Have you ever felt invisible? Unloved? Unheard? Unwanted? If so, you are not alone. Especially in the world that we are living in today, it is easy to feel this way. We must do our part to help solve this problem.

Our children are our future, and we must empower them. Empowered kids are successful kids! They are more confident and have enhanced social skills. Empowered kids learn to better communicate their feelings and emotions. Empowered kids excel in school and other activities. They learn to have an overall positive, happy, and healthy outlook on life.

Welcome to “Overcoming Obstacles Through Positive Thinking.” My name is Teresa Hill-Putnam. I am an Author, Life & Wellness Coach, Show Director, Business Owner, Dance Instructor, Acting and Vocal Coach, Artist and Talent Manager, and Motivational speaker.     Life has its ups and downs!  Believe me, I have had my share!  I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason.  Let me help you, by showing you that you are not alone. Between running my own business, having three pre-mature babies, surviving two dysfunctional marriages which ended in divorce, my financial turmoil and bankruptcy, living with a chronic life-threatening illness, the death of my best friend at the age of 12, and raising three kids on my own as a single working mom… my life has been a roller coaster. I have even lived through a robbery, a fire, and a flood.  All in all, though, I wouldn’t change a thing!   I have three amazing children, four adorable grandsons, and a lifetime of wonderful, magical, and un-forgettable memories. So, join me as I share the lessons and positive thoughts that have helped me to overcome my own obstacles.  Everyone has a story… what’s yours?

Too many people in this world are lonely.  We need to change that!  I hope that the ideas I share in this podcast inspire you to go out and find your people.

Be the person to break the cycle. Think about your own experiences.  Be mindful of how your actions make others feel.  If you have been judged, choose understanding.  If you have been rejected, choose acceptance. If you have been shamed, choose compassion.  Be the person that you needed when you were hurting.  Be the change you wish to see in the world. 

Every day is an opportunity to begin a new journey. Strive to become the person you want to be.  Start wherever you are, and then work to create the life that you want to live.  You sometimes have to let go of the life you are familiar with, in order to make room for the life you dream about.  Learn to think outside of the box.  Make your own rules.  Be creative. Be flexible.  Be brave. Be yourself.  And.. Don't be afraid to make changes or start over when you need to.

No one is immune to struggle.  Everyone has a story.  Without obstacles in life, there would be no purpose.  Growth comes from the challenges that we face.  What you DO with those challenges will dictate your future.

"Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?  Everybody comes here.  This is Hollywood.... land of dreams.  Some dreams come true.  Some don't. But keep on dreamin'. This is Hollywood.  Always time to dream.  So keep on dreamin."  This is our story, "Our First Year in Hollywood."

Your health is ultimately your own responsibility.  You have the power to make choices every day that will affect your quality of life. Learn to listen to your body and make adjustments as you need to.  Developing healthy habits will help you to take charge of your life.

A scar simply means that you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.  Never be ashamed of a scar.  It is proof that you've survived. Your thoughts, your actions, your experiences, your successes, your scars, and your imagination will determine who you will become.  Being your best self is the greatest gift that you can give to the world.