Last week I shared a very personal story of my struggle with both cancer and the insurance companies. My doctors informed me that I had two near-death experiences along with a mini-stroke that temporarily caused the right side of my body including my face, arm and leg to be paralyzed. Although I am fine now, that was a scary season in my life.

During my health challenges I met scores of foreigners at Johns Hopkins, hoping the American doctors could save them. Middle Easterners, South Americans and Europeans were among those that frequented various Hopkins departments. Surprisingly the day I met with my surgeon to lay out the plan for my 7.5-hour surgery, an aging man all the way from Hong Kong sat with several family members waiting to see my internationally known doctor.

On August 20, 2005 my wife and I sat in the office of a world famous surgeon from Johns Hopkins hospital. The Saturday appointment struck us as an unusual time to meet with such a prestigious doctor. The hospital was like a ghost town - darkened hallways, empty offices and a skeletal staff poised at the main entrances for security. To our surprise, there were several families going in and out of the doctor's office. He appeared without the traditional entourage of receptionists and assistants. Chipper and buoyant, the doctor greeted us with a glow and a smile.

You have an adventurous spirit inside you waiting to be released! Too often there have been negative people, financial situations or wrong emotions that have prevented you from experiencing something you've longed to do.

What is it that you would like to do, but have never had the courage to do? Do you want to write a book? Learn a new language? Maybe do something adventurous just for fun? My son-in-law wanted to skydive for many years. Last year, our daughter gave him a skydiving lesson as a birthday present. The day arrived. Cameras were ready. Finally, the moment arrived when he jumped from the plane! Soaring through the air, Brian felt the exhilaration of a long awaited adventure! He accomplished what he had wanted to do for so many years!

Helen Keller once said that life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. You only have one life to live. Go ahead and do what you have longed to do. Stop listening to the negative voices around you. Allow your adventurous spirit to be released. Dare to really live! Experience the adventure that is waiting to be enjoyed by you!

It is amazing that the biggest news story for the last few weeks has been the arrest of a Harvard professor for disorderly conduct at his home in Cambridge, Mass. Overshadowing the health care debate, national security and every other national concern -- the story simply will not go away. It’s got all the elements of a good television drama, except there’s no sex or violence.

Dare to dream big even in the midst of life's uncertainties. Circumstances may be uncertain at the moment, but your dream is certain if you never give up on achieving it. Thomas Edward Lawrence (of Arabia) once said, "All men dream, but not all men equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recess of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."

Your dream is the rudder of the ship that steers you while you navigate the rough waters of your present situation. Be the dangerous dreamer of the day. Be willing to continue moving forward with your eyes focused on your dream. As you gain momentum, remember to enjoy the journey. Don't just wait for the big moment when your dream comes true. Celebrate the joy of overcoming each rough wave along the way. Soon you will love riding the waves that will take you into the fulfillment of your dream.