What if every trial were a doorway to deeper compassion?

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From a tumultuous childhood marked by an early near-death experience and constant tension and fighting at home to his unbelievably wild, reckless days as a teen alcoholic, a hippie, and an in-and-out-of-college student, he could have easily lost his life twenty times! 

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Richard’s early years were anything but ordinary. But as his journey unfolded, he discovered a higher calling: channeling his extraordinary experiences into a life dedicated to uplifting and uniting humanity.

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Readers will follow Richard as he searches for purpose, moving from the Moonies (a religious cult) to the Marines to a psychiatric aide, and finally to a rewarding four-decade career as a counseling psychologist, staunchly advocating for and repurposing the lives of severely disabled combat veterans and others.

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Yet this book is much more than an amazing memoir; it’s an open invitation. Richard’s story expands to embrace all who wish to live with pono, the Hawaiian principle of “doing the right thing,” inspiring readers to live compassionately with truth, purpose, and courage.

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Guided by miraculous synchronicities and deep spirituality, Richard demonstrates how adversity can become a source of purpose. By empowering others, advocating for the “least among us,” and preserving our planet, he provides a living example of compassionate action. His story is a lifeline for anyone troubled by the world's growing challenges, reminding us that each person's care can spark meaningful, lasting change.​

 

How does one man turn a life of adversity and struggle into a legacy of love—and how can you do the same? Empowering Ourselves to Uplift Humanity: How My Journey Becomes Our Journey to Create a More Humane and Sustainable World offers profound hope, inspiration, and empowerment, along with a call to action for everyone who wants to trade their angst and despair about our troubled world for igniting their inner hero to make it better.

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Within these wise and unforgettable pages, you’ll find the guidance and encouragement you need to unlock your own potential and become an amazingly purposeful force for positive change in our world.