It is by teaching that we teach ourselves by relating that we observe by affirming that we examine by showing that we look by writing that we think by pumping that we draw water into the well.

The thing that I think is the most important is taking moments to express your appreciation to your partner. A thank you or a quick kiss can go a long way toward affirming your relationship and commitment to each other. That's not hard to do even when you're juggling insane careers and three kids.

Never ever discount the idea of marriage. Sure someone might tell you that marriage is just a piece of paper. Well so is money and what's more life-affirming than cold hard cash?

Thankfully President Obama has stood firmly behind women's health care issues by supporting coverage for contraception and reaffirming commitment to organizations like Planned Parenthood.

The memoirs that have come out of Africa are sometimes startlingly beautiful often urgent and essentially life-affirming but they are all performances of courage and honesty.

I've just finished reading a book about the brilliant Margaret Rutherford. She wasn't a beauty but inside she was absolutely blazing and passionate about her work. She's one of those life-affirming characters.