Cheri Oatsdean:  

Dear East High School and Other Friends, My story, in a nutshell, could be summed up in this article I wrote for "More Magazine" this summer. I call it "The Happiness Factor." People often stop me and ask me what I do to look so young, trim and vivacious, to have so much energy, let alone to be so content and happy. Well, there certainly is no ¿magic bullet¿ cosmetic, drug or surgery to account for it, that¿s for sure. My wonderful skin and hair care products, that I invented eighteen years ago, definitely have helped, but they cannot explain my zest for life or the glow that emanates throughout my being, regardless of my circumstances. However, there IS a genuine "fountain of youth," but it is far more than skin deep...and, believe it or not, it's extremely easy to learn and practice--and, best of all, it's free! As a Christian missionary, teacher and counselor for most of my adult life, certain things, little tips, if you will, became increasingly clear to me over the years; some from my training as a counselor, but much more often, from my Christian upbringing and heritage, which included my love for God, prayer and His Word, as well as from my students and clients--and life, in general. All of which taught me, demonstrably, the reality of some often overlooked, common sense and eternal truths. All the Botox, chemical peels and/or surgeries in the world are temporary, shallow interventions if there is not a "light in the attic," i.e., A "Faith-lift" produces a "Face-lift"! Learn to smile. For years I have practiced one little habit that has never let me down: smile! My mother taught me this is as a little child, even in the midst of her divorce from my father. No matter how your heart is breaking, smile: it sets in motion an entire series of events that, like a domino effect, stops the destructive trend and opens one to endless possibilities. Mother Teresa once said that a smile was the first step to world peace. (Also, it takes far fewer muscles to smile than to frown; so, do the math!) Give. Give. Give. Like a key in the ignition turns on an engine, an outgrowth of a continually smiling face turns on a generous heart which sets in motion endless possibilities of even greater dimensions, not to mention, is fundamentally good for one's soul, as well. Commit to give regularly to the church and/or charity of your choice, and then seek to find additional favorites: commit to help feed starving children, rescue a stray, work in a soup kitchen or take a meal or dessert by the home of a grieving friend, tutor someone, babysit or dog-sit for a friend who's on vacation, send a card to a shut-in, etc. And, these do not have to involve money, maybe just your time or ingenuity: Just strive to do one little 'good deed' a day; your self-esteem will rebound. Be thankful: First of all, to God. As a counselor, I found that my clients who best followed my 'homework' assignments by listing 5 or more things they were grateful for each day were the same ones who not only made the most rapid progress, but who maintained their ¿healing¿ as well....Expand for more