So on this beautiful Tuesday, I stopped by his office just to chit-chat, but did not realize that this would bring me a unique gift ~ hot water, soap, and coffee.

No doubt you are wondering, what is the significance of
these three things?

Let me tell you a story, and all will be revealed….

As a young boy, Ramel was raised in Honduras.  A hard place to live and even harder when you’re young. A key survival factor is common sense—and there’s nothing common about common sense.  Not everyone has it.  Thank God Ramel did.

At the age of nine, Ramel had to learn to cook in order to feed the family and himself.   To do so, he observed others in his family and those living nearby.  He had two sisters and two brothers, all younger than him, sharing tight quarters.

Ramel’s mother left them to work here in the United States. Periodically, she sent money back to Honduras, via her ex-boyfriend.  But sadly, the children were not receiving
any of the money.

So late one night, Ramel came up with a “windy” plan. He told his sisters and brothers to run like the wind down to the house of their “Papa” (Grandfather)—two long miles away down a dirt road.  Together, they ran in the middle of the night, arriving at Papa’s place with what little they could carry in their little arms.

Now, everyone knew not to come to Papa’s house. He had a reputation of “not playing”—you didn’t mess around with Papa.  Even Ramel’s mother’s ex-boyfriend would not dare to go there looking for the children.

But Ramel’s mother knew they were there….

After some time, his mother sent for his sisters to come to the States—leaving Ramel in charge of caring for his two younger brothers
at Papa’s house.

After working long hours on the docks, Papa walked several miles, up and over a hill on his way home. Each day, he gave Ramel a little bit of change to spend on food.  With a grin, the boy would dash off to the busy street markets and buy what he could—usually bags of beans, rice, and a little bit of meat—then dash home and cook ‘em up together for all to share.

Now each day when Papa came home, Ramel saw him make a cup of coffee.  So one day, the bright young soul began a magical ritual. Anticipating his grandfather’s return, Ramel ran to the window and saw Papa coming over the hill.  Ramel then ran into the kitchen and put up a pot of hot coffee.

Next, as the coffee was brewing, Ramel got a tin bucket, filled it with hot water, and grabbed a bar of soap. When Papa came in the door, Ramel was ready. “Sit down in your chair,” he
told his grandfather.

In a flurry of excitement, Ramel darted into the kitchen, and returned with a steaming cup of coffee for his Papa.

Then he got on his knees and began untying Papa’s shoes.  As the older man gazed down in wonder at the young boy, Ramel took off Papa’s shoes and socks.

Then, while Papa sat in his chair and sipped his coffee, young Ramel lifted Papa’s feet, placed them in the tin of hot water, and began to wash his grandfather’s feet.

Four years soon passed this way, with Ramel bringing his Papa hot water, soap, and coffee every day—and at night, because they were so poor, they even shared the same bed, sharing the warmth.

But there came a night—one terrible night Ramel will never forget—when he tried talking to Papa, but his beloved Papa did not answer.  Young Ramel shook his Papa, but he did not awaken.

Knowing little of death, Ramel got up and in his anguish and confusion, began running down the road.  Shouting out Papa’s name, he ran until he came to the house of their nearest neighbor.

Concerned, the neighbor came back with Ramel to his home. When he saw Papa, the neighbor looked Ramel straight in the eye and said, “Papa is gone.”

The poor boy was inconsolable.  What would Ramel do
without his Papa?

After a time, Ramel’s mother came to Honduras to get him and his brothers.  Together, they came to live with her and the girls here in California, where Ramel lives to this day. Just a few weeks ago, he told me this story, as he shared with great emotion: “There’s no one more important than my Papa … he made the biggest impact
in my life.”

Ramel may have grown up as a poor child—all he had to offer was hot water, soap, and coffee—but he was rich in grace and common sense. His story reminds us, at any age, of the power and beauty of placing others before ourselves.

It is not enough to live for your own success today, or dwell on yesterday’s failure.  You need to anchor your belief, in this moment, in the greater good ~ and know that for everyone there is a season & abundance in its own fashion, in its own time.

