for me and that it requires an enormous amount of strength, will power and motivation. Kay Pollak was the motivation .

Kay Pollak (born 21 May 1938) is a Swedish film director. After a long break from film-making, he returned in 2004 with a brilliant film As It Is in Heaven (Så som i himmelen), a major box office success in Sweden. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also nominated for no less than eight Swedish Guldbagge Awards, including Best Direction and Best Film, but received none, which is an abolute disgrace , in my opinion. So inspired was I after seeing it 4 September 2004 that I actually DARED to write a review for it. Not a professional review , but one expressing my feelings and emotions at the time as I was bubbling over.

Some notes from this morning :

" Happiness is a choice " says Kay Pollak . If you think that life is a struggle , then it will be. Look to your beliefs and thoughts.

4 characteristics of successful people:

Successful people know both their strengths and weaknesses

Successful people choose to move from victim to self- empowerment

Successful people are good listeners and can be totally present in a meeting.

Successful people all have someone they can trust and confide in , someone who will hold , support and encourage them through thick and thin : a personal assistant.

Happiness is a choice see www.option.org

I am totally responsible for my choices and actions .

Kay's VISION for the film As in Heaven

1. Have a clear goal

2. Have an image for your goal ( e.g. An Oscar nomination )

3. Noble / Good purpose

" Every human being is worthy , meaningsful and unique "
To have FUN and create a product of HIGH QUALITY

I learned that the first three days of making the film " As in Heaven " took place in " Folkets Hus " here in Sundbyberg and that Kay also lives in Sundbyberg.Kay is a very charismatic , energetic ,funny human being and a very motivational and inspirational speaker. I'm glad I made the effort.