Thriving

11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Ironman Jo D Livingston On Making Her Second Chance at Life Meaningful

How would you describe Jo D Livingston?     I am a kind-hearted fiercely feminine woman. I am very girly, but I am strong and I stand up for what I love and believe in. What was your childhood like?  I grew up in Vermont, a very small town.  It was a great place to grow up. When we were kids we loved playing in the woods.  We created a whole “palace” from the rock formations. It was pretty magical. You got a second chance at life after getting a liver transplant. Tell us about this 'life changing' experience?  Having an organ transplant from a deceased donor is pretty overwhelming.  That someone chose to become an organ donor saved my life. In a family’s saddest moments, losing their loved one, they chose to honor this wish. It is...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

How Samantha Kelly Became The ‘Twitter Goddess’

Describe who you are in 140 characters…  There are 280 characters on twitter now so I cheated. I am a Twitter Expert and I am the Director of the Women’s Inspire Network (a global online network for Women who want to start a business or who want to learn more about online and make valuable connections). What's your backstory?  I am 13 years sober. I decided to get rid of alcohol as I felt it was holding me back and affecting others around me. I didn’t seem to have control once I took the first drink. Once I did that, my story began.  Ten years ago my daughter came to the awkward milestone of her first period so I went to the supermarket to see if there was some kind of beginners set or welcome to womanhood set I could give her to make the transition easier bu...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Meet Amelia Boone, The Queen of Pain

Amelia Boone is an American obstacle racer. As one of the most accomplished obstacle course racing (OCR) athletes in the history of the sport, she has won both the Spartan Race World Championship (2013) and is the only three- time winner of the World's Toughest Mudder (2012, 2014 and 2015) and won the 2014 championships 8 weeks after knee surgery. She is also a three-time finisher of the Death Race and a full time attorney at Apple Inc. The world-champion obstacle course racer has had a 20-year history with anorexia. But she's now in the process of recovering, and she has some important lessons to share. She is famously quoted to say "I'm not the strongest. I'm not the fastest. But I'm really good at suffering." She however wishes she could take this quote back as she is contin...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Nadia Nadim: From Living in a Refugee Camp to Playing for One of the Biggest Clubs in the World

The Afghan-Danish player fled Afghanistan at the age of 11 to escape the Taliban regime and today, she is a national-level football player. This is her story. I was born on 2nd of January 1988 in Herat Afghanistan where I was raised by my mother and father, together with my four sisters. When I was young, I got the heart breaking news that the Taliban had executed my father. After that, my family decided to escape Afghanistan, as it was not a safe place for a family of 6 women's. We planned to escape to London, where we had a few relatives, and with forged passports we came to Italy through Pakistan. From there, my entire family and I went on a truck, thinking we where heading towards London. After a few days, we all turfed of the truck, expecting to see Big Ben. We did not. All w...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Dr. Tererai Trent, The Awakened Woman

Dr. Tererai Trent is one of today’s most internationally recognized voices for quality education and women’s empowerment. Distinguished as Oprah’s “All-Time Favorite Guest”, Dr. Trent is a scholar, humanitarian, motivational speaker, educator, mentor, and founder of Tererai Trent International. Tererai grew up in a cattle-herding family in rural Zimbabwe, where she dreamed of getting an education, but was married at a young age and had three children by the time she was eighteen. Undeterred by traditional women’s role and cultural norms, Tererai determinedly taught herself to read and write from her brother’s schoolbooks. As a young mother without a high school diploma, Tererai met a woman who would profoundly impact her life: Jo Luck, president and CEO of Heifer International. She t...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia Kikoyo1 Comment

Restricted, Thriving

My Story: Taking Action Inspite of Fear – Stella Olivia Kikoyo

Remember that being brave is not the lack of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of fear. 15 years ago, I remember when I moved to the UK with my family, I wanted to continue with my career as a lecturer but didn’t know where to start. I went for a Marketing conference organised by a University in London with a view that I would get some information. Throughout the conference I was focused on how to approach whoever was in charge about getting a lecturing position but at the same time I was experiencing fear – fear of rejection or of not being good enough or what would be called fear of failure. I thought it was better to go back home to my family than be disappointed.   At the end of the conference, I decided to wait until everyone had left the lecture theatr...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Restricted, Thriving

What is fear? By Stella Olivia Kikoyo

By Stella Olivia Kikoyo Have you ever missed an opportunity – personal or business due to fear? Have you missed out of any opportunity for growth during these uncertain times due to fear? You’re not alone.   Clearly many businesses and entrepreneurs start and get out of business. 80% of businesses survive the first year. However only 50% survive the five-year mark and only one in three small businesses get to the 10-year mark and live on (www.forbes.com). There’re many reasons for this including lack of strategy, lack of alignment with the current environment, lack of financial support etc. However, it is stated that the inability to push through fears, persevere and push through stresses is the actual cause of failure. Businesses are more of the spiritual aspect and...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

10 Things To Know About Kamala Harris

We're thrilled to have US Vice President Kamala Harris as the first cover star of Stellar Woman Magazine. It had to be her, because she's a representation of the New Era we are in as women. She is the first woman VP and first woman of colour in the position.  As the world starts to embrace diversity, it couldn’t get any better for the leading Nation to have her as their VP. She is powerful, successful and joyful. She inspires both girls and women to believe in themselves and to aim high. This explains why there was no one more suited to be our very first stellar cover woman.  Vice President Kamala Harris' official portrait (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) Here are 10 things to know about this stellar woman. Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Restricted, Thriving

Michaela DePrince: From War Child to Renowned Ballerina

Born in war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela DePrince is now the Dutch National Ballet's 2nd soloist. Working to change the industry, she wears brown tights and pointe shoes. She's also worked with Beyonce on her album 'Lemonade,' been the face of Jockey and JP Morgan Chase campaigns, and is an ambassador of War Child Holland. Michaela DePrince was born in war-torn Sierra Leone during the country’s decade-long civil war. Rebels killed her father, and shortly after her mother died of fever and starvation.  She had vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose its color.  In her native land vitiligo was considered a curse of the devil.  This caused her uncle to abandon her at an orphanage.  There she was taunted and abused by the women who cared for the children...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving, Wellness

Claudia Taboada Talks Being Stellar and The Importance of Selfcare

When Nico, Claudia Taboada's son was diagnosed with severe autism at 2 years old, she abandoned her law career to become his full-time caregiver. But it was the walks she had with Nico's dog more than 8 years later that completely changed her life. How would you describe yourself? Have you always identified yourself like so? Right now I would identify myself as someone who is finally becoming the most self-actualized version of herself. Someone who goes after dreams with confidence and who has found her life’s purpose and mission.  And no I was not always this way, just 11 years ago I was an autism mom not only her physical and mental health but also her identity due to motherhood burnout.  You're a celebrated speaker, coach & digital entrepreneur. What's your backstory?&nb...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Kate Marsden on The Importance of Purpose and How She Found Her Own

Meet Kate Marsden, the writer and designer who gave up a career at a law firm to pursue her creative passions, and won at it. We spoke to her about her rollercoaster journey In one sentence who is Kate Marsden... I’m a textile designer, illustrator, blogger, writer, teacher and undoubtably lots of other things I always forget to mention too! What are your personal interests? Did they all start from childhood or have they evolved with time? As a child, I loved fashion and drawing as well as dance and music. I think the things I’m interested in now stem from that. Fashion took me to Art college, but I’ve ended up focusing on textile design and illustration, the dance has turned into a passion for the gym (I’m counting the days to it reopening) and the love for music hasn’t change...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

“I’ve always focused on what I wanted to achieve” – Monica Bradley of MB Associates

Successful businesswoman Monica Bradley is the founder and owner of MB Associates, an award-winning mortgage brokers based in Surrey. She talks about her success and why she loves what she does. Who is Monica Bradley? That's a broad question! On a business level, I'm an experienced mortgage broker based in Cheam, Surrey, where I run my own business, MB Associates. I advise clients on mortgages and have a team of advisers who also help clients with mortgages and protection insurance such as life cover, critical illness and income protection. I've been in the financial services sector for over 30 years and still love what I do. I enjoy giving my clients advice on how to be financially secure and take control of their money. I like to think I do more than just find them the right mortga...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Feminism, Thriving

Mariam Ndagire Talks Working in a Male-dominated Industry!