Even as you question your own fortune (or lack thereof), do not lose sight of others and their plight.  Say you’re feeling stuck, between jobs, or otherwise bemoaning your current situation.  Rather than stay fixed in selfish disappointment, why not gaze up and generously ask another living person:

“What can I do for you?”

… And for a change, imagine, “What kind of smile can I put on your face?” ~ with even the smallest gesture or an act of grace.

To a loved one, young or old, or a friend who may be in pain, why not ask, “Can I hold your hand?”

Or, to a harried photographer or an overwhelmed agent, try offering:  “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

Most importantly, can you say to an elder relative ~ one who has walked many a mile in service to your family ~ “Can I
wash your feet?”

I’m a firm believer that when you take a moment to do good deeds for others, angelic wings will fan goodness your way ~ especially when you’re in need ~ and dance it on.  In this way, your goodness can be contagious and inspire others to soar
upon the breeze.

To me, the most precious word in the book of life is ‘Giving.’  I’ve learned in my life to embrace all mankind, and not to take anyone — or anything — for granted.

The shoe that you cast off today as trash, may be one man’s treasure tomorrow.  So take care not only of people but also your possessions, and open up your wardrobe as well as your heart.

Too often, we live life backwards.  We send huge bouquets of flowers to funeral homes, rather than bringing them to our loved ones in their own homes.  We speak of all their good things after they pass, but who among them can hear?  We cry about our loss, but what of theirs?

Why not reverse this process? Give flowers to and speak well of the living, so they can hear your appreciation and feel your love while they are still alive.  And when you cry ~ cry together.  For when they see your river of tears, only then will they grasp how
deeply you care.

From the time he was a young boy growing up on the hard scrabble streets of Honduras, Ramel demonstrated the kind of spiritual caring that we all need right now.

And the tears he shed for his Papa who was lost to him as a boy still river through the man Ramel is today ~ a groundswell of deep feeling that enriches his character and runs through his spirit in clear-to-behold as well as unseen ways.

If only there were more Ramels in the world, surely there would be myriads more young ones bringing hot water, soap, and coffee to their family members ~ whether parents or grandpar­ents by
birth or in spirit.

I share this story today with you, my friends, with the hope and trust that when you or I get old—as well we must— there is someone near to bring you hot water, soap, and coffee.

Some of the poorest people in the world have the richest hearts. – Michael Maddox

They say that the older you get, the wiser you become.  As I’ve aged, I realize more and more that many people don’t use 12 letters and three words.

It’s amazing how rarely mankind understands loving languages.  We are so wrapped up in trying to be and look like others that we often forget who we are, what our purpose is and, all too often—we lose sight of our mission and our hope.

Everybody wants to be somebody, but I ask:  What about
just being you?

I thought of something the other day and it goes like this:  “I am who I am—all day long.  If you don’t like it, you can leave me alone.”   (Wow, I should make this into a song….)

So often, we walk around depressed, can’t see the light, don’t want to see the light—and then darkness becomes a part of our soul.  So it hinders us and makes us mad.  And then we begin to take our frustrations out on others and criticize them for
not being us.

My Grandad once told me, “Don’t go to the toilet on mankind.”  Always give grace to yourself and give grace to others.  For if we do not, we find ourselves caught in a tight spot—because we’ve resigned ourselves to being mad, angry, and ugly—creating
our own cage.

The challenge is to move beyond all the drama, the naysayers, and the haters.  For isn’t it more powerful when you have the feeling of love … and infinitely more powerful when you love yourself?  In order to keep moving on and growing as individuals, we need to bring along a mindset of positivity that we share
with the world.

Always give grace to others—but don’t neglect yourself.  Take time to speak the 12 letters and the three words to your own wonderful self.  If you embrace a mirror every once in awhile, you’ll realize that there’s a wonderland in you.

I think that’s why I like the character of Alice so much.  Despite her own awkward growth spurts—shrinking down and then towering tall—she always tried to embrace her world with happiness, no matter her physical size.

