Anne Mello possesses a huge aura of happiness, enthusiasm, and vigour which gives her a captivating personality.

She is the type of person you radiate toward because she is very insightful and has a way of instantly making you feel good about yourself.

Mrs. Mello has a keen interest in human nature and behaviour - why we act as we do - and promotes wellness personally and professionally. She teaches adult and continuing education evening classes at the Bermuda College to personal fitness trainers, physical activity leaders and enthusiasts who wish to know more about exercise. Wellness is one of the focuses.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from Vermont College.

In the past she was a fitness instructor but now she focuses on teaching wellness which incorporates all the forces of life.

"Wellness is understanding that every thing has an impact on your life. Get beyond the biological and the physical. It is more than an absence of illness.

"Wellness is art, our environment, nature, our emotional and spiritual selves, our visions for the future and it is all encompassing,'' she explained.

Mrs. Mello shares her basic wellness plan for people of all ages, especially those who are age 50 and over: "It is very important to take care of the body after age 50. Make friends with your body.

"Get annual medical exams.

"Eating healthy and well allows one to get to a basic level of nutrition. We must intake food to live and not live to eat.

"Take and do all things in moderation and live in ways which bring happiness to you and others.

"Be active. A lot of diseases are caused by lifestyle choices. Do a minimum of 30 accumulated minutes of exercise daily. This could be little things like walking the dog for 10 minutes.

"Take time to embrace your life. Enjoy doing things with your friends and family.

"Be productive and vital and seize the moment today.

"Go with your passions. Serving others involving your passions can have an impact upon you and others. Share your gifts and talents.'' When Mrs. Mello turned 50 she realised it was a profound turning point in her life.

"It was a moment of recognition and realisation of changes. I come from a family of 10 with 24 nieces and nephews. I thought of all of us and about our ages and the journeys some had taken and the journeys which awaited others.'' She feels one of the main lessons in life is to love and be loved. This is the new age message that we are constantly hearing from leaders like Oprah Winfrey.

All of us have great potential and we should let down our defensives and get beyond negativity to enable us to receive the good aspects of life.

Over the years Mrs. Mello says she has been blessed with wonderful mentors and teachers.

"The women in my family are marvellous. My mother is age 90, is still vibrant and totally connected to her family and friends. My many aunts have shown me grace and dedication.

"My daughters Jessie, 24 and Keil, 26, generously share their lives, interests and friends with me. They open me to new ways of thinking and living.

"I believe your life gets richer as you age. You learn from the paths of people who have shared their struggles with you. From the moment of birth we learn from observing.'' Mrs. Mello feels that this decade has been the most beneficial time for her learning. She says she is learning to be a better learner.

"I am blessed with a strong sense of curiosity and I am open to change, I don't fear it. Life becomes more precious with each day. I am looking forward to my journey.'' Mrs. Mello is a motivational speaker who enjoys giving talks and workshops focused on fitness and wellness and is knowledgeable about nutrition.

"The part I play at Nutrition Consultant Services Shape-Down workshops is to help the participants find ways to incorporate activities throughout their days and to become committed an active lifestyles.

"I also co-manage The Fitness Firm, a team of women who provide mobile personal training, sports massage, and beauty therapy, as well as wellness promotion around the Island,'' she concluded.

Anne Mello has been blessed with great mentors and teachers.