Dianne Bischoff James: The Real Brass Ring
OMTimes: What is the best thing that came out of your reaching the ‘real’ brass ring?
Dianne Bischoff James: I believe that when we die and stand at the entrance of the pearly gates, our highest guide arrives to greet us and asks only one question, “Did you love your life?” With this in mind, reaching for the ‘real’ brass ring is imperative- identifying your life’s work, pursuing activities that feed the soul and grabbing at every possible opportunity to live your highest good. 
The best part about living with total authenticity and gusto is that you will feel the satisfaction that comes with a purpose-driven life and feel surges of positive energy resonating throughout the day. Having gone through an intense personal transformation, the depression lifted and I now wake up excited about the world of possibilities.
OMTimes: You are now an actress with parts in movies, television and stage. Tell us how that came about.
Dianne Bischoff James: When I decided to go back to acting, I was forty, weighed 190 pounds, had not been on stage since high school and was terrified of rejection. Despite these obstacles, I mustered up the courage to audition for a community theatre production of Oliver and delivered by far, the worst audition of my life. I probably should have been mortified with embarrassment, but instead, I left the room beaming with joy because I had had the courage to show up. As a result, I was offered a part in the chorus and it felt so good to be on stage, my energy soared and I lost thirty pounds.
OMTimes: You write about all the different self-help books you used and read. Of the teachers you have studied, which one was the most valuable to you?
Dianne Bischoff James: In my opinion, Mellen Thomas Benedict is a modern day prophet. He is a near death survivor who traveled to the other side and now is an encyclopedia of the afterlife. I have seen him in person and he has an angelic presence. One of the great lessons that I learned from his teachings is that we serve as our own personal judge and jury after passing on from this life. Objectively, lovingly, yet judiciously we evaluate ourselves and our progress toward our goals and sacred contracts. Consequently, have the power to save, redeem and heal ourselves while we are here on Earth. This information reinforced the fact that I needed to increase my personal accountability for living in truth and confront any blocks that stood in the way of personal growth.
