Outer Order Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Harmony (March 5, 2019)

ISBN-13: 978-1984822802

Book description

Bestselling author of The Four Tendencies and The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin illuminates one of her key realizations about happiness: For most of us, outer order contributes to inner calm. In a new book packed with more than one hundred concrete ideas, she helps us create the order and organization that can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

In the context of a happy life, a messy desk or crowded coat closet is a trivial problem–yet Gretchen Rubin has found that getting control of the stuff of life makes us feel more in control of our lives generally. By getting rid of things we don’t use, don’t need, or don’t love, as well as things that don’t work, don’t fit, or don’t suit, we free our mind (and our shelves) for what we truly value.

In this trim book filled with insights, strategies, and sometimes surprising tips, Gretchen tackles the key challenges of creating outer order, by explaining how to “Make Choices,” “Create Order,” “Know Yourself–and Others,” “Cultivate Helpful Habits,” and, of course, “Add Beauty.”

When we get our possessions under control, we feel both calmer and more energetic. With a sense of humor, and also a clear sense of what’s realistic for most people, Gretchen suggests dozens of manageable steps for creating a more serene, orderly environment–one that helps us to create the lives we yearn for.

Meet the author - Gretchen Rubin

I'm the author of THE HAPPINESS PROJECT, HAPPIER AT HOME, BETTER THAN BEFORE, THE FOUR TENDENCIES, and my new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM releases March 2019.

I also have a free app where you can connect with others to harness the Four Tendencies to create a better life. Search "Better Gretchen Rubin" in your app store or visit Betterapp.us.

I also have a popular, award-winning podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin" (search in your favorite podcast app) and a blog (GretchenRubin.com), where I write about my daily adventures in happiness and habit-formation.

My previous books include a bestselling biography of Winston Churchill, "Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill," and one of John Kennedy, "Forty Ways to Look at JFK." My first book, "Power Money Fame S..: A User's Guide," is social criticism in the guise of a user's manual. "Profane Waste" was a collaboration with artist Dana Hoey. I've also written three dreadful novels that are safely locked away in a drawer.

Before turning to writing, I had a career in law. A graduate of Yale and Yale Law School, I clerked for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and was editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal. I live in New York City with my husband and two daughters.

My thoughts

This book was easy to read and follow. I liked the tips that Gretchen gave and how to organize your home. I agree that outer order can create inner calm at least for me. If things are neat and tidy I feel better. With that being said I do have some of my own things I need to put in order. Since reading this book I have started just that. I also have a list of things that I want to go through to create more order in my home. This book is a useful tool that may need to be looked at more than once.

The Acid Watcher Diet by Jonathan Aviv MD FACS - Review

Book details

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Harmony; 1 edition (January 24, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-1101905586

Book description

Dr. Aviv guides readers through healthy dietary choices with targeted recipes, helping them balance their bodies and minds for optimal health and break acid-generating habits for good.

Do you suffer from abdominal bloating; a chronic, nagging cough or sore throat; postnasal drip; a feeling of a lump in the back of your throat; allergies; or shortness of breath?
If so, odds are that you are experiencing acid reflux without recognizing its silent symptoms, which can lead to serious long-term health problems, including esophageal cancer.

In The Acid Watcher Diet, Dr. Jonathan Aviv, a leading authority on the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux disease, helps readers identify those often misunderstood symptoms while providing a proven solution for reducing whole-body acid damage quickly and easily.

His 28-day program is part of a two-phase eating plan, with a healthy balance of both macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), that works to immediately neutralize acid and relieve the inflammation at the root of acid reflux.

Meet the author - Jonathan Aviv MD FACS

DR. JONATHAN E. AVIV, MD, FACS is a world-renowned physician, surgeon, educator, inventor, speaker, and author. He is the clinical director of the Voice and Swallowing Center of ENT and Allergy Associates, the largest ear, nose, and throat private practice group in the United States. He is also clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I have suffered from extreme acid reflux for years now. My was found by a chronic cough and I do have some damage already as I have a burn in my throat. So when I saw this book I thought it would be good for me. I plan on starting the diet here in a week. This book was very informative and I know I will be going back to it time and again. The recipes in the book are actually foods I would eat so I am actually looking forward to starting this. I highly recommend this book if you suffer from any type of acid issues. 

