I think the hardest thing for me to see in myself was that I was too hard on myself. I was too judgmental of what I perceived as failure, and consequently I judged others inappropriately in the past. At the same time, it was a great lesson in humility to learn that we are all cut from the same cloth and we all are worthy of happiness in our lives, regardless of our history or belief systems. One of the fantastic things I know now is that you are never a victim to your old thoughts or of how you perceived yourself in the past, because we can change on a dime. We can always make different choices and, through a disciplined life of self-observation and honesty, we are able to change the course of our lives. What took me a long time to understand, but what I fully comprehend now, is that I am lovable and deserving of good things in life such as a peaceful home, great health and a sense of self-esteem that is mine to own.

That's what my new book is about, spreading that message to others. My book is an invitation to be kind to yourself; to have faith that we are all deserving and capable of balance, love, great health and well-being on all levels. If I can help people to ask the right questions in regard to food, exercise, silence and home as a path to personal power, then I know that my journey is worth it. And in fact I see my book making a difference, because people already can relate to my personal stories. It then inspires them to do easy things from the book that are empowering and guides them to take responsibility for their individual balance on their terms. Hence, my journey is already a success. The good news is that the program is doable and sustainable throughout your lifetime.

Bankrate: What would your famous grandfather think of how you live and who you are today?

Hemingway: In my imagination, which is the only place where I can answer this question, my grandfather would like where I am. I think if he were to do it all again, he would realize that you can be a creative man or woman from a place of balance and centeredness. The fact is he lived in a time where the journey was about courage and bravery and facing death from a more guttural place, and that was the environment of that era. Those kinds of dangers affect so few of us these days that our path is more internal and, frankly, a lot more self-centered. I am inspired by his works to be a giver of health as he was a giver of art. Yet what can I say? Ernest was a genius and understood the world from a purity of voice that few will ever achieve in their lifetime. I am honored to be a part of that heritage.