To Be or Not To Be THE LAW OF ATTRACTION 03/28 by ONWARD AND UPWARD | Blog Talk Radio#.T2pUB4BJYgk.facebook#.T2pUB4BJYgk.facebook

Hello All!

My blog today is a Radio Blog, topic being:  To Be or not to Be: The Law of Attraction

BLOG RADIO: To Be or Not To Be: THE LAW OF ATTRACTION!

I hope enjoy this Radio show!

All the Best,
Erin!

The Will To Hold Your Pot Of Gold!

If I hear, “These are trying times!” one more time, I think I’ll have to shake that person’s hand! Yes, actually take the time to thank the person for acknowledging life is not something handed to us in a beautifully decorated basket filled with every want and whim specific to each of our proverbial “Pot Of Gold.” A fulfilling, introspective, tuned-in, hands-on, wide awake way of life takes work…hard work coupled with faith. Living a life of entitlement and hand-outs, I believe, is the equivalent to living a numb life—superficial, self-absorbed, and image-driven with lots of “things”—lacking the virtue of gratitude. I prefer the deeper, more reflective, thankful route.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches and we speak of “trying times”, it reminds me not only of the deep-rooted heritage and love my family and I share in this day as all four of my grandparents came to America from their homeland, Ireland, in the early 1900’s, I’m also reminded of their strong desire, dedication, and resolve to make America their (new) extraordinary home for our family. All four lived a long life, one into his late 70’s and the other three into their 90’s, thankful for having made the move.

Gratitude is one of my most favorite character traits; so, existing in such a state this morning I posted a status on Facebook quoting Melody Beattie. Having no idea who she was until I drew from a list of inspirational quotes, I decided to GOOGLE her. Ms. Beattie is the author of Codependent No More which sold over eight million copies in the 80’s and introduced the word “codependent” to the general public. In addition she has authored many other books including, The Language of Letting Go, and Make Miracles in Forty Days, Turning What You Have Into What You Want.

The quote I posted from Melody Beattie this morning reads as follows: "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Now THAT is my version of a Pot Of Gold! Each of us has it within us. All we have to do is reach inside and attain it. Embrace it. Experience it. Live it! Gratitude is priceless and provides abundance in all areas of life.

There’s a non-profit cancer organization affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day called, St. Baldricks. As a cancer survivor and cancer coach/consultant, I LOVE this organization and encourage you to check it out as well. Here’s some information I received from Wickipedia and the site itself: St. Baldrick's Foundation is a childhood cancer charity funding the most promising research to help find cures for kids with cancer.

The Foundation raises money for childhood cancer research primarily through head-shaving events. Volunteers sponsored by family, friends and employers, shave their heads in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment. Events have taken place in all 50 US states and 28 countries.

The concept of St. Baldrick's was devised in 1999 by three Irish-American reinsurance executives from New York City, and grew from a single event to a nationwide effort in a relatively short period of time, now known as the world's first and largest volunteer fundraiser for childhood cancer research. The founders decided to turn their St. Patrick’s Day party into a benefit for pediatric oncology research by shaving their heads, thereby showing solidarity with children undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, the name of the Foundation is a play on the words Bald and Patrick - going bald on St. Patrick’s Day, led to St. Baldrick’s. (www.StBaldricks.org)

Here’s to wishing all of you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day filled with love, health, happiness, gratitude, and your own Pot O’ Gold!

Click here are some more St. Baldrick's pictures: St. Baldricks Pictures

Here’s to wishing all of you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day filled with love, health, happiness, gratitude, and your own Pot O’ Gold!

Onward Production - Announcements:

• I’m thrilled to announce my guest for this month’s Onward And Upward radio program, author of the phenomenal children’s book Molly Kite’s Big Dream, and inspirational speaker, Tam Veilleux will be joining us Wednesday, March 28, 2012, from 1:00pm-2:00pm ET at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ErinLey. Please take a moment and check out Tam’s website, www.Tam-I-Am.com, to see the amazing work she does illustrating how each of us manifests our own *Law of Attraction* (LOA).

