Written from a quiet farmhouse in the South of France, Elicia Woodford’s memoir traces her transformational path through heartbreak, spiritual initiation, and profound self-inquiry. Her story moves from her city loft in Atlanta to a healing island in Thailand, directly to the Occupy Oakland protests, into the jungles and coast of Costa Rica, and ultimately to the calming lavender fields of Provence, each location serving as a portal into deeper layers of wisdom.

Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love will quickly find themselves captivated by this unflinchingly honest account of the author’s search for love on a global canvas, with perhaps an even deeper level of self-reflection leading to a profound sense of empowerment and the love of a lifetime.

Indeed, at its core, Free To Be Me is not “a romantic travelogue.” It is about coming home to oneself.

Sensory Detail, Symbolism, and Synchronicity

Throughout this remarkable memoir, readers encounter the signs and symbols that accompanied Elicia Woodford’s inner awakening: hummingbirds, doves, roses, eclipses, caves, dreams, visions, and the unshakable whispers of intuition. (Music lovers will also vibe with Elicia’s suggestions for their playlist – songs from artists ranging from Peter Gabriel to Sinead O’Connor.)

These moments are not presented as fantasy. Instead, they are grounded in the emotional reality of a brilliant woman finding the courage to listen deeply to her body, her inner child, and her soul. And, as they read about these signs, symbols, and lessons, readers will find themselves inspired to engage in their own uniquely personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

“Healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about reclaiming what was always whole,” Elicia Woodford writes, offering both a personal revelation and a guiding principle of her work.

A Love Story Rooted in Destiny, Not Dependence

Amid the author’s journey emerges an unexpected love story, one that unfolds across continents and seems orchestrated by synchronicities too precise to ignore. Yet Elicia Woodford is clear: this love arrived not to rescue her, but to meet her at the level of wholeness she fought so hard to claim.

Following a series of profound insights, often learned through pain and vulnerability, the author ultimately connects finds her Great Love, Olivier, a process mirroring the truth that genuine connection becomes possible only after the inner child is heard, held, and healed.

A Guide for Readers Seeking Emotional Freedom

Offered not as a manual but like a revealing letter written by a longtime friend, Free To Be Me is deeply personal. The author’s intention is clear. Elicia Woodford wrote this extraordinary book for anyone longing to break free from old patterns of self-abandonment, emotional suppression, and inner conflict.

The memoir complements her larger body of work, which includes:

• The Core Emotional Healingâ Self-Study Course, guiding people to heal childhood wounds and build emotional support
• The True Essence Photography Program, where participants reconnect with and express their authentic selves
• The Resource Vibe Podcast, connecting listeners with master-level healers and spiritual resources across all disciplines

Collectively, these offerings reflect Elicia Woodford’s lifelong mission:
to nurture the wounded inner child and help others support themselves with courage, compassion, and emotional clarity.

For Readers Standing at the Threshold of Change

By the time the reader reaches the epilogue, where Elicia Woodford sits on her porch with her completed manuscript, surrounded by roses, doves, and her beloved dog River, the transformation is complete. The external journey across the globe mirrors the internal journey through grief, revelation, and rebirth.

“We must walk this path ourselves,” Elicia Woodford writes, “yet we are never truly alone.” At each step of of the journey, she honors the friends and spiritual advisors (spanning a wide range of disciplines), animals (especially her beloved dogs), and unseen forces (ever-present symbols like hummingbirds) that accompanied her.

Free To Be Me is a testament to what becomes possible when a woman stops silencing her truth and begins listening to the quiet, unshakeable wisdom within. It is also a reassuring message to her readers, that it is possible for all of us to attain the happiness we’ve always dreamed of.

About the Author

Elicia Woodford is a healer, teacher, and founder of Core Emotional Healingâ, with more than two decades of experience guiding others through emotional transformation. Known for her intuitive depth, compassionate presence, and the luminous clarity of her storytelling, she helps people reconnect with their inner child, express their authentic voice, and reclaim the parts of themselves long buried beneath trauma or self-doubt.

Her work spans memoir writing, emotional healing programs, photography-based personal development, and her Resource Vibe podcast, where she introduces listeners to the master-level spiritual resources that can help them transform their lives.

