Life Is about Us

Excerpted from Inspiration from a Blind, brought to you monthly by www.ShirleyCheng.com!

"Living is not about me, me, me; it is about us, us, us," is what I say.

I often stress, love yourself; dance with your heart; appreciate who you are from your head down to your wiggly toes. But the "why" has not always been clear, even though I've mentioned it in a subtle way. Why do you need to love and appreciate yourself? One answer may be clear: to be happy. But that is only half of the reason why loving yourself is important.

If you cannot appreciate what you have, how can you appreciate what others have? Yes, it is easy to envy someone for what you do not have, but envy and appreciation are not the same things.

You know that I am always cheerful and happy, but some people do not comprehend why the heck I am so happy. Some wonder, what in the world can I possibly be happy about when I cannot see, walk, or dance? How could I appreciate my life? These people do not understand me because they do not appreciate their own life. They take life for granted. So of course, when they see someone who is in a "lower" state than they are, they will wonder how others can appreciate such a "miserable" life.

Indeed I appreciate my life (and you already know why, right?) so I, in turn, will appreciate other people's lives, whether their lives are better or worse than mine. When I accept my life, my position, my purpose, I will likely accept the lives, positions, and purposes of others.

So above all, to love yourself definitely does not mean that you should be a selfish, arrogant person. It is all about appreciating your life and the life of others. If you love yourself only, all the love you can ever receive in return is your own; no one else's. So you ultimately live for others, not you. Living solely for yourself will create an empty life, with not much purpose. Think about it, this universe is in existence not only for you--it exists for everyone. And it needs all the love it can get from everyone! We ultimately live for one another's happiness, craving one another's love. Well, yes, so you love yourself to be happy--happy because you are appreciated and loved back. Indeed all this boils down to being happy (that probably does have a selfish streak to it--but it's a good one at that, no?)

So live your life with love and appreciation, for others, not just yourself...but you have to start with yourself first, and end with others.

My adventures at BookExpo America 2007:

I went all three days--from June 1 to June 3, and it was quite eventful, to say the least. The highlight on Friday, June 1 was the great honor of meeting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his signing. What a gentleman! I can see why many people want him to be our next president. (Okay, okay, so I can't make that decision after meeting him for a few mere minutes.) Then I had the great pleasure meeting some of the publishing people with whom I've been communicating via e-mail and whom I'd been eager to meet. It was wonderful to finally meet them. I also met and took a photo with Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

On June 2, my big day, I had my signing for Waking Spirit. During the hour long signing, my table was mostly occupied by librarians, booksellers, store owners, and even a plastic surgeon! It was the fastest hour I've ever experienced during any signing...so yes, I had a fabulous time. My signing was followed by my Author's Studio interview, which went very well; judge for yourself--listen to it at:
http://www.bookexpocast.com/authors-studio/2007/06/26/waking-spirit-prose-poems-the-spirit-sings-by-shirley-cheng

And to finish off the day, I took a photo with Tina Louise, who played Ginger Grant on Gilligan's Island, a show I often watched when I was a kid.

My mom and I stayed a short while there on Sunday since we were both (especially Mom) were very tired. I was quite disappointed that Rosie O'Donnell left before I could meet her in person. I also missed breakfast, so wasted my ticket. But hey, I can't complain. Well, I have the right to complain about missing Rosie, don't you agree?

On the evening of June 15, my mom and I were surrounded by great people we know. It was my third book signing at Borders, and I had a great time. The two hours flew by as we talked and joked. I did not give a talk this time; I made a personal rule before I went: no talk if I get less than 10 people. I know that was probably mean of me, but I simply want to talk to a larger audience, not a few people I already know, and whom already know all about my story. Hopefully, next time I will get a larger group that is mostly comprised of strangers!

My adventures last month did not stop there. I returned to New York City the weekend after my signing. Indeed, it was a pretty full month for me. I held a book signing during the New York Book Festival in Central Park on the 23rd, and on the evening prior to the festival, I went to the award ceremony held in the Speakeasy Restaurant. The party room is downstairs, so I had two really tall and muscular gentlemen lift me down the flight of stairs. What a trip! The folks in the restaurant are super nice. Any honorees who attended the ceremony went up to say a few words. My short talk was very well-received, as usual. Hollywood actress Riley Weston is the grand-prize winner, and I took a couple of photos with her. Poughkeepsie Journal, the largest newspaper in my area, mentioned my honorable mention and this event in their Good Life article. An article in The Book Standard by Kimberly Maul also mentioned me.

