

Seek Serenity and Reflection
Spending any amount of time in a quiet setting offers an opportunity to clear your mind, reflect, and listen to your inner voice. Answers will come more easily, especially if you disconnect all of your electronics. Nature provides solace, but you can also find a peaceful corner in your house. Quiet helps you connect with your authentic self.
Live Here & Now
At age 15, I emigrated from Belgrade, Serbia (formerly known as Yugoslavia) and faced a mountain range of obstacles – a new language, a new culture, estranged mother, and a new stepfather. For a shy girl raised by her grandparents in a humble setting and limiting environment, I felt overwhelmed and daunted by these tasks. Years later after overcoming those obstacles, I realized I have also acquired an array of skills I have drawn upon my entire life. Overcoming adversity, fin
New Beginnings
New beginnings in life can be initiated by a new look, a new career, a new spouse, a new residence, a birth of a child, a death or a retirement. Our attitude and technique for handling changes are critical, and often the uncertainty of the future makes us act from a place of fear. Like others, I have faced many life changes including marriage, divorce, a new marriage, the birth of children, and the loss of parents and relatives. However, aside from the sudden death of my moth
Kindness & Compassion Gives Me Power
Compassion is empowering. Without a second thought, I find that reaching out to others is an easy gesture. To me, kindness and compassion aren’t only about materialism. Delivering a compliment, lending a hand or listening to someone in need show compassion. A few years ago when I started uncovering my creative talents, I started giving away my creations – jewelry, paintings, greeting cards, bookmarks, and later, books. Giving was a tool that helped me boost my self-esteem as
FIVE "DONT’S" IF YOUR JOB GETS CUT
DO NOT attempt to search for another job or plan on a new beginning without adjusting your attitude. If you are still bitter about losing your old position, you need to clear your mind before you embark on new job search or any other venture. DO NOT blame yourself or feel like a failure if you received a pink slip. In an unpredictable and challenging economy, “normal” is to expect a job loss at some point. DO NOT ignore all of your experience, your skills, your talents, and
Discovering Diversity
I was excited to attend the Phoenix DLA Diversity Conference and Inclusion awards held on October 28, 2016. DLA - Diversity Leadership Alliance was founded 15 years ago by Christine French and Marion Kelly (Director of Community Affairs at the Mayo Clinic). The DLA organization facilitates monthly workshops for diversity leaders so that they can implement valuable tools in their organizations. In addition, the Alliance formed a Youth Leadership Academy to teach students leade


Cultural Celebration - Serbian Festival
Attending Serbian festival on November 5th was a fun way to get out of cooking dinner. There were many delicacies and it was not hard to find something I liked. Actually I tried everything and took few things home. Held every year on the first weekend in November, it is one of my favorite events to attend. St. Sava grounds and weather make it a perfect night out. My husband and I enjoyed merchandise tables, music, dancing, and chatting with friends. There were products direc
LOSING A JOB MIGHT BE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Over the last few years, many people (especially over 50 years of age) have become victims of workforce reductions. Regardless of age or type of position, losing a job causes lives to spin, seemingly out of control. When our paycheck suddenly disappears as well as its ability to pay bills, we fear losing the comforts of our current lifestyles and dread the future. Understanding firsthand the drama of receiving a pink slip, I decided to write a book. Because my company was eit
Inspire, Dream, Live Your Passions (from "Gateway to Inspiration" book)
Find that path of forgiveness; cleanse your gloomy thoughts regarding past disappointments, hurt, and anger. Work on eliminating daily stress as well as worries regarding future events. Relax. Enjoy today. Unleash your senses and realize your passion. Welcome a new perspective. Seek out-of-the-box experiences. Feeling unknown and uncomfortable can lead you to personal growth. If you fall, don’t wait for someone to offer you a hand. Pick yourself up. Finally, remember, you are


INSPIRING POSITIVE TRAITS
I made an exciting discovery in the spring of 2016 and did not even realize it until September. All of you who know me personally or have read my book learned that a few years ago I uncovered one of my passions, jewelry design. I really embraced this art form, emptying my pockets to buy silver and semi precious stones. I focused primarily on onyx, jade, coral, turquoise, crystal and pearls. Then, after creating and mastering this art, I eventually turned my attention to writ