I love my husband.  He makes me laugh and smile and always has my back. -Paige, Massachusetts

I love the sound of laughter…specifically that of a child. -Brenda, New Jersey

I love the bond of a great friendship! - Susan

I love the smell of the Christmas tree and decorating it with my children. -Laurie

I love dancing with my daughter to Christmas carols. -Catherine

I love the first snowfall. Well, I love the first snowfall in an appropriate month. -Rose

I love when my children come home from college and we can spend time as a family. We have family dinners and outings, and it makes me appreciate the time we get to spend together. -Carol

How do you appreciate yourself, what do you appreciate about yourself, life and those around you. Confess, spill it here, today, not tomorrow because why wait to express your appreciation?

1. Appreciate the Little Things!

Thanksgiving Appreciation: Wow, where did the time go! This year is almost gone and it is time to reflect back and appreciate making it this far. Many of us may have experience challenges this year. And right now you are feeling dead on the inside and can't recognize anything to appreciate. Remember it is not until you recognize and seek God for help and strength to appreciate the little things He has blessed you with. Instead of focusing on the negative, develop an attitude of appreciation. I appreciate the family God has blessed me who loves me dearly. I appreciate the inner circle of friends who genuinely loves me for me.I offer God a thanksgiving for this journey in achieving His will for my life. Realizing I have been redeemed to accomplish every desire and dream. I encourage you to do the same!

Thanks to: Cynthia Patterson of DOVE Ministries Inc..

2. Thanks to your health!

Thanksgiving Appreciation: There's so much to be thankful for! (My children, fiance', family, job, friends, students, and more!) But, how could I enjoy them or take care of them if I didn't have my health! I am so grateful to not only be able to learn about the many facets of health, but to be able to incorporate them into my daily life simply, and affordably. I appreciate every day being healthy so I can enjoy all of the wonderful things in my life. I am also thrilled to be able to share all of this information with others so that they may incorporate these healthy living tips, reduce toxicity, and therefore live a richer, fuller life and be able to enjoy all of the blessings in their life. Thank you, thank you, thank you for my health!

Thanks to: Stephanie Lalosh of Stephanie Lalosh.

3. Golden Apples

Thanksgiving Appreciation: I love that I am resilient and creative. Though I've been knocked down a few times in life, I appreciate that I have an unbelievable bounce-back rate! And because of that, I get to share and bless others with my "golden apples" of encouragement.
I appreciate the incredible girlfriends that surround me and have loved my heart, through thick and thin. I love the wisdom they have poured into me, and the truths they have spoken about me, even when I didn't believe in myself and wanted to quit (life)!
My love language is time spent and words of affirmation, and every chance I get, I'm learning to invest that language into those around me, and whom I meet.

Thanks to: Donina Ifurung of On High Heels.

4. Choose Kindness and Kiss Often

Thanksgiving Appreciation: I am surrounded by regular folks doing amazing things. I am so appreciative of the fact that I have amazing woman after amazing woman to look up to, to model myself after, to inspire me to go forward, to drive me to be better, and to remind me that I am already just as amazing, too!

I am thankful for all the people that trust me, my words, and my way of helping. I am so honored to be called on to sit with, talk with, and share experiences with kindred spirits.

I am lucky because as I look out I see beauty all around in the faces of inspiring innovators, movers, and shakers, but also in those closest to me. That helps me see ME! Yes, I am a beautiful amazing me and I can appreciate just how hard it is to believe it sometimes!

Let's share the truth of being beautifully AMAZING!

Thanks to: Vicky Barrios, MSW of Kindness and Kisses.

5. Gratitude Is Heaven

Thanksgiving Appreciation: According to William Blake: "Gratitude is heaven itself." to which I agree wholeheartedly, It is one of my favorite states of being and keeps me focused on the precious moment and the people who share it with me. It is here and now, and also carries me into my future with greater grace than I ever imagined. I am grateful for many things: my life and health, my loving family and friends who support me in living my dreams, creative work that makes a difference in the lives of those I encounter daily. I give thanks that I am making major life changes in ways that serve a greater good and with a better outcome than I thought possible. I am appreciative of my ability to get things done, all the while taking time to simply BE. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way.

