Last Friday, I had the privilege of interviewing Robert Sacre at the Lakers practice facility. Walking down the hallway that hung framed photos of Laker legends, hearing the sound of basketballs bouncing and swishes being made, and passing through the media room which lead me to my first steps on ...

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Last Friday, I had the privilege of interviewing Robert Sacre at the Lakers practice facility. Walking down the hallway that hung framed photos of Laker legends, hearing the sound of basketballs bouncing and swishes being made, and passing through the media room which lead me to my first steps on the court, all made the moments leading up to my interview surreal as a lifelong Laker fan. I caught them as practice was ending, but the whole team was still there - most of them still shooting around and playing against each other. After taking directions from Metta, I made my way to the back of the court where media was surrounding Kobe in the corner, and Robert Sacre was shooting free throws.

I was excited to interview Sacre because besides being humble, this 23 year old, 7 foot center from Canada is a star in the making. As he fills in the starter position for Dwight Howard during the preseason, we get to witness his game improve and strengthen in this 2012-2013 championship journey. To many Laker fans, he has already done his job in proving himself a position on the roster with his excellent interior scoring and consistent blocks and rebounds.

What I got from my interview was Sacre's extreme focus to just be the best he can be. The NBA has a specific time restriction on the video, including how long it gets to be online, so below is my interview with him for your convenience.

After welcoming him to Los Angeles, I told him that I believed the Lakers made the right decision signing him. His statement of knowing that his job is to help the team win another ring shows his true dedication and drive as a team player. He politely thanked me and then we began the interview:

Q: It's your very first game with the Lakers and Coach Brown makes you one of the starters. Can you explain the magnitude of starting with 4 legends?

A: I think that was the most surreal feeling I’ve ever had, for the fact that a year ago, I was watching the Lakers and then at this time, Saturday, I was playing with those guys in the starting 5 and I never thought my first game ever in the NBA would be like that, but dreams really do come true as long as you work hard.

Q: How much pressure did you put on yourself to perform your best/or prove to mike brown to start you?

A: I didn’t really put any pressure; I just did what I needed to do. Obviously you’re going to have a little nerves, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.

Q: Your very first point as a Laker was an assist from Steve Nash. Two guys from Canada. He even tweeted saying, "Who would have thought that two guys from BC would be starting for the Lakers". How amazing was that and has Nash given you any advice so far?

A: You know, Steve gives me a lot of great advice- things to work on in the game and (things) that I can do to get better. It’s great that the veterans all come in and help out the rookies and young guys, so I’m very fortunate about that and it is kind of special that two guys from the same place in Canada can do this.

Q: Any goals you would like to share?

A: Just to help this team out and win. That’s all I really want to do. Whatever my team needs me to do, I have no problem doing it.

I would like to thank John Black, Robert Sacre, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the NBA for approving the interview.

The average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day. Take a second and think about all you have thought about so far today. How much has been positive? Negative? It has been estimated that 70% of our thoughts are negative and most of the time it’s habitual, unconscious thinking and we don’t e...

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The average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day. Take a second and think about all you have thought about so far today. How much has been positive? Negative? It has been estimated that 70% of our thoughts are negative and most of the time it’s habitual, unconscious thinking and we don’t even know that we’re emitting negativity. As you are reading this, you may be denying these statements, but let me ask you, how happy are you with your life right now? Are you living your dreams? Do you love your job? How many times do crazy, uncomfortable situations come up in your life and you accept them?

You see, people strive after happiness and want to remain happy once it is in their possession. Most will define happiness as the absence of pain. Freud once said that the goal of happiness is negative if the aim is at the absence of pain and unpleasure. We tend to want comfort and do not want to stray away from it but it’s really the stepping outside of what is known that brings us new opportunities that lead us to many great things. What people fail to remember is that to struggle is to achieve. With pain, we gain the strength that we need to endure the things that come along with our dreams.

What we all have to remember is that we can’t let the fear of pain stop us. Many times, fear is unfortunately what holds us back from what we want and instead, gives us more undesirable situations to deal with.

Yes, we all have our own stories, but nobody wants to hear it. What did you do with your situation? How did you find a way out of what is restraining you? Most of us hold onto the pain, to our anxieties, to the past and we forget that we are wasting away this very moment. We forget to breathe. We need to remember that we can control any situation with the way we react to it. Our minds control, attract and can fix many things. We forget that once we get our mindset right, WORK is involved with achieving our desires. When things do not go right, STOP LETTING IT CONSUME YOU. A letdown is not a failure- unless we make it one.

