Women know how to take care of everyone else, said Dale Smith Thomas, but “we kind of put ourselves last.”

Thomas — who was the guest speaker Thursday for the Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital and Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital eighth annual LiveWell Women’s Expo — said her message, “The Power of Choice,” seeks to empower women to make choices that positively affect their personal life and in turn the lives of those around them.

“Selfcare is not selfish,” she said. “It’s decisions that determine your destiny.”

As part of her “Power of Choice” message, Thomas emphasized optimism as a strategy that serves one well in both personal and business affairs. Messages of positivity have gained traction in the last 20 years, she said, as more “cold hard facts” have been published revealing the powerful effects of a positive mind-set.

“Positive psychology has shown that a more positive mind broadens. It looks for solutions. It’s more forward thinking. We identify problems but we empower solutions.”

Thomas said she has combined her message of optimism and choice into her latest book, “Good Morning, Gorgeous,” which she signed for LiveWell Women’s Expo participants.

One of the “hardest books she’s ever written,” Thomas said “Good Morning, Gorgeous” is a reflection of her personal struggles and triumphs.

The “workbook-like format” gives women practical insights into feeling more gorgeous because “feeling gorgeous is a choice,” Thomas said.

Heather Hidalgo, Christus Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana Director of Marketing and Communications, said 500 women registered for the expo, which was “primed to offer guests a wonderful opportunity to get out and have a great time, while learning about the unique health challenges and developments for women.”

She said Southwest Louisiana’s Christus LiveWell organization boasts a membership of 5,00 women, and its mission is to educate women on physical, mental and spiritual health through a variety of initiatives and events.