The Universe Speaks

Twilight photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

If you don’t believe in miracles, stop reading. If you do, carry on…

You always hear tales about rock stars or celebrities predicting their fame. But common people don’t share enough of their every day miracles–that they manifested by the positives that came directly from their own mouth.

One of the most beautiful examples, in my life, was back in late 2005. A relationship ended with yet another loser (though to be fair, I did have some cool boyfriends when I was single, some I am still friends with). After that break-up, my mother said to me, “You should be like me, just be alone.”

Easy for her to say, she was 62, but I was only 42 and did not want to spend the rest of my life alone. I simply blurted, “No, there is someone out there for me!”

Two months later I met the man who ended up being my husband, the love of my life, my rock, and loving cat daddy!

That was one of the bigger miracles and I feel another big one is about to manifest.

Everyone who is artistic and in the public eye, knows how hard it is to elevate your career from point A to point B. The process isn’t an overnight success, but moves so slowly it can feel like you’re going backward instead of going forward. But if you pay attention to the signs, you can see you ARE going forward, especially when you see things being left behind.

For example, when I first started as a public speaker, back in 2014, it was in assisted living facilities. I lectured seniors on health and history; and eventually had a “Learn & Listen” series where I’d speak about the life of a famous entertainer, followed by live music! Speaking at the assisted livings elevated to libraries. This went on for another six years.

Over the years I’ve learned that when you book something in the winter, you have to have a rain/snow date. But COVID19 reschedules don’t cut it because no one knows what the future brings. But let’s back up a bit …

As much as I loved doing gigs at the libraries, and all the beautiful memories I’ve had, once my library gigs canceled, one by one, due to COVID19, I took it as a blessing in disguise.

You see, I’ve become such a good speaker, it’s only natural that I wanted to elevate to the next step. I’ve outgrown libraries and began dreaming of the day when I’d no longer be doing the library gigs. In fact, while booking one of my gigs (which is hard work, but I never found someone I could connect with to do it for me), I blurted out to a librarian, “I won’t be doing this much longer. I’m going to be moving on to schools and universities.”

Sure enough, a week ago I had a phone meeting with a university. I’m going to be conducting lectures/classes/workshops online! This may start as soon as June! It’s a magical manifestation that I made happen.

In this day and age, with so many believing in The Secret, Law of Attraction, positive thinking, elevating yourself, and going after the gold, this story is not as “out there” as someone many have believed in the 1980s. (Though I must say, some are still stuck there!)

If something comes out of your mouth that seems a bit strange, or unlike you, it just may be from the universe, giving you the nudge you need!

Has this ever happened to you? Share your stories!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9

Anti-Bullying Talk and Book Signing

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta (photo by Jayne DiGregorio)

This afternoon I was honored to do a book talk and book signing at The Caldwell Library, Caldwell, New Jersey. The event was sponsored by The Caldwell Library and The Women’s Club of Caldwell. NJ Hills Media Group was also there.

My book, “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” shares my experiences growing up in the 1970s and being bullied relentlessly.

The moral of the story is that it’s bullies who should be shamed, not the victim! According to psychology, it’s never the victims fault, but the bully’s fault.

How did my experiences end? When I fought back! My sweetest revenge is having an amazing life and a beautiful marriage. But I do forgive the bullies. My wish for them is that they have changed for the better and if they have children they are raising them right; that they have learned from their mistakes.

By sharing our experiences and being vulnerable, we take the “shame” out of bullying. The more we speak out against it, the more we evolve and have something done about it! I’m in my mid-50s, and God willing I’ll have another good 40 years left on this planet. I’d like to see us evolve as a human race to the point where bullying no longer exists.

Let’s make bullying extinct!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing, and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

And check out her anti-bullying You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA?view_as=subscriber

 

The Health & Wellness Christmas Show

Left, Maryann Castello of “The Health & Wellness Show”; Right, Maryanne Mistretta

It was super exciting to return to The Health & Wellness Show as a guest a few evenings ago. While I was the featured author, there were also two chiropractors. This event was fun and inspirational. We also sang some Christmas songs.

