Thanksgiving: Work, Family, God …

Maria Lauren – “Living in Gratitude”

Living in gratitude is what I do when I’m not complaining (hee, hee). Yes, I confess that I do complain sometimes, even if it’s too myself. I call it ‘venting’ or letting off steam. I don’t think it’s in my nature to be satisfied because the desire to be my best is what drives me. I’ve learned that to do my best, I must relinquish control. I can’t control circumstances and the opinion of others, but I can do my best in my service to others.

In my past, I was blessed to bring entertainment fun to audiences and travel with many Stars including The Rat Pack tour. My sister Linda and I experienced this journey together and are writing a book about our show business experiences and our healthy childhood upbringing called, ‘Beyond Our Wildest Dreams.’

Alberici-Sisters-Beyond-Our-Wildest-Dreams

The Seasons of Life Change…

Today, I am employed as a Lifestyle Educator at Kaiser Permanente, quite a difference from my past in the entertainment industry! I am grateful to be a part of the largest non-profit health plan in the United States, serving 8.5 million members. To improve community well-being, contributions average more than $200 million dollars in service and funding, with efficient information provided to government policy makers to shape health care policies.

I find satisfaction in my job of keeping our members and patients healthy through exercise to prevent more serious problems later. It’s also a privilege to provide the benefits of exercise to the nurses and doctors that need to stay healthy and fit so they can give the best care possible for the patients that need their expertise.

Recently, my nephew was rushed to intensive care and was in surgery for eleven hours with a team of doctors. During this time, my family joined in prayer. I am truly blessed to have a large family and close friends that support each other with a strong faith in God.

At this time of year, the awesome beauty of nature with the changing color of the leaves dancing against the silhouette of the sky and mountains makes me want to praise our Creator. It seems that being content and at peace is an art form that keeps evolving. I found that living in thankfulness puts the art of grace in motion. I have so much to be thankful for, especially when I look at the good in people and situations. This outlook keeps my life positive and gives me a sense of inner joy.

What do you have to be thankful for? I’d love to hear from you.

Find your joy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Many blessings,

Maria Lauren (AKA: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)

Your Powerful LIFE blog

* * *

Maria Lauren is currently making personal appearances. Contact: YGTPower@aol.com

  •  Keynote Speaker and Lifestyle Educator of  “You Got The Power”…
  • Entertainer and Producer of “Showstoppers”…
  • Singing or Fitness Coach…

Maria’s Website

“Beyond Our Wildest Dreams,” Book preview  

“Relax-n-Renew,” CD preview  

Kaiser Permanente exercise classes

Maria-Lauren-Alberici-Riccio-motivation-entertainer-fitness-You-Got-The-PowerThis is a blog about LIFE: Living, Inspiration, Fitness, Entertainment…. It is produced in my own time and solely reflects my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.

11 thoughts on “Thanksgiving: Work, Family, God …

  1. PS. I just read the posting about your nephew, Marco. I will keep him in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
    Lynne

    • Thank you Lynn. It’s times like these when I can really appreciate the service that you do to help patients regain their well-being.

      Wishing you and all your loved ones a happy holiday,
      Maria

  2. Hi Maria

    Just got your voice mail. Has the class started yet? You said next Tuesday, right before Thanksgiving. I will call tomorrow and see when the class starts. I am taking Wed Yoga, so it will not interfere with that & I am truly enjoying the Yoga and Colleen, but I miss you & the Pilates classes. I just want to make sure I know how to get into the bldg. I don’t know that area, I will check it out tomorrow after bowling.

    If I don’t start next week, have a great Thanksgiving. but I am going to check it out tomorrow.

    Lois

    • Dear Lois:

      I look forward to seeing you in Pilates class. The class is held in the North 3 Building, Northside Cafeteria in the Executive Dining Room. Once in the cafeteria enter the double doors on the side.

      It’s a nice room and it’ll be fun to firm up before the holidays.

      Blessings,
      Maria

  3. Hi Maria,
    I heard that you are gettings things ready to start your classes over at P.C. I wish you the best of luck.
    I must say that I really miss you and your classes. The Yoga is great and I so wish that I had your Pilates classes to balance things out.
    It would be impossible for me to get over to PC and take your classes. Too bad for me!
    I wish for you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stay well.
    Lynne

    • Dear Lynne:

      Thank you for your message and your energetic participation in my Pilates classes.

      I am enjoying my new home at Kaiser, Panarama City. Everyone that I’ve met in the health department has been very supportive.

      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. You will be dearly missed.

      PS: I hope your mom is well.

      God bless,
      Maria

      • Maria,

        I have been reading that things are progressing well for you over at P.C. I will keep updated on your comings and goings through Lisa.
        You continue to be missed here at Woodland Hills.
        Thanks for remembering about my mother. She is doing quite well and is taking a respite from chemo so that she can enjoy the holidays.
        Stay as positive as you always are. I so admire that in you. I think it rubbed off on your exercise class.
        Miss you lots!
        Love, Lynne

  4. Hey Maria it’s neil fahey, drummer/musical conductor for your bands in the 80’s-Vegas, Elko, Atlantic City, etc. Sounds like things are going well for you. Say hi to Linda for me also.
    neil fahey

    • Hi! Neil, I hope you’re well.

      Linda and I have been diligently writing our book and are now beginning to write about some of our show biz adventures in the 80’s.
      It’s such a coincidence to get your message after all these years.

      To your credit, you always managed to get the band together with speedy rehearsals and good performances. Perhaps we can put some of your memories in our book. You can check out our book promo at:
      http://www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.net

      Talk to you soon and God bless,
      Maria

    • How wonderful to hear from Neil Fahey! What an adventure we had with him performing as “Silk” and the “Alberici Sisters”.
      We shared some highs and lows together; opening for ‘big names’ in the main rooms of the prestigious Atlantic City casinos was a highlight and then there was Elko… Elko, Nevada might have been a low point in the showroom sense but oh my, the memories. I remember so much about the Elko experience and hardly anything about glamorous Atlantic City & the ‘big rooms’. Being that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, didn’t we celebrate Thanksgiving in Elko? At the time I would have given anything to be in a warm home, sitting around a table eating with my family. But there were just as many times when I couldn’t wait to get away from my family and off on the road to a new adventure. Thankfully, now I am more content to enjoy the moment for what it is. Wishing you the joy of contentment, Happy Thanksgiving with love, Linda

      • Spending time with family on Thanksgiving is the best. Whether they are near or far, our family is always in our hearts and on our minds. We share in each others sorrows and joys and pull together.

        Over a week ago, our nephew Marco was in a near fatal car accident. Our family continues to be unified in prayer … Prayers of thanksgiving for his coming out of the accident alive and prayers of faith and hope for God’s hand in the many surgeries that he would have to go through, for the skill of his doctors and for his healing.

        As Thanksgiving approaches I wish everyone who reads this happy family memories. Please join me and my family in praying for Marco’s recovery and for all those who need God’s miracle of healing.

        Have a blessed Thanksgiving,
        Maria

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