Holiday Gift Giving

In very modern times, the Christmas season has changed a lot. For me, personally, the consumerism and materialism of it has become very overwhelming and over recent years I've gradually withdrawn from it. To celebrate in the current and "commercial" way, of purchasing gifts for everyone and their brother, spending money that I don't really have for presents that people don't actually really want or need (or that they could readily and easily buy themselves) and becoming stressed out about it all, while spending time in busy and crowded shopping malls, where I don't actually witness much kindness or Christmas spirit, feels very disingenuous to me and leaves me feeling drained, not happy or particularly generous. Now before people start accusing me of being a Scrooge and shouting "Bah humbug!" at me, let me explain.

When I was in high school, my exceptionally healthy mother, very unexpectedly, suffered a stroke in the week leading up to Christmas. While it took me a few years afterward to finally and to truly understand it more thoroughly and appreciate it in its entirety, I realized that the timing of her stroke was no coincidence. At the time, my mother, then a mother of 10 and a grandmother of 2, was especially busy. Besides being a very busy organist, playing in multiple church services and school productions, was also overextending herself in preparing for the upcoming holiday; besides buying and preparing food for the big party on Christmas day, she was also running around trying to buy presents for all of us (her kids, their spouses and significant others and her grandkids) and ensuring they were all wrapped and that dozens of Christmas cards were in the mail. Did I mention that, at this point, she was already in her 60s and accomplishing all of this ALL ON HER OWN, without any help of any kind?

Holidays such as Christmas, I believe, should be celebrating times of peace, kindness and "goodwill toward men", reaffirming our faith and participating in acts of charity. Instead, Christmas now seems like a time of great stress for many people; very much a burden. Gift giving seems more obligatory than genuine, which to me, defeats the purpose of the season and the true origin and meaning of the day is completely lost. And you know what? We brought this on ourselves; we created this. We took a Christian day and made it into something very secular that promotes materialism over the spiritual. But we don't have to participate in that kind of Christmas anymore. We can choose to go back to our roots and celebrate Christmas in the way that feels most authentic to us and leaves us feeling peaceful and connected to others and to our Higher Power. We shouldn't allow clever and relentless marketing or feelings of guilt or peer pressure, bully us into participating in a holiday, in a way that doesn't feel good to us.

If you genuinely enjoy giving Christmas gifts, no one says you have to stop doing that. But consider giving something different, more meaningful, something that cannot be bought in a store, such as . . . . .

THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME
Time is the great equalizer. Time is a finite commodity. It's valuable, alright, but you can never trade it on the Stock Exchange. Each person is given 24 hours in a day; what we choose to do with those 24 hours determines the quality of our life. Have you thought about giving someone the precious gift of your time? A son or daughter may soon forget about that video game or that DVD that they received once it is no longer popular, but how long will they remember that weekend you spent together, where you had long heart-to-heart talks, reminisced and really enjoyed each others company? Another great way to gift your time is by volunteering for a cause you believe in. How do you feel when your friend opens that present that you got them? It is a fleeting joy that pretty much ends in a day or two. But imagine how you will feel when you spend time volunteering for a charity, working to create opportunities and happiness for people who are less fortunate. That joy, that sense of humanity, does not evaporate; it stays with you and reverberates where ever you go. An even better idea? Bring someone with you; a friend, a colleague, a family member. Make it an experience for the both of you, while making it an experience for the other people you are helping, to make an even greater impact. Anyone can send off a check to a charity or even donate online (what could be easier!), which is wonderful, but to give of your time is an even more generous contribution.

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE
A sort of running joke with my mother was the perpetual question she was asked "Ma, what do you want for your birthday?" or "Ma, what do you want for Christmas?" or "Ma, what do you want for Mother's Day?". And what was Ma's perpetual answer?

"Peace and quiet."