• In addition, I’m looking forward to visiting the students, faculty and families, along with my wonderful colleagues from the Long Island Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s group, for the Author/Illustrator Nights at: 1) Jericho Elementary School in Centereach, NY on March 20th; and 2) Andrew Muller Primary School in Miller Place, NY on April 4th. Many thanks to Stacey Cooper and Cristin Mansfield-Soldano for organizing the events and the invitation.

• As we move ONWARD throughout the rest of this school year and plan for 2012-2013: For any Long Island (NY) based elementary school, public and/or private; library; Boy and/or Girl Scout Troop; events of any kind can contact me any time at www.ErinLey.com or www.MaggieTheMagnificent.com when looking to provide a character-building presentation. I’ve incorporated food allergy awareness into my presentations not only because two of my three young children have life threatening peanut and pitted fruit allergies; the number of food allergies in both adults and children have grown exponentially. Funding for these visits are provided by a number of sources including, but not limited to, the PTA/PTO; and, both Nassau & Suffolk BOCES—I am registered with both.

• For schools, hospitals, non-profits, businesses—large or small looking for a motivational/keynote speaker who survived cancer, and so much more, and recognizes *where there’s a WILL there’s a way* to help improve the quality of your environment, or to instruct you on how to help others improve the quality of their environment—school, work, hospital, or home, feel free to contact me anytime. I provide individual cancer coaching sessions over the phone for cancer patients across the country as well. www.ErinLey.com

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow

For sunlight after showers—

Miles and miles of Irish smiles

For golden happy hours—

Shamrocks at your doorway

For luck and laughter too,

And a host of friends that never ends

Each day your whole life through!

Visit http://www.erinley.com  for more information and inspiration!

The Will to Tebow!

 Tebow has become a phenomenon in more ways than one. The Denver Broncos quarterback is now one of the highest publicized, most scrutinized athletes out there today and for one reason… being a devout Christian.

As opposed to beating his chest or doing a silly mock type of dance when things go well for him, Tebow gets down on his knee or points up to the sky [referencing Heaven]. He speaks openly and unapologetic about his faith in God and Jesus, faces the criticism and chooses to turn the other cheek.

As both a New Yorker and fan of the Giants excited for the Super Bowl next Sunday, in my opinion Tim Tebow walks away with the prize. Maybe not the ring of all rings—something better. Tebow has become the shining example and light of encouragement for so many. I’m thrilled to have this 25 year-old man as someone my children can look up to. Tebow holds qualities I believe to be real: integrity, loyalty, honesty, honor, dedication, perseverance, enthusiasm, commitment, joy, love and peace. No matter what race, gender, ethnicity or religion, those are great and admirable qualities to have. Here’s a man who’s not out to hurt anyone. He’s never been incarcerated. He’s not forcing his faith or anything else on anyone… he’s simply expressing his faith—Tebow style. He’s proud of who he is and praises someone higher than himself for his gifts. Good for him!

As stated in Tim Tebow’s website, www.TimTebow.com, “I’ve lived my life by this quote since I was 6 years old: ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’”

Athletes have prayed then played on the court, field, rink, etc. for centuries. Quite often, entertainers get up and thank God above anyone when receiving some type of award whether it’s an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, MTV, People’s Choice… any film or music award. And then there are people like me who’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoblastic lymphoma, or any other type of cancer/life threatening disease or circumstance, praying for a healthier tomorrow. I’m sure our families and friends prayed for us, as we pray for others whenever and wherever possible. Faith is powerful.

As an American watching her country steer away from America’s Judeo-Christian values, clearly stated in the Declaration of Independence, heading down the secular route, I hope and pray the pressure doesn’t become too great for Tebow. He too is human; yet a great man who’s arrived, I believe, at the right time.

