The season of gratitude and generosity has arrived. America, our global melting pot, is blessed with extraordinary abundance thanks to the countless immigrants who have made the U.S.A. their home. Except for Native Americans, every person here is a descendant of someone who journeyed from elsewhere. Our nation’s greatest wealth lies in the rich tapestry of cultures that converge, each contributing unique talents, traditions, and strengths that elevate us all.
At Thanksgiving and every day, I give thanks for the diversity that shapes our country. As a child, my parents taught us that humanity is one family: one people, in one nation, living in one world. Kindness, tolerance, and inclusivity were the pillars of our home. “We all bleed red,” my mom would remind us—simple words, powerful truth.
As individuals, we must learn not only to accept our differences but to celebrate them. There is no room for hatred, discrimination, segregation, bigotry, inequality, or prejudice. Intolerance of any kind cannot be excused or endured. A peaceful planet depends on our willingness to see one another fully, to offer respect, dignity, and fairness to all, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, religion, or sexual orientation.
The journey toward acceptance begins at home. As a nation, we’ve taken meaningful steps forward, yet the road ahead remains long. Understanding and empathy are built first within our families, whether biological, adopted, or chosen. Cast aside prejudice. Step into someone else’s shoes. When we treat others as we hope to be treated, life becomes richer, kinder, and more fulfilling.
As Thanksgiving approaches, my heart overflows with gratitude for all who support Be the Star You Are!®. A special bouquet of appreciation goes to the remarkable teens who power this nonprofit and to the parents who inspire their dedication to service.
Embrace your heritage. Celebrate the beautiful mosaic of cultures that nourish a bountiful Thanksgiving.
We share this world. Let every day be a day of gratitude, acceptance, and love. Appreciate one another, and keep spreading that love generously.
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” –Denis Waitley
BTSYA TEEN STARTS CHINESE OPERA COMPANY
After realizing how rarely young people encountered Chinese opera outside their grandparents’ living rooms, BTSYAvolunteer and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio host, Julia Howe, founded Jing Shao Nian.
These are her words:
“I first watched Cantonese opera with my popo and was captivated by the painted faces, embroidered robes, and expressive gestures, but when I mentioned it at school, no one else had ever seen a performance. I wanted to change that. Jing Shao Nian began as a small after-school workshop for fourth- to seventh-graders, teaching not just performance but also the history behind the art: Chinese immigration, censorship, and cultural storytelling. We train students in acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft. One of our favorite workshops is the makeup session, where kids paint traditional opera looks on our teen leaders. It always ends in laughter (and a bit of a mess).”
Student leader, Samantha, chimes in: “It’s important for kids to learn Chinese opera because it keeps our culture alive. If our generation doesn’t carry it on, this beautiful art form could fade away.”
Julia is a proud recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award.
Julia will host a radio program about cultivating cultures on November 16th at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 and will be available thereafter wherever you listen to podcasts.
THANKS ON THE TIP OF YOUR TONGUE
by Karen Kitchel
While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy making someone feel appreciated every day. It’s also a great way to energize our body and our soul.
There are big thanks, like when you run out of gas on the highway and an angel appears with a tank full of gas. Or a stranger who picks up all the spilled candy that your little darling scattered on the supermarket floor. Then there’s little thanks, like every time you check out at the convenience store. Acknowledging the cashier, who continues smiling at an unending line of customers, might be the only recognition she’s felt in a week.
In all cases, we’re trying to communicate that we appreciate whatever someone has done. What we sometimes forget when our mouths quietly say “thanks” is to look the person in the eye to acknowledge their positive presence in our day. Adding a couple of words beyond ‘thank you’ usually is what gets remembered — “Thanks for your great service!” or “You are awesome!”
Who To Thank?
You know your favorites, but in case someone has slipped your mind, here are a few others to consider.
‘Preserving culture is about cherishing traditions, languages, and values that shape who we are. In a world that moves fast and blends everything, cultural preservation reminds us to pause, to celebrate where we come from. It can be as simple as cooking a family recipe, learning a traditional dance, or speaking a few words in your grandparents’ language. These moments keep stories alive.
Thanksgiving, at its heart, is a perfect time to express your gratitude not just for what we have, but for the cultural roots that ground us. Sharing tradition across generations or even across communities builds appreciation and understanding. When we honor our heritage with thankfulness, we create a bridge between the old and the new. Preserving culture isn’t about staying in the past–it’s about carrying its beauty forward, with gratitude guiding every step.’
Gowri Kamatchi Vijayakumar, a 16-year-old junior, is a content creator and book review volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®. She has a deep interest in global issues, journalism, storytelling, and climate policies. Her hobbies are reading, running, and rollerblading!
GIVE BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS
Books are gifts that keep on giving, as they can be read and re-read not only by you, but your family, friends, and colleagues. For a $140 tax-deductible donation to Be the Star You Are!®, you will receive seven first-edition, autographed books and extras with the proceeds benefiting our youth outreach programs. Visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift . If you prefer to purchase individual books, click on the ONLINE STOREat https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
RADIO BROADCASTS COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE, AND INNOVATE
Every week under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program bringing information and innovative ideas that will aid with daily living, while Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.
