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Press Release

Local Businesswoman Publishes First Book, “Thoughts Become Things”

Written by Melanie Santostefano, the book features six pillars that guide her through life. She hopes others find their own inspiration.

Northwest suburban resident and businesswoman Melanie Santostefano recently released her first book, “Thoughts Become Things – Six Pillars to Guide You Through Life.”

Melanie at a book signing event

The book was inspired by people in Melanie’s background who taught her valuable lessons, as well as real-life, and at times, gritty experiences that showed her what her Six Pillars would become: Faith, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Grit, Honor and Humility.

In this biographic self-empowerment book, Melanie recalls serious adversities that began during her high school years amid her parents’ tumultuous divorce. Additional tests to her own happiness and stability came about when her mother remarried a few years later and moved back to her native country of Ireland when Melanie was 21 years old. 

“In ‘Thoughts Become Things,’ I share very personal things I have gone through in my life, in hopes others can see we all have challenges that, at times, may seem insurmountable and can threaten who we think we are, and who we want to become,” Santostefano said. “Looking back, I see now how fortunate I was to have these people I write about in my life – along with the great and the terrible times – because they all gave me great gifts and blessings that helped me to become who I am today.”

The book profiles eight people and their impact on Melanie’s life. Seven are no longer living and are memorialized in the first five chapters (in order, Honor, Humility, Gratitude, Grit and Faith). The sixth chapter, entitled “Forgiveness,” describes how Melanie finally came to terms with, accepted, and forgave her mother after 13 extremely challenging years.

Melanie hopes those who read the book can use the Six Pillars she emulates for herself or be motivated to develop their own — to live a more positive and focused life — and help make their hopes and dreams a reality. She also hopes readers can learn how to harness the power of their thoughts to empower themselves in any situation, including the times when it’s hard to see the way ahead.

Available for keynotes, retreats, and workshops, Melanie offers inspiration and positivity for audience members through the people and stories behind her Six Pillars – and reinforces her strong belief that our thoughts can and do, become things. For inquiries, email engage@ststevenpr.com.

To learn more about “Thoughts Become Things,” visit ststevenpr.com/thoughts-become-things/. A workbook is included at the end of the book, allowing the reader to chart their journey and track their progress in taking their positive thoughts and willing them to become a reality. Five dollars for every book sold will be donated to Journeys | The Road Home, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency that provides shelter, services and housing to people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, in suburban Cook County (Illinois). More information about this amazing organization can be found at journeystheroadhome.org.

Melanie is a founder and president of two businesses, marketing communications firm Vicarious Multimedia, established in 2004 after a career in the news media, and St. Steven Public Relations, a firm focused on PR, public information and crisis communications. She lives in the northwest suburbs with her 15-year-old son, who is her pride and joy.