Kim Kane, loves working with students as a dean at Eden Prairie High School, is also a humorist, and author with the recent release of her new book Sparkle On: Women Aging in Gratitude. It's important to see our abilities, even as we age, as something to embrace and even continue to build on.  

Kim's presentation encouraged everyone to recognize how much we have to be grateful for every day. She talked about negative thinking and how “what if something bad happens” leads to dark places.  Turn it around. Make it positive—what if something great happens! It is okay to be joyful and happy.  Greet people joyfully. Give thanks for the little things.  Don’t wait to be happy or wait for something to make you happy. Rather, act happy and see the good in things.  Make it a way of thinking and a way of life.  Direct your thinking to a positive place. Know that simple and funny stuff matters.  We take too much stuff too seriously.  Yes, there are real burdens and serious health matters, but see the gift in the moment.

Ask yourself what your hopes, dreams, and desires are.  Decide to do something more in life and pursue it.  Live so that others think of you and smile and know you for integrity.  See potential in people and do not judge others. Our judgments get in the way of truly getting to know and connect with people.  Say no to "too much"—better to pay attention.  Practice mindfulness and stay in the moment. 

Kim interviewed over 200 women for her book—here are a few quotes to live by:

“Don’t clean you house so much”, “Put the phone down”, “Play with your kids”, “Be kind to yourself”, “Don’t be afraid of change”, “Ask for what you want”   and “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go”.