Long, long ago, in a galaxy pretty darn close to us…we celebrate Star Wars Day on May the 4th! It’s hard to believe how a movie that opened nearly 44 years ago is still influencing us today, thanks to memorable characters, a twisted timeline, and of course, ingenious marketing. The movie Star Wars debuted and made movie history as one of the largest grossing films of all time. When I watched Star Wars for the first time at the age of 8 I knew I was hooked.

We are all naturally drawn to optimistic and enthusiastic individuals or parties. Both in our private life or in the workplace. A safe, happy, passionate, and intellectually engaging environment enhances our own levels of energy and trust.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” but positive thinking really does have more power than we give it credit for. The way we think is connected to our actions and behaviors, thus positive thinking is linked to more positive outcomes.

It’s hard to believe that 6 years ago, I was sitting in my apartment crying. My husband and I split after 20 years together. I was no longer living in my dream home on the water, I was living in a 600 sq ft apartment overlooking a sports bar. I was driving 1.5 hours a day to take care of my mother, who was in the hospital for the 4th time in 4 months. Taking care of her took so much time I couldn’t do any of the things I loved (comedy and hypnosis). I was deep in debt and driving for Uber to make some extra money in the little spare time I had. Did I mention the man I had been dating dumped me for another woman? It was a rough time for me.

We've all heard the phrase, "You snooze, you lose!" But studies show the exact opposite is true...you lose when you don't snooze. Check out some of our best tips on how to make the most of your down time.

In today’s news:

Disney+ gives The Muppet Show an “offensive content” disclaimer before select episodes.

Ever since I was a teenager, I have kept a journal. I was an only child and my parents worked a lot, so instead of talking to others I simply began writing down my experiences. Of course, when you’re the daughter of overprotective parents and home by yourself for hours on end as a teenager in the 1980’s…you don’t have much to write about. “Why do my parents work so much?” “I wish I was more popular.” “Rick Springfield is so hot, I wanna be his girlfriend.”

A few weeks ago, I was selected to present at Hypnothoughts 2021 in July/August. It's one of the largest Hypnosis conferences in the country. They receive hundreds of submissions to speak, and I am honored to have been selected. Every now and then, the conferences hosts put out a "challenge" for all of the hypnotists to participate in.

Like every other kid hitting middle school, I had a rough time because I did not fit in. Anywhere. I know - it’s hard to believe that this amazing package of coolness had issues being accepted by others, but I totally did.

There are two kinds of people: people who love the holidays, and people who hate the holidays.

My Aunt Rose, at least in my mind, is the perfect example of someone who LOVES the holidays. On Oct 31st when the last "trick-or-treater" is off her porch, Aunt Rose gleefully begins unpacking her Christmas decorations. The sheer volume of decorations she has in storage ensures she starts on November 1st to get done in time for Thanksgiving. Aunt Rose takes super-excellent care of her Christmas decorations.

Please enjoy this collection of quotes from modern day philosophers (comedians) about the true meaning of the holidays. ~Traci

Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? The birth of Santa? -Bart Simpson

It would be a Hanukkah miracle if we could decide on a way to spell "Hanukkah." —anonymous

Born and raised in Berea, OH, Traci was the only child of George and Carol Kanaan, who owned and operated Copy Center West. Traci began playing (pounding) the piano at the age of 2. Her parents traded printing for some piano lessons, and Traci found herself studying at The Cleveland Institute of Music at the age of 5. Traci’s piano teachers didn’t appreciate “her bursts of creativity.” They constantly pointed out her “inability to follow directions” and “reluctance to play the music the way it was written,” and Traci was eventually “dismissed” after burning through 8 teachers in 8 years.