I have never been one to run when tragedy strikes.
— Jenna Morasca
I got a lot of criticism for going back on 'Survivor' to play 'Survivor: All Stars.'
As caretakers, we feel drained when caring for another, and in order to take care of someone else, we need to take care of ourselves at the same time.
My advice: Take a second out of the day today and be thankful for your family.
My family always makes a huge deal out of Christmas.
When you see how fragile and delicate life can be, all else fades into the background.
My father is undoubtedly one of the nicest, kindest, smartest, and warm-hearted people I know. He is truly a light that shines on this earth, and to know him is to love him. He is also the eternal optimist.
You forge different bonds with friends than with family, tell different secrets.
I spent 39 days in the Amazon, and I could not even find a fish to catch.
For those few of you who never heard of 'The Secret,' it's a worldwide best selling book touting the benefits of positive and affirmative thinking, and sending good energy out into the world.
The 'Survivor' community is very tight. I mean very tight.
It is very easy to forget how much of a pain training is when you have a dog for so long, but trust me, it's not as easy and quick as we all hope.
As human beings we value the experience that comes with age. We are reminded over and over again with statements like 'older and wiser' and 'respect your elders,' promoting age as something to be cherished and respected.
It is rewarding beyond words to rescue a dog from the shelter and have that dog become part of your family.
Loving and parenting a dog as a single parent can create all sorts of new and unusual problems, but also new sources of joy.
There are plenty of easy things that you can do from the comfort of your own home to get you started on the path of giving back.
Being a caretaker is, and never will be, an easy job; in fact, it is that hardest job in the world and many times a thankless job. You have to be the pillar of strength even when you feel like you are crumbling to pieces inside.
The truth is many people see a marriage vow as the only way people are going to stay with someone who is sick.
My mother battled cancer for 12 years before losing her fight.
I am always floating around trying to tend to everyone and be free while at the same time enjoying some space.
Family is a unique gift that needs to be appreciated and treasured, even when they're driving you crazy. As much as they make you mad, interrupt you, annoy you, curse at you, try to control you, these are the people who know you the best and who love you.
Cancer doesn't care if you have suffered before.
Why are cancer patients so hard to buy for? This question always puzzles me. When people are healthy, things are so simple, including gift buying. A jaunt to the local mall or a day in front of the TV watching QVC can be just enough for all the loved ones on your list.
Since my mother passed away, my father and I forged a bond that is so tighter than one could possibly imagine. Keep in mind, I am an only child, so I was always fiercely close with both my parents. The tragedy my father and I endured when my mother passed created a bond between us that no amount of force can break.
I realize more and more I miss my 'Survivor' friends when I'm not around them.
Hey, if something is making you feel good, and it's not hurting anyone else, does it really matter if others believe?
There are so many secrets in our world.
It wasn't the first reality show, but 'Survivor' was the first big network hit, and I'm proud to have played a part in that history as the winner of season six, 'Survivor: Amazon.'
I can't say I'm not guilty of age discrimination when it comes to animals. Like most people I've walked into a shelter more than a few times and a magnetic force has pulled me toward those fluffy little puppies in the corner cage.
When you check out at PetSmart, the cashier usually asks you if you want to donate money to PetSmart charities to help save the animals. Usually, we're so busy we don't even pay attention.
I will always have dogs in my life, and I absolutely can't be with someone who will challenge that or disagree with that stance - I will not budge on this, ever.
A good way to take a baby step into the world of animal rights is to make a list of small things you can do to help your issue and work your way up to the big things. Make a promise to do one thing on your list each month.
There are plenty of things you can do to help animals! The best advice that I can give right off the bat is not to get overwhelmed and feel bad when you read about all the issues.
I think cancer is a hard battle to fight alone or with another person at your side, but I will say having someone to pick you up when you fall, stand by your side through every appointment and delivery of bad news, is priceless.
My mother did not want cancer to interfere with my life, as she knew it would eventually end hers.
I realized not long ago that by the time I leave this Earth, no matter when it is I will have officially only spent approximately 14 years of my life where I did not have to deal with cancer.
Aleta St. James is an internationally renowned energy healer, life coach, best selling author, and more. Aleta does private sessions to release old resistance and shift out of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, addictions, infertility, and insecurity at a cellular level.
My family and high school friends were the only people who were with me every step of the way through my mothers' illness. They sat by my side year after year and consoled me. If they ever sent me a bill, I would be paying them off for the rest of my life.
Every time I am stuck in traffic, stub my toe, get a middle seat on the flight, I just remember how all of this is just a blip in the radar of my life.
Sand is one of the best exfoliates out there! Take a handful of sand and rub it on your skin in small circles. When you're done, wash it off and presto... you get spa like skin, without the price tag.
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my middle school friends and myself really had no idea the impact of that diagnosis, but my family did.
I'm an only child.
I come from a family of Catholic Italians, and that will always be in my blood.
I'm not playing 'Survivor' when someone I love has cancer.
In the game of 'Survivor,' there is no time for regrets.
When animals age, some humans see them as less valuable, less important and less entertaining.
These days, we have a million things to do and usually one day to do them in.
Sometimes, people will just never love dogs.
One year, my good deed started with deciding to give all my friends makeup from a cruelty-free cosmetics line that I love. I did this with the hope that they would love it as much as I do and end up switching their makeup over to that cruelty-free line forever.
When someone gets sick, it is easy to get walked all over, walk all over people, and be so beat down you agree to things you would never normally agree to.