Listful Thinking by Paula Rizzo - Review

Book details

Paperback: 228 pages

Publisher: Viva Editions (January 13, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1632280035

ISBN-13: 978-1632280039

Book description

What do Madonna, Martha Stewart, John Lennon, Ellen DeGeneres, Ben Franklin, Ronald Reagan, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, and Johnny Cash have in common? Each is (or was) a list maker. These successful people, along with CEOs and successful entrepreneurs, all use lists to keep track of their ideas, thoughts, and tasks. Finding enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished and allow for some downtime can be a struggle. It's no wonder so many of us are stressed, overextended, and exhausted. More than half of all American employees feel overwhelmed, according to a study by the nonprofit Family and Work Institute. For the 54 percent of us who feel like we’re chasing our own tails, Listful Thinking is here to prove that it doesn't have to be that way. You can still find time to relax, read a good book, and do the things you love. Listful Thinking is the book that will give readers their lives back with indispensible tips on saving time, getting organized, improving productivity, saving money, and reducing stress.

Meet the author - Paula Rizzo

Paula Rizzo is the senior health producer for FoxNews.com at Fox News Channel and is the founder of ListProducer.com. She's an Emmy Award winner and attributes much of her success to her compulsive list making. 

The native New Yorker makes lists for every task and event she takes on - from finding an apartment to buying the perfect bra. She started ListProducer.com, in April 2011, to help others become more organized, focused and efficient, while being less stressed. Paula inherited her list-making skills from her father, Louis.

She lives in Manhattan with her husband, Jay Berman.

My thoughts

Do you like to make lists? Are you looking for a way to organize your life? Then take a look at this book. For myself I enjoy making lists and am always looking for way to improve on this. I actually listened to the audio version of this book and it went rather quickly. You may want to have a pen handy to take a few notes as the author gives you some good resources. I have actually requested the book from the library as well so I can take a look at the apps and websites the author mentioned again. I am glad I took the time to listened to the book as it was enjoyable and informative. I have also start to follow the author on her blog. So if you are a list maker like me be sure to check this book out. I know I will probably be reading and using the tips over and over again. 

Lagom by Niki Brantmark - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Harper Design (October 3, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0062748793

ISBN-13: 978-0062748799

Book description

In a fast-paced world, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could slow down and enjoy a life with less pressure, less stress, and more time for the things you love?

Sweden is ranked in the top three of the world’s happiest places to live, and lagom, which means “not too much and not too little—just right,” is the Swedish philosophy for enjoying balance in every aspect of life—from work and leisure to family and food, and everything in between. Experienced bakers know by touch when the dough they are kneading is lagom—not too moist and not too dry. At the office, professionals who work hard—but not to the detriment of other parts of their lives—are following the lagom ideal. Lagom is moderation, balance, and equality.

By using the Swedish lifestyle as an example, Niki Brantmark offers insightful suggestions and bite-sized actions to help you make subtle changes to your life, so you too can make time for the things that matter most and find greater happiness.

Meet the author - Niki Brantmark

Niki Brantmark is the founder and curator of the award winning daily interior design blog My Scandinavian Home, which was inspired by her move to Sweden from London over ten years ago. Myscandinavianhome.com is extremely popular, having received over 18 million hits and averaging around 550,000 page views per month from readers all over the world. Modern Pastoral is her first book. Niki lives with her family in Malmö, Sweden.

My thoughts

This was a very good book. I got a copy from the library but I may have to purchase my own copy later. There were many good things I found I would like to incorporate in my life. I made notes while reading so I would not forget things. One thing I liked was work for 52 minutes rest for 17 or get away from your desk every hour. I may not be able to be away from my desk for 17 minutes at a time but I am going to try to make it a point to at least get up and take a two minute break. I do already get away from my desk for lunch but I am going to try and "get away" by taking my lunch in a quieter area than I do just to recharge. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a way to make your life a little more simplistic. 

21 Days to Happiness by Ingrid Kelada - Review and Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: 21 Days to Happiness: Increase Your Happiness, Productivity and Happiness

Author: Ingrid Kelada

Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 230 pages

Genre: Motivational, self-help

Publisher: Wellness Ink

Release date: September 19, 2017

Tour dates: Nov 27 to Dec 15, 2017

Content Rating: G (The subject is intended more for adults, but there's no explicit language or content.)