Thanks to: Edie Weinstein of By Divine Design.

We asked women how they appreciate each day. How do you appreciate your life?

I keep a gratitude journal on my nightstand and list at least five things I am grateful for each day. That is what I want marinating in my head when I go to sleep instead of ruminating about any negatives of the day or the evening news. -Grace

I wake up and remember to be thankful for all of the things that bring me joy. -Sandra

My husband and I tell each other each night something we are thankful for in the other person. It may be something from that day, “I really appreciate you making my mom feel so welcome at dinner,” or even a general trait that we appreciate, “I’m thankful for your generous, big heart.” We’ve been doing this every night since early in our relationship – even on days when we want to say what were not thankful for. -Saretta

By dedicating myself to this sort of daily balancing, my life has become fuller and I find my passion for life easily. I have more joy and can bring more joy to others because I feel my meditation gives me a solid, centered place to rest and allows me to be more present in all other areas of my life. -Wenndi

As someone who is passionate about personal development and improving my life in every area, I appreciate everything small and big! I live with gratitude. I think gratitude is the quickest path to happiness. Gratitude means noticing everything going right with your life and noticing all the little things you appreciate throughout the day: how your coffee smells brewing in the morning, petting your cat, noticing a beautiful view, being present for a conversation with a friend or feeling satisfied after you have completed a work project. For people who aren’t accustomed to living with gratitude, they can keep a small notebook and jot down the things they appreciate throughout the day until it becomes a habit. Taking the time to appreciate life slows people down to live in the present and marinate in the moment. It’s a definite mood booster. Lastly, I appreciate positive people! -Sandra 

By Shirley

I contracted severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 11 months old after receiving a tuberculin (TB) skin test. I spent my early years in constant pain; some days, I was like a statue, unable to move or sit. My mother Juliet Cheng took me to China six times to seek treatment within my first 11 years of life, thus saving my life many times as a result.

Owing to years of hospitalization between America and China, I received no education until age 11. Back then, I only knew my ABCs and very little English; my book knowledge was non-existent, so I started schooling in a special education class in elementary school. However, I mastered grade level in all areas after only about 180 days of attendance, and immediately entered regular sixth grade in middle school.

I received many academic, art, and literary awards, including Student of the Year in sixth grade, Student of the Month in seventh grade, and an excellence award for achieving the highest grade of 97 for Earth science in the entire eighth grade class.

I was a top honor student, making the Principal’s List several times in high school (95 average and above). I was a contributor to my high school newspaper as an artist. I also ran for student body vice president (not class government, but for the entire school) as a freshman, and received a standing ovation for my platform speech as a candidate.

I lost my eyesight at age 17, but that did not stop me from loving the life I live. I had to stop attending school and received home-tutoring. I completed my schoolwork using only cassette tapes and recorders.

I was able to balance and calculate long chemistry equations in my head without Braille (I can’t use Braille because of my severe JRA). Still, I couldn’t accumulate enough credits to graduate, though my GPA is 3.9 (97, without any Advanced Placement factors), so I earned my GED diploma instead. I took the entire GED test, including mathematical calculations and problem solving, graphs, and an essay, in my head without Braille; still, I scored an exceptional 3280 on the exam, earning me a special recognition award. I was a student speaker at my GED graduation ceremony and received a standing ovation for my speech.

I became an author at age 20, completing three books within one year. Now at age 28, I’m an award-winning author with 27 book awards. I’ve written nine books and contributed to 25, as well as being an editor of one. I’m also a Gospel proclaimer, Bible teacher, motivational speaker, and poet.

I’ve earned my doctorate in Divinity in 2010 as a summa cum laude graduate, and am constantly continuing to expand my knowledge in the word of God by studying the Bible and teaching what I’ve learned to those who are eager to take in God’s word as refreshing water.

