Sometimes the clouds might be so thick, it’s hard to believe that the sun is still up there.  A gray mood wipes away the yellow warmth.  The storms of life rumble and shoot fiery bolts of static.  The waters become a choppy, churning abyss; the horizon between angry sea and sky blend into an ominous infinity.

And just when you feel lost at sea, pelted by rain, about to sink into the shadowy depths…

• A beam of sunshine cuts through the clouds, shines right down on you;

• A lighthouse beckons from the shore;

• The waters calm; the sky clears; the sunny warmth tickles your skin.

I watched this divine transformation this week.  On Monday, my very dear friend called me, distraught over a recurring situation in her life.

“Start thinking about all the things you’re grateful for,” I consoled, “even simple, obvious things, like excellent health, low-maintenance hair, and all the goals you’re working toward.”

She was still pretty down when we hung up.  But later that day, she called back.  “It worked,” she said.  “It’s like I was changed in an instant.  You words raided my pity party and all of a sudden I felt happy and hopeful.  Gratitude is the best attitude.”

Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to change someone’s course from disaster to delight.  Today, I want you to Find Your Daily Bliss by reaching out to share some sunshine with someone who’s suffering through a storm.  I guarantee, when you see the sparkle return to their eyes, or hear the cheer in their voice, that will make you smile and feel great.

Posted: October 30th, 2008 under The Bliss Report.
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Yesterday my mother delivered a steaming-hot platter of roast beef, redskin potatoes, baby carrots, cabbage and onions… all swimming in garlicky, peppery juice that blended the flavors just right.

The melt-in-your-mouth meat was stringy and bursting with flavor.  The potatoes were a mushy dream.  The cabbage and carrots?  Yum!

On this chilly October Saturday, the hot dinner warmed me from the inside out.  But it wasn’t just the delicious flavors that I savored.  It was the TLC from Mother’s Kitchen that made this meal so satisfying.  My tastebuds called it “bliss on a plate.”  But my heart called it “love on a plate.”

That’s what Moms do.  They nurture us–literally and metaphorically.  There’s nothing better.  That’s why I raved about the delicious meal and profusely thanked my mother for this scrumptious supper.  I feel the same way when I prepare my son’s favorite meal, arrange it just right on the plate, and serve it to him.  The delight in his eyes is all the reward I need.  So I hope when you find your daily bliss today, you cook up some love on plate… or express how much you appreciate… your mother, your father and all the people who love you!

Posted: October 27th, 2008 under The Bliss Report.
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A standing ovation from 500 people after I gave the keynote speech at an NAACP Dinner…

Writing at the cottage,  totally immersed in the action and characters of a novel…

Writing and delivering a speech about my interracial family for 300 people at a local company’s Diversity Symposium…

If it looks like I’ve abandoned The Bliss Report for awhile, I haven’t.  I’ve been LIVING The Bliss Report by following my purpose and my passion as a writer and speaker.

And when I immerse into my Creativity Zone to compose a speech or write a novel, I am 100% there.

“Ninety-nine percent isn’t good enough,” my mentor told me.  “You need 100% focus to do the great things that you’re here to accomplish and contribute to make the world a better place.”

100% focus means not thinking about anything  but my fingertips on the keyboard, moving at lightening speed as words crackle from my brain.  God puts them there… When I’m writing about race and diversity and colorblind love, I’m carrying out my divine mission as a Princess of Peace to inspire human harmony through speeches and books.

And now — on the silver screen.  My second book, Dark Secret, is being shopped in Hollywood right now!

That is BLISS!

So lately, rather than writing about it, I’ve been making it happen.

I hope you’re Finding Your Daily Bliss today, by following your dreams, too.   Go for it!

Posted: October 15th, 2008 under The Bliss Report.
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