Mariam Ndagire is a Ugandan entrepreneur, singer, actress and movie producer. She talks to Stellar Woman Magazine about her influences, working in a male-dominated industry and what makes her proud to be a woman.  What does it take to thrive in the entertainment business? They are four pillars; 1. Talent – you have to have some bit of talent. 2. Passion – you must love what you do. 3. Discipline – you have to be disciplined. Humility is a deal breaker in this business. 4. Esteem – you have to believe in yourself. Number 2 is a must. Are there women in your life who probably influenced this assertive demeanour? My mother to start with. Just like I am, and probably much more, she was a strong hardworking woman. A single mother who singlehandedly raised us and provided wi...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

Paulina Sobczak On The Importance Of Self Love and What it Means to Succeed as a Photographer

“My mission is to help you quiet your inner critic, teach you everything you need to know to love being in front of the camera, show you how beautiful you are, and provide you with stunning photographs of you," says Paulina Sobczak, a Portrait, Headshots and Branding Photographer. In this chat with Stellar Woman Magazine she opens up about her inspirations and what it means to be a stellar woman. Describe yourself in a few words. Empowered, enthusiastic, cheerleader of women. Loving nature, my children and being free. How has your upbringing influenced the woman you are today?  I was raised in a conservative way in a family where a male was dominating the space. Hence, I have always been a female advocate, and making sure that I empower others to stand up for themselves...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Thriving

“I’m Very Happy With Who I am, and It Has Taken Me a While To Get Here” – Atiti Izogie

Atiti Izogie is the creative force behind Eyato London, a luxury brand that specialises in Made-to-Order luxury accessories and timeless statement pieces. In creating the brand, Atiti was inspired by many things; the driving force being LOVE. "Love, first for our maker who created us and gave us gifts, talents and abilities and then love for each other," she shares. In this chat with Stellar Woman Magazine, she shares her tips for success. Atiti sounds like a special name. What does it mean? Thank you very much. My name means "a work of perfection". You're a mother, a lecturer, a designer, businesswoman and …?. How have you been able to juggle your personal, professional and business life? First and foremost I am a child of God full of passion for life and created to ...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Music, Restricted, Thriving

Leesun, The Singer Who is Inspired By Random Things!

"I was at sitting at home, daydreaming about beautiful sunny summer days, barbecues, gatherings of friends, and that song “My Life” came to me," Leesun, a Canadian Korean British singer-songwriter recalls how wrote one of her most popular songs. In this chat with Stellar Woman Magazine she shares her inspirations and how her multicultural upbringing influences her sound. You are a Canadian Korean British singer-songwriter. Tell us about your multi-cultural upbringing.  My parents are Korean and emigrated to Canada when I was just 5 months old. I grew up in Canada, in southern Ontario, attending far too many schools (11 schools between ages 4 and 17). My experience, like so many Canadians, was one of being non-white in a culture where somehow the norm seemed defined as white. Bein...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Restricted, Thriving

The Passion to Help Others Achieve Their Goals is Dr. Stephanie Atkinson-Alston’s Gift That Keeps Giving!

Stephanie Atkinson-Alston's professional experience goes above and beyond: she gained it through her training settings in various fields, such as the military, private, and education sectors, and now she's a coach - not just any coach though, she's considered 'The coach of coaches'. "My passion for coaching is in helping others to achieve their goals," she says. Who is Dr Stephanie Atkinson-Alston? I am an unapologetic black and God-fearing woman, an author, a partner, a sister, an aunt, a niece, and a friend. As Dr. Stephanie Atkinson-Alston, I bring over 20 years of experience to coaching that was developed through my service in the military, private, and public education training settings. My passion for coaching is in helping others to achieve their goals through developing robu...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia Kikoyo1 Comment

Restricted, Thriving

Divya Parekh On Success, Growth, and Why She Enjoys Helping People Succeed!

While it might sound trite in this day and age, my motivation for the work I do is to help people achieve their highest level of success. As I look back on my life, that has always been my main focus. It has guided me in the different phases of my professional life, culminating in what I do now in guiding others to get their unique message out to their audience. There are several components to working with professional men and women that I have incorporated and refined in my career, and as I look back on to where it all started, I am proud to say it began with my parents. I am blessed that I was brought up by loving parents in India who were liberal-minded as they raised my sister and I. India is a country of varied cultures that encompass different religions, traditions, and ways of lo...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

Feminism, Restricted, Thriving

10 Yara Shahidi Quotes That Prove She’s A Stellar Woman

Yara Shahid is no ordinary 21-year-old. The actor, model and activist has filmed with Angelina Jolie, she considers Michelle Obama a friend – and Oprah believes she's a future US president. She's truly a stellar woman! Still have doubts, these 10 quotes from her will erase all of them.   “I don’t know everything. I know a fraction of what there is to know and I don’t think I will ever know everything, but it’s important to me to constantly challenge myself, to understanding different viewpoints, really understanding nuance in topics, so I can feel qualified in what I say, so I’m not preaching falsely of what I’m unaware of.”"There are two conflicting philosophies that I love: "Everything happens for a reason," as well as "you can change everything that you have control ov...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

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10 Things You Might Not Know About Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director General of World Trade Organisation, is a force to be reckoned with. Did you know that this economist and international development expert is a former Finance Minister of Nigeria? There is a lot to the stellar woman, let's get into 10 fascinating facts about her! She is the first woman and the first African to hold the office of Director-General of the World Trade Organization.Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Harvard and has a Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a member or chair of numerous boards and advisory groups: ONE Campaign, the World Resources Institute, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Nelson Mandela Institution, Friends of the Global Fund Africa, and th...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia KikoyoNo Comments

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Josephine Omunyidde Zhane On Career Growth and Nurturing Young Girls into Change Makers

Josephine Omunyidde Zhane is the founder of Engender Girls' Mentorship Programme - an all girl-youth-mentorship initiative based in Uganda that develops THOUGHT LEADERSHIP for the girl-child through a series of activities that prepare her to take up her place at the decision making table in the future. She also serves on various Boards in Uganda and has previously served on the Board of Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) as Director Public Relations. She has over 15 years of experience in International Development & Corporate Communication. She tells Stellar Woman Magazine why women need to creative new solutions needed to enable us to move forward. In one sentence, tell us who Josephine is: Josephine is a 39-year-old mother and believer - Remnant o...

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11Nov By Stella Olivia Kikoyo1 Comment

Restricted, Thriving

How to Overcome Fear of Failure By Stella Olivia Kikoyo

By Stella Olivia Kikoyo Creating Clarity, Focus, Courage and Confidence Key Tool Using Five fingers  Thumb =Emotional state Index Finger = Focus Middle Finger = Meaning Ring Finger = Relationship Small finger or pinky = Strategy  Emotional State  What is your emotional state?  Emotions affect our feelings which feelings affect our actions or behaviours and results. Think about this before taking decisions. What emotional state are you in right now? This is of course as a result of your thoughts. This can be changed by: ·       Your physiology and posture. ·       Naming that feeling that you’re experiencing. What it is? Understanding ...

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30Jun By Martin KagweriNo Comments

ISSUE 12, Slide one 1, Thriving

Healing From the Inside Out: Why Your Gut Holds the Key to Better Health – Cristal Johnston

After more than 36 years in the nursing profession, many of those spent in the high-stakes environment of the Emergency Room, I have seen a recurring theme: many chronic conditions that bring people to crisis didn’t begin in the ER. They began quietly, often in the gut. Originally from Canada and now living in Raleigh, North Carolina, I have transitioned from crisis care to root-cause wellness, focusing on how foundational gut health is to our overall wellbeing. My years in healthcare taught me that if we want to prevent the emergencies and the ongoing medication cycles, we need to pay closer attention to the early signals our bodies send especially those originating in the gut. The Gut: Your Body’s Command Centre Your gut is so much more than a digestive organ. It plays a key rol...

