Krisztina Strauss
Krisztina Strauss moved from Hungary to the United States as an adult where she raised her three children and became a successful businessperson. Even though she resided in Ohio, Florida, and then New York, Krisztina always stayed rooted in her cultural heritage and happy childhood in a small village in Hungary.
As an author Krisztina focuses on increasing vitality: provides invaluable tips to her readers on how to live a long, healthy, and wholesome life. Krisztina writes both in English and Hungarian.
As an author Krisztina focuses on increasing vitality: provides invaluable tips to her readers on how to live a long, healthy, and wholesome life. Krisztina writes both in English and Hungarian.
“Words are worthless, if they fly away like the autumn wind, but love,
when it comes from a pure heart accompanies a person as long as he lives.” – Attila József
when it comes from a pure heart accompanies a person as long as he lives.” – Attila József
about me...
As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandparents in Makó. I was raised to be skilled in every job, because work is not shameful! My grandfather was a musician and a farmer, while my Grandmother ran the household. I often had to help out in the kitchen, so I learned everything from peeling potatoes to baking challah. Already as a child I understood that food should not be wasted! I learned that breadcrumbs, potato peels, and even the boiled water from pasta could be reused. Onions, beans, potatoes, beets, carrots, cherries, plums, lavender, chamomile and eggs have always been of great service in my grandmother’s kitchen!
Remembering my happy childhood brings me great joy. I had a beautiful red Muraköz horse called Bajnok, a gray bunny called Samu, my kittens were called Virci and Manci, and last but not least, I had a puppy whom I named Niki.
My grandparents, who taught me so much, often allowed me to put my bunny, my kittens and my puppy in a basket, we put the horse in front of the buggy, and we went to out to the fields like one “big family”. While my grandparents were busy with seasonal farm work, I was able to run around the meadow. My dog Niki ran along with me, my bunny Samu hopped behind us, and my horse rested with the kittens under a tree. The wind blew my hair, my clothes were dusty and dirty, but I didn’t care because I was busy picking poppies, lavender, chamomile, and singing in the meantime. I made beautiful bouquets and proudly presented them to my Grandmother, who always thanked me and asked if I knew what plants I brought in the bouquet.
Every other Sunday, my Grandmother and I hopped on a train and rode to Földeák. My Grandmother’s siblings lived in this wonderful little village. I loved to visit, it was a beautiful wooded, clean town where everyone knew each other and greeted each other with a smile. We ran around, played hide and seek, ate cherries and plums straight from the trees all day long with my cousins, and friends of my age. We picked flowers from the church garden and built a tent. It didn’t matter to us whether it was rainy or windy outside, we were playing chef or doctor under our tent. Sometimes the adults checked on us and at times they brought us a little challah or a slice of bread. We used to return home with heavy baskets filled with goodies. At the Makó railway station my grandfather was waiting for us with a horse-drawn carriage. The next day we woke up early to can or pickle the contents of the baskets – and this is how I learned everything from my Grandmother.
Whether it was summer or winter, every Friday we baked challahs in our beehive oven. While my Grandmother kneaded and leavened the dough, I peeled onions or potatoes, read, or played sitting on the edge of the large beehive oven. We didn’t have any computers or cell phones at the time. But we weren’t sitting in the room all day long either. We didn’t get up at noon, we didn’t have any Barbie dolls, yet we happily spent our days enjoying the wonders of nature. We loved playing with dolls made of corn husk and through playing I learned a lot about plants, flowers, and how to create a home. This is the knowledge that I would like to share with others in honor of my Grandparents.
They were positive thinkers and taught that to me too. At times when I’d trip over and fall, I ran into the house with torn pants, bleeding knee, or a scraped elbow, and my Grandmother scolded me. She fetched water with vinegar to clean the wound. I always got a tablespoon of honey and she said, “You’ll be good as new tomorrow!” Indeed, I always felt better from the wonders of nature.
Back in the old days, the elderly used plants for healing. Herbs are not magic potions to substitute doctors but they can prove to be very helpful when treating certain conditions. It is very important to know that natural remedies have no side effects, only positive effects on the body. Our bodies can be fully explained by our thoughts: patients who believe that healing could be achieved by taking the right herbal remedy, will be healed by the plants! Those who believe in the power of medications prescribed by the doctors will be healed through that.