At times we too may feel small as a dormouse or as large and lumbering as an elephant.  But when you’re feeling out of sorts, I invite you to live your life imagining that a butterfly is following you wherever you go.  Whether you call it God, angel or spirit—however you name your higher power—visualizing it near you makes you feel safe and supported.  For no matter the size of your trials and tribulations, if you’re spiritually connected, you will realize that you are not walking alone.  And the love God has given to you, no man has the power to take away.

With faith, you have energy, confidence, and compassion—the root of love—and a sense of empowerment that you can do and be what your heart desires most.  Today this may be modeling; tomorrow, acting; but the sky is the limit.  Once you achieve your dreams, you may go on to support the dreams of others.

12 letters, three words—you’ll be amazed at how they “cut your lights on” mentally and spiritually.  You’ll be amazed at the happiness that strikes a chord in your heart like a bell, and gets you to sing out in joy. With these in mind, you feel free to walk down the street with no fear—and no makeup—so the breeze goes clear through your pores and connects with your soul.

It’s a wonderful thing to know that always — in all ways — you are 12 letters and three words.

Whether you’re at work, at home, or on the
road to discovery —

When someone says that you’re too fat, too skinny, or ugly
in any way —

Whether you’re faced with a scar or missing a limb —

When someone is not willing to hold your hand —

When someone is not saying, “I love you” —

I want you to say these 12 letters and three words to yourself:

“I AM BEAUTIFUL!”

… That’s the power of unconditional love.

From the age of 11, I always thought my nose was too big and wanted a sharper nose.  I used to look in the bathroom mirror and feel bad about myself, because I did not yet have the confidence to know that God gave me this nose for a reason–nor did I recognize that I was still undergoing additional growth.  Back then, I was even picked on and called names by some of the same people who today write to me saying, “I’m proud of you.” 

Despite any negativity, obstacles, and injustices, though, I was determined to “be someone.”  By the time I turned 12, my sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Daisy Williams from Hollywood Elementary School, said four words to me: “You make things happen.” 

In that moment, I glimpsed what I had to offer to myself and to the world.  She didn’t say it to any other student but me.  I’m reminded of the character Ms. Celie from The Color Purple.  She was considered black and ugly, but as she gained inner strength, she became the most beautiful woman in the world.   We are
who we are.

Confidence is a word that carries a lot of power.  Confidence is a word with attitude.  Confidence carries with it a feeling of “hallelujah,” because when you have confidence, it jump-starts the getting of wisdom.  To draw upon the magic of Mary Poppins, “Super-cala-fragalistic-let me take my medicine” — for your daily dose of confidence is just as important as your spoonful of flax seed oil or Omega-3s.

Some people are stuck in a vicious circle, however. Those who lack self-confidence find success more elusive.  As I well know, from the moment we face our reflection in a mirror, we begin to criticize that reflection; not satisfied with what we see.  And worse still, we may make unkind comparisons which only deepen our dissatisfaction, instill negativity, and breed insecurity.

Sadly, a lot of people are never told that they’re beautiful by their parents.  But a kind and loving word from a grandparent or other relative can bridge that gap.

Sadly, a lot of people are not embraced with the grace to make them feel accepted despite their imperfections.  But in life, we should take the imperfectness out of mankind and see it perfectly that we are all God’s creatures. 

Sadly, we must go up against those who do not embrace the “you can do it” lifestyle.  They would rather belittle you, make you small, and try to steal your power for their own personal growth, instead of encouraging and making mankind stronger.

Sadly, people run in circles all their lives because they see imperfections in themselves instead of ways to develop greater strength.  It is well known in the fashion industry that models will stir up drama and speak cattily about each other.  Another mistake models make is when they jump from agent to agent as if to find the “perfect” representative–or someone else to blame for their shortcomings–when what is lacking is a deeper sense of confidence in themselves.  Bottom line: You need to own it and grow it.

Let me give you an example of the challenging nature
of building confidence.

When my son was playing football at the age of fifteen, people literally walked all over him.  They didn’t give him the time of day.  Instead of actively getting in the game, he was left to carry the bag of balls when it was over. 

