NBA Co-Owner and Businessman Shares His Keys to INNER PEACE & HAPPINESS

Phoenix Suns co-owner Richard Jaffe has published years of his poetry in an inspirational new book, "Inner Peace & Happiness: Reflections to Grow Your Soul," a look at the role of self love in his personal happiness.

"I've found thaT Loving myself is fundamental to my happiness," he says. "The one person I have a relationship with for my entire life is myself, so it's essential to make that relationship my priority. When I have the inner peace that comes from loving myself, I don't have to look to others to fill my emotional needs and wants."

The book is a collection of 52 poems Jaffe penned over many years as he experienced finding and losing romance; the births and deaths of children; early struggles and ultimate success in business; and what it means to have a soul mate.

"Love has contributed greatly to my happiness and success as a businessman, philanthropist and author," he writes in the Dedication. "The poems in this book are expressions of emotions for the people I've loved, those who have love me, and the relationships and friendships that I treasure deeply."

He discovered that, at the core of his joy and his ability to love and be loved, is his own capacity for self love.

"Through these poems, I'm sharing what I have learned works for me," he says. "I realize I'm a very lucky man to be as happy and at peace as I am, and the secret is that I look inward for fulfillment."

The "Inner Peace" opening poem, "Eternal Happiness" penned in 1979, captures the essence of Jaffe's self love message. One stanza reads:

But a happiness with one's own true self,
Not an easy bond to make,
Allows our heart to pour out love
Without the need to take."

Jaffe's readers praise the businessman's eloquence, his philosophy, and his willingness to share his poetry.

"It's unusual and refreshing to find a successful businessman and philanthropist who writes inspirational poetry about love," writes Ken Blanchard, co-author of "The One Minute Manager."

"Yet Jaffe is the rare leader who helps us remember that love of our mission, family, colleagues, customers and friends are the essence of leadership."

Writes golf legend Arnold Palmer: "In this book ... you will find inspiration akin to what I've experience on the course. I highly recommend it."

About Richard Jaffe

Richard Jaffe is one of the owners of the NBA Phoenix Suns basketball team, a successful business leader and longtime philanthropist. Most recently the CEO of Safe Life Corp., a medical technology company, he also founded Safe Skin Corp., a latex glove manufacturer (acquired by Kimberly-Clark Corp.) and Nutri-Foods International, a frozen dessert company (sold to the Coca-Cola Co.) He is a member of the U.S. Golf Association's Presidents Council and a supporter of numerous charitable projects. His first published book of poetry, "Inner Peace & Happiness," is a reflection of the values and lessons learned in business and in life. He and his wife of 28 years, Ann, are the proud parents of three grown children. Follow him on Twitter, @rbjaffe.