I believe that event will be my last one for the time being. It is time to get back to doctor hunting again. I received a recommendation for two great eye doctors during the festival, as well as another recommendation from a lovely lady I met at the Lions Club dinner engagement, so I will definitely check out these doctors. Hopefully, my search will end soon. If you know any good eye surgeons, please by all means let me know! I would truly be most grateful.

I'd like to give a good-luck toast to the soon-to-be "lucky" newlyweds. This Saturday is 07-07-07, making it an extremely popular day to get married in perhaps the entire human existence! So let us all give them a good cheer, shall we? May they start with true love and end with happily ever after.

Shirley Cheng, www.ShirleyCheng.com

44 WINNERS on Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s 44th Birthday!

The countdown is on...

I really hate birthdays (mine) and I have an aversion to the number 4, although I have to admit, the last 4 years have been amazing. Please help me celebrate my 44th (OMG!) birthday on AUGUST 12th, 2007 and enter to WIN FREE BOOKS, MUGS, BOOKMARKS and more.

Here’s how it works:

• On August 12th ONLY be one of the first 44 people to order Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif on either Amazon.com (US customers) or Chapters.ca (Canadian customers).
• On August 30th ONLY email me a copy of your Amazon or Chapters “order has been shipped” receipt as proof of purchase (don’t worry; it doesn’t have your credit card info on it). cherylktardif@shaw.ca
• The first 44 people to send me their receipt WILL WIN one of 44 exciting PRIZE PACKAGES! Make sure you mark those dates on your calendar!

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: The first receipt that I receive on August 30th will WIN a limited edition collector’s copy (autographed) of the original Whale Song novel featuring cover art by world-famous David Miller; a beautiful Whale Song limited edition collector’s mug; an autographed copy of BOTH Divine Intervention and The River; and some beautiful bookmarks. Prize valued at approximately $100.00.
• 43 Second place prizes: The next 43 receipts that I receive on August 30th will WIN their choice of either Divine Intervention or The River (autographed) and a beautiful bookmark.

Rules: (please read carefully)

• You must be 18 years of age or older and be a resident of Canada or the US.
• You must order Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif ON AUGUST 12th, NOT BEFORE OR AFTER. (Cheryl’s birthday!).
• On August 30th, you must email the receipt that has the following in the subject line: “Your Amazon.com order has shipped (#...). Do NOT send the first confirmation order receipt.
• 1 prize per receipt.
• Winners will be contacted on August 31st.
• No returns, exchanges or refunds on prizes.
• I am not responsible for late or missing emails.
• Of course, you may order my books any other time, but you will not qualify for this contest. If you do order on a different date, you may email me and request an autographed bookplate (sticker) for your book.
• It really is easier to enter this contest than it may look, and I wish you all GOOD LUCK! This is my way to celebrate turning 44 and I hope you’ll help me make my birthday a day to remember. I love giving away prizes! CKT

Note: I chose what I thought would be the two easiest methods (Amazon and Chapters) for people to enter this contest. To all other bookstores--chains and independents--who sell my books, please know that I luv ya and I will have a special contest for you too.

Swimming with a Killer Whale

Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of killer whales. I have imagined their magnificent forms gliding majestically, gracefully, through a star-lit ocean, breaking the surface, while I look on in awe. And in my dreams I am pulled toward the water, wanting nothing more than to swim with the whales.

As a child, I grew up looking forward to trips to the Vancouver Aquarium, knowing that I would see Skana, Canada's most famous killer whale. I would sit as close to the glass as possible and watch Skana's trainers as they prepared for the show. I would clasp my hands, my eyes trained on the water, ignoring everything around me. Nothing mattered...except my Skana. I would hold my breath when a ripple disturbed the surface and wait eagerly for that first sight...that first glimpse into Skana's eyes--for I know she only had eyes for me. And I for her.

During a breath-taking performance where Skana performed tricks and jumped, I laughed and cheered until my throat burned. And all the while I watched her trainers and wished that I could be just like them. Oh, to swim with a whale! To glide through the water with such an awesome creation. I had no fear, regardless of the fact that I knew that in the open sea  orca are known for their vicious attacks. Survival! That's what it is--pure and simple. I still want to swim with them...in my dreams. They are wild animals and deserve to be free and wild and most of all, respected.

I have seen whales from a distance in the ocean, I have seen them from above while flying in a seaplane. They are still in my dreams, and they are my inspiration, and certainly the inspiration of my novel Whale Song. While I now understand the downside of captivity, and while I would have given anything to have seen the whales on my recent trip to BC, even a sighting at an aquarium can take my breath away.

