Donny Osmond and Disney go way back. "It's because of Disney that I am in show business. Walt basically discovered my brothers singing in Disneyland and then put us on his television shows," Osmond told broadway.com.

What a sweet story that shows just how much one person can impact our life for years to come.

When discussing the purpose of life, we often hear the mantra “we are here to be tested,” but how many of us cringe at that thought? So few of us want to feel like a kid again sitting in a classroom taking a test on things we don’t remember, we don’t understand, and we can’t leave until we finish. Comparing life to a test can be a downer and not the inspirational mantra that it should be. But if we look at life as a lesson we learn from over and over again as more things become clear, we can gain the inspiration we need to improve. We didn’t learn algebra before we learned addition. Life can be viewed as a continual learning process, not the end test. It’s more about what we are learning and becoming than about having all the right answers.

Several years ago, while giving a sales demonstration to a woman in Sandy, Utah, I was interrupted by this question: “Are you Mormon?” I responded with “Yes, I am.” She seemed somewhat surprised. “I thought maybe you were, but you seem too cool to be a Mormon.” I wasn’t offended as I’ve heard similar comments before; still, I always wonder if they mean that as a good or bad thing. “You just seem really personable and not judgmental,” she said. I told her it was genuine. Then the dreaded “Utah Mormon” conversation proceeded. She related how she recently moved from her home state of Montana to Utah and was impressed by how the neighbors came by, said hello and welcomed her. However, once they realized she wasn’t a member of the church or wasn’t familiar with the words “Relief Society,” they became less friendly, and she’s now lucky to get a wave at the mailbox. I was embarrassed and apologized for their inconsiderate behavior.

For related reading on Mormons sharing experiences about homosexuality and gay rights, check out "President of the Seventy Opens Facebook Dialogue on Gay Rights, Gets Moving Responses."

Dear Dave,

When you feel lost, suffocated by despair, confused, and exhausted, remember this basic truth and these simple actions.

I just don't get Elf on the Shelf. Maybe that's because I'm not the kind of person who can commit to nor remember to move a stuffed elf around the house every night, let alone set up some adorable but all-too time-consuming mischief that elf has gotten into in the wee hours of the morning, all why I lose sleep.

I used to think that I was some kind of modern-day superhero. Not the kind that wears a cape, but more like a person that fixes everyone else’s problems. In my leadership roles, I noticed those that were struggling and would either 1. Beat myself up that they made choices that lead to unhappiness or 2. Wonder how I could keep everyone happy all the time. I wanted to save everyone.

Inspiration sometimes comes in unexpected, unusual places. My inspiration on this topic came at the grocery store; in the paper goods aisle. Really. On one of the paper napkin packages I saw the words “New and Improved!”. It’s a fairly common advertising slogan that we see on products and generally tune out. But not this time. I don’t think I bought the paper napkins but the words of that slogan suddenly lit up my soul. That’s what the Atonement of Christ does in 3 simple words: