I have been married to my husband, Dave, for 17 years.  Our home is a lively one with five children between the ages of 8 and 16 and a four-year old Golden Retriever.   Approximately seven years ago (about 1998) I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and spent most of my days trying to stay awake and out of pain long enough to care for my  young children.  It was a difficult time, with my mind being in a constant fog and my strength being limited.    During this time what continued to repeat in my mind was that I needed to have a creative outlet and I needed to find my soul.  I knew I had to do this to get well.  With much determination, I signed up for an art class through the local park district.  This was a wonderful experience with the class being taught by a local mural artist, Karen Exiner.  As for the soul....even though I have always been spiritually oriented, I really didn't have a clue how to reach it.   Oprah is my hero and one morning I turned on her show just as she was finishing talking to Gary Zukav.  They were discussing his book, The Seat of the Soul.  I heard them talking about the soul and knew I needed to get that book.  I found and read his book, and have not stopped reading since (sometimes two to three books at a time). By following my intuition and the flow of synchronicities, I have continued to get strong and healthy.  Books have appeared as I've needed them, along with the correct teachers.    I also have to give credit to Dave as he unselfishly stepped aside to allow me to follow a different path and gave me space and support to do it.  He has always given more than 100% to our family and this required even more from him.   At first I had no interest in Reiki, but after being directed to it a few times in a short time span, I decided to take a class.  A book I was reading at the time was written by Karyn Mitchell, who is a Reiki Master Teacher.  I took her Reiki  class, initially to help myself, but was so amazed by the energy, I eventually became a Reiki Master and started giving Reiki sessions.   It's a wonderful experience for me to be a channel of this powerful healing energy in a way that benefits others. Along with the energy work, I began hand painting furniture and was hired as a professional faux finisher working for Karen Exiner and with a great group of people.  My creative side was being nurtured. Recently I have completed training as an Advanced EMF Balancing Technique® Practitioner.   EMF Balancing is a great addition to Reiki.  I don't know of any other modality that has the ability to connect our Personal Lattice with the Cosmic Lattice.  This is so very exciting because by being able to do this, our potential is unlimited!!!   My way to health and happiness has been nothing less than a sacred journey.  I have re-examined beliefs and let go of the ones that weren't necessarily mine.  I have become reacquainted with old friends which has added a depth to our relationships that wasn't always there before.  New friends have come into my life, many of whom I view as teachers. My friendships no longer revolve around discussing the weather or the kids' sporting events.   We're able to share and reach into each others hearts but also enjoy the peace that comes with silence.   I'm happy to say that in 2004 you would have found me on my new bicycle, taking advantage of the bike trails in our area, or kayaking on the St. Joe's River in Michigan (3 hours against the wind).  I also went hiking up a mountain with a dear friend in Harpers Ferry, WV, and this year I took two of my daughters skiing in Wisconsin for three days.  It's been wonderful to connect, once again, to Mother Earth and to feel so alive.   As a special friend of mine says, "Life is Good".