And now, something for you to enjoy--a beautiful video I saw on YouTube. Here is someone who is doing what I have always dreamed--swimming with a killer whale.

Victoria Chapters - Last Stop on Cheryl's BC Book Tour

My last stop on my BC book tour was Victoria, BC, on June 15th. I have to thank Kevin and Lise for taking such great care of me and for squeezing me in to their busy pre-Harry schedule. They have already started the Harry Potter party and have some decorations up. Thank you for taking such great care of me and for the water and Chai tea latte! The other Chapters staff members were also awesome, including Pari, Teb and Jeremy. You guys rock!!

Thanks also to Pete, the mike guy, who had a great sound system set up so I could do readings. We had about 12 chairs set up too. I actually read from Whale Song and The River...TWICE! That was the most reading I'd done at one signing, and I have to admit, I loved it! I also enjoyed talking to the customers afterward.

A special thank you to some wonderful people for stopping by and talking to me, for welcoming me and for buying my novels: to Edith and Leni (I think they are sisters) who both bought Whale Song; Adam, my youngest customer who was drawn to Whale Song three times; Colby, who bought Whale Song for a friend; Wanting, a delightful Chinese woman who chatted with me about Whale Song; and Lorraine, an avid book lover and proud mom who is inspired by poetry and motivational works. Thank you for sharing that poem! I enjoyed it. To everyone who congratulated me on all the movie interest, I thank you.

In the end, it is the people that I have met in Victoria and the Vancouver area who made my work all the more worthwhile. It is that way wherever I go. Each wonderful person leaves an impression, a mark on my soul. Thank you for being part of my journey and part of my 2007 BC Book Tour! :)

After driving every day since June 5th, I am glad to be home. Today was my daughter's 17th birthday. I still recall bunny blankets, Barbies and party dresses. But I don't see them anymore. Instead, I see lip rings, makeup and a boyfriend. How time flies!

Life is a journey. One exciting step at a time, one movement forward, toward destiny or fate...I can't wait!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/
http://www.whalesongbook.com/

Modern Day Helen Keller Receives Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival Competition

Shirley Cheng, a blind and physically disabled 24-year-old motivational speaker and author, has received Honorable Mention in the Poetry category of the New York Book Festival Competition for her newest release, Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings, a heartfelt collection that explores a world of dancing hearts, singing spirits, with infinite love from life.

Cheng will hold a book signing for this book, along with a few of her other books, during the festival on June 23 in Central Park.

"I am absolutely honored and delighted beyond words. Let's just say that I'm floating on cloud 9," says Cheng, who is also known as the modern day Helen Keller. "I've made it one of my life's missions to touch as many people as I possibly can to bring humor, hope, and healing; and receiving Honorable Mention in this contest will definitely help fulfill my goal."

Previously, Waking Spirit was announced as an award-winning finalist in the national Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards.

"Waking Spirit celebrates life while encouraging us all to appreciate what we already have. It's a book of survival, a tome of devotion, a bible of being," wrote New York Times bestselling author, Cynthia Brian, in the foreword. "Serve yourself a big helping of Shirley Cheng's inspiration and you'll be motivated to shoot for the stars."

ISBN: 9780615136806 paperback; 9780615138930 hardback

140 pages

Released in May 2007; available through Ingram, from Amazon.com and BN.com, and autographed copies from http://www.ShirleyCheng.com

"An inspirational miscellany from one of the braver souls on the planet...a menagerie of lyrics, haiku, short personal essays and even briefer aphoristic words to live by---all on the theme of leaping over seemingly insurmountable hurdles…" --Kirkus Discoveries

"This book is an amazing read by an amazing person. Her writing is very accessible and enjoyable as she 'shows without telling,' without arrogance or preachiness...an expression of joy…wonder…passion…teaches simple truths..." --ForeWord CLARION Reviews

"Her wisdom and captivating writing style reveals a rare beauty of the heart. Humorous haiku blends effortlessly with devotional selections as quotes sing a wisdom we want to hear and live." --The Rebecca Review, Top Ten Amazon.com Reviewer

"…a masterpiece… The Positive Thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible. That is what Shirley is all about!" --Ken Bossone, President of World Positive Thinkers Club

"Shirley is an excellent thought-provoking writer…with a charm and intelligence that would make anyone envious. Her inspiration and never ending strive to see all good in life is rare and commendable..." --Dorothy Lafrinere, WomensSelfEsteem.com

Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled award-winning author, motivational speaker, self-empowerment expert, poet, author of five books (who's working on a sixth title), and contributing author of eight books, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no education until age eleven. However, after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she mastered grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Cheng lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University.