You can view the whole show here on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U3OIu7as40

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is a prolific author and motivational speaker. Contact her at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Her latest book, “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

 

Ageism, it’s REAL!

I’ve tried to say this on Facebook and received zero support and response. So I figured, perhaps if Madonna said it, people will listen.

Earlier today I read a disturbing comment that all old people are racists and homophobic (and should die!) As someone who will be entering my senior years in less than a decade, I find these sort of comments extremely disturbing. And of course untrue.

For decades the beauty end of ageism was shoved down a person’s throat. Botox, fillers, staying under a certain weight, do this, do that to stay young.

But now, we have to also worry about people falsely assuming we are racist and homophobic just because we’re of a certain age?! And even worse, that we should die?!

Well, let me tell you something … some of the oldest people I know are the LEAST racist and homophobic. A perfect example is when I worked at a newspaper and helped an elderly entertainment editor with her section each week. She embraced all types of people no matter what their color or sexual preference.

And this is not the exception. It’s the rule.

Old people are extremely accepting, kind, and loving. If someone is old and an asshole, that’s all it is — an old person who is an asshole. That same old asshole was most likely a young asshole at one point in his/her life.

It’s ignorant to lump all people into categories.  As I blogged last week, it’s never ever black and white. It’s always gray.

And I wish, with all my heart, that some people who are limited in their thinking will meet that one inspirational person who shows them differently. Because if you hang out with that one person, more and more will arrive in your life like magic.

Be blessed.
Be happy.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of three books. Her fourth book “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” will be traditionally published later this year by Higher Ground. She is available for ghost writing, book editing, and motivational speaking. Contact her directly at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

 

Reach Out and Touch Someone

(photo by Darlene Foster) 

Earlier today someone called my home. It was a bad connection and we could barely hear each other, like an overseas phone call.

The guy kept repeating, “You don’t know who this is?”

“No, I don’t know who it is. Tell me.”

Then the guy starts yelling at me, “Grandma! You don’t even know your own grandson?!”

I said, “I’m sorry, I’m not your Grandma. You have the wrong number.”

He apologized. After we hung up I laughed. Then I really thought about what had happened and how sweet it was that someone, somewhere, was calling their grandmother. And how lucky they were to still have a grandmother. I was touched.

Father & Daughter Reunited After 20 Years!

Well, here’s an inspiring, heart-warming story for all of you — and it’s WordPress related!

I played a role in, helping a father (my friend Bob Farina, former marine and Plasmatics roadie) reconnect with his daughter, Cheyenne!

Last September I shared an excerpt from my book “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” (before it was published) on WordPress. It was about “Over the Rainbow” a very unique health food store in Montclair owned by Bob Farina.

His daughter Cheyenne contacted me on that blog, asking if I could help her look for her dad. Cheyenne was living in North Carolina. Here’s the original blog, with her comments in the comment section: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/over-the-rainbow/

I was rummaging through an old box because I knew I had Bob’s number somewhere. I finally found a number, but it was disconnected. So I figured, as a last resort, I’d write a letter to the editor of The Montclair Times to see if anyone knew of his whereabouts. The day that it was published, I got a call THAT NIGHT from a Montclair resident who knew Bob personally. She gave me his number, I called him and he called Cheyenne that very night!

You can read the full story here: http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/going-over-the-rainbow-1.1031461?page=all

Get your tissues out, you will definitely get teary eyed!

 

My Guest Appearance on “The Bright Side with Tekneshia Day”

Blog Talk radio host, Tekneshia Day

I had a fabulous interview earlier today with Tekneshia Day.

In addition to promoting my book, “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” and my company Pear Tree Enterprises (www.peartreeenterprises.com) we spoke about so many great things and I mentioned quite a few people who were positive influences to me in school, the music world and in publishing — as well as anti-bullying! What a great show, what a blessing, life is good!

Here is the blog radio archive for anyone who wants to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tekneshiaday/2014/03/24/on-the-guest-list-adventures-of-a-music-journalist-with-maryanne-christiano

How to Fight Back in a Positive Way

Some rules make no sense. People who are bullied, harassed and mistreated should be able to legally have their say without worrying about a libel suit. If you want people to say NICE things about you, then be a nice person. Simple as that. Yet life goes on and on and on and people get away with being assholes, disgraceful, starting trouble for others, pushing their weight around, etc.

