Mona Liza Santos: Turning Uncertainty into Stories that Heal Hearts

Some of life's most meaningful journeys begin in moments of uncertainty. Mona Liza Santos is an award-winning children's author, publisher, and founder of World Love Press who transformed one of the most challenging periods of her life into a mission that now touches families around the world. Inspired by motherhood, her Filipino heritage, and a deep desire to help children feel seen, valued, and understood, Mona has written more than 40 books focused on kindness, emotional literacy, confidence, belonging, and cultural identity. LiveWabiSabi is honored to feature Mona because her story beautifully reflects the power of embracing imperfections, finding purpose through adversity, and creating something meaningful from life's unexpected chapters.

Her WabiSabi Life Story

Like the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, Mona's journey shines through a season that once felt uncertain and overwhelming. During the pandemic, she faced the same fears, isolation, and unanswered questions that many parents around the world experienced. As she helped her young son navigate a rapidly changing world, she found comfort in writing stories for him.

What began as a simple act of love soon evolved into something extraordinary. Those stories grew into more than 40 children's books, educational resources, a publishing company, and global initiatives focused on kindness, emotional literacy, belonging, and human connection. Through her work, Mona has created safe spaces for children and families to feel understood and supported.

Looking back, she sees that difficult chapter not as a setback but as the foundation for some of the most meaningful work of her life. Her journey is a reminder that even during uncertain times, hope, purpose, and compassion can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.

Her Daily Dose of SelfLoveShots

For Mona, self-love is found in the everyday moments rather than grand gestures. It means allowing herself to rest without guilt, protecting her peace, and being intentional about where she invests her energy.

Self-love also means extending the same compassion to herself that she freely gives to others. Some days, it looks like working on a new book, taking a peaceful walk, spending quality time with her son, traveling, or simply embracing a quiet moment of reflection.

Most importantly, she believes self-love is accepting that she is always evolving. She doesn't strive for perfection; instead, she chooses to appreciate herself as she is while continuing to grow. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: we do not need to become someone else to be worthy of love, happiness, or respect.

Her Proudest Moment

Among her many accomplishments, Mona treasures the messages she receives from parents who share how her books have helped their children feel understood or opened conversations they previously struggled to have. Knowing that her stories have positively impacted a child’s emotional well-being is one of her greatest rewards. She is equally proud that what started as stories written for her son during the pandemic blossomed into a global platform of books, educational resources, and kindness initiatives that continue to inspire families worldwide.

One of her proudest achievements has been founding National Intentional Kindness Day, observed annually on August 24, and Heritage & Heart Day, observed annually on October 15. Both observances were created to extend the messages found throughout her books, including kindness, belonging, emotional literacy, cultural understanding, and human connection, beyond the pages and into communities. In recognition of their impact, both observances received an official proclamation from the City of National City, California, signed by Mayor Ron Morrison.

For Mona, these observances represent more than a single day on the calendar. They reflect a lifelong vision of creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, schools, and communities to come together through kindness, understanding, and connection. Her hope is that these observances continue for generations to come, inspiring future children and families long after she is gone. These moments remind her that work rooted in love, purpose, and good intentions often grows far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Being Part of LiveWabiSabi Stories

For Mona, being part of LiveWabiSabi Stories is deeply meaningful because it celebrates something many people try to hide, our imperfections, struggles, and life lessons.

She believes our challenges do not diminish our worth; rather, they shape us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individuals. As someone who writes about kindness, resilience, belonging, and emotional growth, the Wabi Sabi philosophy resonates deeply with her.

Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned, yet there is beauty in every lesson, every challenge, and every step of growth. Through sharing her story, she hopes to remind others that they do not need to be perfect to live a beautiful and meaningful life.

Her Biggest Cheerleader

While Mona has been blessed with support from many people throughout her journey, her greatest supporter is her son, Michael.

He was the inspiration behind her first stories and continues to be the driving force behind her mission today. His curiosity, resilience, and unwavering belief in her gave her the courage to keep writing, creating, and growing even during moments of self-doubt.

Every book, idea, challenge, and milestone carries a piece of his influence. Though she is his mother, Mona lovingly describes Michael as one of her greatest teachers, continually reminding her of the importance of kindness, empathy, emotional literacy, and genuine human connection.

Her Message to Other Women

Mona's message is one of hope, self-compassion, and perseverance.

She encourages women, and people of all genders, to be kind to themselves and keep moving forward, even when life doesn't unfold according to plan. Challenges, mistakes, disappointments, and uncertainty are inevitable, but they do not define our worth.

Some of the most beautiful opportunities arise during seasons when we cannot yet see the bigger picture. She believes we should celebrate our strengths while also embracing the parts of our stories that did not go as expected, because those experiences often shape us the most.

Her message is simple yet profound: You are enough exactly as you are. Continue growing, learning, and trusting your journey. Never underestimate the impact your kindness, your voice, and your story can have on the lives of others.

"You do not have to be perfect to live a meaningful life. Some of the most beautiful things begin during seasons of uncertainty. Be kind to yourself, keep going, and trust that your story matters." ~ Mona Liza Santos

Connect with Mona Liza Santos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monalizasantos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missmonaliza/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momosvoyage/

Website: https://www.monalizasantos.com/

Wish to share your journey/lived experiences? If you’d like to be part of the Wabi Sabi Story Series, and share your journey to inspire others globally, email us at shilpi@livewabisabi.com Your journey may be exactly the inspiration someone else needs today💛

Lead with awareness.

Create with intention.

Rest when needed.

Make today something you feel, not just something you finish.

Wishing you strength, resilience, and limitless growth.

Love & Light,

LiveWabiSabi