"Although I'm blind, I can see far and wide; even though I'm disabled, I can climb high mountains," says Cheng. "Let the ropes of hope haul you high!"

Cheng is also the author of Daring Quests of Mystics, a soothing read to relax the mind, body, and spirit (ISBN: 9781411656642); an empowering 700-page autobiography, The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine: A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials and Tribulations (ISBN: 9781411618602); and Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells, an anthology of inspirational and fantasy short stories (fairy tales, fables, and myths) and poems for the heart from the heart (ISBN: 9781411618589).

With highly acclaimed experts like Dr. Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, and Brian Tracy, Cheng co-authored Wake Up...Live the Life You Love: Finding Life's Passion, the latest installment in the bestselling Wake Up...Live the Life You Love series; she is also the co-author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2, along with leading experts Jack Canfield, John Gray, Richard Carlson, Alan Cohen, Bob Proctor, et al.

Cheng is also an advocate of parental rights in children's medical care, and aide/caregiver monitoring and screening for students with special needs and disabled people. As a parental rights advocate, she wants to help today's loving parents protect and keep custody of their children. "When doctors ask yes or no, parents should have the right to say no," says Cheng, who is the survivor of the 1990 five-month internationally broadcast news of mother Juliet Cheng's custody battle with a doctor. Juliet was on CBS This Morning with Paula Zahn.

Cheng promotes aide advocacy for the disabled because she was mistreated and abused by one-to-one aides when she attended school. "The trouble with the uncaring aides actually lies with the authorities," she says. "If they listened to my complaints and kept a close watch on the aides, I wouldn't have gone through all the suffering."

She had been published twice before her writing career. One of her short stories, Mary Miller, the Elusive Lady, received Honorable Mention and was published by the Poughkeepsie Journal in 1997, and a poem, The Colors of the Rainbow, earned merit status and was published in Celebrate! New York Young Poets Speak Out in 1999.

In 2006, Cheng tied for 1st place in the national writing contest for Be the Star You Are! founded by New York Times bestselling author, TV/radio personality Cynthia Brian, garnering her a third appearance on Cynthia's live radio show. Cheng's winning entry, titled The Jewel from Heavenly Father, is dedicated to her beloved mother Juliet Cheng. In 2007, Cheng received Honorable Mention in the same contest for her essay, I Hold the Power, her personal story of overcoming blindness at the age of seventeen.

Cheng is available for interviews, speaking engagements, book signings, and inspirational events. She has been on over twenty radio shows, including Be the Star You Are! for three times, The Donna Seebo Show, and Stu Taylor on Business. She was featured in World Journal, the largest Chinese national newspaper in North America, in July of 2004.

Langley Chapters Hires Bodyguard for Bestselling Mystery Author..."SECURITY!"

Ok, well now that I've got your attention, I guess I have to explain the title of today's blog post. Yesterday, I visited the Chapters in Langley, BC. As we pulled into the parking lot, my first reaction was: "Wow! They even have people outside waiting to greet me...and they're handing out invitations to my signing." As we got closer, I saw it was a couple of protesters. So much for my special welcome...darn! :)

Upon entering the store, however, I was met with a great welcome. They had a table set up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that smelled heavenly. And of course, copies of Whale Song. I was met at first by Diane, one of the managers, who made me feel right at home. In fact, so did all the staff who took time to come by my table and talk to me, including two aspiring writers. (Don't forget my words of wisdom: Don't just say you WANT to write; DO IT! WRITE! :)

But I think the highlight of my afternoon at Langley Chapters was that a few feet from my table was my very own security guard. I couldn't believe I had my own bodyguard for the day. And I must confess, as a mystery author used to "killing off" people, there was a bit of a thrill in that. Mike--my bodyguard from Crusade Security--stayed ever-vigilant a few feet away, sometimes barely moving. At one time I threatened to prod him with a cane (that I planned to get off a customer) if he dozed off. After all, he's gotta keep all my crazy fans in line...lol. Well, not ever having my own bodyguard at a signing before, I spent part of my time chatting with him...and wondering how I could fit him into my next novel. Mike...I apologize in advance if I create a bodyguard named 'Mike' who just so happens to not make it past chapter three.