She lives in the South of France with her Great Love, Olivier, and her beloved dog River, wandering lavender fields, beaches, and vineyards, gathering simple moments like treasures.

For more information, visit:

www.eliciawoodford.com

Elicia Woodford is the author of Free To Be Me: A Memoir of Trauma,
Healing and Rebirth, a courageous and deeply personal memoir that
chronicles her journey through unhealthy relationships, deep inner healing,
and profound self-discovery. Through radical honesty, Elicia shares how
she learned to break destructive patterns, protect her inner child, and
recognize the signs life was offering her along the way.
Free To Be Me is both a powerful personal story and an invitation for
readers to reflect on their own lives, trust their inner guidance, and believe
that healing (and happiness) are possible. Please welcome, Elicia
Woodford.

3 KEY THEMES TO EMPHASIZE:
• Healing is possible for everyone. No one has to stay stuck in unhealthy
relationships, situations, or lifelong patterns.
• The importance of self-awareness and inner-child healing. Understanding
and protecting the inner child is essential to breaking destructive cycles.
• Alignment versus force. There is a meaningful difference between trying
to manifest outcomes and paying attention to the signs life offers.
• Learning to trust intuition and timing. Slowing down and listening often
reveals guidance that pushing forward can obscure.
• Openness with discernment. Exploring spiritual and healing modalities
while remaining honest about missteps and lessons learned.<b

The post A Memoir of Emotional Courage, Global Adventure and Radical Self-Discovery by Elicia Woodford’s Free to Be Me Chronicles the Author’s Soul-Gripping Journey Through Love, Loss, Healing and the Transformational Power of Inner Truth appeared first on Good News!.

During the Seder—while we talk of freedom throughout—the food we eat is the salt water of tears, the charoset of cement, and the maror of the bitterness of slavery.
Even in our moments of happiness, we also remember pain and loss and the challenges we endured to get us to where we are. The Seder is designed this way to make us think about the responsibility of what being free really means.
True joy comes from fully inhabiting our experiences, no matter how tough.
Reflecting on our challenges , no matter how hard, enhances our gratitude for present blessings. we don’t diminish our happiness when we spend a day or a few weeks meditating on the challenges we went through in order to emerge even stronger . We become more grateful, holding on tightly to our blessed lives because we can.
May this holiday season bring the understanding and appreciation that all  the challenges of life is a stepping stone for true Joy! And may you and your family only have true joy this holiday season and through out the year!
Blessings;
Marc

The post Happy Passover & Happy Holidays! appeared first on Good News!.

It’s the New Year and for adults who are significantly overweight or have obesity and looking to maintain healthy weight loss –it’s a good time to be extra careful that they’re sticking to their healthy lifestyle choices and, in many cases, anti-obesity drug schedules.

It’s no secret that it can be difficult for many people living with obesity who are struggling to comply with their medication regimens and lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.

With obesity projected to impact one billion people worldwide by 2030, there is an absolute necessity for these individuals to “stay on course.”

Experts are stressing that the obesity crisis can best be addressed with a combination of the new weight loss drugs or GLP-1 agonists and older, more established oral prescription drugs.

The GLP-1 drugs have many benefits, but there are some areas of concern, too. Many individuals need to stay on them long-term to maintain results and they’re sometimes very costly and often not covered by insurance. A recent analysis reported that the GLP-1 agonists are simply not cost-effective, and found that older, more established oral prescription drugs are more cost-effective.

According to weigh-loss experts, the best advice for those managing obesity is three-fold:
· Make sure you’re taking the drug that works best with your goals.
· Be sure you’re keeping your “eye on the ball” with treatment, diet, and exercise.
· Finally enjoy yourself as much as possible throughout all yearly celebrations.

Guests are: Anthony Auriemma MD, JD, FOMA, Medical Director, Ascension Illinois – Weight Loss Solutions, Trustee, Obesity Medicine Association, Trustee, Illinois Obesity Society, and one of his patients, Faith.

Qsymia.com

Interview is courtesy: Vivus

The post Tips To Rein In Overeating, Especially for Adults with Obesity Using Weight Loss Drugs appeared first on Good News!.