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30Jun By Martin KagweriNo Comments

ISSUE 12, Slide one 2, Thriving

Playing Big: The Power of “I Am” and Building from Truth – Stella kikoyo

Screenshot “We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” Max De Pree, former CEO of Herman Miller “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Napoleon Hill We live in a time where doors are wide open not just to opportunity, but to truth. At Stellar Woman, we believe the most powerful strategy for playing big in business and in life starts with this: remembering who you are. For too long, women have been conditioned to look outward for validation, proof, permission. But playing big isn’t about waiting. It’s about aligning with the truth of who you already are, owning your identity, and choosing to use everything life has given you - your experiences, your voice, your vision to live fully and build consciously. “Our...

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30Jun By Martin KagweriNo Comments

Cover Story, ISSUE 12, Thriving

Farah Mak on Sparkle, Survival & Self-Worth Leadership

Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing influence your values and worldview today?I grew up mostly in South Australia, but I also spent time in Sri Lanka and India as a little girl. That experience of being between cultures and expectations really shaped me. I learned early on that home is not always a place, it’s a feeling. My upbringing taught me to adapt to listening between the lines, and to speak up for those still finding their voice. That ability to bridge silence and story influences everything I do today. Were there early signs in your childhood or teen years that pointed toward your passion for performance, leadership, or advocacy?Absolutely. I was the little girl turning living rooms into stages, heartbreak into poetry, and playgrounds into performances. I had a de...

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21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments

Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 1, Thriving

The Year I Wove Another Thread Into the Tapestry- Divya Parekh

What is a year, if not a tapestry? A weave of moments, some bright and golden, others dark as nightfall, their threads pulled taut by the weight of the days. And yet, it is the contrasts that make the pattern sing. I see this now, sitting here in December’s quiet twilight, the year stretched out behind me like a river winding into the distance. I remember parts of this tapestry clearly—the bold strokes, the daring colors of achievement. But there are softer, almost hidden others that only now reveal their quiet beauty: the moments of struggle, the spaces where fear pressed hard against my chest but didn’t win. I think of those moments and feel them—not as regrets, but as proof. Proof that I was in the arena playing the game by trying, failing, trying again. This year wasn’t my first fig...

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21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments

Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 1, Thriving

Inspirational Interview with Magdy Setzler: A Love Revolutionist’s Journey.

In this interview, we delve into an extraordinary conversation with Magdy Setzler, a self-proclaimed "love revolutionist" and spiritual mentor. Magdy’s life is a testament to resilience, purpose, and unwavering faith. Here is her journey in her own words. Who is Magdy Setzler? Q: How would you describe yourself, Magdy?“I am a love revolutionist,” Magdy begins, “a believer in humanity and the transformative power of love.” This powerful statement sets the tone for a deeply moving narrative of personal evolution and healing. Q: But who is Magdy, really? How did you become this advocate for love and humanity?Her mission and perspective are rooted in personal transformation, making her story one that resonates deeply with anyone seeking a path to hope and purpose. The Backs...

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21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments

Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 2, Thriving

From Struggle to Triumph: How Gratitude Led Me to Conquer the NYC Marathon- Theresa Russell

Life often presents us with challenges, but it’s in these moments that we realize the true power of gratitude, giving, and celebration. In reflecting on my own journey this past year, I found that even in the face of hardship, these elements provide the strength to grow, give, and celebrate what we overcome. A Routine Shattered: The Unexpected Struggle Spring brought with it what I thought would be another season of running—a routine I had followed for over two decades. But something was wrong. I felt sluggish, and my breath didn’t come as easily. My pace slowed significantly, and what was once a comfortable run became an effort. At first, I dismissed it as a passing issue, but when it didn’t improve, I realized it wasn’t just a bad day. Listening to My Body: The Wake-Up Call D...

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21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments

Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Issue One 2, Slide one 2, Thriving

Life’s Gift – Embrace It: A Christmas Message of Joy, Hope, and Love- Stella Olivia Kikoyo

A poem on Life by Stella Olivia Kikoyo Life is a melody – dance to its tune,Life is a sunrise – bask in its bloom.Life is a river – let it flow,Life is a seed – nurture and grow. Life is a canvas – paint it bright,Life is a journey – seek your light.Life is a story – make it bold,Life is a treasure – more precious than gold. Life is a gift – unwrap it with grace,Life is a star – find your place.Life is a prayer – whisper it true,Life is a miracle – waiting for you. Merry Christmas! May your life sing with joy, hope, and love this season and always.

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