During my time there, I met a general manager in training and the regional manager, who took a moment to welcome me. A special thank you to all the staff: Diane (manager), Joanne (manager), Kim, Nadine, Amy, Megan, Karen, Christina, Barandon, Rebecca, Jordan and everyone else I didn't get a chance to meet. Your enthusiasm and interest made such a difference to me.

Ok...well I'd like to leave it at that and sign off...

But, I guess I should explain that (in case you haven't already figured it out) Mike, my bodyguard, wasn't actually hired for me...sob, sniff! Did you forget I write fiction? :) Mike was hired because of the protestors in front of the store. The funny thing was, I think they left about an hour after I got there...yet he still stood there watching the door. But come on, you've gotta admit...my story sounded better.

Yes, I figured I should confess. I wouldn't want to be hauled away for false advertising!

"SECURITY!"

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Metrotown Chapters is a Basket of Fun!

Well, I had my first Vancouver book signing as part of my BC tour today. Metrotown Chapters in Burnaby has great store staff and a fun energy. And they sure no how to make a visiting author feel special.

Not only did they have a table waiting for me, they had copies of Whale Song set up on a blue wheely! :) Not every author gets one of those. They even had a copy of my latest press release up on the table. A great welcome!

I met some very interesting customers at Metrotown Chapters as well. One of the first people to welcome me to the store was Neil McKinnon, a fellow author. Neil and I talked for a bit about writing, and then he purchased a copy of Whale Song. Thanks, Neil! Neil is the author of Tuckahoe Slidebottle, the story of a small prairie town and its very interesting residents. You can check out Neil's book at: http://www.thistledownpress.com/cgi-bin/thistle/thistle.cgi?function=dispbook&bkid=207&nf.

Thank you to Rita for stopping by and showing such an interest in me and my novels. I enjoyed our conversation. :) Like many others I've spoken to over the years, Rita is an aspiring author who has written various works but hasn't gotten published yet. She is also at a crossroads, and I think she'll see opportunities start to open up for her. They are often there, lying in wait for that right place, right time moment. Sometimes we have to slow down just long enough to see the opportunities. Rita, when you're ready, I think you will find the way. Thanks for helping me with my books too.

Anyone who writes seriously knows the natural high you feel when working on a story, article, poem etc. There is nothing better than having edited a piece over and over until the day you believe you are done. "The End". Two very powerful words. I am always amazed at the people I meet while signing books. Some are gifted writers who just need a gentle push in the right direction. Sometimes I feel like that is the reason I am there.

Today a young girl asked me if it was "hard to write a book and hard to get published". I answered 'no' and 'yes'. Writing a novel is a journey for me--one I have carefully planned before writing the first word. And like a journey, I have a destination in mind. But I may not take the most obvious route. In fact, I often like to go off course, steer my readers into an area that seems perhaps innocent. But in the end, I know where I'm going and I don't hit major roadblocks (or writer's block), and those detours just make the journey that much more interesting. Of course, plotting someone's demise or grisly murder may seem a bit demented (ok, a lot demented!), but there is a certain thrill that goes with the territory of writing stories with suspense elements. Once I have a story in mind, it is like a movie flickering before me. I sure wish I could type faster to keep up though!

As for publishing, there are many options out there for writers. But finding and getting a traditional publisher to accept you and your work is certainly a challenge. Less than 2% of manuscripts are being accepted, which means the odds are low. This also means you had better have written an excellent story and you'd better know how to write, that means knowing how to construct proper sentences and paragraphs and how to write POV, beats, tags, proper pacing, etc. There are two parts to writing a work of fiction: the creative plotting of story and characters and the technical knowledge of language and composition. Writing is a craft, and like any craft it must be carefully honed and always perfected.

My day at Metrotown Chapters ended with an unexpected surprise. The staff had put together a lovely basket for me. I was stunned. A complete set of books by James Herriot, Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, some flower seeds and yummy chocolate, all in a huge straw basket tied with pink ribbon. What a nice gesture! Thank you, Metrotown Chapters. You made me feel like a star! :)

Are You Happy?

Excerpted from Inspiration from a Blind brought to you monthly by www.ShirleyCheng.com

June 1st issue...

By the time you read this, I'll be wheeling around the halls at BookExpo America 2007, coaxing publishers and bookstores to buy my books. I will share my adventures with you in the next issue. You can listen to my short podcast at http://bookexpocast.com/2007/04
Now on with this month's newsletter.