A great article to read:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/01/tim_tebows_public_expressions.html

Onward Production - Announcements:

• I’m pleased to announce my guest for this month’sOnward And Upward radio program, “The Marketing Doctor!” Dr. John Tantillo will be joining us Monday, January 30, 2012, from 12pm-1pm ET atwww.BlogTalkRadio.com/ErinLey. Take a moment and go that site to check out Dr. Tantillo’s bio, book, People Buy Brands Not Companies, and much more. He’s notorious for educating many individuals in various venues with regard to branding and all things marketing, and making the recommendation, “Go brand yourself!”
• Also, I had a fantastic night at the Old Mills Road Elementary School in Merrick last Tuesday night, January 24, 2012, with a gathering of wonderful colleagues from the Long Island Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s group! As we personally inscribe each of our books for those purchasing, the students, families, faculty and administrators were extremely gracious. They came to each of our tables asking questions about the writing process, how we come up with the names of our characters, and more. Many thanks to Maria Small for organizing the event and the invite.
• Next, I’m looking forward to this Thursday, February 2, 2012. As the guest author at Oquenock Elementary School in West Islip (NY) I will provide both a character-building and food allergy awareness presentation for the students. Their theme for the night, “Reading Under The Stars,” works beautifully with my futurist, out-of space children’s books, and twelve-year-old main character, Maggie The Magnificent. Many thanks to Carmela Caminito for organizing this event and contacting me through my website.

• As we move ONWARD throughout the rest of this school year and plan for 2012-2013, any Long Island (NY) based elementary school, public and/or private, can contact me any time at www.ErinLey.com when looking to provide a character-building assembly. I’ve incorporated food allergy awareness into my presentations not only because two of my three young children have life threatening peanut and pitted fruit allergies; the number of food allergies in both adults and children have grown exponentially. What better place to discuss this with our youth, along with the significance of great character, than in elementary schools where there are tremendous amount of projects completed and classroom parties that include food.

Now that the first month of this New Year has come to an end, I’m wishing all of you the very best this year, and life in general, has to offer! Life’s too short for any of us to continuously conform… live inside “the box.” Break out of that box! Live outside the box! Outside the box is who you truly are; and it’s my pleasure and privilege to be connected with you in one way or another.

shareshare

The Will to Live Stress-free and Fearless Through the Holidays

I love the quote by Maureen Killoran, “Stress is not what happens to us. It’s our response TO what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose.”

For some reason stress seems to be the norm these days. During this holiday season, marketing of violent games for children is not quite the marketing that went on with GI Joe or Cops and Robbers. Our kids’ imaginations have been hijacked; and, society has implemented a full court press sensual pitch competing for our children’s visceral response – specifically the visual and auditory – desensitizing them to all things negative. An overwhelming number of high school students on high blood pressure meds is deemed acceptable. And if you’d like a dose of pessimistic overload, just turn on the news—that’ll keep ya hoppin’ as you shop for sure.

Is it all everybody else’s fault? Are parents just as much the victims of this craziness as the kids? Should grown men and woman of high standards keep pointing at those establishments while shaking our heads back and forth…tsk…tsk…tsk? Hell NO!!!

Life’s too short to be manipulated like some kind of automaton. Capitulating who we are little by little is stress inducing and a sign of weakness. We CAN mindfully choose what we’d like to purchase and monitor when it comes to what our children watch and play at home. We CAN do our best to create an environment of open communication with our kids to help reduce their stress and fear. And we CAN turn the television off when we feel as if we’ve heard enough.