Because of my arthritis, I can type with only my two index fingers–but I can produce about 65 words per minute. I’ve completed every step of book production, from formatting my manuscripts to designing and maintaining my websites.

Shirley answers our Identity Five Questions:

What have you accepted within yourself and/or within your life? Is there anything you are working on accepting?

I’ve accepted everything that I should accept about myself and my life. My acceptance is not an acceptance of resignation, however. Although I have lost my eyesight and the ability to walk, I’m never scornful; instead, I’m grateful for having owned these gifts before. Moreover, through the loss of my physical sight, I’ve gained a new spiritual vision the moment God helped me realize my purpose of existence by leading me to spreading the Gospel of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. If I hadn’t lost my eyesight, I would have gone to college to become a scientist, and not bring to others spiritual food that far surpasses any worldly achievements or influences.

What do you appreciate about yourself or your life?

I appreciate the fact that I am alive, that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with the precious gift of life so I can enjoy so much that life has to offer, and above all, the fact that I have the opportunity to intimately know my Creator and Life-Giver and to serve Him by spreading His eternal Word, which is “the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith.” (Romans 1:16, 17, WEB)

What have you achieved, or what are you working to achieve personally, physically, or mentally?

My biggest goal, mission, and passion I aim to achieve is to proclaim Yahweh God’s Good News of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ and help people attain and maintain a sacred relationship with God and His Son. Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ will remain my lifelong passion and mission that is led by my Heavenly Father, so where I will be and what I shall achieve for God’s Kingdom depends on where Yahweh directs me.

What is your not-so-perfect way? We are all unique with quirks and imperfections, so why not flaunt them and embrace them!

I’m as stubborn as a mule. I’ve learned to take advantage of it by directing it to good use, such as to stubbornly pursue my goals. As a result, the many challenges and obstacles in my life have learned to take “no” for an answer!

How would you complete this sentence, “I Love My…” This has to be about you, physically or mentally.

I love my God-given willpower and positivity. These elements, along with a deep faith in God, have enabled me to move forward spiritually even though my physical body won’t budge. They are what help me waltz to the music of life without having my blindness cause me to trip over my own feet.

To find out more about Shirley, please visit her websites at http://www.shirleycheng.com or http://www.ultra-ability.com.

By Lyn Hicks

I am thankful for the farm I inhabit, the wonderful of nature and the flowers I grow. I appreciate the space, the remoteness and the connection I have to nature. I sit every morning in wonder at the birds and their beauty.

When my flowers bloom they sing almost sing to me, shining so pretty and bright. It is a wonderful job to grow, arrange and share flowers within my community. I am grateful for having a business in which I bring beauty to others; gift the healing vibe to offices and homes of organic fresh flowers. Although it is such hard work, I am thankful for the grower lifestyle I am able to have.

I am grateful for my wonderful husband that I share my life with. I appreciate him by communicating with him daily, growing and learning next to him, genuinely embracing him, and reflecting joy to him. Just truly talking about life and the days events with care and interest as we help each other grow more open and conscious about life. We connect purposefully most days, in order to show gratitude for one another.

I am deeply grateful for my spiritual path. I spend mornings doing practices and reading, attempting to connect to my divine light, growing it stronger and sharing it with the world. It is grounding to have a belief system that truly helps in rough times–a well to draw on, a knowing that within you will make it, that you are safe and have a way to get through. I am so thankful for the community that working with me on self-development.

I spent so many years alone on my mission that I am so greatful for others exchanging experiences, sharing techniques and knowledge, supporting my growth and feeling part of a group that is looking to transform in this hectic environment.

I dance daily to the great light of life in gratitude. I host classes on the farm so others can grow and learn, sharing things that have helped me grow stronger in tough times.

I am eager for each day and I am enthusiastic about what will unfold.

By Sheevaun

I was on track to live an ordinary life. I had found my soul mate and married him. We had all the plans of a young couple – dog, kids, family, old age – when suddenly he died in a motorcycle accident on the way home from work.

