Good morning to all! I would like to take a moment to wish all of you a Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas; whichever you prefer. I hope your year was filled with joy and prosperity and the New Year provides more of the same for you. If your year was beset with tragedy or sickness, I hope your healing process is in full swing.

I wanted to also share with all of you how grateful I am to breathe fresh air and have food to put in my stomach on a daily basis. Family and friends are nice but not necessarily mandatory. I believe as long as I have something to eat and drink, I have the nourishment needed to fuel my other pursuits. Looking at what I have as opposed to what I don't have is a healthy reality check. For it is in those times when I see the glass as half-full that I am at the peak of my gratitude. I also have plenty of energy and my happiness blossoms.

I am so energetic about being who I am and doing what is healthy and appropriate for me because I have seen the grass on both sides of the fence. I empathize with the suffering and rejoice with the victors. If you have hope, all things are possible. For it is in losing that hope that success is the most elusive. Keep your hope alive and never, ever, give up. Whether you suffer from a particular addiction or a victim of abuse, your situation can improve. When people reach out to you, oblige them. Do not let pride cloud your ability to reason properly.

Finally, you are worth what a good life has to offer. Have an awesome Holiday season and better New Year.

Mike