You are strong, brave and beautiful! You are an inspiration! - Kristine Pierce

Aloha! My name is Kristine Pierce and I am very honored to be here on Steemit. I am a Self-Published Author, Author Coach, Branding Strategist, Host of Write, Publish, Inspire! Podcast, Speaker, Founder of Inspired Action Publishing, and run online courses and workshops.

A transformational journey to creating an extraordinary life you love starts by embracing your unique story. There are so many amazing and unique stories out there waiting to be heard. Don’t hold yourself anymore by not being visible to the world.

It’s about time you tell your story, take inspired actions, manifest more abundance, help and inspire more people! It’s time to give the world the gift of your unique message!

- Kristine Pierce

Here’s a little more background about me...

Flashback…

As a young girl, I was always on the forefront of every essay writing, quiz bee, declamation and oratorical contest in school. I got to share the stage with other gifted and promising students. I have always loved to write, speak, and make myself heard. At the age of 11, I was already writing for the official school publication. By the time I was 16 and in Senior High School, I was the Editor-in-Chief and in charge of the editorial board. I have been called a prolific writer and an eloquent speaker at a very young age. All these and more propelled me to reach for greater heights.

I honored my mother's wish and chose to take Bachelor of Science major in Computer Science in our hometown instead of my dream course Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts Major in Broadcast Journalism in a famous Pontifical and Royal University in the city (my mother’s Alma Mater). I still pursued my writing and public speaking with editorial positions for the official school publication and several other leadership roles. I earned laurels and recognitions along the way. For me, the appreciation of my gifts and talents was far more priceless than the recognition. I was more happy to be able to share my life’s purpose and inspire others. Joining competitions or any form of contests have always been an opportunity for me to broaden my experience, and not just as a mere contestant vying for the grand prize.

At one point, I joined The Palanca Awards or Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. It’s the “Pulitzer Prize” of the Philippines in terms of prestige. I didn’t win, and yet given the opportunity I will join again. What do I have to lose? The prizes at stake are but secondary. Passion and the experience of being able to share what I have – those are the things that move me. I’d rather take the leap than ponder on the what if’s after missing out on the great opportunities life is offering me. More than ever, fulfilling my dreams at this level was to give back to my mother who single-handedly raised me with the help of my grandmother, uncles and aunts.

I knew I was bound to do something far greater…….

I am an only child and my parents separated when I was just a baby. I remember growing up knowing about the situation but not clearly understanding why. I never even questioned it. I was probably too scared to know. My life went on with just me, my mother and grandmother. I was used to the fact that I don’t have a father that it was okay I guess. At that point, it would have been more awkward if I did have my father with us. I have three other father figures (my mom’s brothers) who have always been there to guide me. For me, it was all good. My single mother worked hard and did everything she can to send me to private catholic schools and raise me well. My grandmother, aunts and uncles also helped alongside the generous support of the half scholarship I received from my school. I have always been a strong-willed person. I didn’t let that empty space control me.

Six long years after working in IT, a sudden change of career path has led me into a much fulfilling avenue. I was finally given a break and was working on a career in broadcast journalism. A good friend and mentor who has succeeded in her field as a broadcast journalist, television host, children's book author, entrepreneur, mother and wife, has always believed in me. She, along with my family, got me back on my feet and always reminded me that in God's perfect time, I'll be able to fulfill my dreams. Charge it to experience, she says. I was thrilled! I was going to be on TV and I was going to be a broadcast journalist. Or so I thought.

The biggest hurdle

In 2006, the biggest hurdle in my journey made me stop right in my tracks. At the height of my broadcasting career, I suddenly fell terribly ill. I started stuttering and my voice became more hoarse. I was having rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue and brain fog, my whole body was swollen, muscles and joints were extremely stiff and painful, and suffering from depression. My self-confidence dwindled so much I hid myself in my own shell. Doctors and specialists diagnosed me with severe Autoimmune Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism on top of chronic bronchial asthma I’ve had since childhood. My world fell apart as the truth was staring me right on my face - I had to put my career on hold. I wasn’t going to become a broadcast journalist. I felt I was a failure.

It took a while before I got back on my feet again. At 27 then, I told myself I may not have fully understood the realities of life just yet, but I was willing to embrace it without animosity or pride. My words and works are well-meant and are carved out of my passion for expression. I believed that my dreams are eventually bound to become reality because there are people who believe in me. Now at 37, I can say I finally understand.

Fast forward to 2008

I moved to the US, got married. By July 2009 I gave birth to our healthy first-born son, and was blessed with a beautiful daughter in January 2012.

After giving birth to our son, it dawned on me that three years prior, my Endocrinologist warned me about having difficulty getting pregnant because of my severe Autoimmune condition. I was beaming with gratitude, knowing that I had triumphed despite the odds. I didn’t only get pregnant and had given birth once, but twice to two healthy and gorgeous babies!

Another setback or blessing?

On March 25, 2014, I was diagnosed with another Autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata after finding a bald patch on the back of my head. Having two autoimmune diseases made me realize I AM STILL BLESSED more than I'll ever know....You read that right.

I am not the type of person who will ask God, "Why me? Not again!?! Are you picking on me, God?" for giving me these autoimmune diseases.....

I say - I am not sick, I am only stronger. I am Abundant. I Attract. I Manifest. I Inspire.

Present time…

Fast forward to today, I have been writing and self-publishing books since 2012. I have authored four books under my real name (plus four more forthcoming this 2016), five under pen names, and contributing author to an international best-selling anthology book, including print, eBook and soon audio book formats.

I have been featured and written articles for the Manila Bulletin Style Weekend (the Philippines' largest broadsheet newspaper's weekly magazine), Lasallian Voices In Action (LAVOXA), Canossian Gazette, among others.

A devoted wife, a stay-at-home mom of two kids (7 and 4), and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hypothyroidism and Alopecia Areata Warrior and Advocate.

I strive to empower more people all over the world; inspire them by true stories of success, manifestations, inspired actions, journey and accomplishments; guide them how one can transform their life, live their dreams, follow their true calling, catapult their family and business to a higher level; and show them how to attract, manifest, and inspire.

I broadcast and write from our humble home on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I treat everybody like Ohana - that means family, and family means nobody gets left behind - or forgotten.

Thank you for reading my not so brief introduction. :) I look forward to hearing from all of you! Sending positive vibes, more abundance and more blessings your way! Aloha nui loa!