We all receive, at one time or another, a curveball-a diagnosis, a loss, a shift in consciousness-that causes us to feel an internal earthquake. When this happens,

some get lost; some give in; and some use the energy to transform their lives.

These pivotal moments may appear as a sudden internal awareness that leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and nudges us to make new choices from our inner wisdom. They may arrive as whispers or shouts-calling on us to face a new chapter in our lives.

Life Shifts: Stories of Surrendering to and Rising Above Life's Challenges, features stories from empowered women who courageously and vulnerably share their stories of navigating life's curveballs and subsequent journeys of transformation, resilience, and courage.

The collective wisdom in Life Shifts is intended to inspire you to believe in possibility-despite your current circumstances-and encourage you to find the nuggets of wisdom and gifts on your journey. Contributions by: Sha Blackburn, Maria Burke, Crystal Cockerham, Sharon Kathryn D'Agostino, Camilla DeMario, Mary Beth Gudewicz, Lisa Hromada, Sherry Kachanis, Yvette LeFlore, Michelle Lemoi, Amy Lindner-Lesser, Mary Magouirk, Karen McPhail, Cynthia Medina, Felicia Messina-D'Haiti, Lee Murphy Wolf, Nancy Okeefe, Mary Jo Rathgeb, Karen Shier, Bonnie Snyder, Angela Shanti Sparks, Rosa Maria Szynski, Cindy Winsel