Here are 3 websites worth checking out:

1. Dr. Bernie Siegel – “Defeat Stress - Our Most Treatable Health Hazard”:
   http://berniesiegelmd.com/2011/08/defeat-stress-our-most-treatable-health-hazard/
2. Dr. Heather Manley – “StressFreeKids.com”:
   http://www.stressfreekids.com/9142/reduce-stress-boost-immune-systems
3. My most recent guest, Dan Guarino, figured out that living life “fearless”, without giving so much power to the “what ifs” in life, is a wonderful thing:
   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/erinley/2011/11/29/fearless-the-why-not-factor

When I was diagnosed with cancer twenty years ago at age 25, I went from stressed-out and unassertive to stress-free and fearless. At the time I was unaware of my stress and apprehensive nature. That was my norm. However, after facing the Grim Reaper and giving it a stiletto kick to the hood, my senses were awakened. My way of thinking changed. That’s not to say I never experience stress or fear. Of course I do. The difference post diagnosis and surviving cancer is now as I experience stress and/or fear I work through whatever is making me anxious – as opposed to just existing in that state, trying to manage it.

Here is an excerpt from my book, The Will to Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor:

Another aspect of this ‘new beginning’ perk is that it allowed me to do things at my own pace—a pace that suited my needs. That in itself was a stress reducer. How often do we get the chance to set our own pace? We live in a world of time frames and deadlines, and are bombarded by expectations and demands. Now, I got to take that deep breath and that big step back. I took a good, long, hard look at the big picture—the panoramic view—to see what was rushing me through life. True health requires both a healthy body and a positive mind. As time passed, I realized it was all up to me. As I took charge of my life, it became increasingly a time of joy, rest, and renewal—ideal circumstances for a new beginning.

So, as this year comes to an end and we embrace 2012, I’d like to wish all of you much love, health, fun, laughter, positive energy, great character, prosperity and happiness. Let’s focus on what’s right with our lives as we deal with the challenges. Let’s have a clear sense of moderation, a deep bond with our mind, body and spirit, a healthy connection with each other—and, let’s do our best to respond appropriately to whatever comes our way.

Love,
~Erinhttp://berniesiegelmd.com/2011/08/defeat-stress-our-most-treatable-health-hazar

Mixing Children’s Literature with Motivation

SMITHTOWN MESSENGER - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

Local Author Branches Out

 - Mixing Children’s Lit with Motivation

By Chad Kushins

Smithtown’s own Erin Ley has a lot to be thankful for, and is the person to admit it.  A cancer survivor who is also the proud mother of what she deems “three miracle babies”, the young children’s author has not only become a successful motivational speaker, but is currently readying herself for a local media blitz for her beloved children’s character, “Maggie the Magnificent”.

Ley first sat down with the Smithtown Messenger in 2005 upon the publication of the first “Maggie” book.  Since that time, Ley has not only been on a successful book tour, but has also taken her incredible story of survival to numerous campuses and hospitals, mixing humor and motivation at her lively speaking engagements.  Aside from a second children’s book, she also has gone on to pen an adult-oriented non-fiction work, “the Will to Live”, a memoir of her fight against cancer – ten percent of all proceeds of which to she American Cancer Society.

As a secondary career, Ley also works as a professional life coach and cancer counselor and advocate, instilling many of the virtues and lessons from the latter, adult-oriented book, something that is tied to her original course of studies: Ley holds a Bachelor’s of Arts, specializing in speech/language pathology, with a minor in Psychology from Hofstra University.

“After I beat cancer, I was able to volunteer some time to talk with other people who were either suffering from the disease or were adjusting to also having beaten it,” Ley told the Messenger.  “It didn’t take long before I realized that I wanted to do this, to help people in such a similar circumstance, on a larger basis.”

Her devotion not only led to “The Will to Live”, but also in Ley’s high-demand motivational speaking appearances.  In 2008, while making an appearance at Huntington’s famed Book Revue bookstore, she was awarded with an official Proclamation, given by Suffolk County Legislator John M. Kennedy, for her achievements and advocacy.

“It was a huge moment,” said Ley, “getting that type of recognition.”  But is was also that type of recognition that led to Ley’s invitation to act as keynote speaker at Stony Brook University’s Pediatric Cancer department that same year, as well as the launch of her online talk radio show, “onward and Upward”.