Book Description:

Struggling to find work-life balance? Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated or just want to increase your happiness, you can learn how in just 10 minutes a day!

For some of us, feeling busy or stressed has become the new normal. Others feel okay, but just want a boost to productivity, energy and motivation.

Instead of hoping for happiness, what if happiness is something you DO, something you CHOOSE every day? The good news: it is and the solutions are simple.

Psychologist and happiness expert Ingrid Kelada provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help you increase your personal happiness and feel more motivated. You can learn how with simple 10-minute strategies. Each day of the 21-day journey focuses on one key area of your life, including:

• Time: how to break the cycle of chaos and manage your time effectively.
• Body Language: exploring the surprising links between body language and happiness.
• Relationships: how to make the most of the number one predictor of happiness.
• Work: how to use your strengths and talents so that you are engaged and motivated.
• Money: what you should spend your money on to feel most satisfied.

The book is interactive. Each chapter features resources like apps to try, videos to watch for deeper understanding, or tools to help you master these new habits. At the end of three weeks, along with increased happiness, you’ll find you’ve become more:

• productive
• focused
• patient
• energetic
• healthy
• motivated
• positive

Happiness is a choice. A daily decision to choose happy can be easy, fun and rewarding. With this book, in just a few minutes per day, you can practice one new happiness habit, add resources to your arsenal, and jot down your notes in the journal section.

Buy 21 Days to Happiness today to create a happier more satisfying life.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Watch the trailer:

Meet the Author - Ingrid Kelada

Ms. Ingrid Kelada is an experienced psychologist and happiness expert. She is a speaker and has facilitated over 1000 workshops all over the world. People find her to be pragmatic, inspiring and funny! She has an online personality questionnaire store to help people identify their talents and interests. With over 25 years experience, she offers her expertise to a wide range of clients. She is bilingual and a member of the professional association of Psychologists of Quebec. Visit her online at www.keladacc.ca

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ LinkedIn ~ Instagram

My thoughts

This was a very informative book that has helped me learn some new tips in how to bring happiness to my daily life.  The author does a good job of balancing the amount of fact with her tips for you so that it is not just a reference book. I liked that she included questions at the end of the chapters as they made me stop and think. I also liked the short chapters that way you can easily read a small portion each day. She also included a little humor in there just to make sure to keep you entertained while learning. This is a book that can be read more than once and I think you will get something out of it each time.

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Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now by Barbara J. Henry - Review

 I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Raineboe Productions; 1st edition (October 31, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0982105401

ISBN-13: 978-0982105405

Book description

Journaling, Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now, is a self growth, self help, spirituality book, that includes a tested and proven nine-step guide to creative problem solving, tips on how to organize the things in our lives, ways to improve the social interaction of specific-aged teens, how to work through personal crises such as serious illness or the death of a loved one, how to keep cherished relationships intact in the midst of conflicts, and much more. This book also explains why journaling,writing, is so effective,and why journaling should be used before...

Meet the author - Barbara J. Henry

Barbara J. Henry,is a published author of two books:'Journaling:Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now',and 'Coming Full Circle, a collection of the author's original poems.The collection also contains prayers and quotes of people from around the world and nearby.
Barbara is an avid reader of books on self-growth,personal development and spirituality, which are also the subjects of her blogs,poems,articles and inspirational speeches.

A former high school English teacher named in Who's Who Among high School Teachers, Barbara retired early to pursue her writing career,and in addition to writing, she enjoys singing, and solving crossword puzzles, especially those appearing in The New York Times.

Barbara lives in River Forest,Illinois, a suburb located west of Chicago,Illinois and next door to Oak Park,Illinois,the home of Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, and other notable Illinoisans.

Visit her @http://www.barbarajhenry.com,or,http://www.authorsden.com/barbarajhenry.

My thoughts

This was a nice book with some helpful hints for working on your own journal. The author's writing was well done. The tips she gives you are good for anyone dealing with stress and trying to work your way through it. I also liked how at the end of the book there were some stories about how this helped others. This is a book that I will use over and over again at different stages in my life. I think it would be a good book to share with your friends. 

Unplug by Suze Yalof Schwartz - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Harmony (March 7, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1101905360

ISBN-13: 978-1101905364

About this book

A modernized approach to meditation will appeal to anyone, even if - especially if - you believe you have no time, you can't sit still, or that "it's just not you."

