24-46. Be the Peace


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 12th

I recently had a wonderful conversation on my podcast with David Wick, a dedicated peace advocate who’s been with the UN and involved in global peace efforts for over 40 years. It’s a conversation on peace—its possibility and its necessity in today’s world. So often, people think of peace as a distant ideal, something that may never be achieved. But I believe peace is not just an idea; it’s a way of being, a state we cultivate within ourselves and share with others.

True peace starts within each of us. When we cultivate peace, love, and purpose inside, that energy naturally radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone we encounter. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world’s challenges; rather, it’s about seeing the issues clearly so that we can address them from a place of compassion and conviction. In our world today, we’re often sold illusions, particularly in areas like healthcare, where profit sometimes overshadows true wellness. It’s vital that we hold these systems accountable, advocating for practices that honor holistic health and well-being. Restrictions on healthcare choices, especially those that impact women’s health, call for our attention and action.

Living peacefully isn’t about having everyone agree. It’s about approaching each other with openness, compassion, and understanding. Life will always bring challenges—unexpected twists and hardships. But when we’re grounded and centered in peace, we see through the fog. Instead of reacting with fear or anxiety, we can move forward with purpose, finding creative solutions and choosing a balanced, harmonious way to live.

If we’re serious about giving peace a chance, we must start within ourselves and allow it to expand outward. Together, we can shape a world where peace is more than just a vision; it’s a way of life.

Today brought me unexpected news—not the kind I wanted. America has taken a turn not for the better, and, on top of it all, I now face a hefty bill for a new heating pump. So, how do we move forward? We’ll need to look at options, explore costs, and check payment plans. Many of us are facing financial strain, and fortunately, businesses now offer more flexible payment options to help ease the burden.

Life throws unexpected challenges our way, and while we can’t control everything that happens, we can control our response. When something goes wrong—like losing a heating system—it’s natural to feel worried. But instead, I take a moment to pause, breathe, and think it through. Yes, it’s an expense I hadn’t planned for, but approaching it calmly allows me to focus on solutions, not stress. The peace we bring to each situation shapes the outcome, helping us see possibilities rather than limits.

From health scares to financial hurdles, life will always bring obstacles. We can’t avoid every hardship, but we can choose how we respond. Sometimes, we need support; other times, we might just need a breather. The journey can be tough, but it also teaches us resilience. When we choose to meet challenges calmly, anger and stress don’t consume us. Instead, we find clarity and strength, which is where true peace lies.

Here’s the choice we all face: we can dwell on what’s wrong, or we can focus on our options and move forward with peace. True peace doesn’t come from avoiding life’s challenges but from staying centered and open to solutions. In that calm, we often find the answers we need.

Peace isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a choice we make to step into calm, clarity, and centeredness no matter what storm we face. When life throws curveballs—financial struggles, health diagnoses, unexpected twists—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even angry. But here lies our power: in our ability to pause and find that inner sanctuary, that core of calm that supports us through anything.

This calmness isn’t passive; it’s a foundation, a conscious decision we return to whenever we feel overwhelmed. In that calm, we see solutions we might miss in a panicked state. This core of peace lets us respond wisely and act from strength.

We each play a role in creating peace in the world. When we choose calm, compassion, love, and patience over anger and resentment, we lift not only ourselves but those around us. It’s not about ignoring our emotions but about choosing not to meet anger with anger, or hate with hate. When we do, we avoid getting lost in the chaos.

Instead, let’s be the peace we seek. Let’s live it, breathe it, share it, embody it. We are the creators of the love, kindness, and calmness we want to see. It’s up to each of us to be that higher frequency, that example that helps elevate ourselves and others.

When you walk in this divine calm, you become a beacon for others. You’re living proof that life can be filled with compassion, joy, and connection. You’re inviting others to rise, to find their balance, and, together, to build a world built on peace and love.

I invite you: take this journey. Embrace the peace, live the love, and let’s transform the world one calm, compassionate choice at a time. Because that’s what living truly means.

When anger arises, let it out. Feel it fully, then let it go. Take a deep breath and ask, “What can I do about this?” If there’s something you can change, take action. If not, sometimes the best choice is to simply walk away.

Peace is a choice we carry within us. It’s a state of being that we each have the power to access. This peace and love isn’t external; it’s within. Tap into it, let it flow, and share it. When you do, you create a ripple effect, an invitation for others to step into that calm alongside you.

By being this light, this vibration of peace, we become the solutions this world so urgently needs. Let’s approach life with calm strength, becoming the peace we wish to see.

Until next time, I wish you a beautifully peaceful journey.



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 RG24-45. Amy Meislin Pollack, The Adventures of Jelly Bean 


Raising Our Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guest Amy Meislin Pollack, on air from November 9th

Coming-Of-Age Book Series Helps Middle-Graders Navigate The Challenges Of Growing Up

 Amy Meislin Pollack, author of The Adventures of Jelly Bean series? Ever since she was in fourth grade – back in 1960 – Amy Meislin Pollack was writing and telling stories about a character named Jelly Bean. She never stopped telling those stories, sharing them with her students over a teaching career that spanned 40+ years. She shared them with her three children when they were younger – and then with her seven grandchildren. Now her stories have been made available to everyone with the recent publishing of two coming-of-age books intended for middle-graders. 

“My books touch upon topics of friendship, popularity, death, race, drugs, alcohol, feeling neglected, family issues, and the types of things many kids today are confronting as they look to find their way in an ever-changing world,” says Pollack. 

Retired Teacher & Grandparent Amy Meislin Pollack 

 The Adventures of Jelly Bean and The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean are the stories of a fourth-grader who faces challenges that just about all children her age can recognize.  Her parents don’t approve of her favorite friend in the whole world. She has trouble getting along with the brother who is closest in age to her.  The uncle she loves so much is about to marry the most awful woman she could ever imagine, and the girl who used to be her best friend has turned on her. Jelly Bean faces these and other stumbling blocks, including: the difficulties in achieving and maintaining popularity and how important having certain friends should be to her; difficulties inherent in relationships with various friends and family members; and learning how to make decisions on her own.  In these first two books of my middle-grade series, Jelly Bean comes to understand that much of life is trial and error, and that the only constant in life is that it is always changing.

Coming-of-age stories remain essential for children, offering guidance on friendship, popularity, and navigating life’s challenges. Parents may find helpful insights on managing disagreements with their children, raising healthy and successful kids, and supporting them in facing today’s issues. Grandparents, too, play a role in guiding youth through these formative years. One retired teacher and grandmother of seven recently published her middle-grade fiction, a story developed 60 years ago, aiming to inspire meaningful family dialogues and pass down generational wisdom to today’s young readers.

“Because I was a teacher for 40 years,” says the author, “and because I raised three children and am now an active participant in the lives of my seven grandchildren, I have observed and dealt with many different individuals, a potpourri of whom are depicted (and hopefully immortalized!) in my books. 

I have been told my Adventures of Jelly Bean and The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean are reminiscent of Judy Blume’s and S.E. Hinton’s books.  Many “middle grade” boys and girls – as well as their parents – have found my stories compelling.  I hope others will too.”



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Amy Meislin Pollack was a teacher for over four decades, raised three children, and loves to play with her seven grandchildren. From her own childhood to the classroom and as a parent and grandparent, she is perfectly positioned to pen her coming-of-age book series.

The Adventures of Jelly Bean, followed by The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean, first came into being when the author’s fourth-grade teacher used to ask her to get up in front of the class and tell the stories about this character she would make up as she went along.

Several years later she started writing these stories down, and would work on them periodically in any free time she had during her teaching career and raising her three children.

Now retired from a 40-year career in teaching – spanning a wide range of subjects and grade levels – she has embarked on a lively writing career.
The silver lining of the Covid pandemic for Pollack was that she was more or less forced, after approximately 60 years, to finish her Jelly Bean books.
Her books are about a young girl whose life is always changing and how she adapts to these changes. She tries to work out relationships with her friends, her parents, her older brothers, her uncle. Her parents do not want her best friend, who is of mixed race, to visit. Another friend is anorexic. One brother drops out of school. A grandparent dies.

Pollack earned a BA in English from Goucher College in Baltimore and received her Master’s in English from University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She was certified as a secondary education and reading specialist for grades K-12 and earned a special education teaching degree from NYU, allowing her to teach disabled students. 
For six years she was a professor of writing, and a teacher in the tutoring center at Montclair State University in NJ.  She lives in central New Jersey with her husband and their dog named Bunny.  



www.amypollack.com

instagram.com/jellybeanthebookseries

facebook.com/Author.AmyMeislinPollack

//x.com/AdvOfJellyBean

linkedin.com/in/amy-pollack-


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MH24.44. Jenny Garufi, Mindfulness Exercises in the Shower.


Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Jenny Garufi, on air from October 29th

I’ve used Mindfulness to heal myself of physical disease, to manifest the love of my life, a book deal and so much more. My books Mindfulness Exercises for the Shower are 21 days of Mindfulness exercises to help the reader harness the power of their mind to find peace and create the life they want. It takes a few minutes a day, utilizes the powerful healing element of water and is tapping into time you already have where you are alone to focus your energy.  

Jenny Garufi’s spiritual journey began with a healing experience that dissolved seven years of illness in just three weeks, sparking her profound life purpose. In the last 20 years she has been dedicated to gathering tools. She is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, teacher, and healer. Jenny empowers individuals with accessible tools, fostering self-love and self-worth, while dismantling obstacles to attract aligned relationships and life circumstances. Her latest book, the first in the series; Mindfulness Exercises in the Shower offers 21 days of easy exercises and a practical way to begin your mindfulness practice.



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For the last 18 years I have worked as an Intuitive Healer, Speaker and Mentor with thousands of clients whom I’ve assisted in reawakening their energy and true potential. What I mean by reawakening ?energy is? the process of looking inward and awakening into ?your own ??self?-?worth and empowerment to transform the energetic blocks ?that previously limited ?you. This allows for freer energy flow and new creation. It feels like a “remembering” of sorts. A “returning to peace.” Remembering how powerful you are. Remembering you deserve true happiness in all aspects of your life. Remembering there are easy tools to keep this energy going. 

It’s my mission to simplify this process by offering step-by-step guidance and the practical tools needed to reawaken and realign your energy to its highest potential. I believe truly owning your self?-?worth and aligning ?your energy to resonate ?from peace is the foundation for deep inner healing.

I love offering tools to help clients remember JUST how beautiful life can be! The power is always within, I am someone who can help you tap back into it with ease and grace. 



FIND JENNY’S LAST SHOW WITH SARA HERE

5 Critical Tools to Reclaim and  Maintain Your Inner Peace:

An E-Course

https://jennymannion.com/welcome-to-inner-peace-sara-troy

http://jennygarufi.com

jennygarufi@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/ReAwakenYou

https://www.instagram.com/re_awaken_you

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymannion

https://www.youtube.com/channel

https://www.tiktok.com/@jennygarufi 

https://www.threads.net/@re_awaken_you 

https://twitter.com/jennymannion 

Article on BOLD JOURNEY


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24-44. A Balanced Libra


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from October 29th

Today, I want to talk about balance, especially as a Libra. Being born on October 6th and having just turned 70, I’m always trying to maintain equilibrium between taking care of myself and supporting others. My horoscope today emphasized this struggle, advising me to balance my well-being with the needs of those who rely on me. It reminded me how easily we can feel depleted if we don’t prioritize ourselves.

As a Libra, the scales of balance are central to my life. I’m loyal and committed to my work and to those who need me, but I often feel torn between what others expect and my own self-care. It’s an ongoing challenge. This week, two people postponed on me, which reduced my workload. While I usually do four shows a week, this week it’s only two, and I’m okay with that. I’ve been sick, and it gave me a chance to slow down and get other things done.