Except, of course, this was not really a joke. Genuinely, that was what she wanted. (And I think she still might actually be waiting for it!) But as kids or teenagers, how could we give her that? I'm sure none of us realized how earnest her answer was, until we had matured and could really appreciate where she was coming from. Instead, we continued to give her more trinket boxes than she could ever use, more pajamas and slippers and more and more Heaven Scent perfume and Jean Nate. But now, as an adult, I realize how important, how vitally important, alone time and quiet time is. This is when we can stop, breathe, check in with ourselves and be on our own agendas and not be on everyone else's. "Me Time" is extremely important and most people don't get enough of it, if any at all. How can we recharge our batteries, if we're not allowed to slow down? Giving the gift of an experience to someone can be almost synonymous as giving the gift of time, but think of what else the recipient may get out of this. Do you have a friend who is overwhelmed with the demands of their job and family and running their household? Offering to babysit their children, while they go out and do something that entertains or nurtures them, is a priceless gift. Does your elderly parent have a hard time keeping up with their household chores? Going over and doing their laundry and tidying up, while helping them prepare a meal, while they take a nap or while the two of you chat, can make a world of difference. Never underestimate what a small act of kindness can do for another person's spirit.

Do you want to do a more "grand" gift of experience? Take someone to a show or lecture or to a beautiful place you want them to see (maybe a garden or to a stargazing observatory perhaps). Creating experiences and sharing them is what memories are made of. On their deathbed, does a person reminisce about that cool computer gadget they received? Or do they talk about that day you went to the lake and saw the beautiful swans and the baby ducklings and ate a picnic lunch?

THE GIFT OF INSPIRATION
Still want to buy a tangible, wrappable gift that someone can open up in front of you? Well, how about a gift of inspiration? Is there a book, magazine, music or movie that has inspired you? How about sharing that with someone else who might also be inspired by it? Pay it forward, as the saying goes. One of the favorite gifts I've ever given to someone was a book that I created myself. I took many inspirational quotes, poems and stories, paired them with art that I liked and created a book on my computer. I printed it myself, then brought it to a printer to be professionally bound and had the front and back covers laminated, to strengthen it and increase it's durability and longevity.

THE GIFT OF CHARITY
As already mentioned, this is the time of year to consider being more charitable. Instead of spending money on a gift for someone who could afford to buy it themselves (and who probably has more material possessions than they know what to do with), why not spend that money on someone who does not have the same opportunities and resources that we do? Giving money in your own name, or in the name of someone else as a gift (or anonymously) is always a good choice. There are so many charities, doing great work, that always need help; whether it's a local agency in your community or a national or international non-profit, working to help people, animals, the environment. Think about this: who needs your gift more? Your cousin who lives comfortably in a 3-bedroom home on an acre of land in a safe community, making $100K a year? Or the abused, sick refugee in Sudan? Or the AIDS orphan in Kenya? Or the homeless child at The Pine Street Inn shelter?

I hope we can begin to make more mindful choices with our time and with our money, during this season and throughout the New Year. Most people's hearts are in the right place, but our priorities have become mixed up, as we are bombarded with misinformation and our values have changed. Remember, material possessions do not create long lasting happiness or fulfillment the way that love, kindness, generosity, faith and interconnectedness does. Let's create more of the latter in our lives and the abundance that follows will quell our desires for more of the material.

Much peace, love, blessings and good health to all of you in this season and in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Kathleen

PEACE ON EARTH BEGINS WITH PEACE WITHIN YOURSELF

PEACE

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

What is Success?

Success can be defined in many ways .... just ask a few people what success means to them and you will get as many different answers. One of the definitions of success that resonates with me is this:

SUCCESS: the progressive realization of a worthy ideal

The most successful people usually didn't get where they are by happenstance. It took time and effort. It requires the act of setting goals and coming up with strategies on how to achieve those goals and overcome the obstacles. It is important to have goals, so that we are always reminded of what we want to achieve and we can measure our progress, by having a timeline and a deadline. And goal setting should encompass all areas of your life. At the Jack Canfield lecture I attended in July (which airs on PBS) he encouraged us to have goals for our finances, our career, our relationships, our health and fitness, our fun and recreation and for our own personal goals, such as learning to play a musical instrument or a foreign language. The final goal, he talked about, was our legacy; our contribution to the world. How did we want to be remembered? How did we want to contribute to the greater good?

Take some time to think about what success means to you and start writing down your goals for all the different areas of your life and commit to living the life you really want. You can have your heart's desire. Anyone who is familiar with Paulo Coelho's famous book, "The Alchemist" knows that when you really want something, the Universe conspires to help you achieve it.

For more motivation, please watch this brief movie called "The Strangest Secret" by clicking here.