Whether you're a Fortune 500 CEO or someone bogged down with a never-ending to-do list, the proven secret to being more effective and living a happier, healthier life is to hurry up and slow down, to unplug. Studies show that you can get more done - and do it better - by doing less, just by consciously unplugging for a few minutes each day and meditating.

This revolutionary book by the founder and CEO of the groundbreaking LA-based meditation studio Unplug Meditation brilliantly simplifies this powerful practice and shows the overwhelmed and overworked how easy it is to unplug in order to relieve stress, regain focus, and recharge.

Schwartz debunks the common misperceptions about meditation, including the notion that you need to sit still for long periods of time, or that you need to "turn off your brain." She also shares the life-changing benefits you will experience, the proven science of how meditation literally changes your brain, as well as easy techniques and tips to easily incorporate meditation into your daily life.

Meet the author - Suze Yalof Schwartz

Suze Yalof Schwartz is the founder and CEO of Unplug Meditation. For decades she was a fashion editor, director, and stylist at Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Glamour. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and The View, as well as The Oprah Winfrey Show and CNN.

My thoughts

I first noticed the cover of this book and that is what drew me in. Then I noticed what it is about and decided it would be worth the time to read it and I was right. The author tells you a new way to look at how you can meditate. I liked what she says - everyone can do it. You do not need to have the traditional way of sitting, things they say or how to do it. The idea is to just get started meditating. As she says there will never be extra time to do but you have to make time for it, just like you make time for everything else in your life, i.e. reading, working out, sports, tv watching etc. You can start by just doing it five minutes a day and work your way up to 30 minutes a day. You can do it lying down, standing in line or sitting in your favorite chair. She even tells you how you can meditate in your car in a traffic jam or standing in line at the grocery store, both of which I need to start doing. The author tells you how to pick your mantra, how to find what is comfortable for you and when to do it. She also threw in some stories from real people and their thoughts on unplugging. I liked her ideas and made myself some good notes. This book was well written and easy to read. 

The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living by Amit Sood, M.D., M.Sc.

Book details

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books; 1 edition (December 24, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0738217123

ISBN-13: 978-0738217123

About the book

Have you ever driven several miles without noticing anything on the road, or read a page in a book without registering any of it? Do the day's worries and disappointments crowd your mind as you're trying to fall asleep at night? Do you feel stressed much of the time and aren't sure how to find peace? In this book, Amit Sood, M.D., M.Sc., a Mayo Clinic specialist in stress and resiliency, reveals how the mind's instinctive restlessness and shortsightedness generate stress and anxiety and presents strategies for living a more peaceful life. The book is based on the highly popular stress management program offered at Mayo Clinic that Dr. Sood developed after two decades of work with tens of thousands of people.

Drawing on groundbreaking brain research, Dr. Sood helps you understand the brain's two modes and how an imbalance between them produces unwanted stress. From this basis, you learn skills that will help you:

Develop deep and sustained attention
Practice gratitude, compassion and acceptance
Live a meaningful life
Cultivate nurturing relationships
Achieve your highest potential

All of these concepts are weaved into a practical and fun journey that has been tested in numerous scientific studies, with consistently positive results. Take the first step to discover greater peace and joy for you and your loved ones.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a good book. It gave me some good tips on how to deal with certain things in my life. The plan is to use these tips in my daily life.  One of the things I liked about this book was how the author got his points across by including stories of real people who have the same problems you do. He even shares things he deals with in his own life. I suggest keeping this book on hand in case you need to go back for some reminders. Myself, I plan on reading this book a second time. I wish I lived closer to the Mayo clinic as I think his workshop would be beneficial. I look forward to reading the Mayo's guide to happiness as well. 

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Harmony (September 12, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1524760919

ISBN-13: 978-1524760915

About this book

In this groundbreaking analysis of personality type, bestselling author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin reveals the one simple question that will transform what you do at home, at work, and in life.

During her multibook investigation into understanding human nature, Gretchen Rubin realized that by asking the seemingly dry question "How do I respond to expectations?" we gain explosive self-knowledge. She discovered that based on their answer, people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, so using this framework allows us to make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less stress, and engage more effectively. 

More than 600,000 people have taken her online quiz, and managers, doctors, teachers, spouses, and parents already use the framework to help people make significant, lasting change.
The Four Tendencies hold practical answers if you've ever thought...