Ley, who lives in Smithtown with her husband, Ronnie and three children – Brendan, 13, Danny, 9 and Maggie, 8 – is currently gearing up for wider recognition in 2011.  Just this year, the young author is overseeing the re-publication of both “Maggie” books, as well as signing with a Long Island-based publisher that will oversee the expansion of her children’s character, as well as Ley’s own company, Onward Productions, Inc., which helps her retain the rights to the adventures of Maggie.

Ley initially picked “onward” as the theme of her company and show title because of its connotation with hopefulness and optimism. As she explained, “ My children’s fiction is about progressing and learning … the adult-oriented, motivational material is made in order to help patients and their families more “onward.”  And with the radio show, I retained that same theme because it is about trying to raise the bar in society and help families and the society itself as a whole break out of the status quo, if not the downslide that we can experience, and more “onward.”

Keeping busy, Ley is currently working a further children’s material.  “It’s been a very, very exciting time,” said Ley.  “With my speaking engagements and the cancer book, I hadn’t done as much children’s writing, which I missed.”

According to Ley, she was approached to expand on the “Maggie” character and even consider merchandising efforts, something that she not only accepted, but also has put her back in the swing of things to write another upcoming “Maggie” adventure. “What we’re looking to do this year is take my Onward Productions, and expand on what we can do with the “Maggie” stories.

Ley explained that Onward Productions is actually a multi-layered business model, and in the coming year, she plans to use a three-step process to make the educational children’s stories more accessible and attainable for new audiences.  Under the first step and with the aid of marketing directors Patrick Aievoli and Jeremy Cohn, her website (which also offers her radio program) will “go tech,” in becoming more video oriented and function with an e=commerce model, making her books and appearances readily available. The second step involves making the books – both the children and adult material – available for instant download and readable on such paperless mediums as the popular Kindle reader.  And finally, by the end of the year, Ley hopes to see “Maggie” merchandise including learning-instilled video games, available to help children learn and aid in schooling, right on the web-site.

“The character of Maggie is always seen learning and evolving,” said Ley, “and I love that, using the site, children can grow and learn with her.

Ley continued, “I’m so happy to see (Onward Productions, Inc.) come together like this, and feeling like I’ve finally found the true essence of bringing everything together … I’m very excited and grateful for the new year and the things that are upcoming.”

All information on Erin Ley, including her speaking engagement schedule and book sales, can be found at www.erinley.com.  Her monthly broadcast, including archived episodes can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com.

Websites and Contact Information:

www.ErinLey.com
www.MaggieTheMagnificent.com
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ErinLey
E-mail: info@ErinLey.com

The Will to Stand Up to a Bully

Stop Bullying!

“Who wants to deal with negative people no less bullies during a joyous holiday season?”  rhetorical question is something I hear constantly these days. Whether it’s a kid, an adult, employee or just someone minding his/her own business shopping in a store, there seems to be someone ready and willing to TRY to bring others down. Are we as a society so uptight that the numbers of Carolers have gone down just as dramatically as the Scrooges have gone up?

So where do we find some semblance of a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing individuals like a cancer since the dawn of time? Hmmm…how about… within ourselves! If each of us takes accountability for how we treat others, how we speak to others and how we communicate in the tech world of today, what a huge start that would be. Yes, one word—“ACCOUNTABILITY.”

Bullies usually surround themselves with like-minded weakness. They validate each other. Lots of back-slapping at-a-boyz! and, at-a-girlz! going on. And, more often than not there’s a pecking order. At the top—usually the one with the loudest, foulest, most brazen hurtful mouth. At the bottom—the most fearful follower of the pack. Leading as an example of great character is what’s considered laughable within these circles. They spin out of control. Lack of character is what they embrace. And, the spinning continues.