Finding balance, whether you’re a Libra or not, is about knowing when to say no, recognizing that it’s okay to take a step back, and realizing you don’t have to be everything for everyone. This idea really hit home when my daughter-in-law said in her wedding vows, “I’m going to take care of me so I can take care of you.” That’s something I wasn’t raised with. In my generation, we were taught to put others first, even at our own expense.

But she’s right—if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we truly be there for others? Sometimes, the universe steps in to force us to slow down, like this week with my two postponed shows. Yesterday, I took care of errands without rushing and treated myself to a coffee and pumpkin soup. These small acts of self-care help rejuvenate me.

This weekend, I’ll be helping my daughter while my grandson has surgery, and I’ll visit my 91-year-old former landlady who misses me. After that, I’ll be back to work. Life is busy, but it’s about finding that balance between what needs to be done and taking time for ourselves

Everything comes down to balance. I’ve got a long to-do list, but with some free time after a postponement, I know I can get it done. However, focusing can be a challenge for me due to ADD. Once I’m locked in, I’m productive, but getting there isn’t always straightforward.

As a Libra, balance has always been important. I used to be a people-pleaser, doing everything for others until I felt drained. Over time, I’ve learned to say no and find balance. Even though I rarely cancel commitments, my grandkids are my top priority. I stay committed, but when it’s not urgent, I sometimes struggle to focus.

Balancing is also about seeking justice, weighing options, and making decisions. Recently, I had a respectful conversation with someone of opposing political views, and we agreed that love is central to everything. Love drives our actions, but we also need wisdom and accountability. Life teaches us through mistakes, and the more aware we are, the more we can grow.

For me, balance means knowing who I am—my strengths and areas where I need help. As a True Colors coach, I help people discover themselves, which helps me stay centered. Even when I wobble, I have tools to recalibrate.

Change is inevitable, and resisting it is futile. Like in Who Moved My Cheese, we must adapt to change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Clinging to the past leaves us behind, while embracing change opens new possibilities.

Right now, society is divided by anger and fear. We must regain our balance, step back, and approach challenges with love and compassion. In both personal life and the world, where do we find equilibrium? By nurturing ourselves, we can keep giving and contributing positively. Grounded in love, compassion, and care, we can advance humanity.



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AK24-43. Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, Saving KC 


An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Grinelle Desjarlais, on air from October 24th

Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, author of Saving KC (Classic Day Publishing, September 17, 2024), the historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America which delves into the complexities of addiction, recovery and redemption. The new re-released edition of Saving KC offers readers a unique experience by presenting two alternate endings, allowing them to choose between a hopeful conclusion and a more somber, thought-provoking one. Saving KC explores the human condition through the lens of addiction and the quest for personal salvation. Desjarlais, who comes from a long line of Native American creatives, brings a deeply personal narrative to life, reflecting his own experiences through fictional storytelling.

Set in post-Vietnam America, Saving KC is a story of addiction, recovery and redemption 

New addition with dual endings allows readers to choose their own ending 

In an interview, he talks about: 

  • Why he decided to allow the readers to determine the fate of the characters by offering two different endings to the story
  • Why he decided to set the story in post-Vietnam America
  • His work as an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities 
  • Co-founding the NATIVE Project, a non-profit that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth
  • How he brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade
  • How his father represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple
  • His great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community


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Born on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana, also known as the Chippewa Cree Reservation, Buzz comes from a lineage steeped in creativity and cultural preservation. His father famously represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple, while his great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community.

Beyond his writing, Buzz is an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities. He co-founded the NATIVE Project, a non-profit organization that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth, using a combination of traditional Native American healing practices and twelve-step programs. Recognizing the growing substance abuse issues among urban Native youth disconnected from reservation life, the NATIVE Project has since expanded into a full-service clinic under the Indian Health Service (IHS), providing comprehensive care to the urban Indigenous population of eastern Washington. Buzz also brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade.

Buzz’s life has been filled with diverse experiences, including his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He has lived in various parts of the world, including California, and now resides south of Seattle with his wife, Loni. His daughter, McKenzie, and her family, including grandsons Cowen and Kaplin also live nearby.  


www.savingkcthestory.com

https://linktr.ee/grinnelldesjarlais



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