· People can rely on me, but I can't rely on myself.
· How can I help someone to follow good advice?
· People say I ask too many questions.
· How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask—or who keeps telling me what to do?

With sharp insight, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Tendencies will help you get happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. It's far easier to succeed when you know what works for you.

Meet the author - Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is one of the most thought-provoking and influential writers on the linked subjects of habits, happiness, and human nature. She's the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, Better Than Before and The Happiness Project. A member of Oprah's SuperSoul 100, Rubin has an enormous following, in print and online; her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide, in more than thirty-five languages, and on her popular daily blog, gretchenrubin.com, she reports on her adventures in pursuit of habits and happiness. She also has a highly ranked, award-winning podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Rubin started her career in law, and was clerking for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

My thoughts

Gretchen Rubin has a way of helping you figure out who you are and how to make changes in your life to better yourself. This book goes into specific details for each of the personality types she has talked about in her other books and podcast. You can take the test at the beginning of the book or on her website to find out what type of personality you have then come back to the book to learn what this means in your life. I like her writing style and how she makes things easy to understand. I also like that this book goes into detail for each tendencies and gives you a little more insight that her other books have on this issue. As with her other books I have read I felt better for having read them and will use the tips in my life. I think it could be read multiple times as you could come away with more with each reading. 

A Fistful of Love by Om Swami - Review and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details:

Publisher: Black Lotus (Sept. 24, 2015)

Category: Humor & Entertainment, Self Help, Psychology, Spiritual, & Motivational

Tour dates: Aug-Oct, 2017

ISBN: 978- 0994002778

Available in Print & ebook, 212 pages

About this book:

A man was sitting with his friends in a local inn. After a couple of drinks, he asked his friends, “Do you love me?” “Of course, we do,” they replied. “So do you know what I need?” No one answered. “If you don’t know what I need then how can you say you love me?” To love and to be loved is the most basic human need. No wonder we are attracted to people who give us attention, care about us, and love us. Yet, love also remains the greatest challenge in most relationships. Why?

A Fistful of Love is a collection of insightful, thought-provoking nuggets of wisdom appreciated by millions around the world. This book is full of humor and narratives most beautifully woven into learnings of life that will make you stop and think.
Praise for Fistful Of Love by Om Swami

“This is a strong novel about love and hope and really gives you the tools you need to improve your outlook on life and relationships. I liked the way that this was set up, the writing style was well done and easy to follow. There were many lighthearted and comedic things thrown in that keeps this novel light and spirited.”-Momma G, My Reading Addiction

“Om Swami’s voice is clear and true. He offers sage wisdom in easy to understand language. Knowing he is a younger monk with a contemporary background makes him very relatable.”- KerryPhilo, Amazon Reviewer

“The book is not only a delight and joy to read, but also so insightful and enlightening. Strongly recommend this beautiful book written in such an easy and clear style.”-Amazon Reviewer

“Precious words of wisdom narrated in a pleasant lighthearted way that inspires both mind and soul. The words of wisdom especially on love and relationship are truly indispensable.”-Rose, Amazon Reviewer

Meet the author - Om Swami

Om Swami is a monk who lives in a remote place in the Himalayan foothills. He has a bachelor degree in business and an MBA from Sydney, Australia. Swami served in executive roles in large corporations around the world. He founded and led a profitable software company with offices in San Francisco, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney and India.

Om Swami completely renounced his business interests to pursue a more spiritual life. He is the bestselling author of Kundalini: An Untold Story, A Fistful of Love and If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir.

His blog omswami.com is read by millions all over the world.
Buy Fistful Of Love by Om Swami

Amazon
Barnes&Noble
BookDepository

What did I think of the book:

This book has been a very interesting book. I have enjoyed all the tidbits of wisdom that the author had to share. I like how it was a collection of short stories all woven into one book to have you learn how to be a better person in your own way as you read. I also liked how the author threw in some bits of humor. This book is also thought provoking without being too heavy. I will being going back and reading this book again and again. This was the first book I have read by this author and I am glad I did. 

Excerpt – Secret to Happiness

Making someone happy is like lighting a candle. You don’t lose anything, but the light spreads anyway.

When we make someone happy, the same part in our brain is activated when we do something for our own happiness. This is not philosophy, but neuroscience. I am not surprised though; the joy of giving far exceeds any other I have ever known. They say charity begins at home. A happy environment at home is comparable to heaven on earth.

