My book, Keys to Living Joyfully, has now been out and available since August of 2008. It has been quite an amazing experience as I have been getting feedback from readers. Upon publishing, I had moments where I felt very vulnerable, because the book is written so personally, from my heart. I hoped to reach others and inspire others to live joyfully.

The feedback that I am receiving is wonderful. Readers have commented that it feels like I am talking to them personally. This, above all else, was my goal. I desired for you, the reader to be moved. Also, readers have commented about the areas that are the most meaningful to them. I am surprised at the difference in opinions. Some find the 'heart thinking right" section the most meaninful, and others have listed the goal setting section or the abundance section of the book as the most important to them.
 
I am so grateful and thankful that I have been able to touch the readers of my book. Thank you to all of you who have provided thoughtful insight regarding the book's impact on your lives. I truly desire for you to live joyfully each and every moment of every day.

As a working professional, mom , and wife, I am accustomed to being a supportive rock to a lot of people. I experienced a surprise, yesterday, though. We arrived home from church and were sitting around the table after our usual Sunday brunch, and I was so happy to talk about four amazing conversation that I had with people at church. The conversations were meaningful, not just the –“HI, How are you?” kind of chat.  One person, in particular had a friend with very serious health problems. As a family, we prayed for this woman.  This prayer turned into prayer requests from each family member. We prayed over each member of our family. When it was my turn, I shared stress that I was feeling over deadlines, each family member brainstormed ideas for me and my husband even volunteered to take the children somewhere for the afternoon instead of watching football. Then, my husband and children prayed over me. I felt so blessed, humbled, and relaxed.  I felt so cherished and loved by my family. They were taking care of me, which was a real role reversal.  Then I realized that I do not let them care for me like this, and I often prevent them from feeling the gratification of genuinely helping their mom.  My husband actually went shopping for clothes with my two teenage girls. The good feelings extended into the evening, when they made chocolate brownies for me.

My question for you is:  Who is waiting to care for you, when you need it?  There are many people in your life. It’s not only okay to need and ask for support, but it is an important part of relating to others. 

Each day as part of my thinking right in my heart exercises (From chapter 2, in my book, Keys to Living Joyfully),  I say an affirmation, "I am so thankful for great relationships". Guess what? It works!  

How you think directly becomes the life you live. The power is that you can choose your thoughts. Humans have this amazing ability to purposefully alter thought patterns. On its simplest level: When you wake up, you can say, "Thank you for this beautiful, glorious day." and the day will be a beautiful, glorious day even if it is cold, rainy or snowy. Imagine never having to suffer through a bad day again.Through your choice regarding the thoughts you are thinking-you never have to experience a bad day again.

I am not saying that tragedy will not occur or that you will not have disappointments, but most of the angst that we bring on ourselves in life directly relates to how we think about the situation.

For example, dreading an event, often results in a poor event. This is what is called a self-fulfilling prophecy. You created the result through the thoughts you have . In my book, Keys to Living Joyfully--I ask, "Is your heart thinking right?" This chapter is devoted to techniques to make sure that you are thinking right in your heart. Effort in this area creates the possibility for living a truly transformational life. I deeply want for you to live a transformed and joyful life.