His work was important to him and he was one of the youngest on the management team for an airline, which ensured that he would be away from home a lot while building his career. It wasn’t unusual that he was late, but the knock on the door and window to my bedroom by my neighbors broke the spell.

Everything changed the night of the accident. My security and certainty were gone. My future was no longer filled with the same forward momentum. Nothing much mattered.

My dad gave me a piece of advice that has led me to do what I do today. He said follow your inner guidance and whatever you are inspired to do or participate in then you absolutely must do it. At the time I had no plans and so that sounded like a plan. It was the only thing that I could wrap my mind around because life was not very important and it
didn’t get important for a few years.

There were times when I sat on the floor crying with my dog and a gun to my
head. There were times when I would find the most dangerous thing I
could think of to do, like running with the bulls in Pamplona, and most
of the time I was on autopilot.

I 
landed a corporate job in marketing and sales and spent 14-16 hour days building a small pharmaceutical business from $200,000 to a $44 million 
company. I traveled non-stop for them and at one point my body failed. 
I had taxed it so much for so long that it said no more.

Because 
I didn’t believe in drugs to solve a problem with the body I was certain that there had to be a solution and yet I had no idea where to 
turn.

When I was misdiagnosed I decided that I needed to take my health into my 
own hands. I found a doctor that gave me a five page document with
 foods to eat and not to eat. It turned out to be a vegetarian diet and 
it started the healing process. It didn’t resolve the original issue and the doctor and I tried every other option possible, including some 
experimental herbal options, and nothing worked. He performed a surgery 
on my colon and that seemed to work and solve the problem.

Because
 everything seemed better I went back to my intense travel schedule within days of the surgery. and was on a plane to one of our biggest 
accounts in Puerto Rico. It seemed that there was an issue that my body
 had with healing fully from the surgery but I discounted it for months until one night a friend was visiting and I woke up screaming in pain.
 He took me to the emergency room and that’s when everything changed,
 once again.

I learned that my blood was poisoned, which is usually lethal and I could
 die from it. They told me that I’d been walking around with it for a
while and I also learned they wanted me to stay in the hospital for a
few weeks. I adamantly refused and told them that people die in hospitals. I told them they could inject me with whatever they needed 
and I promised I would take whatever they told me to take but I would
 not stay in the hospital.

I went home and stayed on my sofa for a month, instead of staying in the
 hospital. That’s when I started to recall all the things I’d learned
 about health and wellness throughout my life. I started to use them and began correcting the relationship to energy and body.

At that time I gained the definite realization that the body is important
 and that I would never be that sick again in my life and I would never 
take pharmaceuticals. That is when I took a class on Pranic Healing. Once I learned those technologies I set up 
four clinics around Orange County to gain experience and give back some 
of what I had learned. That’s when I realized that those techniques 
were only part of the solution and began developing my own technologies. I developed techniques that would solve all levels of
 energy problems and heal the mind, body, nutrition, business and 
finances and it would heal it permanently.

Once I realized that if I, a type A business executive, could do this and
get results every single time then anyone in the world should be able
 to help themselves. That’s when I was on a mission to share what I had
 learned.

It
 wasn’t until I was on a month long vacation to the Himalayas that I learned how important those energy skills were. There was a woman on 
the trip that had a stroke and our group was a 2-day hike from any
medical help. There was only me and my healing methods and my tent
mate, a nurse. She handled vital signs while I worked on this woman. I worked on her for hours. She recovered from a severe stroke to be able
to walk again with a tiny limp in 24 hours and the help of the
techniques I knew. This is when I realized that I needed to share my
knowledge with the world.

I began using some of those principles 
of energy and wellness with my sales team and at corporate functions. 
Our company sales soared and we were scoring big. That’s when I knew 
that I needed to use my corporate background and passion for business and combine it with the energy and modalities that I had been using for
health and wellness. I discovered that energy principles were the
 foundation of forward thinking leaders from the early 1900’s and that’s
what set apart the industrial revolution. That was the facet I could provide by combining the deeper principles of energy solutions into the
corporate environment.

It has been amazing to look back over the course of the past 15 years. It has also been an amazing journey exploring and challenging the reaches of my own health,
 management skills, energy principles and sharing those with 
clients..

To
date, my clients have recovered from cancer, bankruptcy, nearly failed marriages, chronic issues, diabetes and more. I have worked with over 15,000 
people using the energetic solutions and methods I developed.

My joy and passion is taking the basics of life and health and sharing those applications with
people that are burnt out, bummed out and bankrupt and transform their
life into something vibrant, healthful, joyful and prosperous.

You can find out more about Sheevaun by visiting www.SheevaunMoran.com

Photos provided by www.SheevaunMoran.com

“It took time, it was a struggle, I still have a long way to go, but what I have learned is ‘it’s never too late to be what you might have been.’” -George Sand.

By Sandhi

I was the quiet kid, drawing in my room. The weird teenager hanging out in the art room. But when it was time for college, my girlhood dreams did not find footing in the real world. Maybe it was my insecurity, the lack of encouragement, or the times just prior to the women’s movement. And, the endless loop of “no one makes it as an artist.” My parents expected me to be a wife and mother – not a professional and certainly not an artist.

I thought I had talent, but I was a shy and quiet kid.

So, I did a million other things instead. I worked my way up in retail, all the way to the buying offices and management, and then chucked it to be a display artist. Dressing mannequins and making beds and doing window displays was incredible. I opened a business doing displays, creating props, designing stores, but my partner and I were not always watching the bottom line. I became exhausted and closed after six years.

I got married and put my first husband through law school. Someone had to have the “real” job; the one with a steady paycheck and benefits. I had a baby. By this time, I was a breadwinner, parent, housekeeper, cook; there was no time for art and no support from my husband.

I ended up in non-profits. No matter what though, I always had room in my home for artsy stuff. Husband one moved my art room into a closet, then into the laundry room, then the car port. And I eventually moved myself out of the house.

I created a new life for myself. Single parent with an art filled house. I made funky lampshades, I painted murals, I broke tiles and made a mosaic counter top. I made my own shutters; I put together a chandelier. Those “itches” were fun, but they were never really scratched in a way that made me feel fulfilled.

Then, many years later, I met and married my dream husband – at 50! He adores me, supports my artistic dreams – built me a studio – gave me time and space to work and grow as an artist. A year into our marriage he said, “the only way you’re going to make it is to put everything into it – quit your job!”

I held my breathe and took the leap. No golden parachute. No trust fund. No MFA. We sacrificed a lot. We didn’t go on vacations. We went from Kiehl’s to Oil of Olay. We ditched the suits. It was work, work work. Make art, find shows, galleries, sell, market, create a web site, pack, ship, file… Oh yeah, and make dinner, do the laundry and help a kid through school.

I spend time every day in my studio. I spend time every day exploring every possibility – from researching galleries to looking for opportunities for PR, to writing a blog, sending out emails, networking and planning art festivals (which includes filling out forms, applications, etc.) and then booking travel.

Today, my work is in several galleries in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago and more. It is in museums, and in private and corporate collections throughout the world.

I had to accept the fact that I AM AN ARTIST. I didn’t need someone outside myself to tell me that. I appreciate my husband’s love and support. I put in the time every day. It is my dedication and focus to make this happen on my own terms, in my own way.

What I have achieved is not an accident. And I am always excited about what’s next. I have more goals for myself, and am looking forward to more adventures!

I accepted I didn’t need a professor, a degree or a family member to tell me what I knew inside. I am an artist. I am an artist because I say I am.

I love my life. I get to be who I am on a soul level every day. I have the love and support of my family. I love my family. I love my art. I love it when other people love my art.

I appreciate the opportunities. The opportunity to love: to be a parent to the greatest kid and to be the wife to the greatest husband. The opportunity to make art, show art and sell art. The opportunity to help others.