Go to www.pausetheworldforpeace.org for more details

Here are some Good News Stories that we did with people who are doing important work for humankind peacefully 

1. Campaign for a Mother who lost her two sons on Fentanyl/Opioid

A MOTHER’S TRAGIC LOSS

OF TWO SONS TO OPIOID

OVERDOSESINSPIRES RALLYING

CRY TO PARENTS

2. A leading philanthropist from China helping many, including African Children to help alleviate the psychological burden of poverty

A Dialogue with Investor

Jacky Zhang –

New Face of AI

Investment of the Oriental

3. A Chief Warrant Officer from the US Army Reserve keeping America Safe

THE 106TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOLDIERS WHO SOLVE THE MILITARY’S MOST CHALLENGING PROBLEMS Talk to the First Black Command Chief Warrant Officer in History of U.S. Army Reserve Command

4. YAS an upcoming POP Star from Dubai

YAS is an emerging pop icon

with undeniable talent

5. World Renowned Brazilian Percussionist Cyro Baptista

6. Pause the World Sponsor and Donor Deck for your review and to share, please help us strengthen the message of Peace and MOTHER EARTH

Donor Sponsor Deck, No Levels 09-21-24

7. Mayor Adams and NYC Interfaith Leaders Blast “unimaginable” Donald Trump assassination attempt Reverend Paul Sladkus joins the Faith-Based Community

Mayor Adams and NYC Interfaith

Leaders Blast “unimaginable”

Donald Trump assassination

attempt Reverend Paul Sladkus

joins the Faith-Based Community

We are also in the final edit of our movie Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love & HOPE to be released this year.  www.woodstockforever.com.  

Please support our nonprofit, 501 C 3, Good News Corporation at http://goodnewsplanet.com/peacedayparty/peace-day-donations/

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: “All we are is what we are with each other.” Zeal 

With Respect. Love and May Peace Prevail on Earth,  For Information Contact: 

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual,

Founder, and our Good News and Peace Worldwide Team 

Milestone Broadcast Corporation

 www.goodnewsplanet.TV,  www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast 

Good News Corporation, 501 C 3, www.pausetheworldforpeace.org,

paul.sladkus1@gmail.com 

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: ALL WE ARE IS WHAT WE ARE WITH EACH OTHER. ZEAL

For more information contact: 

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual 212 647 1212

New York, NY, Montauk, NY

PS – SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS: Looking for a vacation rental, SHORT TERM, in Montauk, here is our listing https://goodnewsplanet.com/montauk-manor-rental-suite-403-paul-sladkus/ call me. Paul Sladkus: 917 687 1790

PPS: Special Waterfront Real Estate Canada, Laurentians, your dreams though your own waterfront real estate. www.monlac.com

Domaine Le Sanctuaire des Lacs offers you a piece of paradise situated in a large gated territory in the Laurentians

Call Paul Sladkus: 917 687 1790

The post GoodNewsLetter: What Does Peace Mean to YOU? Hear from others what it means to them, including the Mayor of New York and the Faith-Based Community, inc. Reverend Paul Sladkus appeared first on Good News!.

New Statistics Show Rising Concerns from Parents Around Opioid Epidemic

Dr. Bonnie Milas, professor of Clinical Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has a uniquely personal stake in the battle against the opioid epidemic. After tragically losing two sons to accidental opioid overdoses, she is now on a mission to rally parents and others to be ready to rescue in case of an opioid emergency.

Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and many people do not realize opioid overdoses can happen anywhere and at any time, most commonly in our own homes. Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency and can be used to revive someone during an overdose while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.

Younger generations are particularly at risk for opioid overdose as fentanyl poisonings continue to be on the rise. In 2022, 22 high school age adolescents died each week from overdoses driven by fentanyl-laced prescription pills.

According to a new survey, nearly 9 in 10 parents believe that normalizing the topic of opioid overdose and reversal treatments like naloxone could help save lives, and that a more robust national conversation could be part of the solution.

In addition, 90 percent of survey respondents agree that schools, public libraries, dorms and professionals who work with teenagers and college kids should have access to naloxone. Increased naloxone access could already be making a big impact, as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently announced provisional data on drug overdose deaths in 2023, finding there was a 3 percent decrease in deaths compared to 2022.

