Gift of Being Different (On Being)

About the Author

Monica Berg (author): Mother, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, friend, author, podcaster, cardio enthusiast and Change Junkie, Monica integrates all that she is into her mission of sharing with others. Monica is a fresh voice that channels the powerful internal spark of Light living within us all. Authentic and fearless, she reminds us of our extraordinary potential and pushes us onward with compassion and understanding. While informed by her many years of kabbalistic study, Monica also draws heavily on her own personal life experiences. She battled and overcame a debilitating eating disorder at a young age, and as a mother of four children, one of whom has special needs, she has become an outspoken advocate for him and others struggling to find their voice. With her trademark blend of humor, insight, and honesty, she shows individuals how to create a life that feels like it is working, like it makes sense, and most importantly, a life in which they are living and loving as the powerful, fulfilled person they've always wanted to be. Her personal endeavors have taught her how the practical wisdom of Kabbalah can bring Light and strength into even the most challenging experiences by changing the one thing we can control, ourselves. Monica Berg, a self-professed Change Junkie, shares her combination of wisdom and real-life awareness with talks found compelling to a wide range of people at different stages in their lives. She leads people to not only see how they can change (change is the only constant in life) but inspires them to get excited about a lifestyle of change. Monica Berg is the author of Fear Is Not an Option and Rethink Love, co-hosts the Spiritually Hungry podcast, and serves as Co-director and Chief Communications Officer for Kabbalah Centre International. She lives in New York with her husband Michael and their children David, Joshua, Miriam, and Abigail. Abigail Berg (co-author): At 8 years old, Abigail Berg is making her writing debut as the co-creator of The Gift of Being Different. The book was conceived before she could even read or write. When Abigail was diagnosed with dyslexia, she chose not to let dyslexia define her. Instead, she would redefine what it means to be different. Since then, Abigail has strived to be a role model for those who feel like they don't quite fit in, which, she has discovered, is most people. Abigail's hope is for all people, young and old, to embrace their differences and transform them into their own personal superpowers. The youngest of four siblings, Abigail lives in NYC with her parents, siblings, and her dog Miles. Sonia Possentini (Illustrator): Italian illustrator and painter Sonia Maria Luce Possentini graduated with a degree in Art History from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna. During her studies, Sonia received scholarships from the prestigious Magnani Rocca Foundation and Olands Grafiska Skola of Venice. She further refined her artistry under master illustrator Stěpán Zavřel Kveta Pacovska. Sonia has illustrated over 200 children's books, and her work has been featured in publications around the world. She has received numerous awards, including the MAM Masters of Art and Craft Award, Andersen Prize for best illustrator, the Cento-Ferrara International Illustration award, and first prize by the International Children's Illustration Competition. Sonia currently resides in Prignano sulla Secchia in the Modena Province of Italy with her partner and their two dogs, Mia and Nina. When not illustrating or painting, she can be found roaming the hills and meadows of the Modena Apennines and tending her garden. Sonia is represented by MB Artist in the U.S.