Believer in Human Potential, Author, Activist, Founder of Protect That Girl, Film Producer (The Brave Heart), Israeli-Russian Tomboy, Professional Inspirer

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am extremely lucky in that I study medicine. Because of which, I am exposed to new people every day and those too, come from a variety of different backgrounds.

What I've learned in the last 6 years of my degree is to never judge people straight away. Yes, as human beings we have an impulsion to discriminate friend from foe, but given the time, almost everyone surprises you.

While I believe that the only way to truly live is to get out there and become a part of the story of other's lives, I have come to realise (through meeting so many people) is that far too many people hope the hero of their story is someone else. We would love for someone else to step in and change our lives. Meeting people has broadened my horizons in ways I will always be thankful for, and it has forced me to look much deeper into myself and grow, too.

Interests

• literature
• business
• languages
• law
• philosophy
• psychology
• business travel
• marketing
• humanity
• international law
• criminal law
• financial markets
• attorney at law

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: The Once and Future King by T.H. White

An Arthurian fantasy in four parts, based in part on the earlier compilation, Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory. It covers Arthur’s life from boyhood until death. Arthur grows up under Merlin’s tutelage, finds himself unexpectedly crowned King of England, and does his best to unite the kingdom and end the medieval “might makes right” tyranny of noble factions. He is ultimately betrayed by his own wife and best friend and son, and when it seems that his life’s work will be undone, he must decide whether to abandon his beloved England or go back and die for her.

Aided by the perspectives of talking animals at the beginning and end, this book strikes right at the heart of what it means to be human.

What it means to confront the evil in human nature.

What it means to build a just and good society.

What it means to love, to desire, to betray, to do good or evil, to work for a cause greater than yourself, to have faith when all is lost.

If you haven’t read this book, you really should. It will change your life.

The first part, The Sword in the Stone, which covers Arthur’s childhood years with Merlin, would be a wonderful story to read with a school-age child. Merlin turns Arthur into different animals to prepare him to rule, and they have all sorts of adventures. The heavy stuff comes in the latter parts of the book.

Movie: Pretty Woman

I admit, I love feel-good movies. Pretty Woman is a sweet love story between a prostitute and a wealthy business owner. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts have amazing chemistry. This movie has lots of beautiful clothes and a great shopping scene as well!

I enjoy complex and challenging books, but only fun/fluffy movies. Not sure why!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I had my spectacular car accident that resulted in a broken pelvis and a chopper lift to trauma, I was lucky that someone saw me go off the road[1], but the rest of the action happened below street level (the street borders on a gully) and no one saw my car spinning like a rotisserie. Or so I remember it doing.

1987. No cellphones, and in a relatively uninhabited part of suburban LA, on the fringes. On a hot July, midday. LUCKY.

Teach, Learn, Share

Happiness. By example, in my own life. And by my actions toward others.

Happiness in any context, for any length of time, in any reference frame.

Happiness by smiling at someone as I pass them on the sidewalk.

Happiness by thanking a clerk who has helped me (no matter if it’s been good help or not).

Happiness by teasing with the next person in a line at the checkout or the bank or the coffee shop.

Happiness by telling someone how beautiful or handsome or nice something is about them.

Happiness by allowing the negatives to roll off my feathers like water off a duck’s back. Happiness by doing my duty to the community with enjoyment and enthusiasm. Happiness by finding and sharing the very best emotions in every situation.

Happiness now. This moment. Every day. Without any expectation of reward.

Countries I’ve Visited

Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States