As back to school quickly approaches, Dr. Milas will be available on July 18 to discuss the “Ready to Rescue” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about opioid risks and educate the public, including parents, on how to be prepared with naloxone to help save a life in an opioid overdose emergency. She will also discuss how her personal experience has fueled her passion for calling attention to the dangers of opioid use in addition to:

The importance of breaking the stigma associated with opioid overdose, because accidents happen

How to talk about opioids and overdose with children, and why parents should always be prepared, especially parents of children going to college

The signs of an opioid emergency and how everyone has the power to save a life.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY THIS IS SUCH A PERSONAL MISSION FOR YOU?

WHAT IS “READY TO RESCUE” ALL ABOUT?

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF OPIOID EMERGENCY AND THE BEST ACTIONS TO TAKE?

IS THERE A STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH OPIOID OVERDOSE AND WHY?

HOW DO YOU BELIEVE PARENTS CAN HELP WITH THIS ISSUE… AND WHERE CAN THE AUDIENCE FIND MORE INFORMATION?

BIO:
DR. BONNIE MILAS

Bonnie Milas, MD, is a mother and clinical professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Milas is an outspoken advocate for those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) and is painfully aware of the impact it has as she lost both her sons to the disorder. Through her work locally with the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission and nationally with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), she is an ardent educator of naloxone overdose rescue.

Dr. Milas’ clinical practice involves caring for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary surgical procedures and those in the intensive care unit following surgery. Helping to deal with the ravages of infected heart valves from intravenous drug use, she handles the post-operative management of opioid withdrawal and pain control. Dr. Milas’ writing on saving lives of those suffering from OUD has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer and USA Today.

Interview is courtesy: Emergent BioSolutions; References available

The post A MOTHER’S TRAGIC LOSS OF TWO SONS TO OPIOID OVERDOSESINSPIRES RALLYING CRY TO PARENTS appeared first on Good News!.

Here’s the link for easy reference: https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/pet-ownership-statistics/

Linking back will not only supports our organizational cause but also aids the trust of your readers. Please let us know once the link is in place.

Thank you for understanding and for your cooperation.

Warm regards,

Davin Trent,

Outreach Manager
World Animal Foundation

www.animaltalksinc.com For anyone who has ever dealt with the loss of a pet, the grief can be overwhelming. The animal-human bond is immense during their lifetime but for many, trying to find resources for relief after the fact can be daunting.

According to data from the World Animal Foundation, 70% of households in the U.S. (90.5 million) owned a pet in 2022, as compared to 56% in 1988. These pet owners might share 15 to 20 years with their animal – be it a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or otherwise – and may even be around them 24 hours a day.

The absence caused by their death is what led Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny, an animal chaplain, to create the nonprofit organization Animal Talks, which offers grief counseling to those in mourning.

With more humans than ever owning a pet, a story on how to cope with loss of one may be of interest to your audience. Reverend Sakakeeny can discuss more including:

· The different stages of grieving that pet owners may experience
· How an animal’s death can compare to that of a human’s in our lives
· What can happen if we do not grieve the death of a pet properly
· How to decide if one-on-one grief counseling is right for you

#nationalpetmonth #reverendkaleelsakakeeny #animaltalks #humananimal #pets #lossoflife

The post Natl. Pet Month- Coping with Loss of Precious Pet appeared first on Good News!.

The post Supporting each other as we grieve for Israel appeared first on Good News!.

C. difficile infection (C. diff infection) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes half a million illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year. Yet, few people know what it is and how it occurs, despite being declared a public health threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1-3

C. diff infection causes debilitating symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea and colitis.1 This infection can happen to anyone, at any age, and can be contracted in some of the most common places in the community and in hospitals.4-6 When the infection strikes, it can have a devastating impact on everyday life, including taking care of loved ones, going to work regularly and carrying out typical activities. And C. diff infection can come back – known as a recurrence.

Antibiotics – the current standard of care for treatment of C. diff infection – treat the disease but also can be a contributing factor to the cycle of recurrence.1,7 It has been estimated that up to 35% of C. diff infection cases can recur after the initial diagnosis8-11, and after first recurrence up to 65% may develop a subsequent recurrence.11,12

Recently, the FDA approved a first-of-its-kind microbiome-based treatment to prevent recurrent C. diff infection after completing antibiotics for recurrent C. diff infection.