Being uncomfortable is growth. Whatever we deny we magnify, so start accepting every situation and using your mind to look at it in a different, more positive way. Embracing the pain that comes with the stair case to our dreams will bring us everything we want faster.

Getting your mind right is the first step; the mind is so powerful that it can even heal but positivity must be fully present. Believe you are capable of achieving what you want then WORK for it. You may have to start off scooping ice cream, but eventually you work your way up! You must have single minded, unbelievable focus until you get the job done. Keep your eyes on the prize until you get there.

Set a goal for yourself. You can leave a comment below with your goal. THINK and WORK your way to it. 

“But you have the choice to choose your interpretation of what happens. And to choose again until the choice you choose serves your true happiness.” – Mastin Kipp

Walking is not only an affordable form of exercise but it also lowers stress, decreases your waistline and it is a great way to bring family and friends together! As an introduction to staying healthy, Metta will be hosting two community walks to bring awareness to the issue of childhood obesity a...

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Walking is not only an affordable form of exercise but it also lowers stress, decreases your waistline and it is a great way to bring family and friends together! As an introduction to staying healthy, Metta will be hosting two community walks to bring awareness to the issue of childhood obesity and to create a positive support system for loved ones. Those that wish to take a walk with Metta must sign a pledge that incorporates three goals.

The first walk will take place in New York on September 15th and the second will be in Los Angeles on September 22nd.  

To sign the pledge, join the mwpworkout movement, and to subscribe for more information on future community walks in different cities, go to mwpworkout.com 

Read more]]> Metta World Peace featured on "Yo Gabba Gabba!" on August 19, 2012

From the dining table to the cafeteria, children are falling victim to unhealthy eating habits. With children surpassing the category of overweight into obese, it is no mistake to look at the rising trend of increased body weight percentages and the impact on mental health disorders. As 1 out ...

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From the dining table to the cafeteria, children are falling victim to unhealthy eating habits. With children surpassing the category of overweight into obese, it is no mistake to look at the rising trend of increased body weight percentages and the impact on mental health disorders. As 1 out of 3 children are being considered obese, conditions such as diabetes, health blood pressure, and cancer will be a struggle for our youth and future generations. 

Factors such as low-self esteem, depression and defiant behavior have all been common consequences of children with chronic obesity that can continue onto adulthood.  Although the focus of physical education through nutrition classes, required exercise in the school system and doctor visits are beneficial ways to combat obesity, ignoring the mental health issues could repress any successful long term goals for the child. Another issue that is raising concerns for both children and their parents is bullying within the school system.  

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers the following advice: 

• "Help children understand that being overweight can undermine physical and mental health and is more than an appearance issue; 
• Talk to children about why they overeat and how they feel about themselves. Identify feelings and situations that cause them to overeat, and discuss coping strategies; 
• Criticizing an obese child or trying to humiliate them into losing weight will increase the child's emotional difficulties. The child may become lonelier, more depressed, and less likely to make changes that might help; 
• Praise your child's strengths and accomplishments; 
• Help children gain control over their weight by discussing and encouraging healthy food choices and exercising regularly with them. Individualize food and exercise plans according to the child's interests and your commitment level; 
• Set an example – make healthy eating and exercise a family affair; 
• Encourage children to make smart choices and understand the benefits of feeling better and being healthier. Explain the long-term medical impacts of a healthy lifestyle; 
• Limit access to high-calorie, high-fat and sugary foods, including soda and juices--especially at home; 
• Limit sedentary activities including television and computer time; and 
• Do not use food to reward or punish children. Establish a system to reward weight goals and help the child get back on track when they fall off.” 

Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.psych.org/news_room/press_releases/childrenobesity92903.pdf

For more information on childhood obesity, check out Michelle Obama's campaign Let's Move! at letsmove.gov and stay tuned for Metta World Peace health tips

Read more]]> Metta World Peace featured on Russell Brand's show "BrandX" on July 26, 2012

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178488

To hear Metta's talk ...

Read more]]> ESPNLA 710 reporter Beto Duran talks about his attempt to talk to Dwight Howard at the Dodger game last night. Lakers forward Metta World Peace joins the show and talks to his first guest ESPN NBA analyst Ric Bucher.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178488

To hear Metta's talk with Bucher, tune in to http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178489 

Tune in to http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178898

Read more]]> Metta World Peace gets a surprise call from John Green, the guy who threw the drink on Ron Artest at the Malice at The Palace. 

Tune in to http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178898

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178950

Read more]]> Mixmaster Mario montage's to Metta's Champion song, including clips from his trip to Vancouver and his excitement when Kobe passes him the ball. 

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=8178950