Greetings,

I appreciate all of you who emailed with thanks regarding the breast cancer story I shared in my editorial last week. I am relieved that you did not feel overwhelmed by my personal "testimony" but I trust that by now many of you already know how I operate - I write from the heart with the hope that you will walk away with at least one point which leaves you with a feel-good vibe. I remain humbled by the outpouring of love I get from you sometimes...thanks!

Please note that I am still lobbying for annual mammograms and all the necessary breast checks and will continue to do so long after October. For all of you who were reminded to go and do your mammogram, make the appointment and just do it, please! MVP - please read that last line again and do the right thing, before I call you out next week...LOL!

Since October is also National Family Health month, I want to draw attention to STRESS (the silent killer) which seems to be affecting everyone these days. Always remember that optimists handle stress better than those who feed on the negative and the darker side of life. Do not waste energy on things you cannot control such as the current economic climate; instead find ways to stay upbeat and step out with a plan, confidence and faith if you need to. If America or somewhere else is not working for you in terms of opportunities, consider spreading your wings. If your job is stressing you out, consider actively planning on that business idea you have had for years and work your way to becoming your own boss. If a mate, friend or family member habitually adds to your stress level, love them from a distance. Keeping your stress level under control is the key to mental well-being (and physical well being too).

Believe it or not, of late I am inclined to get stressed out easily. Maybe it is because I have two BlackBerries that keep going off or maybe it is because I have a son who keeps getting on my last nerves...it could be a number a number of reasons. Point is, to manage my stress, I try to socialize with positive people, those who make me laugh, and the ones who have a pleasant disposition. Sometimes I have to turn off both Blackberries and many times, I have to tune out my son and others who tend to be stressors - I always feel better when I reconnect with my inner self and find peace and serenity. I don't know what you are going through or what is making you feel stressed out, but consider practicing relaxation techniques, listening to soothing music, and performing acts of kindness everyday. I can bet you some serious dollars that those exercises will help you to sleep better, feel better about yourself and leave you smiling away your "stress."

Happy birthday to all celebrating this week and early next week including Natasha Henry, Delta St. Vil, Omar Stephenson, Renee Excell, Phoenyx Reign, Lamont Bomar and Senghor Baye.

I wish you a stress-free week,

Rosie "Peppy' Parke
Creative Director/CEO
Peppy Entertainment & Promotions, LLC.