Shirley Ryan

COLUMN: We often hear it said that we should be grateful for the things that come into our lives. That an attitude of gratitude can move mountains and that it is important to thank the Universe for our daily bread, our clothes, our health and the other fine things that we are blessed with. Mostly we say the words in rote memorization for those things that we know we should remember to say thank you for and that is a good thing. As the old Jewish proverb says, "when we smile the heart follows."

COLUMN: The tradition of Valentines Day with its Hallmark fueled frenzy has taken on a life of its own. Studies show that many people, especially men hate Valentine's Day. This is particularly true of men who feel like they can't get a handle on what is expected of them during this time. Traditions that play out mechanically add stress, guilt and depression to relationships.

COLUMN: From the beginning of time we have been attracted to each other and to the continuing cycle of life, to gain sustenance, grow and play out a destiny together. This attraction leads to admiration, love, and in due course to higher vibrations of light energy. At love's first blush, our combined energy is a powerful thing to behold.

COLUMN: We are at the threshold of a great evolutionary and cultural change, and this journey will take us to a place we have never been before. Some are saying that the world, as we know it, will end forever. Maybe so, but not in the way one thinks. Since the beginning of time we have heard prophetic messages about world destruction, along with an array of doom and gloom.

COLUMN: Everyone from beauty queens to politicians wants World Peace. What most don't know is that peace begins with us! Peace isn't about what is going on in the Middle East, peace is how we relate to every individual we meet on a daily basis.

COLUMN: We spend our entire lives looking for ways to get what we want and to feel good. The fact of the matter is that it's actually pretty simple. Here we have two choices in life: living a love-based life or living a fear-based life. Many feelings encompass these two areas. The first is anything that brings pleasure: peace, joy, acceptance, and those things that feel good.

COLUMN: From the standpoint of wishing well to others, we have come a long way baby. In the 80's we were rather casual as we suggested that people have a "great" day, and in the 90's we were admonishing them to have an "attitude of gratitude." Today we say many things to promote peace and good will to each other in the course of our daily lives. Salutations, greetings and closings have taken on new meaning as we move from jet setting competition, to a spirit based collaboration that's welcoming.

COLUMN: While traveling in Central America, the subject of banditos reared its head to send shivers down everyone's spine. This is a subject that is near and dear to those who travel internationally. Whenever we discuss third world countries, we get stuck in stereotypes. Third world countries have banditos. Third world countries devalue their women.