I had nine surgeries throughout my life and also had difficulties with aging, but I’ve never taken any medication! I have always healed from the wonders of nature just like I learned from my Grandmother. She used to say wisely that health was a gift and that it was true wealth. Being rich is not just about having money! Over the years I have understood that disease emerges through negative thinking. If you find yourself worried, scared, or wishing something bad upon yourself for some reason, take a break from your thoughts for a few minutes! Think of something good and your pain will lift! Positive thinking, smiles, thankfulness, gratitude, and faith is already half-way to healing.
As the years have passed, my Grandparents’ time also passed and I grew up. Following their passing, I felt misplaced and empty. I missed their love and their guidance. After my father left this world too, I had a break-down. It took me awhile to regain my strength.
I know from my own experience that we can make ourselves sick with negative thoughts. When I felt sick, my Grandmother’s words came to mind. I went out to the market to buy fresh vegetables and fruits and I stopped crying and smiled. I didn’t lock myself away, I visited some friends. I ate what felt right and my days started to get easier. I was able to feel happy for a new day and I was able to give thanks to the Good Lord, the Universe, for not letting me get lost – and by changing my thoughts, I slowly but surely recovered.
Over time I had three healthy children. I remember, I was a single mother in 2003, as I strolled Széchenyi Square in Szeged and I was thinking about how I could provide a joyful, peaceful, safe, and calm life for my children. I bought a newspaper, sat down on a bench and flipped through it. Within minutes, my eyes caught an ad: “Job Opportunity in America”. I told myself, “this was going to be our way” - I guess it was no coincidence, I had to see this ad. Willpower creates the way! Within three weeks I took care of the travel arrangements and we found ourselves in Florida!
My Grandmother used to say, “Always fight for your dreams. Nobody knows how long it would take but be careful! If something isn’t working, don’t force it, rather look for another way because God always provides other opportunities! People and events enter your life for a reason. Don’t get stuck in one place, go and fight, sooner or later your efforts will bear fruit. Then thank God for the ability to think.”
I have spent 18 hard years in America: I managed to move forward slowly by working in positions demanding trying physical labor and my kids grew up over time. In 2007 my mom sent me a book as a gift: Rhonda Byne’s, “The Secret”. The book became my great teacher over the years. I am grateful to the Universe for manifesting this book from my Mom!
In 2009 I met a fantastic therapist who taught me with his peace of mind how to really live. To accept good, to love, to persevere, and recognize bad things. A healthy lifestyle and love were the guiding principles in his life, and last but not least, gratitude. This man is goodness itself. He has directed me to service so many people. He always taught me that success requires 3 things:
1. Yourself
2. Your faith
3. Your gratefulness
“Never be angry with anyone or anything! Use everything as a learning experience! Consider what sort of impact individuals have on your life. Keep the good, let go of the bad!”, he used to tell me. His teachings were in sync with my beloved Grandmother’s advice from so many years ago, “Let kindness flow from you with pure heart, don't be angry with anyone!”
Another defining personality in my life was an elderly man I’ve met by chance: he fell in front of a synagogue on the street right in front of me. I helped him back on his feet, but his arm was hurting, so I called him an ambulance. I visited him in the hospital and the rehabilitation center. Once he placed his two small wrinkled hands on my knees and began to tell me about himself. His eyes were so full of sorrow and joy. Certainly, life has never spared him, but he believed that God always took care of him. Over the years, he became a “father-figure” to me. He used to say, “My dear girl, may kindness always live inside of you”, his words are still ringing in my ears. Unfortunately, he departed from this world forever in the fall of 2017.
One of my friends, whom I met in 2018, has also greatly supported me as a naturopath with his good advice. Fate has posed more than enough obstacles in his life too, but he never gave up. He encouraged me to finish this book. My maternal grandparents were also very kind to me. My grandfather was a soulful person while my grandmother was tough - but had heart of gold. Their way of thinking and advice also had a positive impact on my life. Drawing strength from the kindness of the people listed in my life story, the gates have opened for me. I created a stable life for myself and my family in the meantime and with the support of my partner, I have had the opportunity to create my own business and a stable life, to write and to travel.
