Monday, January 9, 2012
Be grateful for life's little annoyances...
It started when I overslept, next was my burned breakfast, followed by the dog sticking her head in a mound of dirt, losing my keys...all topped off with frustration because I wasn't able to reach the person who was providing material I needed to meet a deadline.

And so when a friend called to say hello and asked about my day I started to complain about having "one of those days" - and then it dawned on it me: wow, am I lucky! Here I am complaining about such silly little things, which means that I am truly blessed to not have any major problems to focus on. Because if I did, burnt toast and lost keys would probably not be at the forefront of my thoughts.

When you are dealing with a deep loss, a great upset, a serious health problem, the little things in life lose their importance. I am so grateful for today's reminder as to how fortunate I am to have nothing to worry about other than some burnt toast and lost keys. Thank you God for the lesson, and for all the blessings that fill my life! ~ Andrea Chervenak
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Nothing to Say? Then Say Nothing!
It's been a while since I've posted to my blog and if you're wondering why...it's simply that I've just not had anything worthwhile to say. My blog entries, really this entire website, have always come from a strong desire to share a message or some knowledge that I felt would benefit others. But the last few months I find myself in a period of transition and growth, both mentally and physically. Years ago I would have forged ahead anyway...I would have forced myself to continue writing and updating the website. But I have learned to honor my instincts and intuition, and they are telling me that this is a time for self-growth and reflection. I know when I have moved through this period, I will have much to share.

I feel a strong sense of obligation to honor the gifts God has blessed me, and all of us, with...physical bodies, powerful minds, and divine spirits. We must cherish and care for these gifts...and it is in doing so that we can fulfill our destiny and accomplish all that we were created to do.

So until we meet again I am sending wishes that your life is filled with love, peace, and good health... ~ Andrea :-)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Make Every Day Earth Day!

It is still etched in my mind...the commanding presence of a Native American man standing at the water's edge, a tear running down his face after viewing the polluted water before him. That television commercial raised the consciousness of a generation. It was a wake-up call that the time had come to take responsibility for preserving our natural resources - because the health of our planet was at stake.

We have since learned not only does pollution threaten our planet, but that exposure to the toxins that create this pollution can have a devastating impact on our health and well-being. Last night World News (ABC) reported on three research studies done by prominent medical organizations that found pregnant women exposed to pesticides and other chemicals gave birth to children who are more likely to have lower IQ's than childen who were not exposed. I believe this is the tip of the iceberg...we are going to continue to uncover stronger and stronger links between toxic exposure in our water, food, and environment, to many illness and disease. Because not only do toxins harm the environment, but our continued exposure overwhelms the body's natural defenses, leading to weakened immune systems, and ultimately disease and illness.

Fortunately today there are a variety of options that enable us to reduce and eliminate toxins. Organic clothing, food, and bedding. Natural cleaners for our homes & offices, natural treatments for our lawns and for pest elimination. It may cost a little more for these products and services, but I'd rather pay a little more upfront than pay a greater price later.

So on this Earth Day make a pledge to educate yourself, commit to living a cleaner & greener life which will result in a healthier planet...and healthier YOU!

~ Andrea :-)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Change is on the way....
When I created Heal With Hope several years ago little did I know that God had even bigger things in store for me. I now find more and more of my time being directed to my line of inspirational products (Wear Your Intention) which has morphed from one t-shirt two years ago, to more than 30 t-shirts designs, jewelry, cards and totes, today. What started as a way to help people stay focused on the positive during tough times, seems to grow and evolve each day. And I struggle to find the time I had been devoting to HWH the last few years. Because I want to practice what I preach, and honor my physical and emotional limitations, I am no longer going to be updating HWH on a monthly basis. Rather I will continue to post articles, update my blog, and share information when I have something I believe would be of interest to HWH visitors...it just won't be on such a regular basis.


If I have learned anything during my long and sometimes challenging life journey, is that there is no dishonor in not being able to do it all. I know that my need to be all things to all people contributed to the long and debilitating illness I struggled with for so long. Old habits are hard to break, and for too long I tried to "do it all" again...but I have learned to listen to my inner guide, and the message I am hearing is that it is time to let go of some of the responsibilities I have undertaken, no matter much I want to continue.


One thing will never change - and that is my commitment to do what I can to share a message of hope to those who are feeling lost, alone, or helpless. I will never forget what it was like to feel abandoned by my doctors, my friends, and at times God. I know life is filled with challenge...but I also know that if you carry hope in your heart, and choose to believe that all things are possible...you will always find your way. ~ Andrea :-) andrea@healwithhope.com
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Can one person really change the world?

I've heard from many people who not only feel helpless about affecting change in their own lives, but also feel powerless to do anything about the hate and negativity that seems to be so pervasive in the world today.