My most rewarding achievements are: parenting, being a wife that loves and is loved, and finally having a career that I designed. I am doing what I love to do.

I am not perfect in this way – I don’t follow the rules. I am not sure I even know what the rules are. I do what I want, when I want, the way I want. Do you like what I do? Great. I didn’t get a formal education in my [now] chosen career. I know there are prescribed steps. I don’t have time to suffer in silence for my craft. I want to be happy, I want to be successful. There, I said it.

You can find more on Sandhi’s art at www.schimmelart.com.

Photo of Sandhi provided by www.schimmelart.com

I grew up with two sisters and an incredibly loving and hard-working mother. Without a doubt, I appreciate the sensitivity of women, their ability to multitask, of course, and their overwhelming, innate ability to listen! If only us guys could do that! I'm convinced that nothing on this planet can retain information–no gigabyte, no computer, or space station–like a woman's mind. She'll remember things you did in your two previous lives and not miss a beat. -Jim

In general, women seem to care in a deeper and more real way. It really is hard to put into words, but women seem to be able to be able to empathize and to sympathize from their hearts and souls. Women are much more open and much deeper in their emotional connections. -Pablo

Confidence in herself as a female; that's very attractive. -Stuart

Authenticity without judgment, genuine laughter, and most importantly, mutual respect and friendship without tit-for-tat scorekeeping. -Mike

I want a woman who is perfect in her imperfection, a woman who has come to love who she is and is an expression of that love. I want a woman who lights me up. -Owen

What I appreciate about women the most is their ability to be nurturing and caring–regardless of the situation, whether it is planned event/situation or spontaneous. That's an unmeasurable/invaluable quality of women. -Rodric

There are many things I appreciate about women. One is their ability to empathize. Women all over the world have a way of connecting and understanding the pain and emotional turmoil of any human being. Women know how to look beyond the obvious and search for hidden clues that might reveal the truth. Women, once committed, are in it for the long haul. No matter what obstacles a woman may face they always bounce back, regroup, and continue to forge ahead. Thank God for women. God knew what he was doing when he made them our help mate. -Terrell

Selflessness – I think in most situations men still have their own best interests at heart. But women, when they love someone or something, or are committed to a project they are 100 percent selfless. Nothing else in the world matters except the other person. -Kevin

By Paula

I am 65 years of age. I am a widow. Losing the love of my life, my high school sweetheart, my lover, and my best friend turned my world upside down. I found myself in the depths of despair – quite frankly the darkest days of my life. Being without my husband of 35 years was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. 

As I look back I can clearly see the path of my healing journey. It is a path that still continues to this day – a path that I know I will be on for the rest of my life. You see, my broken heart is still healing. When my husband Eddie first died I would picture my heart with this terrible gaping wound. Now when I picture my heart I see that the wound has healed, and it has been replaced with a scar – I call it the widow’s scar. 

After the death of a loved one people will tell you that time heals. I have found that time leads to acceptance. And, accepting the death of a spouse is something that none of us ever count on having to do. The healing journey is one filled with darkness and despair, as well as memories and hope for future happiness.

What was my healing journey like? Well, there were days when I doubted that I would be able to survive my new reality. Days when all I wanted was to be with him. I had thoughts of dying in a car crash or falling asleep and not waking up. I was on an emotional roller-coaster ride still trying to live the life that we lived together knowing all too well that I had gone from “us” to just “me.” Everywhere I looked said “us,” the house and neighborhood that we had raised our family in, even the shops and restaurants that we frequented together were a constant reminder of the life I longed for but knew I couldn’t have.  

For six long years I struggled with loneliness and depression. I kept busy by doing all of the projects around the house that we would have done together. I cleaned, I painted, I cut the grass, and I even tackled plumbing and electrical projects that my husband would have done. I was determined to keep “our” house just the way we would have kept it together – it took all of my time and energy, and quite frankly unknowingly I was living in the past and ignoring the present.  

