Dear friends,

What makes you feel alive? Truly alive?

I’ve been contemplating that question lately. A lot.

I even created a “What makes me feel alive” poster and placed it strategically across from my computer. Whenever I look up I see a map of my wildest dreams and wishes, a joyful reminder of everything that gives me life.

Among my colorful doodles are all the wonders that energize me: spending time with my husband, being near the sea, kayaking, dancing, laughing with family and friends, speaking to audiences, biking, cooking, creating beautiful environments, traveling, gardening, solitude and of course, writing.

But wait! Something important is missing from my list.

My heart leaps whenever I affirm someone and I am affirmed. Affirmation energizes me. It gives me life. And it gives others life too. I know so.

Nearly every day, I receive letters from someone who has been touched by one of our products.

“My teenage son, who rarely even looks at me these days, hugged me and told me he loved me after reading a copy of Eat Your Peas for Sons.”

“Your book, Hope for a Hurting Heart, is like putting healing balm on a ruptured heart.”

“My sister is stationed in Iraq. The Eat Your Peas for Sisters book I sent to her helped sustain her during the last three months of her tour of duty. It was a reminder she was loved and cherished by family back at home.”

Whether touching a heart or having your heart touched, I believe affirming and encouraging has a magical way of giving life to both the receiver and the giver!

Tom, one of my most treasured friends, takes the time to call anyone he’s has kind-hearted thoughts about. He often leaves voice messages like, “I was thinking about you today, about how wonderfully creative and kind you are.” I’m so glad you’re part of my life and I just wanted to let you know it.” Tom is one of the most “alive” persons I’ve ever met.

I want to fill up every inch of my poster with “alive” thoughts and dreams and wishes. I want to feel alive all day long. Every day!

Why not make your own poster? Gather your thoughts and wishes about all that makes you feel alive. Write down everything that gives you energy. Add to your list whenever you think of something new. Chose to live life doing the things you love with the people you love.

Thank you for believing in us at Gently Spoken and our little creations. My dream of touching a million hearts with words of hope and encouragement is becoming a reality because of YOU. You bring me inspiration. You give me life. You make me feel alive. My greatest wish is that I may do the same for you.

Here’s to living fully, gracefully, joyfully,

Cheryl