I’m excited that today, singer/songwriter Robyn Dell’Unto, is “Speaking From the Heart”, and sharing her experiences with all of us. Not only does Robyn sing and write songs, she also teaches young people to do the same. Founded by Robyn Dell'Unto in September 2011, ‘A Song Of My Own’ is a unique and interactive songwriting workshop designed to support children and youth in their exploration of music and song. Over 200 original songshave been written and recorded during A Song Of My Own workshops since the program’s inception. After hearing about the work that Robyn does, I had to invite her to take part in this series. Thank you, Robyn, for the beautiful work you are doing!

A few weeks ago, a senseless act of violence caused three RCMP officers to be gunned down in Moncton, New Brunswick. Canadians across the country and around the world reached out to pay tribute to our “fallen heroes.”

Many turned to social media to show support. One message that really stood out to me was a music video with the same name, “Fallen Hero,” by Makayla Lynn. Makayla is a teenage musician who decided to express her thankfulness to the officers and their families through lyrics.

As you may know, songs that tell stories really speak to my heart. Music creates such a powerful connection between strangers – in this case, the song is uniting a nation. When I listen to Makayla’s song, I really think about the sacrifice these three RCMP officers and their families gave for protecting Canada.

Songs that tell stories really speak to my heart. Music creates a powerful connection between others. Songwriters communicate personal stories and share experiences. The audience listens to the songs and relates to what the other went through.

For me, that is what music is all about: support. When listening to a beautiful song, you can feel a sense of hope and connection! That is what Zach Sobiech’s song, Clouds, gave to me when I first heard it.

I believe role models are individuals who have the courage to be real, to be vulnerable, to be themselves, and to share their journeys. For the past twenty years, the Backstreet Boys have been my role models. As you may know from reading Arianna’s Random Thoughts, I am a huge Backstreet Boys fan.  They provided encouragement and love through the highs and lows of my life.  For me and many other fans out there, they are “Larger than Life.” (Backstreet Boys fans will get this reference.)

Aloha! I’m back. Hope you all had a great couple of weeks. I had a refreshing vacation in Maui.

If you want to get inspired, you should visit the Hawaiian Islands. They have changed my life; they may change yours. We all have places that empower us. The Hawaiian Islands do this for me.  Maui has a special place in my heart; it is where I originally came up with the idea for my blog. So, I thought I should use my holiday as a chance to reflect on my blog, past and present.

Now, you might be asking yourself "What is Pink Shirt Day?"

The last Wednesday of February (this year is Feb. 27th) in Canada, is Anti-Bullying Day (i.e., Pink Shirt Day).  It is a day where we take a stand and address this important issue.

As I work in bullying prevention and love the colour Pink, I support this wonderful cause and am proudly wearing pink today.  People always ask me, “Why bullying prevention?”  My answer is always the same: “I have seen and personally experienced the negative effects of bullying and want to stop it from hurting others’ lives.”  That is why I support this initiative.

Music speaks to my heart. It also unites people and helps you ride life's waves.

One particular memory stands out as a highlight of my trip to Great Britain and Ireland this past summer with one of my sisters(the same sister who introduces me to new music).  We had a special and uplifting experience one night on vacation in Killarney, Ireland.  Our tour group consisted of more than forty adults of different age groups from around the world.  This night in particular, we went to watch an outdoor concert that was happening near our hotel. The band was playing songs we all knew, so we sang out from the top of our lungs.

Happy 2013! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends.

I'm looking forward to getting back to posting regularly after January 12th (when my book is done).  I have some wonderful "Profiles of Perseverance" interviews and personal stories to share with you.

Other than spending time with loved ones, I devoted my time to finishing my book "Stand Tall & Speak From the Heart: How to Find Your Way," which is due out this month.   As a result of all the writing I am doing, I chose a song of the week which has helped the process.  The song is "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield which encourages me to be vulnerable and write.  Natasha is an amazing singer and songwriter who speaks from her heart. I hope you like it!

Yesterday, I found this beautiful song by Tristan Prettyman and I have been playing it non-stop since I found it.  I first found out about Tristan after hearing her song "I Was Gonna Marry You." I love her voice and had to listen to other songs by her.   That is how I found the song "Say Anything."  Have a listen! I love how honest and vulnerable she is in her writing.   She has inspired me to write from my heart and not hold back.  Thank you Tristan!

The song "I Was Here" by Beyonce was performed for the United Nations World Humanitarian Day on August 19th.  The song is a call to action for people to go out and help others. I don't think I need to say anything more about the performance. Just have a listen. The song will give you shivers. I love it!

I saw the video for the song written and produced by Megan McNeil , a childhood cancer patient called "Will to Survive." I had to share it, as it touched my heart.  The song has such a beautiful message.  Megan battled cancer for four years; she passed away at the end of January of last year. Her legacy will live on through the song and the lives she touched.

The song “Crazy Dreams” by Carrie Underwood resonates with me this week.  When you have an idea or dream, it may seem crazy or unattainable at the beginning.  However, just because the idea may seem far-fetched, as the song reminds you, the dreams will come true.