Dear Friend in Peace,

Five words from a wise woman named Juanita changed my life.

Through our words we tell ourselves and others what we think and believe. As a writer, I love words and honor their power. When we preface our words with "I am" we are literally affirming to ourselves, to the world, and to Divine Love that we ARE peaceful, powerful, miserable, lonely, etc.

Before I met Juanita, I was told in somber tones: "She has incurable cancer and has little time left on Earth. It's so sad!" With that introduction, I assumed Juanita was a miserable, sad soul.  My first words to her were: "So nice to meet you, Juanita. How are you?"

Her 5-word response changed my life:

"I am blessed and grateful!"

Poof! The "sad" lady changed my life with those 5 words as she sat there glowing with gratitude and peace. Her words and powerful presence radiated from her heart to mine. There was only love, power, purpose and peace present in her which had manifested through her commitment to counting her blessings, to being grateful.

From that day forward whenever someone asked me: "How are you?" my response was, and is: "I am blessed and grateful!" Infinite blessings have flowed to me from affirming those 5 words over and over and over again. It's been impossible for me to be anything but peaceful after declaring: "I am blessed and grateful." Not only am I showering myself with blessings and gratitude, but the person who inquired about me also receives the blessings.

As a water baby, beaches are blessings of well-being and peace for me. Ann P and I were walking at Caspersen Beach when this blessing, this remarkable scene of sky, water, rocks, and sand came into our view. The sounds of the water were soothing and a profound part of the peace we became.

It's miraculous the photo turned out at all since my heart was jumping up and down with joy while my soul sang a song of gratitude. Yes, Juanita, we are blessed AND we are grateful. May your words: "I am blessed and grateful," guide us home to peace.