Upcoming Workshops with Kathleen

Are you constantly craving sweets? Would you like to know why? Better yet, would you like to gain control over your sweet tooth and manage your cravings without willpower or deprivation? Then register for one of my informative (and fun!) Sugar Solutions Workshop. With the upcoming holiday season approaching fast, why not learn some new strategies now to keep your sweet tooth at bay, while still enjoying the holiday festivities and avoiding weight gain? Space is limited, so please sign up with me today. Oh, and the best part? These workshops are FREE!

Thursday, November 15, 2007 6:00 PM

"Sugar Solutions" Workshop at Healthworks Back Bay, corner of Stuart Street & Dartmouth Street, Boston. Accessible by Green Line (Copley) and Orange Line (Back Bay Station).


Monday, December 3, 2007 6:00 PM

"Sugar Solutions" Workshop at Shape Up Personal Training Studio, 111 1/2 Inman Street, Inman Square, Cambridge. Accessible by multiple bus lines, including CT2 and 1. Approximately 15-minute walk from Central Square T. For more information regarding personal trainer extraordinaire and the founder of Shape Up Personal Training, Jess Perkins, please visit her site by clicking HERE.

Please pre-register for all workshops, by contacting Kathleen. SPACE IS LIMITED. Remember, these are free events!

If you would like me to give a workshop at your company or to your organization or group, please contact me at kathleen@kmoriarty.com or 617.909.0328 ~ many topics available!

444 Days

According to my "Bush's Last Day" countdown clock (which was a gift I received from my sister back in January) there are 444 days left in Bush's presidency. For approximately 75% of Americans, this is 444 days too many. According to the most recent poll, Bush's approval rating is a mere 25%. This record low, polled in October 2007 ties with July 2007 - more results (and detailed information) can be found by CLICKING HERE.

I've never been a fan of complaining, without taking action. We can lament all we want about our government, our leaders and public policy. But, like the saying goes, unless we are part of the solution, we are part of the problem. So, if we don't like something, how can we, as citizens, change it? Are we powerless? Is the saying, "You can't fight City Hall" really true?

One of the most powerful ways to contribute as a citizen is by voting. Voting at the polls every election, of course, but also by voting with our consumer dollars. Every purchase you make can either contribute to the greater good or to the further breakdown of our economy or our society. Purchasing goods made in America using American materials, purchasing local produce cultivated by local farmers, purchasing items made by workers who are being treated fairly and being paid a living wage (whether in this country or a foreign country), purchasing products that are made without the use of toxic chemicals or harmful carcinogens and buying products that do not harm animals or the environment are just a few examples. And what about investing our money? Instead of investing in funds that we know nothing about, that typically invest in weaponry (think: war) or dangerous agricultural practices or only serve to perpetuate slavery, war and exploitation in underdeveloped nations, how about investing in some of the "green funds" that promote socially responsible and conscious investing?

And what about other ways we can contribute to society and lobby for change? How about contacting your state representatives, senators, mayor and governor about issues that you care about? Phoning and writing in is often referred to as being an "armchair lobbyist" and I am a big fan of it. When is the last time, if ever, that you contacted one of these people? Remember, they work for you. Whether you voted them into office or not, they won the election and now represent YOU. Make the most of that! Even simply writing a Letter to the Editor of any newspaper or magazine that you read can create an impact. So many people have strong opinions about various articles they read, but never think to actually respond to them in writing.

Be an active part of your community, get involved and raise awareness! One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Mead:

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

If you're part of the 75% of polled Americans who don't like what George Bush's administration is doing, then be sure to commit to educating yourself and others about the the candidates for the 2008 presidential election, get involved in the issues and support the campaign of the person you think can best do the job. If we don't learn from our past - and present - history, we are doomed to repeat it.

444 days and counting.............. January 20, 2009 we eagerly await you

For information about socially responsible investing, go to PAX WORLD MUTUAL FUNDS.

To learn about divestment and if your investment firm is funding the genocide in Darfur, please CLICK HERE.

For presidential candidate debates, go to YOU TUBE'S YOU CHOOSE CHANNEL.

One Degree of Separation

Watching the Red Sox victory on television on Sunday night and then standing amongst the crowd on Boylston Street in the Back Bay Fens at noon yesterday, watching the "Rolling Rally" of Red Sox players and their families, along with Red Sox coaches, managers, owners and other staff wave to the crowds and shoot confetti into the air, one couldn't help but feel pure joy and exhilaration. The positive energy in the city was more than apparent and the genuine happiness people felt reverberated throughout the day. It was cause for celebration! And for the most part, it really brought out the best in people. Seeing people come together was actually very touching.