I would take one step forward and three steps back as I struggled to live my life, as I had once known it. I never knew when my depression would hit, I never knew when the waves of sadness would wash over me with a vengeance and I would be taken back down into that dark abyss of despair and loneliness. I dreaded the holidays as they only magnified my loneliness, and produced uncontrollable tears and sadness.

I tried hard to pull myself out of this dark and sad place. I prayed. I cried. And, gradually, I took baby steps forward.

As time passed by, slowly, ever so slowly I was beginning to find myself again. I was beginning to find joy inching its way back into my life. It was as if I suddenly woke up from a deep sleep and I knew that the time had come to “get a grip.” I suddenly realized that I was living in a time capsule. When Eddie died my world came to a screeching halt, and I was still living in that world.

Today I can honestly say that I am beginning to feel like myself again. How did I overcome my depression and sadness? I really can’t say. What I do know is that one day I woke up and said to myself, “What are you doing? You can’t keep living this way.” I had to do something about it – and I did. I went from living in the past to living in the present, still keeping and cherishing the beautiful memories of the life we shared together. 

We all grieve differently; we all handle loss in our own way. In my case I believe that I just needed time to come to terms with my new existence. I had to go through the darkness to come to terms with my loss. I had to finally realize that love never dies, that the love that we shared, we still share. I had to finally know that I would see him again. I had to understand that we do stay connected through our love. How do I know that these realizations are true? I just do.

At long last I have peace within my heart that I never thought would ever be possible again. I am thankful for this peace, for this knowing, this understanding, this love connection. I am a widow. I am at peace. And for that I am thankful.

See how Paula answers our Identity Five Questions:

What have you accepted within yourself and/or within your life?

I have accepted being alone, and I have accepted the loss of my husband.

Is there anything you are working on accepting?

Yes, I am working daily on accepting the challenges of aging.

What do you appreciate about yourself or your life?

I appreciate the spiritual wisdom that I have gained.

What have you achieved, or what are you working to achieve personally, physically, or mentally?

I am working on developing a second career as a writer of both inspirational articles/books, and children’s stories.

What is your not-so-perfect way?

I am extremely organized and obsessive compulsive about having things just-so. I’ve learned to embrace this obsession, others are not so quick to embrace it!

How would you complete this sentence “I Love My…”

I love my silver gray hair!

We asked readers what they love about summer. What do you love?

What I like most about summer are Magnolia blossoms and afternoon rains; the two go together perfectly. The petals of a Magnolia blossom make perfect cups and it doesn’t take long to fill one during an abundant shower. -Maribeth, Texas

I love how it gives me unwritten permission to leave the mess in my house alone, to have hard boiled eggs and jello for supper, to play instead of work, to BBQ with friends, to spend quality time with the family and to have more fun and work less. This is especially important where I live as we have only two months of ‘real’ summer! -Stephanie, Canada

Besides being a college student and having the obvious significantly less amounts of stress I have to worry about, I find myself also being able to take care of my body and health a lot better. My hair and make-up go au natural and I’m able to come home from work and internships and feel healthier and am able to enjoy the rest of the day ahead of me. -Caroline, Wisconsin

What I love about Summer is the freedom to do whatever I want to do. I feel I rediscover myself each summer because I have more time to focus on me and get the most of what I want out of life. The summer gives me a chance to go places I’ve never been before and reconnect with old friends. Specifically, this summer will give me the opportunity to expand my business and take a look at what makes me great at my job, what I need to improve, get more clients and work on great summer projects. The summer is good for endless possibilities. -Desiree, New York

I don’t always appreciate the long, sunny days but wish I did more. I try to take advantage of it by booking myself to things (lunches, walks, dates) that I usually would blow off as ‘I was busy with work’ and ‘I’d rather stay in’ – who can stay in and work when it’s beautiful out? I have “sun guilt” – the guilt you find when you stay in on a beautiful summer day. -Megan, Wisconsin