What I've learned is there's a scientifically proven phenomenon that's attached to gratitude, and that if you consciously take note of what is good in your life, quantifiable benefits happen.

So for years I kept mum about my passion for needle arts.

I've been blessed, acne never knocked on my door. I think I look pretty darn good.

I now find magic in the mundane. I'm also more creative - better able to look beyond the obvious and come up with new story angles.

Children may not notice the positive moments in life unless we point them out to them.

If you want to be liked, get a dog. The people you work with are not your friends.

The biggest surprise, which is also the best, is that I didn't know I would love motherhood as much as I do.