In both cases I felt compassion and sadness. And empathy as well because I to struggle with my own internal "party pooper" at times, voice in me that doesn't play and would rather keep my nose relentlessly to grindstone of life.

Fortunately, I have come to realize that when my inner "party pooper" takes over, I doomed. My energy drains, my humor goes, my enthusiasm dies, my temperament sours and I feel like a dark and rainy day. In other words I now I am having a full blown "vitality leak." It is at times like these, when I am dragging on floor and feeling very sorry for myself that I must remind myself that playing in life is not optional for my spirit. It is mandatory! In fact I believe that we all need to let go, lighten up, and engage in soul nurturing fun as much as we need oxygen to breath. So, if your vitality is lagging, return to balance by coloring, dancing, singing, laughing, telling jokes, making funny faces in mirror or whatever other ridiculous thing you can think of, and enjoy hit of life that it will bring. It's good for your spirit, and what is good for your spirit is good for everyone's spirit.

Spider Jones’ book, “Out of Darkness: The Spider Jones Story”, chronicles his unrelenting rise from street punk to radio personality. Currently host of his own show on CFRB, Spider dedicates much of his spare time to speaking across North America to kids, recounting his own journey from gang life to broadcaster.

Kids react well to Spider’s message - that no dream is unattainable. “The kids are fascinated by my story and are motivated.” In 2003, Spider was named Ontario’s first ambassador for skilled trades. It was just one more way Spider could encourage kids. “They hear me and know that they can be something without being a rocket scientist.” Dubbed “Heavyweight champion of Inspiration”, Spider takes pride in “motivating young people to be positive”.

Going back to school as an adult is never easy. Spider has some advice to people considering it. “Don’t just think about it, do it. And don’t quit. Just take a deep breath. Don’t wait for opportunities – make them”

Spider’s next book, “How to K.O. low self-esteem & bring your dreams into reality in 10 rounds”, will give people a 10 step program to overcome adversity. “When you overcome any challenge, you will feel great!”