The last five years of my life had been consumed by darkness. Fortunately, as I slowly emerge from my personal hell, out of the shadows of uncertainty a "triumph over adversity" story has developed. My unpublished memoir, A Lucky Girl, takes the reader on a tragic, yet inspiring journey of a five-year period when my life unfolded like a soap opera. It all began with my diagnosis of a tennis ball-sized brain tumor, while pregnant with my 4th child. And that was just the start of a tsunami of catastrophes that pounded me without respite.

Living off pure adrenaline and fighting for survival, I unwittingly stumbled upon a guiding life philosophy that others could also apply in times of unbearable stress, crisis and perpetual instability. I call it my "Seven Universal Pearls of Wisdom." If you are undergoing the "human experience," it applies to you.

I was just featured on Dana Hilmer's Lifestylemom Radio Cafe discussing this very topic and sharing with listeners my story---as proof that yes, it is possible to survive, and even thrive in times of crisis and instability.

Here is the link to my talk radio interview: http://www.latalkradio.com/Dana.php Just click onto the January 11, 2011 show to hear it.

The "raw version" of my memoir's prologue can be found here: http://www.warriormom.net/2011/01/lucky-girl-memoir-prologue.html

Thank you, Helen, Kelli and WM readers for the honor to share a snippet of my story with you.