I have spent meaningful time in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, New York, Canada, the Caribbean, Prague, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie, and in my birth country. I have fond memories of Budapest, Szeged, Makó and Földeák. My friend, who is a biologist, and I share a lot of precious memories in our hearts about our little village. It is my dream is to visit Australia and Israel. Israel has been close to my heart since I learned about my family’s Jewish roots. My upbringing was not religious (because of the political system), but we still lived according to Jewish traditions.
I have a lot of respect for people who persevere and struggle to bring peace and tranquility to the world again. It is not religion and nationality that matter, but man himself: every person and every living being!
Krisztina Strauss
Remembering my happy childhood brings me great joy. I had a beautiful red Muraköz horse called Bajnok, a gray bunny called Samu, my kittens were called Virci and Manci, and last but not least, I had a puppy whom I named Niki.
My grandparents, who taught me so much, often allowed me to put my bunny, my kittens and my puppy in a basket, we put the horse in front of the buggy, and we went to out to the fields like one “big family”. While my grandparents were busy with seasonal farm work, I was able to run around the meadow. My dog Niki ran along with me, my bunny Samu hopped behind us, and my horse rested with the kittens under a tree. The wind blew my hair, my clothes were dusty and dirty, but I didn’t care because I was busy picking poppies, lavender, chamomile, and singing in the meantime. I made beautiful bouquets and proudly presented them to my Grandmother, who always thanked me and asked if I knew what plants I brought in the bouquet.
Every other Sunday, my Grandmother and I hopped on a train and rode to Földeák. My Grandmother’s siblings lived in this wonderful little village. I loved to visit, it was a beautiful wooded, clean town where everyone knew each other and greeted each other with a smile. We ran around, played hide and seek, ate cherries and plums straight from the trees all day long with my cousins, and friends of my age. We picked flowers from the church garden and built a tent. It didn’t matter to us whether it was rainy or windy outside, we were playing chef or doctor under our tent. Sometimes the adults checked on us and at times they brought us a little challah or a slice of bread. We used to return home with heavy baskets filled with goodies. At the Makó railway station my grandfather was waiting for us with a horse-drawn carriage. The next day we woke up early to can or pickle the contents of the baskets – and this is how I learned everything from my Grandmother.
Whether it was summer or winter, every Friday we baked challahs in our beehive oven. While my Grandmother kneaded and leavened the dough, I peeled onions or potatoes, read, or played sitting on the edge of the large beehive oven. We didn’t have any computers or cell phones at the time. But we weren’t sitting in the room all day long either. We didn’t get up at noon, we didn’t have any Barbie dolls, yet we happily spent our days enjoying the wonders of nature. We loved playing with dolls made of corn husk and through playing I learned a lot about plants, flowers, and how to create a home. This is the knowledge that I would like to share with others in honor of my Grandparents.
They were positive thinkers and taught that to me too. At times when I’d trip over and fall, I ran into the house with torn pants, bleeding knee, or a scraped elbow, and my Grandmother scolded me. She fetched water with vinegar to clean the wound. I always got a tablespoon of honey and she said, “You’ll be good as new tomorrow!” Indeed, I always felt better from the wonders of nature.
Back in the old days, the elderly used plants for healing. Herbs are not magic potions to substitute doctors but they can prove to be very helpful when treating certain conditions. It is very important to know that natural remedies have no side effects, only positive effects on the body. Our bodies can be fully explained by our thoughts: patients who believe that healing could be achieved by taking the right herbal remedy, will be healed by the plants! Those who believe in the power of medications prescribed by the doctors will be healed through that.
I had nine surgeries throughout my life and also had difficulties with aging, but I’ve never taken any medication! I have always healed from the wonders of nature just like I learned from my Grandmother. She used to say wisely that health was a gift and that it was true wealth. Being rich is not just about having money! Over the years I have understood that disease emerges through negative thinking. If you find yourself worried, scared, or wishing something bad upon yourself for some reason, take a break from your thoughts for a few minutes! Think of something good and your pain will lift! Positive thinking, smiles, thankfulness, gratitude, and faith is already half-way to healing.