The annual Santa Day at 5 A will be Saturday, Dec. 6th, from 11 am to 2 p.m. in Moraga. It’s always a fun event with treats, hot chocolate, and a photo with Santa. Our Be the Star You Are!® elf, Keerthi, will be available to help little ones get their picture with jolly St. Nick and create holiday crafts. 5 A, 455 Moraga Rd. #F
Be the Star You Are!® is an all-volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fundraising events. Be the Star You Are!® does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations. Be the Star You Are!® is consistently honored as aTOP NON-PROFIT by Guidestar and Great Non-Profits.
Be the Star You Are!® supports all ethnicities and has no religious or political agendas or affiliations. Be the Star You Are!® is proud to have been serving the community, country, and world since 1999.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
StarStyle® Empowerment is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Cynthia Brian, SAG/AFTRA, A.S.I.D., Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity, New York Times best-selling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, author of Be the Star You Are!®, 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, Growing with The Goddess Gardener, The Business of Show Business, The Blessing of Love and Relationships, and Miracle Moments®, is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, personal growth consultant, actor, producer and host of radio and TV shows, columnist, designer, gardener, and lifestyle coach. (www.CynthiaBrian.com)
Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is Cynthia’s first illustrated children’s book series with true tales from her menagerie of adopted rescues. Titles include No Barnyard Bullies, Family Forever, and Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!
Referred by the media as “the Renaissance woman with soul!”, Cynthia is a world traveler who speaks French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. With four decades of experience working in the entertainment field as an actor, producer, writer, coach, designer, and casting director, she has had the honor of performing with some of the biggest names in the industry. Cynthia is a Certified Interior Designer and has had her interior and garden design projects featured in TV, commercials, books, and numerous publications. She wrote, produced, and directed the film, The Quest for Pure Design. Cynthia is a much in demand speaker on luxury cruise lines and spas around the world, inspiring others to be the stars they were born to be by creating a life they design.
Because of her devotion to increasing literacy and positive messages in the world, Cynthia founded and is the Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) charity, Be the Star You Are!® (www.BetheStarYouAre.org) empowering women, families, and youth, which won 2024 Nonprofit of the Year. Her motto is “To be a leader, you must be a reader!”. GuideStar and Great Non Profits consistently honor Be the Star You Are!® as a top-rated non-profit. BTSYA was named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year. As part of her dedication to giving youth a voice, she created and launched the creative community at www.BTSYA.com while also producing and directing the young adult radio broadcast, Express Yourself!™, (www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com) the #1 most listened-to program around the world on the Voice America Network with teen hosts and contributors. Cynthia says “Express Yourself!™ is an uncensored haven where youth talk and the world listens!”
As an empowerment architect and life success coach, Ms. Brian is also dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams, recognize the possibilities, and utilize their potential by implementing their unique gifts. Many aspiring thespians, writers, and professionals have been coached to fun, fame, and fortune through her personal success consultations in acting, media, writing, life skills, and presentations. Because of her energy and passion, companies engage Cynthia’s services as a media spokesperson.
Born on a farm in the Napa Valley in northern California, the eldest of five children, Cynthia raised chickens and sheep, drove tractors, and picked fruit to earn enough money to pay her way through college. She was a Grand Champion rooster raiser, winning hundreds of blue ribbons in 4-H. After being honored as the Outstanding Teenager of California, she was named teenage ambassador to Holland and served as a foreign correspondent for several newspapers. Her travel expeditions gave birth to her writing, speaking, and coaching career.
Since 2008, Cynthia has been the gardening consultant and inspirational garden columnist for The Lamorinda Weekly known as The Goddess Gardener. (www.CynthiaBrian.com/Gardening) There, she also served as the editor and coach for Teen Scene. As a home, garden, and lifestyle expert, she has been privileged to write for Internet sites, and numerous print publications, and is proud to be a Top Reviewer at Trip Advisor and on the Elite Squad at Yelp. She published her first gardening calendar, A Gardener’s Guide, in 1993.
Interviewing is a talent this dynamic woman enjoys. Broadcasting live since 1998, Cynthia interviews the authors and experts considered pioneers on the planet. Tune into her award winning upbeat, positive, internationally broadcast lifestyle radio program, StarStyle-Be the Star You Are!® live and archived every Wednesday from 4-5 pm PT/7-8 pm ET on the Voice America Network Empowerment channel. (www.StarStyleRadio.com)
Cynthia’s goal is to inspire, encourage, inform, and motivate others to be their unapologetically unique selves.
When you are seeking a business expert with earthiness, exuberance, and personality that garner results, Cynthia Brian is the seasoned professional writer, speaker, coach, host, spokesperson, and Goddess Gardener guide for your next project.
Cynthia Brian, empowerment architect, passion, purpose, and possibility professional, is available for private coaching, consultations, and speaking engagements.
To Book Cynthia Brian
Talent Agent:
Stars, the Agency
415-421-6272
http://www.StarsAgency.com
Reception@StarsAgency.com
Literary Agent:
Waterside Productions, Inc.
Gayle Gladstone
760-632-9190
www.Waterside.com
gaylegladstone@gmail.com
https://www.waterside.com/portfolio-item/cynthia-brian/
