If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

There is absolutely no reason for anyone to live a dimmed existence marked by resignation, suffering, struggle, scarcity, strained relationships, ineffective communication, and diminished self esteem. When we can embrace life as a learning process that is full of exciting opportunities for us to learn, break though our stops and limitations, and experience new possibilities to become our best, we give up our right to be invalidated or disempowered. We know that the seeds of our growth lie in that difficult person, that challenging relationship, and that problem that keeps us from effortlessly skating though life. So, not only does our relationship to problems and problematic people change, but we get to eagerly anticipate our next challenge and the great gift awaiting us to discover within it.

When we can learn to recognize our negative self talker and pick up on the emotional moods that run our lives, we now have the power to reinterpret life in a way that supports us. We can release our automatic responses marked by anger, sadness, or fear, and respond in a way that is a true reflection of the person we have decided to be. Living intentionally strengthens our relationships, increases our happiness, and allows us to live without attachment to the words and actions of others. Our personal power skyrockets as a result of our ability to live from a declaration of who we are, rather than from the disempowering evidence we have gathered over the years that has diminished our self esteem and kept us struggling and suffering and from being our best.

The secret to creating a dream life consists of three parts. First, we must heal and complete our past. We all have, at one time or another, either bought into another's low opinion about us or we have made up interpretations about who we are and who others are that do not support our happiness, relationships, and personal power. By forgiving ourselves and others for being human and therefore less than perfect, having empathy for what it must be like for others to say or do the hurtful things they do, and focusing on our strengths, blessings, and inherent magnificence, we can free ourselves from the diminished self esteem that keeps us small, suffering, and living in the past.

The next step in creating our dream existence requires a thorough and accurate personal inventory of what is currently so in our lives. What are our most important values and are they being honored? Are we in touch with our gifts and are we fully manifesting them in the world? Have we had the courage to declare our life purpose and a mission that enlivens and empowers us and have we stepped fully into that possibility? What are our strengths and what is missing in each area of our life such that if put into place would bring us closer to living that dream life?

Lastly, when we are fully alive without attachments to things, people, or their words or deeds, when we are clear about the missing elements that we can focus on to bring fulfillment, meaning, and passion to our life, we can then design an inspirational and compelling vision to move our life powerfully forward in all areas. When this vision is in alignment with our values and a true reflection of the person we are, we can then spend our lives empowered to manifest it. We truly can have, do, and be whatever we have the courage to pursue as long as we possess the expectation that we can achieve it. When we are living our passions, contributing our unique gifts to others, and our life is a reflection of love, gratitude, belief, and contribution, we can revel in the magnificent adventure we call life as we inspire others to do the same.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

I was always inspired by the hippie saying: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life..." Though I had been trained to believe that I had a limited world and that I'd better adapt to it, I knew deep inside that at all times I (and others) had the ability to change my mind. By the pure grace of God (because believe me, I was not looking for it!) I discovered consciousness-raising programs with amazing exercises and learned that if I change my beliefs, it changes my mindset/attitude, and most importantly, it changes my results. I decided to give it a "good ol' fashion try" and followed what was being taught to me... and it worked!

I work daily on the basics: meditation to calm my mind and to know that I am not running the "bus" on my own - that I have Spiritual support. I work on my body so that I have a wonderful vehicle to move me around - it is truly "my temple". I work on at least 5 things that will bring me prosperity/abundance in the future. It can be something as small as an e-mail, a phone call or text message; or a bit bigger like writing a proposal, or as big as creating a new project. I spend time on "income-generating" activities to make sure that my business continues to be profitable. I do something that will benefit another financially, personally or in any way that is needed. I do something to keep my ego in check. I'll clean my own floors, repair something, re-plant a plant - something that although I have others that they can do for me, it keeps me grounded. I do something to create my future. I work on Affirmations, or create a Treasure Map, or connect with a friend and together we'll do a prayer for something that our heart desires, wants or needs. Lastly, I work on clearing any thoughts that may be blocking my success in all areas of my life.

It's my choice to have a life that is filled with joy, peace, prosperity and a deep connection to a greater power. I release and let go. I allow the principles of Precession (the ripple effect), Leverage and the Laws of Attraction, Manifestation and Gratitude to do the rest... If I give, I receive. If I am grateful, I'll notice my world being so much more beautiful. If I love, I am loved. If I believe in Miracles, they occur. I put attention on my Intention, which is to be a vehicle, an instrument of the Great Spirit. I am here to serve... then it all falls in place.

Live a principle-based life. Do your best to being in present time... Always correcting... knowing that we learn through mistakes and being as loving and compassionate with others.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

I am often asked what made me able to accomplish the things I have at my age. My answer is simple. I was willing to try. I'm a regular teenager. I wouldn't consider myself gifted, special, or anything else. I'm just someone who thinks "I can." Sometimes that it all it takes. I have done lectures and workshops for young people all over the country and the greatest ideas I've heard have come from other youth. Sometimes those great ideas never take flight because the kids who came up with them are looking at all the reasons that they can't make it happen instead of all the reasons they can! Thinking that you "can"- will soon turn into believing that you "can." And once you believe it - it will begin to happen for you. There are emotional, physical and financial resources available for kids want to do something great for their communities. Volunteers and mentors are out there who share your dream and are willing to step up and help. They are just looking for someone with a vision.

I know as kids we say "when I grow up I want to be..." I'm here to say, START NOW! You don't have to wait until you grow up to make a difference in this world. And isn't that what we all want to do? Make the world a better place? I believe with all my heart that we design our own futures. We have the power to make things happen for ourselves. Some worry that someone won't "let" them do what they want to do. Do your research, show people why you can. You don't need permission from anyone but yourself to step up and make a difference. If you believe in yourself, and your abilities, others will too. Your passion and belief in yourself will bring the resources and support you need to make it happen.

I'm not saying that there won't be a few roadblocks. One of mine included a rare and aggressive bone tumor! But drawing from the lessons I had learned starting a non-profit as a pre-teen I found the strength to realize that even that setback was temporary. It was vital to me to get back to my project astrotots.org as soon as possible because it helped me see myself as whole again, even if it was from a wheelchair at first. Now I'm back on my feet, walking without assistance. We all have heard the old saying "keep your eye on the prize." That works for me. I know what the end result is that I want, and I believe it can happen. That has brought me results every time.

Don't wait to be asked. Be the person who ACTS. You know you have it in you. As I said before, all it takes to make a difference in your community, your country and your world is to be the person who is willing to try. After that, everything else falls into place.