One day after a game, I could see in his eyes that he wanted to be treated just like the rest of the players.  But he was lacking the confidence to make it happen.  I realized then it was my job to instill what was missing.  I took it upon myself to attend all his games and study his football workouts for important clues. 

Although I was not a football expert, I knew the drills and designed a new regimen just for my son.  I would wake him up at 5:00 A.M. and take him running on the beach.  I chose the cold dry sand of Venice Beach because I knew the resistance of the sand would make him train harder, and ultimately he would become faster. 

And because I didn’t want him to feel like he was alone, I did the workout with him.  Even if I got it wrong, my participation in his growth was all-important.  This was a critical time for him, and
I knew it. 

As we ran together, he would look over at me, and my presence gave him confidence … as if he could read the signal from me that it was “A-OK, you’re going to make it.”   And when I looked back at him, I felt confident that he got the message. 

After three months of these extreme training sessions, the so-called “bag boy” who carried the balls after the game became the number-one wide receiver for Beverly Hills High School.  Imagine my joy each Wednesday at seeing my son’s name highlighted in the Los Angeles Times as a leading player in the game … and in two short years, he became the leading wide receiver at UC Davis.

The drive to greatness was already instilled in my son.  But achieving greatness is a different story ~ one drafted in dreams but written with commitment, and a process not without pain.

Now I look at my life and I know that God has given me the gift to plant seeds in people who may not have fully developed their confidence or a support system.  No matter how powerful we stand, we are all faced with insecurities and inner doubts which may need a strong counter-balance from time to time.  In truth, we do not stand alone, but depend on each other surely as the roots of each tree are needed to support a forest.

Being a model requires not only an extreme force of confidence and a competitive nature, but also a cooperative nature.  You need not be born with these qualities, but somehow you must develop them.  As with any endeavor, you need to recognize strength and weakness.  Where you are strong, maintain that strength.  Where you have room for growth, seek out those individuals who can inspire and guide you to develop the confidence you lack.  Develop an edge so that you stand out, but also know when to take a step back and allow yourself to be steered by those you trust.

That is why in the fashion world, it is essential that you embrace the heart of the individual who is representing you as your agent, manager or other support system and allow them to take the lead … while focusing on building confidence borne out of
acceptance for yourself.

Looking back at the past 24 years I’ve enjoyed in the industry, I’ve challenged myself to continually learn and grow, and recognize that I still have a long road ahead of me.  But it doesn’t mean I won’t get there.  We all have a purpose; we just need to be smart enough to recognize our purpose and then not be afraid to pursue it with all our heart, despite any opposition.

I always tell people if you woke up this morning, you’re already successful.  So spend more time believing in yourself and shoring up that belief as a strong foundation for all the wins to come.  What gives me confidence and glory is when others doubt mankind and I become the believer. I like to take the self-doubting individual by the hand and say, “Come on, let’s go.” 

To all you readers, I want you to do this at this very moment.  Pause.  Take both of your arms and embrace your heart.  Wrap them around your body and say, “I love me and I will win.”  Then pause.  Say, “Thank you, Father, for me.” 

In addition to holding an attitude of gratitude, another secret to success is to feel the driving force of love.  Reigniting your passion for your own journey helps give you the fire to ignite other people, to see inside others’ hearts, and to inspire a shared vision of success.  In turn, after you have reached your desired level of success, be sure to give back by offering others a helping hand.  This way, the
circle is unbroken.

To help you live with your dreams and put them into action, I encourage you to:

  Always keep your eyes on what’s important to you. 

  Don’t worry about what the next-door neighbor says about 
        you because 9 cases out of 10, they’re going through the
        same thing as you, just with a different face.

  Seek in your heart to make life better for those who stand
        before you; this will make your heart more graceful.

  Be willing to give another person confidence, because it 
        doesn’t always have to be about you. 

  Embrace who you are, and say to yourself, “God
        doesn’t make mistakes.” 

  Most importantly, never doubt yourself, or allow
        another’s doubt to cloud your dream just because 
        misery loves company.

