I recently saw a premiere of the movie “About Time”, which comes out on November 8. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Although it is being marketed as a romantic comedy, it’s really much more than that. It is full of hilarious British humor, and it’s about the secrets of living a happy and fulfilling life: love, gratitude, and presence (which are also the keys to stress reduction). I have never seen this message more beautifully or powerfully portrayed on film. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally, since I have recently undergone the most dramatic growth and transformation I have ever experienced in my entire life.

As you may know, I have been in the midst of a divorce proceeding since January of this year. It finally resulted in a favorable settlement on October 22 due to the superior talents and expertise of divorce attorney David Dawson and CPA and attorney Joseph Cunningham (expert witness), and I will be forever grateful to them for their outstanding efforts and support. This year has been full of incredible sadness and loss, but also great joy and wonderful new experiences. It has given me a new appreciation for my family and friends, who have provided me with amazing support and helped me through some very rough patches. It has made me grateful for all of the blessings that I have in my life, and I have gained strength by focusing on these blessings rather than the loss. Lastly, I have become much more present in my everyday life. Prior to all of this, I was focused on getting to the next thing, the next accomplishment, and the next phase of my life, rather than really paying attention to and treasuring what I was experiencing in the present moment. I kept thinking that I will be happy when… (fill in the blank) instead of choosing to find things to be happy about now.

Even amidst all of the hurt, pain and sorrow, I find that I am happier now than I have been in a very long time because I am choosing to live my life on purpose, in a conscious way, and that is incredibly empowering and rewarding. I thank all of you for your kindness and support. I am truly grateful.

Give yourself the gift of gratitude this Thanksgiving, and go see “About Time” when it comes out this month. It will make you see the everyday moments in life in a new light – making the ordinary, extraordinary. This movie will truly make your heart soar.

“Love is the greatest power on earth. It conquers all things.” – Peace Pilgram

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller