Give the people what they want.

People across the U.S. are clamoring for it.

Mike O'Neill is asking for it in Alaska's Bristol Bay Times...

"For once, business and community leaders ought to step up to the podium with no paper or notes or power point presentations and speak from the heart."

Suzanne Garment hopes for it in New York's Forbes Magazine...

"Maybe we would finally escape the tyranny of Beltway talk and hear America speak from the heart."

David Norville asks for it in Alabama...

"What ever happened to being able to speak your heart?"

We want it. Speak from the heart.

We need it. Speak from the heart.

We desire it. Speak from the heart.

Imagine the possibilities if everyone just began to speak from the heart.

No more words of hurt, fear or pain.

No more scheming or manipulating.

No more lying for convenience's sake.

If we want honesty from our leaders, more compassion in this world and positive change; then we have to speak from our heart in every conversation we have with people.

That's every conversation.

Not just on special occasions. Not just when tensions are high. Not just when we need a breakthrough moment with a loved one, co-worker or acquaintance.

We have to speak from the heart every single time.

So let's do it.

Let's take time to give each other the love, care and concern we deserve. Let's find the words we need to break any walls of fear and mistrust in our own lives -- friend, family member, co-worker or stranger.

Let's give everyone one the things they really want from a conversation -- love, compassion, understanding.

We can change the world for the better.

And it starts with the next conversation. No matter how big or how small. No matter if it's with one or one hundred. Remember to give people what they want.

Speak from the heart.

Build a grand estate...

Metropolitan Detroit is ranked as "America's Most Miserable City" according to Forbes.com.

Oh Detroit is not alone. Forbes' misery index includes Oakland, Ca.; Flint, MI; New York; Philadelphia; Los Angeles and others.

Forbes calculated the misery of an area by measuring the crime rate, unemployment, taxes, commute times etc...

Even so, there is beauty in every place. The photo above was taken in the most miserable metropolitan area.

And what Forbes does not measure is beauty.

Or love.

Or friendships.

And those can be found in abundance -- even in America's most miserable cities.

Emily Dickinson says, "my friends are my estate."

How true.

My friends are my estate.

They defy time, geographical boundaries and economic status.

My friends are my estate.

They provide joy in times of sorrow, laughter in the midst of pain, comfort at any age.

My friends are my estate.

They are the most precious of all valuables. They are the warmth in our house, the rock of our Gibraltar, the solid ground upon which we stand.

My friends are my estate.

They add color to the painting of our life. They give meaning to our existence. They are markers of where we are and what we do with our time.

My friends are my estate.

Even in America's most miserable cities, friendships can create sprawling personal estates filled with love, joy and happiness.

How big is your estate?

Is it a lonely house on a hill or a sprawling plot bustling with life and laughter?

Is it a 60 watt bulb casting its glow over a barren room or a chandelier illuminating warm conversation?

Is it a boarded up window or an open door with a warm fireplace?

You decide.

Even in America's most miserable cities, there are sprawling estates open to all.

How big is yours?

Pick up the phone. Share a dinner. Laugh over lunch.

Connect or reconnect with a friend today.

And start building your grand estate.