But it also got me thinking. What separates the winners from the losers? What decides who revels in victory and who wallows in the despair of defeat? Well, as anybody who follows sports can tell you, sometimes what separates the winner from the loser is less than one second; think of an Olympic race, whether it be swimming, biking or running. The difference in time between the Gold, Silver and Bronze and the competitors who receive no medal at all, is usually very little.

You can use this analogy in life as well. What factor decides who gets the promotion and who doesn't? What factor decides who wins the bid and who doesn't? What determines who wins the scholarship and who doesn't? Sometimes, the difference is just one small thing, that makes the big difference. That is why it is important to always do our best. If we truly want something, genuinely want it, then the Universe will conspire to help us achieve it. But we do have to work for it. We must put forth our best effort. We can't slack off, then expect a big payoff. Big effort, big results. Whenever you're working toward something you really want, remember this:

TO GET WHAT WE'VE NEVER HAD

WE MUST DO WHAT WE'VE NEVER DONE

As the following 2-minute movie will demonstrate, at 211 degrees, water is merely hot. But at 212 degrees, water is BOILING. One degree, big difference!




For photos from the Red Sox's Rolling Rally through the streets of Boston CLICK HERE

For more inspirational movies CLICK HERE

Positive People Day

Who knew that tomorrow was Positive People Day? Nancy Purbeck of Boston founded this idea 10 years ago and every year on October 29th, she and her band of volunteers spread the word, starting at dawn, at the very busy South Station train terminal in Downtown Boston, where an average of 60,000+ commuters pass through each morning.

Ms. Purbeck describes, "It's a springboard for everyone in the city of Boston and beyond to spread kindness, to swap it for negativity. Without kindness, there is violence." Her goal? "Well, it's not always about changing attitudes. It's just the simple act of doing something positive. I'd like to say we're really hoping people make a commitment to kindness, but not everyone's on top of their daily stress. I know that. This is not a club for people who know how to feel cheerful. It's advocacy for people to reach out to others who need a little bit of help." And what about their mascot? You'll never guess who it is! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Meanwhile, please commit to participating in "Positive People Day" on October 29th and spread the word! Now what about their mascot?

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

12th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

One of my favorite annual traditions is coming soon and I am so excited about it! What is it, you ask? None other than the Vegetarian Food Festival that is held by the venerable Boston Vegetarian Society. Now in its twelfth year, the Vegetarian Food Festival is the biggest event of its kind in New England and its popularity continues to grow. Although it is a vast resource for vegans and vegetarians, people practicing all different types of diet are encouraged to attend! You need not be vegetarian. If you are looking to incorporate more healthy and diverse plant-based foods in diet, this is a great place to start. If you consider yourself an environmentalist or simply want to learn how you can try to "go green" or reduce your carbon footprint, find out how a plant-based diet impacts the Earth by attending the festival.

The festival includes:

• 100 exhibitors
• free food sampling
• cooking demonstrations by noted chefs
• educational exhibits
• cookbook authors and publishers
• children's activities
• restaurants
• food producers with their healthy products, freebies & coupons
• natural grocers
• information on animal welfare & environmentalism
• top national speakers (movers & shakers!)
• free parking / free admission / T stop right there!

Of the seven noted speakers presenting on October 20th, the most I am most excited about this year is Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. She is the founder and director of Compassionate Cooks, a columnist for one of my favorite magazines, Veg News and is a contributor to NPR. Additionally, Colleen does an amazing podcast for Compassionate Cooks, Vegetarian Food for Thought, of which I am an enthusiastic subscriber. (Her podcast is accessible via iTunes for free.) Will I see you at the Vegetarian Food Festival this year? Mark your calendar! Colleen Patrick-Goudreau speaks at 3:00 PM. For a list of other speakers and for more information regarding the festival at the Reggis Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury/Boston, click here

Another Way to Meet Your Meat

Anyone who's attended one of my workshops or met with me for an individual consultation, knows how I feel about food labels and food ingredients. If you cannot pronounce an ingredient or cannot identify what it is (and especially if the food has multiple chemical ingredients that you've never heard of) why would you feel comfortable eating it? Eating food is a very intimate experience; every time you eat, you are choosing to put something into your body, which ideally, should nourish you. But so often, these food choices that include processed ingredients and refined sugar and flour do not provide nutrients; they actually create a deficiency in the body. This makes your body have to work harder to digest the food and in the end, instead of receiving nutrients like vitamins or minerals, your body has actually lost stored values of these nutrients because the refined sugar and flour has no goodness associated with it (no fiber, no minerals, no vitamins at all). So instead of providing any benefit, these actually deplete the body of good things, including energy.