If I did not practice these principles, I wouldn’t be who I am today.  I deeply thank my sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Daisy Williams, for giving me those unforgettable four words of encouragement: “You make things happen.”  For on that day, when I came home from school, I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “I totally got it.” 

Now when I see my reflection, I feel very complete.  I’ve come to realize that yes, I am a handsome man and, thankfully, I know myself much better now.  In fact, at this very point in my life, I have something to say to ya’ll:  I love my nose!  It’s the most beautiful thing that God has ever given me.  I am confident, I am secure, and I love myself.

So I say to you again:  You are you.  So embrace any challenges you may face and see them as opportunities to help you gain confidence to better stride in style ~ and to live your dreams today.  You are a masterpiece, even if you don’t know it … yet.

So following that devastating experience, I’ve always had a fear of going to the dentist.  (Here I am in my forties and I still remember that awful moment!)

As I grew older, I realized that I would need another cleaning, but I hoped to find a dentist that cared about his patients, one that wouldn’t rip me off, and someone who had compassion for me. 

Here in California, my son and I visited a few dental offices.  One of them, located in the Marina, kept me waiting for an hour and a half.  And when I was seen, the place wasn’t very clean – and the staff was less than professional and not very courteous.  At that point, I gave up on seeing a dentist. 

Based on these earlier negative experiences, I was mistrustful of any dentist.  Fortunately, I received a great referral from one of my agent friends, Nick Terzian at NTA.  “Michael, I have the best dentist in the world for you.  The first time you lay eyes on him, I guarantee you that you won’t want to go to anyone else for the rest of your life.”  Based on the strength of my 20-year relationship with Nick, I decided to give Dr. Cesar Segovia a call. 

When I spoke to Dr. Segovia, surprisingly, I felt like I’d known him all my life.  And I marveled to myself, “This can’t be true.  A dentist that is about me, that cares about me, after just one conversation!”  So I decided to make the appointment. 

As soon as I entered the office, he greeted me warmly with a hug, and also shared this spirit of hospitality with my son.  (As he put it, “That has to be the coolest dentist I’ve ever met in my life.”)

I explained to Dr. Segovia my sensitive fears about the dentist, and he reassured me that in his office, patients are first. 

The first treatment I needed was a deep gum cleaning.  Then I needed to close my gaps on my bottom teeth.  Third, I needed a whitening system; finally, an improvement of my smile.  Before I left Dr. Segovia, he nodded to me,  “You’ll be running back to my office all the time. We don’t scare our patients.  You won’t have any fear anymore; I promise you that.  Just let me lead the way.” 

It’s been three months now and I can honestly tell you, he has lead the way.  He’s charming and his entire office cares about their patients.  He’s like a big teddy bear, or a cool uncle.  He’s always smiling and making sure that you’re happy when you walk into his office.  Since my very first appointment, I have referred quite a few people to Dr. Segovia.  In fact, he’s created such a great impression that I have models flying in from New York and Atlanta to see him.  His treatment imbues you with confidence, and leaves you with grace in your heart that you have chosen the right dentist. 

Whether you’re a model, an actor, or a “regular person”, it’s essential that you find professionals who can give you the highest quality services with the least amount of stress.  Dr. Cesar Segovia has an abundance of good qualities and grace.  He’s honest, holds your hand at your most feared moments, and gives you the best service that anyone could ever ask for. 

Dr. Cesar Segovia is the type of dentist who deserves a front-row seat in your life.

So if you’re looking for honesty, compassion, respect, grace, and 100% full old-fashioned customer service from a dentist, I recommend Dr. Cesar Segovia, whom I call “The Angel of Dentistry.”  You can reach Dr. Segovia’s office at (310) 859-0969, located at 9201 W. Sunset Blvd, Suite 208, Los Angeles, CA  90069.  ** He’s a TEN-STAR Dentist! **