Paul Feuerstadt, M.D., Yale University School of Medicine, will discuss:
• What is C. diff infection and who is vulnerable to contracting it
• Why does this infection recur and what are the consequences of recurrence
• What are the treatment options for recurrent C. diff infection
• How has the newest FDA-approved treatment changed how recurrent C. diff infection may be treated

Patricia, who suffered from recurrent C. diff infection, will share her personal story of her struggle with the infection, how it impacted her life and how she broke the cycle of recurrence.
Footnotes available on request

Courtesy: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
www.REBYOTA.com

Interview is courtesy of Ferring Pharmaceuticals

The post A DEVASTATING DISEASE YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD OF BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: C. DIFFICILE INFECTION appeared first on Good News!.

A recent global Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey (GAINS) of 203 adults with GA found the condition causes a profound emotional burden and loss of independence. Key highlights from the survey include:
• Three out of four people attributed their loss of vision to a natural part of aging prior to diagnosis.
• A majority feel the disease has negatively impacted aspects of everyday life such as the ability to drive, read and travel.
• Nearly 70% of people with GA believe the loss of independence and impact on quality of life due to their vision loss is worse than they expected.
More than 90% of patients wish to be empowered with more information to help them take control of their disease. These findings underscore the urgent need for education to prepare patients and their loved ones for this debilitating disease.
On Wednesday, May 18, Dr. Nancy Holekamp, Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute, Missouri will be available to discuss the GAINS survey, including common misconceptions and the emotional burden and loss of independence that can be caused by GA.
. Interview courtesy: Apelllis Pharmaceuticals

NEW SURVEY IS SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE EMOTIONAL BURDEN & IMPACT ON INDEPENDENCE AMONG THOSE WITH A LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS – CALLED GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY OR G-A. G-A IS THE ADVANCED FORM OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION OR A-M-D WHICH CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE VISION LOSS.

RESULTS FROM A GLOBAL SURVEY FOUND THAT 7 IN 10 ADULTS WITH G-A BELIEVE THE IMPACT ON THEIR INDEPENDENE AND QUALITY OF LIFE DUE TO THEIR VISUAL DECLINE IS WORSE THAN THEY EXPECTED.

DISCUSS THE SURVEY RESULTS AND THE NEED FOR EDUCATION SURROUNDING THE DISEASE IS DR. NANCY HOLEKAMP (NAN-CEE HOLE-CAMP), DIRECTOR OF RETINA SERVICES AT THE PEPOSE VISION INSTITUTE, MISSOURI.

Dr. Nancy Holekamp, Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute, St. Louis, Missouri
Dr. Nancy M. Holekamp is Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis. She was previously Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Holekamp received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College Summa cum Laude. She received her Medical Degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Holekamp completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in ophthalmology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Her fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery was with the Retina Consultants in St. Louis.

Dr. Holekamp is actively involved in clinical research, having been principal investigator or sub-investigator in over 35 national clinical trials dealing with age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusion, and diabetic retinopathy. Her efforts in research have resulted in 80 peer-reviewed publications, 22 book chapters, and more than 120 speaking invitations both nationally and internationally. She is a member of the major subspecialty societies, including the Retina Society and the Macula Society. She acts as a reviewer for all the major ophthalmology journals and as a consultant to numerous ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies. After 6 years on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ethics Committee, she has developed an interest in medical ethics.

#geographicatrophy #drnancyholekamp #agerelatedmaculardegeneration #amd #ga #blindness #irreversiblevisionloss #disease #geographicatrophyinsightssurvey #gains #travel #results

The post SURVEY SHEDS LIGHT ON EMOTIONAL BURDEN & LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE IMPACTING THOSE WITH A LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS appeared first on Good News!.

In The
Journey of life,
We Pass Pleasures & Pain.
There will be sunshine and pain:
There will be loss and gain.
But we must learn to
Smile again and again.

A Very Good Morning…

#journey #life #pleasures #pain #sunshine #loss #gain #learn #smile #again #good #morning

The post Thought for the Day… appeared first on Good News!.