After 10 years of struggling to cope with a debilitating illness I was blessed to be introduced to the teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle, whose philosphies about the power of thought, energy, and ego, transformed my life (read My Story). I now understand that not only can I impact my present and future by living with positive intention, but I also can impact the collective energy of the world by choosing to treat others with respect, love, and caring. I know when someone extends kindness and compassion to me, it can shift my entire attitude and positively impact my entire day...encouraging and enabling me to share that same positive energy with others I interact with.

Well, I got to thinking, what if everyone exercised their personal power and made a commitment to be kind and compassionate to one another...what kind of impact would that have on the world? And so I hope you will join me and make the choice to be a source of positiviy by "sharing a smile, lending a hand, sharing kindness...and hopefully in some small way - change the world in a positive way. Learn more about The Power of 1 campaign...and I hope you will join me in resolving to make the world a more positive place... ~ Andrea :-)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A Wish For You...
It is hard to believe the holiday season is underway! I know that for those who are coping with illness, it can be a particularly trying time. I remember many a Christmas when the simplest tasks became overwhelming projects. As a "shop til you drop" shopper, I was grateful to feel well enough to browse through a catalog and be able to pick up the phone to order gifts. There were times when I didn't know if I would have the energy to sit up long enough to watch our kids open their presents. And many a day when I would lay in bed wonder if I was ever going to enjoy the holiday season again. To those of you who may be wondering this very thing, I say: yes you can, and yes you will!

I never stopped searching for answers...and never gave up hope I would be well. And I am so thankful today that even though my journey was longer and more difficult than I ever could have imagined, God blessed me with the ability to go on, to keep believing I would find my way...and today I am not only able to enjoy the season, but I am living a richer, fuller, and better life than I ever imagined possible! Who is to say why life is oft filled with struggle and challenge...I don't have the answer to that question. I only know that "it is what it is" and if you have faith, and make the personal committment to do and be your best each day - no matter what the circumstances, you too will find your way!

My wish for you today, and every day, is that small things bring you big pleasure...that your joys outnumber your sorrows (10 to1!)...that your challenges become inspired lessons...that all of your dreams become reality...that wherever you go your Guardian Angel follows watching over and protecting you...that you are able to live your best life despite the obstacles you may be facing...I hope you awaken each day knowing that miracles are possible, and above all I pray that one is on its way to you right now!

Happy, Healthy, Wonderful Holiday! ~ Andrea Chervenak :-)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Words have such immense power...they can lift us up, brighten a dark day, and inspire us to move from despair to a mindset of hope and peace. I began to recognize their true power during a very long and debilitating illness. Somehow all those little plaques, statues, and bookmarks I surrounded my living space with - with their hopeful and encouraging messages - helped me to maintain a sense of hope during a very trying time.


When I eventually found healing, and decided to share all that had helped me, I had no idea what a big part words of inspiration would play. After creating the Heal With Hope website, I would hear from people who were trying to maintain a positive focus, but were struggling to do so given all the challenges they were facing. I recognized there was such great need in this world for inspiration...and decided that I would create products to inspire, empower, and motivate!

First came Wear Your Intention organic cotton t-shirts, and now I've just added organic tote bags, recycled note cards, and inspiration pendants. My plan then, and now, is to offer inspiration to those in need...and to use the profits from this effort to expand the ways in which I can share the benefits of the alternative and natural treatments, techniques, and philosophies that I know can help people live healthier and happier lives.

All of the products are on a website called The Inspiration Boutique. I hope you will take a look, and let me know what you think. I am always open to your ideas and suggestions for what would inspire you! ~ Andrea :-) andrea@healwithhope.com


"It all begins with a thought."
~ Wear Your Intention
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Good advice
"We are all doing the best we can with the understanding,
knowledge, and awareness we have."

~ Louise Hay

I love my Louise Hay Inspiration calendar...each day there's an affirmation or quote that inspires me, and today's quote really hit home. The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least...there have been days when I feel as though I am starring in the Muryphy's Law Show! It's been one thing after another, and I've been doing my best to go with the flow, but it hasn't been easy.

How appropriate on a day when I was feeling a bit down on myself, and some of the decisions I've made lately, to be reminded that all I can ever do is the best I can. Fact is this is not the last time I will make a mistake or error in judgement, but when I do I can only hope that I learn from it and do better the next time. One of my favorite Oprahism's "when you know better you do better" has enabled me to move through moments of, "did you really just say/do/think that??!!??" more times than I'd probably care to admit!

Jot down Louise's quote, and Oprah's too...and the next time you mess up, and if you're human rest assured you will, you too can remind yourself that if you did your best, you did good...even if the end result was not quite what you had hoped for. ~ Andrea Chervenak :-)