How helpful are you? Let us find out by first asking: why do you help others? There are mainly two kind of helpers: one group helps because they truly enjoy helping for the sake of helping, while the other seeks help or some kind of benefit in return.

Let me focus on the ladder group first. People love win-win situations (trust me, I do, too), where one helps the other to get something in return, such as in a joint venture. While it is perfectly fine in a business situation, always expecting rewards when you help others is not the way to go. But still, even in a strictly business setting, it does not hurt to help out.

And there are those who absolutely enjoy helping others. They ask for nothing in return. They ask only for the joy that comes with helping others. These helpers make the receivers feel best. When they help, they do not make the recipient feel guilty or obligated to return a favor. Do not make the helpee feel like they owe you anything but a ton of thanks! This kind of help is most appreciated.

True helpers help without boasting; they do not brag about their help. Instead, they enjoy helping in secrecy, for they know goodness is their reward. If you help so and so, do not tell the town what you did to help so and so. If you help someone, do not look as though you have sacrificed something; look happy and be pleased.

Do you offer to help others? Whenever you feel help is needed, ask if that person needs help. Not everyone feels comfortable asking for help, while some are too proud to do so. When my mother and I go out, for example to the malls, we often run into trouble with the doors. She will use one hand to keep the door open as she uses the other hand to get me inside the building. More often than we like, some folks will just look on, without asking her if she needs help. Luckily, we are grateful to have quite a few people who initially help us.

Lastly, remember to help yourself—love and take care of yourself. And ask for help if you need. It will not make you any less independent or make you lose your dignity. We are created to help one another in order to live harmoniously on this planet. Without people helping people, we would not go too far in life. So if you know what you ask for is necessary, without taking the advantage of others, then ask by all means.

And when done straight from the heart, help brings smiles to both the giver and receiver. Now that is what I call a win-win situation!

I have so many exciting things to share with you today that I don't even know where to start! I guess taking them in chronological order will be the best way, so here goes.

On January 12, I received an e-mail from Cynthia Brian with the subject "Good News." "Oh, my," I thought to myself. Could it be—? And boy, I was right and was I happy or what—for the third year in a row, I am again one of the winners in her national annual Be the Star You Are! essay contest, this time earning Honorable Mention for my piece, My Mother: A Fighter, a Victor, a Lover, which applauds my stellar mother Juliet Cheng for being such a courageous and loving fighter to protect my life at all costs. In my story, I talked about the 1990 internationally broadcast custody case my mother had battled and won against a Connecticut doctor after she refused harmful treatment. To read my winning entry, go to my site, and it's under "News Flash!" http://www.shirleycheng.com

I have officially released my long-awaited book, Embrace Ultra-Ability! Wisdom, Insight & Motivation from the Blind Who Sees Far and Wide, late last month. I am so excited that I have finally delivered this book baby. I have put so much of my heart and soul into this project. I have to admit that this is my favorite book yet. If you enjoy reading my newsletter, I am sure you will certainly enjoy this book manyfold. And today is absolutely the last day I am offering this book at the low price of $12.97. After midnight, it will be available at the regular retail price of $14.97, so do not miss out on this time-limited offer! Grab an autographed copy or two at http://www.shirleycheng.com While you're there, you can read an excerpt from the book.

On February 4 at 10:10 in the morning, Dr. Frank Fowler will interview me live on his radio show Let's Talk About It on WRNJ 1510 AM, which is broadcast in New Jersey. If you have that station, please tune in. I will talk about how to overcome disabilities and life's challenges to create a rewarding life. I'd love to have you join me live!

I am delighted that my well-received short story, Those Unforgettable 180 Days, is featured on www.Spiritual-Short-Stories.com for your enjoyment. The site has many wonderful inspirational stories to awaken your soul and warm your heart, and they are always looking for new writers to submit stories, so by all means check it out. Happy reading!

On February 12, Mohamed Tohami will call me all the way from Egypt to interview me about my secrets on how to be truly successful. He interviews ultra successful people and posts the interviews on his website, so needless to say, this is quite an honor! Once my interview is up, I will let you know.

Want to know how you can awaken your spirit to live a happy and successful life? Want to know how to conquer negativity? Then join me live on Wednesday, February 20 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on a teleseminar hosted by life coach Nickolove Lovemore. To listen, you can either call in at 218-486-3696 (USA) then enter in the conference ID: 579802# (the numbers followed by the pound sign #), or go to instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=1691643 If you would like to have me answer any of your questions, submit them on that page, and I will be more than glad to answer them during the interview. It is bound to be a power-packed hour of inspiration, so be sure to let your friends and family know!

Once in a while, I will recommend something I feel you would like and that would benefit you on your quest to achieving a good life. This time, I would like you to listen to the teleseminar "How to Make 2008 Your Best Year Yet!" hosted by Joshua Stein at: http://www.instantconference.com/RecordingDownload.aspx?R=385888&C=615&E=854017

Whew! Didn't I tell you that I have lots to share?

Until next time, remember to have your heart lend out a helping hand! And don't forget to check out my new book Embrace Ultra-Ability! Wisdom, Insight & Motivation from the Blind Who Sees Far and Wide, and grab a copy while my special offer lasts!