And what about meat? Well, meat contains other added ingredients besides just the animal flesh itself. Sometimes you will find this listed on the label and other times you will not. And a good example of this is processed meat, like sausages and packaged deli meat. For an interesting and eye-opening look at what exactly you're consuming when choosing these kinds of meat products, I encourage to check out this informative photo show, by clicking:
Mystery Meat Macrophotography

Events.... Mark Your Calendar!

Here are some upcoming events that I think are noteworthy and urge you to consider participating in . . . . . . .

September 29 (Saturday) 10 AM - 8 PM
Spirit of Change Holistic Health Expo & Celebration in Sturbriddge, MA
Website: Click Here for Spirit of Change

October 3 (Wednesday) 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Coogans in Downtown Boston
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

October 20 (Saturday) 10 AM - 6 PM
Boston Vegetarian Food Festival at Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, Roxbury/Boston
Website: Click Here for BVS

October 27 & 28 (Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 4 PM & 7 PM)
Jack Canfield's Secret Law of Attraction plays on WGBH, Channel 2 in Boston
This past July I was fortunate enough to attend this live taping in Boston with master motivational speaker, Jack Canfield. This lecture is inspiring and practical; allowing you to learn how to apply basic principles to achieve your goals. I thought it was wonderful and highly recommend you watch it!
Website: Click Here for WGBH

November 4 (Sunday) 9 AM - 5 PM
Holistic Expo in Waltham, MA
Website: Click Here for Center for Balance

November 15 (Thursday) 6 PM - 7 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Healthworks in Back Bay/Boston ~ learn how to curb your sweet tooth and gain control over your cravings!
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

To everyone who participated in "Car Free Day" last Saturday 9/22, Mother Earth thanks you! And remember, you can continue to leave a softer carbon footprint by pledging more car free days every month. Instead of driving your own car, try carpooling, public transportation or walking or biking, whenever possible!

Could One Conversation Change your Life?

Have you been wanting to...

• improve your eating habits?
• feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for yourself?
• experience a remarkable increase in your energy & vitality?
• stop your cravings and binges?
• feel better in your body and achieve your ideal weight?
• experience an increase in overall happiness in your life?

Well, as a Holistic Health Counselor, I am your personal advocate for living an energized and passionate life. Whatever your concerns are, my job is to help you find which food and lifestyle choices will work best for you and the life you desire. When diet changes, everything changes.

My philosophy is that a true holistic approach to life incorporates things that nourish you other than food, including honest and open relationships, a meaningful spiritual practice, a career that inspires you, and physical activity that you enjoy. These elements are called Primary Food. As a Holistic Health Counselor, I will work with you to help you find balance in both Primary Foods and the foods you eat on a daily basis.

Could one conversation change your life?
I invite you to a free initial consultation to discuss your health history, your concerns and goals, as well as what you have always imagined for your life. This free, one-hour session is a great way for you to get a feel for how I work with clients, and to see if we are a good match. There is no obligation, so I welcome you to consider having this conversation. It could very well be a turning point in your life. Are you in?

Please contact me today at 617.909.0328 or kathleen@kmoriarty.com I am very passionate about helping people reach their goals and I am confident I can help you live the life you truly want.

Your BEST life is waiting..............

Across the Universe...... See This Movie Now!

SEE THIS MOVIE! I give it 5 stars, just like Roger Ebert. Visually stunning, excellent performers, amazing metaphors, timely message, important. And, well. Beautiful.....


At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, "Across the Universe" is an original movie musical springing from the imagination of renowned director Julie Taymor (Frida, Titus, and the Broadway smash hit musical "The Lion King") and writers Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais (The Commitments).

A love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, mind exploration and rock 'n roll, the film moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. The star-crossed lovers, Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), along with a small group of friends and musicians, are swept up into the emerging anti-war and counterculture movements, with "Dr. Robert" (Bono) and "Mr. Kite" (Eddie Izzard) as their guides. Tumultuous forces outside their control ultimately tear the young lovers apart, forcing Jude and Lucy – against all odds – to find their own way back to each other.