Standing up to a bully takes courage—one of the most admirable character traits anyone can demonstrate. Honesty, responsibility, self-discipline and even compassion might come into play when standing up to a bully. There are tons of kids bullied/abused at home and then go to school taking their frustrations out on someone else because they’re deemed powerless in what’s supposed to be the safest place of all—home. Showing compassion for someone in that kind of situation takes a trait much deeper than courage. That’s not to say there’s ever an excuse for bullying; and, anyone indicative of such behavior should be held to task. There’s always a consequence matching someone’s action—good or bad. Reward for the good. Punishment for the bad. Plain and simple! Or is it? What if a bully thinks he/she is justified?

Check out what my guest from last month’s Onward and Upward Blog Talk Radio show, Judge Thomas Jacobs, penned. Please take your time reading it. As a parent, I found it heartbreaking…

A Message to Parents from a Teen’s Grave
by Thomas Jacobs www.askthejudge.info

“Oftentimes, out of personal tragedy comes a benefit to others. In the case of Jamey Rodemeyer the investigation into his suicide on September 18, 2011, presents a powerful message to parents, guardians and caretakers of children and teenagers.

After 14 year-old Jamey took his life at home following years of bullying, the police took custody of his cell phone and computer. They discovered that Jamey had an account on Tumblr.com, Formspring and other social networking web sites. His parents weren’t aware of these accounts and accepted Jamey’s word that everything was fine at his new school. But it wasn’t.

The police discovered mean-spirited and cruel postings to Jamey during the months before he started ninth grade. Jamey had suffered years of bullying through middle school. His parents thought starting high school would be different. Jamey told them that things were better but kept the truth to himself. Some of the comments included:  “JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND UGLY. HE MUST DIE!” an anonymous commenter said on Formspring. “I wouldn’t care if you died. No one would. So just do it  It would make everyone WAY more happier!” said another.

Parents, make sure you keep the conversation going with your kids. In order to properly monitor your son or daughter’s online life, you need to understand the technology and keep up with new web sites. Once you build trust with your teenager, sharing their passwords with you will be expected and come easily.

These messages to Jamey were undoubtedly a shock to his parents. But they are a message to all those responsible for our youth to know their friends including their online acquaintances. It could save a life. Our hearts go out to Jamey’s family and friends. His bullies also need understanding as they may have been bullying victims as well and have to live with Jamey’s passing for the rest of their lives. They won’t be prosecuted as insufficient evidence exists to file formal charges. Their consequence for participating in this loss is essentially a life sentence.”

You can hear this great interview in it's entirety on my Radio Show: 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/erinley/2011/10/19/teen-cyberbullying

Can it get any clearer than that? Seriously, we’re no longer talking about kids getting bruised up in the school parking lot, or locker room. No, we’re talking about head games being played on kids being drawn into the (new) “it’s their world” for the whole school, neighborhood and world to see. As an adult, I know the weak aggressors try to be the big-mouth bullies—regardless of where they are. I’m pretty equipped, as I believe most adults are, at shutting a bully down based on life experience. Our kids however, do not have the life experience to realize you cannot rationalize with irrational people.

Mocking and/or name calling comes from someone who’s incredibly insecure—no matter what the age. So as grown men and women, parents, leaders in this society, let’s get our act together and educate the uneducated who do not understand, or fail to even try to comprehend the ramifications of bullying…especially cyber-bullying where it’s much easier to throw a [cowardly] virtual punch. A secure person with an immense sense of self, at any age, would think twice before hitting ‘Enter.’ Recognize the weakness of the bully…then step forth donned with great character.

I’d like to end with a quote I once read that went something like this, “One cannot feel stress and gratitude at the same time…I prefer to feel gratitude.”
I, too, prefer gratitude—to feel thankful, enjoyment, love and a complete sense of self. With those traits in hand, bullying, whether it be eye to eye or the quick type & enter, no longer has the power it wishes to have.