Are you happy? Are you truly, seriously, undoubtedly happy right this minute? Well, your answer may be yes since you probably had something good happen to you. But let's pretend that nothing "extraordinary" happened. Would you still be happy? Are you happy with your life, with yourself? Sure, your life isn't perfect (no one's is) but how many things in your life are you happy and content about? (Wait, don't answer that yet--you might give me "Not much!")

In order to be happy, you have to be happy! Now that sounds weird, I know, but let me explain. Happiness is the foundation of a good and successful life. When you start with happiness, you attract more happiness into your life. True, there are certain things, like life's necessities (food, shelter, clothing), family, and friends, that most people need to have in order to be happy, but the point is, no one or no other item can make you truly happy--only you have the power to create happiness in your life. You may be a billionaire and have all the friends in the world, but if you don't like yourself for whatever reason, you won't feel happy. You need to accept and be happy with yourself first. Your opinion of yourself is the most important opinion of all. Others can say how great you are, but if you think otherwise, it's not going to bring you total and absolute happiness. If you feel you have done something wrong, which is a cause of your unhappiness, then sincerely apologize for your wrong, promise to never commit the same error, and move on. Forgive yourself.

If you are happy in nature, you will enjoy what's around you more; you'll make others around you happy. You'll make more friends, enjoy what you do and say, and cherish life more.

The key in being truly happy is knowing how to appreciate the "small" things in life. You won't be a very happy person if you expect huge rewards out of life or without receiving great benefits. Happiness is not about the quantity; it's about the quality. And by quality, I don't mean wealth. You need to appreciate the quality of the purity of life. How do you find the purity of life so you can know how to appreciate it? Purity of life is everything minus the man-made problems. Think about it, most problems we face (except for natural disasters and diseases/illnesses) are caused by men. Brush away those problems for a moment and you'll then see the purity of life.

Let's take my life for example. I was nicknamed the Happy Baby when I was an infant. Now you can think that I probably had a great childhood, filled with friends, toys, and good people. Although I do have the best mom, my life was filled with intense pain that cut through my joints like knives. Yet, I smiled through my tears; I laughed between sobs; and my misty eyes lit up when I caught something pretty in the room. I was happy, for I loved--and still do--life.

I must say that I am one of those few lucky people who have been born with a happy nature. But it's not too hard to acquire happiness even if you aren't born this way. The thing to ask yourself is "Do I want to be happy?" Answering yes will not do anything for you--you have to commit to that yes and on how to find that happiness.

In life, there are always two roads to choose from: the road to happiness and the road to misery. By picking the road to misery, you will put yourself in a more miserable situation than the one you are already in; plus, you'll spread your misery on to others, making those around you miserable, too. Remember, happiness attracts happiness; same goes with misery.

I'm not telling you to jump for joy when someone close to you passes away or after you lost your job or get a broken heart. The thing is that whatever happens to you, life moves on, and you need to decide if you want to move on or not.

Who wouldn't want to be happy? While the answer may be obvious, it appears to me that very few are truly serious about living with happiness. People's focus easily diverges when a negative comments comes their way or when something doesn't go as planned. Keep your eye on your goal of being happy, then you'll find it quite easy to remain happy. Happy people are more successful in life because they are able to move on and achieve; they don't dwell on the negativity that surrounds them. I know this, for I'm not known as the Happy Princess for nothing.

So, how many things in your life are you happy and content about?

I was filled with extra happiness on May 10. What's so special about that day? Well, my mom and I flew to Las Vegas. I was there for two events: my filming session (I'm in an inspirational documentary about a book series, of which I'm a co-author) and the world premier of the Pass It On movie, an empowering film where top leaders and experts share their secrets and blueprints to success. The movie was excellent, but their secret was no secret to me--as I was listening to the film, I felt as though the experts were describing my own life and insights and what I've been teaching others. I met and took photos with Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, David Dean, Kimberly Mack, Bill Bartmann, Robin Leach (host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous show), and a handful of other celebrities and well-known folks. But I regret to say that many of the photos were taken on a bad roll of film (can't believe my luck!), I also had the pleasure of meeting (and taking photos with) the creators of the film: Jon Dixon, Greg S. Reid, and David Corbin. What a day to remember! I have a photo of me from that day posted toward the top of my site, if you wish to see it: http://www.shirleycheng.com

By the time you finished reading this issue, I'll probably be having the honor of shaking the hand of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stay tuned for my next issue to hear what I've been up to!

Have a very happy June!

Shirley Cheng, www.ShirleyCheng.com