As the years have passed, my Grandparents’ time also passed and I grew up. Following their passing, I felt misplaced and empty. I missed their love and their guidance. After my father left this world too, I had a break-down. It took me awhile to regain my strength.
I know from my own experience that we can make ourselves sick with negative thoughts. When I felt sick, my Grandmother’s words came to mind. I went out to the market to buy fresh vegetables and fruits and I stopped crying and smiled. I didn’t lock myself away, I visited some friends. I ate what felt right and my days started to get easier. I was able to feel happy for a new day and I was able to give thanks to the Good Lord, the Universe, for not letting me get lost – and by changing my thoughts, I slowly but surely recovered.
Over time I had three healthy children. I remember, I was a single mother in 2003, as I strolled Széchenyi Square in Szeged and I was thinking about how I could provide a joyful, peaceful, safe, and calm life for my children. I bought a newspaper, sat down on a bench and flipped through it. Within minutes, my eyes caught an ad: “Job Opportunity in America”. I told myself, “this was going to be our way” - I guess it was no coincidence, I had to see this ad. Willpower creates the way! Within three weeks I took care of the travel arrangements and we found ourselves in Florida!
My Grandmother used to say, “Always fight for your dreams. Nobody knows how long it would take but be careful! If something isn’t working, don’t force it, rather look for another way because God always provides other opportunities! People and events enter your life for a reason. Don’t get stuck in one place, go and fight, sooner or later your efforts will bear fruit. Then thank God for the ability to think.”
I have spent 18 hard years in America: I managed to move forward slowly by working in positions demanding trying physical labor and my kids grew up over time. In 2007 my mom sent me a book as a gift: Rhonda Byne’s, “The Secret”. The book became my great teacher over the years. I am grateful to the Universe for manifesting this book from my Mom!
In 2009 I met a fantastic therapist who taught me with his peace of mind how to really live. To accept good, to love, to persevere, and recognize bad things. A healthy lifestyle and love were the guiding principles in his life, and last but not least, gratitude. This man is goodness itself. He has directed me to service so many people. He always taught me that success requires 3 things:
1. Yourself
2. Your faith
3. Your gratefulness
“Never be angry with anyone or anything! Use everything as a learning experience! Consider what sort of impact individuals have on your life. Keep the good, let go of the bad!”, he used to tell me. His teachings were in sync with my beloved Grandmother’s advice from so many years ago, “Let kindness flow from you with pure heart, don't be angry with anyone!”
Another defining personality in my life was an elderly man I’ve met by chance: he fell in front of a synagogue on the street right in front of me. I helped him back on his feet, but his arm was hurting, so I called him an ambulance. I visited him in the hospital and the rehabilitation center. Once he placed his two small wrinkled hands on my knees and began to tell me about himself. His eyes were so full of sorrow and joy. Certainly, life has never spared him, but he believed that God always took care of him. Over the years, he became a “father-figure” to me. He used to say, “My dear girl, may kindness always live inside of you”, his words are still ringing in my ears. Unfortunately, he departed from this world forever in the fall of 2017.
One of my friends, whom I met in 2018, has also greatly supported me as a naturopath with his good advice. Fate has posed more than enough obstacles in his life too, but he never gave up. He encouraged me to finish this book. My maternal grandparents were also very kind to me. My grandfather was a soulful person while my grandmother was tough - but had heart of gold. Their way of thinking and advice also had a positive impact on my life. Drawing strength from the kindness of the people listed in my life story, the gates have opened for me. I created a stable life for myself and my family in the meantime and with the support of my partner, I have had the opportunity to create my own business and a stable life, to write and to travel.
I have spent meaningful time in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, New York, Canada, the Caribbean, Prague, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie, and in my birth country. I have fond memories of Budapest, Szeged, Makó and Földeák. My friend, who is a biologist, and I share a lot of precious memories in our hearts about our little village. It is my dream is to visit Australia and Israel. Israel has been close to my heart since I learned about my family’s Jewish roots. My upbringing was not religious (because of the political system), but we still lived according to Jewish traditions.
I have a lot of respect for people who persevere and struggle to bring peace and tranquility to the world again. It is not religion and nationality that matter, but man himself: every person and every living being!
Krisztina Strauss