Read more about Erin Ley @ http://www.erinley.com

Live ONWARD with great character and a smile!

My Very First Blog: ONWARD and UPWARD

Welcome to my new site! This is an exciting time for me, my husband Ronnie, and our three young children—Brendan, Danny and Maggie. We are experiencing many “new beginnings”—a great place to also begin a brand new blog! I asked for their ideas on what I should call this new venture and they suggested I stick with my favorite expression… ‘onward and upward.’ So, “ONWARD and UPWARD” it is!

I’m launching many things at once. There’s an expression, “All good things come to those who wait.” Well, I’ve been extremely patient as I’ve met many bumps in the road. Each bump a mere obstacle I’ve run around, fallen over, leaped over or flat out kicked to the curb. Now it seems as if the stars have aligned.

As a child, approximately forty years ago, I told my parents, “When I grow up I want to write children’s books.”

I’m forty-five and still unsure if I’ve grown up; however, I have without a doubt grown deeper and found my passion, my life’s purpose. Helping others based on my own life experiences is what I find most rewarding. As you’ll see here in this new site, all that I do has one underlying current. Helping others young and old seems to be my calling.

I find writing character-building children’s books most fascinating. Some writer’s try to find the perfect spin on a word, the rhythm flowing throughout the page or maybe some form of genius in keeping the message hidden within the story for only the reader to interpret.

I, on the other hand, write mainly for the clear message. I write with a purpose. I’m not saying my writing is any better or worse than anyone else, all I’m saying is with my writing [as with me] “what you see is what you get.” Writing didactic character-building books for children is a huge part of what I do because I feel the youth of today may no longer interpret the hidden message. Time in their world has quickened with technology whereby moments to think and decipher a correct message may not be available. The virtue of patience has been tested like never before. Therefore, the message of respect, responsibility, compassion, honesty and accountability, self-discipline, generosity, self-esteem, individuality, courage and confidence are spelled out, obvious for the reader. My intent is not condescending. Quite the contrary, it’s to ascend…lift and inspire to new heights. To be able to help each child recognize his or her unique kindness, beauty and extraordinary character through illustration is something I LOVE to do. With the help of my twelve year old main character, Maggie the Magnificent, I bring children into the year 3510 and set out on many adventures with Maggie and her spaceship. Each adventure within Maggie’s in the Driver’s Seat (consisting of six short stories) and Maggie Unmasks Planet Pumpkin deals with a different dominant character trait.

After having the Maggie the Magnificent children’s series published, the second half of my writing experience came to be…writing for adults. My empowering and inspiring cancer memoir/self-help book for adults titled, The Will To Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor was released. This book too is in line with my passion, what I believe to be my life’s purpose. I write for the message to be loud and clear. I write about hope, love, light and believing in oneself and others. For the last twenty years I’ve dedicated myself as a cancer coach, advocate, and motivational and inspirational speaker to help others get through their diagnosis without as much suffering as I endured during my two and half year protocol. It’s remarkably gratifying. I’m not a therapist or MD; however, I am someone who has been where that cancer patient is, gets it, and can provide what, more often than not, the doctors cannot.

As I’ve wanted to scream from the rooftops on more than one occasion what it is I’ve felt very deeply and strongly compelled to say, I decided in March 2010 to begin my own international web-based family oriented talk radio show. Onward And Upward, which represents moving forward and growing, is all about raising the proverbial bar in society. We have guests from all walks of life who are experts in their fields. I learn just as much as our listeners what it is we are discussing during any particular episode. I love it!

Please take the time to peruse my new site here at www.ErinLey.com, sign up for our newsletter and take a moment to introduce yourself in the contact area. Thank you for taking the time to stop by; and, thank you for taking the time to read my very first blog.

Live ONWARD with great character and a smile!

Love,
~Erin

Live ONWARD with great character and a smile!

http://www.erinley.com