As I meditate on the impact that illness has had on my life, I realize I'm a better, more grateful woman today because of cancer. I was asleep at the wheel before cancer shook me awake. And though there's still no cure, I continue to live harmoniously with cancer.

We can choose to think flexibly and adaptively, rather than rigidly and maladaptively, by redefining painful life blows as opportunities to evolve. Suffering is the "rock-tumbler" of life, within which the nuggets of our battered selves get polished into our highest and best selves.

When I'm faced with fear at life's inevitable crossroads, I have learned to "let it rip" and charge "no holds barred" into the abyss -- if for no other reason than to see what is there.

"My doctors say I have at best three months left to live. I refuse to believe it and know that working with you will help me survive." That's how my work began with the client who taught me the most about living fearlessly and making every second count.

In creating healthier ways of living, a new village movement based upon the sanity of simplicity, a strong ecological consciousness and respect for children and family, will play a vital role in building a future of sustainable prosperity.