According to Great-grandmother Mary Lyons, smiles and laughter are good medicine, and every day offers new opportunities to set yourself on the path to a happy life.

Raised on an Ojibwe reservation in northern Minnesota and experiencing first-hand the challenges of alcohol and drug addiction, Mary Lyons wrestled with her own demons as she learned from Native elders and her ancestors how to live a positive, fulfilled life. Now a tireless advocate for fostered, adopted and at-risk children from all backgrounds, she travels and teaches internationally, passing on the wisdom from her indigenous tradition.

"The teachings in Wisdom Lessons are for anyone looking for help in understanding life, as well as support in moving forward," Lyons says. "I believe these teachings will be of benefit to people of any age and any background, from a young child to the eldest person on the planet, no matter the color of their skin or their religion or culture."

Mary Lyons offers her Wisdom Lessons as short poems and prose pieces, many growing out of her extensive experience with the negative effects of alcohol and drug addiction, including her own recovery as well as her years of fostering and adopting children with family problems, disabilities and fetal alcohol syndrome.

At once plainspoken and lyrical, Grandmother Mary offers invaluable lessons for anyone interested in living a healthy, happy life in alignment with their higher self.