Have you Heard of Kiva?

What is Kiva, you ask? Kiva is a unique way to help someone by giving them money to start a business. This is not a donation, see, because they pay the money back to you. It's a loan.

Kiva lets you lend money to a specific budding entrepreneur, in the developing world, which empowers them to lift themselves out of poverty. You remember the saying "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime"? This exemplifies that concept.

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on www.Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back. You can loan as little as $25 at a time!

Check out their site today!

http://www.Kiva.org

A Way to Improve You Well Being... IMMEDIATELY!

How can you improve your well-being immediately?

Try a Reiki session to feel better! Your stress and tension will be reduced. You will become deeply relaxed. You can bring this sense of peace and well-being home with you. Relaxation improves your immune response in addition to your mood, so you will feel better on many levels.

What is Reiki, you ask? According to local Reiki Master and Wellness Expert, Joanna Scaparotti, Rei means universal and Ki means vital energy. The word Reiki describes the vital life energy that flows through everything that exists and makes up the energetic field that interconnects all living things.

How can Reiki benefit me, you ask? A Reiki session results in:

- soothed nerves and relief from stress and anxiety
- deep relaxation that encourages a healing response
- increased energy
- increased vitality
- stronger immune response- decreased aches and pains
- deeper, more restful sleep
- quicker recovery from illness
- quicker recovery from injury, surgery and chemotherapy
- awareness and movement of energetic and emotional blockages
- a sense of peace and well-being
- awareness of the inter-connectedness of all living things

Joanna makes an offer that is too good to be refused! On her site http://www.reikiandlifecelebrations.com/ she makes the following guarantee:

"In less than an hour, you will feel better or it is free! With only a 30 or 60 minute Reiki session, your well-being is guaranteed to improve. If you don't feel more relaxed and peaceful at the end of your session, you don't pay. Try it risk free. You're worth it! I can help you to relax and rejuvenate. "

Contact Joanna today at 617-429-1793 or joannascaparotti@gmail.com You may also read and sign up for her blog and newsletter at http://urbanvitality.blogspot.com/#

Attitude of Gratitude

This morning I read a wonderful article about Kym Hampton, a former WNBA professional basketball player who had a 12-year sports career (she played professionally in Europe and Asia, before the WNBA existed and came calling). In addition to her athletic career, Kym is also an accomplished singer, actress and model. Her positive attitude and passion was evident. This is sampling of what she had to say:

Daily Gratitude

"The most important thing I do every day is immediately give thanks as soon as I open my eyes. I say thank you that I can see, that I can hear, that I am pain free - all the things that we can take for granted. It's important to be grateful for where you are and what you have right now. I remind myself that I am a child of God and I was placed here to do wonderful things. I am here to be special. I am here to let my light shine. I also pray and give thanks. I focus on what I have, not what I don't have. That's been my focal point and things have started to turn around for me."

It's All In Your Head... And That's A Good Thing.

"My own lesson is to relax and do your part by being honest with yourself. Once you find something you're passionate about, do your part. Life is mostly mental. We have ideas planted in us - from parents, teachers, friends - and the things we choose to believe about ourselves impact us. Stop with the negative self-talk. Stop with the self-doubting and enjoy who and where you are. Sometimes we need to revisit our thoughts and ask, why am I allowing this in my life? Everything is mental. We have to check ourselves. When you don't feel good you have to face it. When you start to question yourself you'll get answers. We can be better if we choose to be better. When you start to treat yourself better it shows up in all areas of your life. Buy the best stuff for yourself. The way you treat yourself invites people to treat yourself the same way."

I couldn't agree more! Remember, your thoughts become "things".... your thoughts create your reality. If you are thinking negatively, then you're creating a negative environment around you. If you are thinking positively, then you're creating an atmosphere where you are open to receiving all the goodness this world has to offer. Additionally, focusing on what you do have, is key. If you are always focusing on what you don't have, that is negative and results in a sense of lack, frustration and inertia. If you focus on what you do have and express gratitude for it, you open yourself up to more abundance and create a feeling of fulfillment by realizing all the great things that you are already have in your life.

Try to do what Kym does: when you wake up in the morning, take note of all the things in your life that you are grateful for. By making this an everyday practice, I think you will see amazing results.