Some have said that Lyved changed their lives. I don’t know how true that is and I don’t want to take that much credit but what I do know, is that Lyved and all of you have changed my life.

You gave me an opportunity. You allowed me to test out my writing. You provided me with honest feedback. And you encouraged me. I am so very thankful for that. It has led me toward this massive dream and goal I’ve been chasing for the last two years: of writing my novel, To Breathe Free.

I know I haven’t written as many articles for Lyved since embarking on To Breathe Free but this novel is for all of you and for, what I aim to be, millions of other readers.

So again, thank you. Lyved would not be turning five and To Breathe Free would not be close to publication without you.

If you are thinking about your goals for 2013 and for the future, I recommend one of the articles I enjoyed writing the most. The short but poignant, “The Vengeance of Unfulfilled Dreams.”

Happy New Year!

Andrew

I cannot write about everything that happens across the world or even across the United States. And perhaps I cannot provide much when I do write about an event. But I try my very best to instill in you, some sense of hope, inspiration, solace, or any iota of positivity against, what seems to be, a sea of negativity and hate.

With the tragedy in Connecticut, I am at a loss for words.

I am a writer and I am at a loss for words.

What could I possibly write, regarding such a tragedy, that would bring positivity to you and other readers?

All I can think to write is:

- Say “thank you”.

- Hold the door open for everyone you can.

- Be kind – not only to others but to yourself.

- Teach your children to respect animals and all living things.

- Respect animals and all living things yourself.

- Create art: music, writing, painting, or whatever your calling may be.

- Don’t have a passion for art? Utilize whatever passion you may have for positivity.

- Feel that you don’t have a passion or purpose? Look harder. Give yourself one. Do whatever it is you need to do. You have passion. You have purpose. You are here for a reason.

- Wake up tomorrow with as little regret as possible and as much motivation as possible to make what you can of the day.

- Do not feel hopeless and helpless. Even when many will say that these actions are simplistic. They are correct. These actions are simple. And that is what makes them so powerful. Their simplicity means that each of us can do something, anything, to bring positivity to others and to this world.

Image by: Kalyan Kanuri

Thank you!

Andrew

As a Jersey Shore resident, I have experienced the destruction that Hurricane Sandy has brought to communities. I have also seen how hard organizations such as the American Red Cross are working to keep people safe, warm, and fed as we move into the colder months.

If you’re able, please consider helping with a small donation to the Red Cross here: http://www.redcross.org/hurricane-sandy or please visit this link at NBCNews.com for a list of other ways to help: http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/01/14861838-hurricane-sandy-how-you-can-help?lite

New Jersey and New York are so thankful to everyone around the country and the world who have helped in any way.

Thank you,

Andrew

I welcome you to read the update here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tobreathefree/to-breathe-free-the-first-great-american-e-novel/posts/328207