I wanted to be a musician growing up … or a tennis player. I actually made 2nd chair in the Texas state competition in saxophone, but ended up enrolling at USC School of Dentistry after obtaining my Bachelor of 
Science from the University of Texas, at Austin. Immediately upon graduation and passing of my boards, I opened a private practice in my current location. I have been practicing dentistry in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area for 30-plus years. Concurrent with my private practice, I was asked to teach at the USC Dental School, and did so in the area of Occlusion for 15 years. I built my practice on customer satisfaction and word of mouth, and pride myself in having a vibrant, diverse group of patients, every last one of whom has a gorgeous face and a ‘million
dollar smile’! - Dr. Cesar Segovia

As a beginning model, keep in mind that when you have an opportunity to be introduced to any photographer, you must control the room.  This is your space – so it becomes your moment. 
If you are fortunate enough to hear these words:  “I will shoot you for free,” then you need to cut your lights on and shine.

No photographer wants a boring model. Be prepared to participate expressively.  It’s not enough to sit at home and watch the models on television do their thing, nod, and say to yourself,
“I get it” – only to freeze up when it’s your turn in front of the camera.   Take the lesson that’s in front of you and really apply it
to yourself.

Do not depend on just your looks.  Again, it’s more than just a pretty face.  A model must depend on his or her interior to match the exterior.  I always tell models: Before you go to a shoot, stand in front of a mirror so you can see your reflection and to check the expression that you’re delivering … it starts with the man or woman in the mirror, so you have to make that change.

WARNING: This video includes nudity. 

“I always tell models to study the editorial work of famous photographers.”  – Dallas Logan 

Campaigns, in contrast, use photographic series to sell a product; they’re highly glossy and “over the top.”  Recent examples would be campaigns by companies including Pantene, Gatorade, and Prada; products might include earrings, shoes, cars or even shaving cream.

It is rare that first-time models star in campaigns, but it is possible.

Of course, not everyone’s going to dance to your music.  You may like country, I may like classical.  The challenge is to find a common melody to carry us through.

The objective is to get the audience wishing two things:

(A) I wish I had what they’re wearing, or

(B) I wish I were them.  Your job as a model is to leave the “Awwwe” impression among your viewers – admiring the artistry and reveling in the experience.

Success is understanding your dream, and discovering what it takes to make the dream come true.  A careful blend of knowledge and action is the key. 

Failure happens when understanding is not delivered to your heart and soul.  We give up because we don’t process the path.  We give up when the going gets tough, and we’re challenged by unknown or unusual circumstances - but it does not mean you can’t win. 

As a model, you have to understand that God gave all of us a season … you may work hard for several years and nothing may seemingly come of it, but it doesn’t mean that you didn’t learn anything from it, for all the while, you’re gaining inner wisdom. You have to continually process your experiences, move through before moving on.

There’s a Wonderland in all of us, so adjust to your levels so you can navigate the unexpected landscape with grace and gratitude.

For example, I met a model who was afraid for me to come to his home, because of my status.   He positioned me as being better, and I explained to him that I am not better – you are me.   I told him material rewards are not always the answers of life.  He finally invited me over to meet his family, and I remember it was so cold. His mother had the oven running for heat because that’s all they had.  She was also cooking in the kitchen, and there were a few bugs on the counter.  The model was so embarrassed, he started sweating.  He didn’t want me to see it.  But when the mother said, “I’m cooking, Mr. Maddox, will you have some food?” 

I said yes – and ate heartily: roast beef, rice, corn and greens – two platefuls.  Both mother and son looked at me with joy. I recognized that I’d had this same life.  Today, this model is one of my best friends.  My acceptance of him enabled him to go on to achieve goals and realize that what he has is “A-OK” with me.  His success with modeling has allowed him to move forward, to take care of
his mom, and to afford a new apartment for himself.  Glory to God,
for giving me that moment.  This is why I help people … because
I haven’t forgotten where I came from, and stayed open to accepting help when it was offered in order to succeed. 

There are two things that I ask God for before I leave this earth:
First, I don’t want to die suddenly, as in a plane crash or car
accident, because I ask the good Lord to give me ten minutes of competency to praise Him: Five minutes to glorify Him and thank him for everything He’s done for me; and five minutes to thank Him for all those who have food on their table because of me.