Sometimes .. no oftentimes … I have my moments where I feel I do not believe in hell. But then people like this, I realize create their own hell. Being nasty, controlling and rotten to other people comes from a person who is unhappy, jealous and miserable and UGLY inside and out (because trust me, your face always turns into what you truly are no matter how young or old you are!)

It’s just unjust that they lash out on nice, happy people. But that will always be the case and I take comfort in the fact that I am in good company with so many positive people who are doing good things for this world, whether it be through acts of kindness or their creativity.

When I see all the positive people that get blind sided by hurt and become victims, one thing assholes can’t take away from us is that we can all stick together and stand up for each other. THAT is where the blessings come in, when you KNOW you have good people behind you. It makes it all A-OK! And then you can relax and be like, “Wow, my life is really good!” We all take care of each other.

Two Authors!

Me and dear friend, children’s author, Paulette Szalay

Life is so amazing that in your daily walk, you never know who you may meet and how much meaning they can bring to your life.

Last April I was assigned to interview children’s author, Paulette Szalay who wrote, “Baggy Maggy and Friends Save Stinkville” — a super cool book about saving the environment.

I’ll never forget that day — it was just a 25 minute ride, but I arrived very late due to massive morning traffic. Yet Paulette was such a doll, we still did the interview and she even autographed a book for my nephew who was 11 at the time.

Here is the article I wrote about her for Paterson Press: http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/Saving_Stinkville_Paterson_teacher_writes_childrens_book_about_pollution.html

After the article came out, Paulette hired me to do some promotional work for her book and one day I met her at one of her book signing events. We ended up getting a bite, then, something magical happened — she became more than a client, she became a FRIEND!

We found we had so much in common and truly enjoyed each others company. As life has it, sometimes you never get to see the people you really like enough, but we always seem to make time for each other.

Being self employed I always work so hard during the week, but keep all my Saturdays open to have lunches with friends. I call Saturday my “friend day.” It’s such a pleasure and honor that Paulette is one of these friends I have lunch with on a semi-regular basis.

Ah, life is GOOD!

Hypnotherapy Works!

Me with good friend and hypnotherapist, Scott Lea

I was heading up north today for my uncle’s funeral (which was truly a beautiful service) and on the way over I stopped at the Vitamin Shoppe in Little Falls to support my good friend Scott Lea who had a table set up.

Almost 10 years ago, I used Scott’s services because I was a mess — I was obsessed with health! Then I got on this kick where I was constantly worrying about my teeth. I thought they hurt every day and kept going to the dentist only to find nothing was wrong with my teeth. Weird, right?!

After a few sessions of hypnotherapy with Scott, my teeth stopped hurting — it was all my imagination! It was stress and being obsessed with my health that was doing me in. Stress is the worst thing for a person. You can eat all the organic food in the world, but if you’re not at peace with yourself, it’s not doing you an ounce of good!

Then two summers ago, I had a bit of a relapse, the health obsession started up again — this time with my eyes! I went to three different eye doctors to find nothing wrong (except that I’m near-sighted which is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, otherwise my eyes are healthy). I went to Scott again, and while this time it took a little longer to stop worrying, but I eventually did by using the subliminal CDs that Scott recorded for me.

Now I can honestly say I am worry free — and have been for quite some time.

Since relaxing and not stressing over health, I’ve become a much happier person — and now truly healthier!

It’s such a great feeling to get through the day without worrying about anything — not health, not people, not growing old, not my career — NOTHING! I just LIVE, happy, every day — and that is how life should be! (Note: The only time I was sad was when my 19-year-old cat died, and that’s understandable, obviously.)

If anyone is interested in Scott’s services, please check out his website: http://manageme07.wix.com/asc 

There are over 200 known uses for hypnotherapy, some include: stop smoking, stress, pain control, insomnia, anxiety, phobias, weight loss, drug addiction, and eating disorders.