Sandra Dee Robinson is an accomplished actress, speaker, author and she is the founder of Charisma on Camera. In our conversation, we discuss how a young girl with intense stage fright won the Miss Pennsylvania USA contest, going on to represent Pennsylvania in the national finals, what led her to Hollywood, and how she has healed from some family dynamics. Sandra has found her true calling outside of Tinseltown, though. She teaches charisma and presence, onscreen or off, and she empowers others to find their voice.
Author Archives: John Harrell
Lean In
I like controversy. Seeing the world differently from the masses creates controversial conversations. Growth comes when you view the world through a different prism.
When I go to a store or restaurant, my inclination is to make my server laugh and engage with me a bit. If they have tattoos, piercings everywhere and rainbow colored hair, even better. By connecting with them and leaning in, I’m breaking away from any stereotypes they might have about me. More often than not, my server will say to me that “I’m so different than what they thought I would be like.”
Remember this:when you see someone who looks different, they are someone’s son or daughter. They are important…
Laughter
Find a reason to laugh every day. Laughter is a healthy habit we often overlook. When we laugh, we burn calories, our spirits are lifted and we release endorphins in our brain. There are no downsides to laughter…
Woke
In today’s cultural language, woke means “being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” So I thought I might venture out onto the proverbial thin ice and discuss it.
Racism and discrimination exist, no doubt. Are they systemic and rampant? No. They are wrong, and they are taught. No one is born a racist. And people will discriminate for selfish reasons.
Every one of us should stand up against injustice. Every time. Racist behavior is a problem of the heart, as are all societal ills. Only God can change hearts. Let’s leave the heart surgery to Him while we set examples of His love and acceptance while we are here.
Get your heart right and worthwhile actions follow…
Education
We place a premium on higher education. No doubt it shows a level of determination and intelligence to earn a degree. But there’s more.
There are two other types of intelligence beyond our IQ. Our personality plays a large part in how successful we become. If you can’t get along with people, you probably won’t get very far because we need other people to work with us.
The greatest success comes to those who show a high level of adaptability. Being flexible and adjusting to change quickly is tantamount to successful outcomes. Applying what we know while being adaptable inspires the creative talents we all possess.
It’s good to be smart. It’s better when you are adaptable…
Exterior
We show the world what we want them to see. For all they know, our lives are perfect and free of stress.
Inside, people might be falling apart, doing everything they can to hold it together.
Keep this in mind when you meet others. Try to be patient and kind, meeting them where they are. Your simple kindness might be just what they need…
Quiet
Quiet moments can be uncomfortable. It seems like our brains resist the calm. Yet, when we get away from the noise, our clearest thinking happens.
I encourage you to take a few moments each day to quieten your mind. Just sit in silence. The noise will be waiting when you return…
Hope
I’m privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for an organization called Rachel’s Challenge. Named for Rachel Scott, the first child killed at Columbine High School in 1999, Rachel left a legacy of kindness and compassion that has impacted over 30 million people. So far. The organization receives hundreds of messages from students every year like this one:
“I was ready to take my life. I had a knife and pills all ready for me that night. But after hearing Rachel’s story, it gave me hope. Knowing that not everyone in the world is a judgmental person. Thank you so much, Rachel, for being the person you were. For being the type of person to want to start a chain of kindness. It makes room for students who are bullied to feel hope.”…S from Wisconsin
Check it out here: http://www.rachelschallenge.org
Inside Job
Change is an inside job. This includes changes for good and self-sabotaging changes. Things don’t just happen to us, they happen through us.
Our minds control our thoughts, and our thoughts control our actions. You have the power to direct your thoughts. It begins inside…
Survival
There are people in the world who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. They are in every community on earth.
Let’s not overlook opportunities to serve our fellow man. You might be someone’s last, best hope…
seekinggracedotcom 