In my occupation, I get to meet many people from all walks of life.

Often though, I have observed a rather strange behavior among many couples. They rejoice in the company of people outside the four walls, but feel irritated with the ones at home. I have noticed a tenuous frown appear on their faces even at the mention of their partners. They tell me they are tired of trying to please the other person and they couldn’t be bothered anymore. This feeling of “I couldn’t be bothered” is a definitive sign of downfall in most relationships. Earlier, if they had made any attempt to bring joy to the other person, now they have thrown the baby out with the bathwater (after drinking most of it).

I admit it can be quite difficult to make certain people happy. There too, I have an observation: when you just can’t make the other person happy no matter what you do or how hard you try, chances are you are no longer on their playfield. Mentally, they may have given you the red card. They have decided not to source their happiness from you. If you speak to them asking what do they really expect from you and they are not being reasonable, you will never be able to make them happy, not for long anyway. In that case, if you have a choice, move on. And if you don’t have a choice, seek a peaceful refuge within.

A man got married to the woman of his dreams. He was head over heels for her and couldn’t believe his luck when she agreed to marry him. After their engagement and before the actual wedding, every night he thought about her. He had no doubts that theirs was going to be the most loving, functional, and finest married life ever known to mankind. His fiancée had a high opinion of herself. (When you believe you are better or superior than your partner, you can forget about a happy marriage.) They got married with great fanfare. His wife loved eggs for breakfast, so when they were away on their honeymoon, the husband made poached eggs for her in the morning.

“These aren’t done right,” she commented scornfully.

The man felt bad that he couldn’t please his wife and made even greater effort the following day.

“Oh, I can’t eat poached eggs every day, you know.” She refused to eat them.

He made scrambled eggs the next morning.

“It’s okay, but too fatty. Just boiled eggs with salt and pepper would have been better.”

The following day, to give her a choice, he brought out two dishes: a plate of scrambled eggs and two boiled eggs. He was certain that she would be happy today.

“What’s this? You boiled the wrong egg!” she screamed. You know where this marriage is headed, right?

Should I tell you the easiest way to make the other person happy? No, it is not flowers, things, or gifts; they play a part, but there is something even more important. Appreciate them. When you make the other person feel that you appreciate what they are doing for you and for the relationship, it boosts their self-esteem and morale right away. When you make an effort to appreciate, you directly gain from it as well. How? You actually start to see their efforts.

Let us face it, it is not an easy world out there. When you thank your partner for everything they are doing it brings you closer; it strengthens the relationship; it fosters love and understanding.

Once a woman, a master chef, was asked what did her husband usually say when he savored the delicacies she cooked on a daily basis?

“He only speaks about food when something is amiss or if he doesn’t like it,” she said. “So when he is quiet, I know he is enjoying it.”

“Initially, I would ask him if he liked my cooking, but it irked him so I stopped asking,” she added.

Sadly, this is not a joke, but a real incident. To the waiter we don’t know, we say smilingly how delicious the food is, we tip, we appreciate, but to the one who is closer to you, every courtesy is withdrawn. You see the disparity?

When you make it a point to appreciate, the newness never fades and when something remains new, you never get bored of it. When you don’t get bored of something, you never take it for granted. When you don’t take the other person for granted, your relationship can never wither away. Yes, never. It will continue to blossom and spread fragrance.

Appreciation is gratitude in action.

Giveaway:

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FistFul Of Love Tour Schedule

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Aug 14 Kick Off
Amy Amazon Reviewer Aug 15 Review
Rockin' Book Reviews Aug 16 Review
I'd Rater Be At The Beach Aug 17 Review
Carole Rae's Random Ramblings Aug 18 Review
A Holland Reads Aug 21 Review & Excerpt
411 on Books, Authors & Pub News Aug 22 Excerpt
Deanna Amazon Reviewer Aug 23 Review
Jill Amazon Reviewer Aug 25 Review
From Isi Aug 28 Review
Networking Witches Sept 12 Review & Excerpt
                    Lori Amazon Reviewer Oct 26 Review                        

The Story Cure by Dinty W. Moore

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details:

Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Ten Speed Press (May 2, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-0399578809

About the book:

A collection of cures for writer's block, plotting and characterization issues, and other ailments writers face when completing a novel or memoir, prescribed by the director of creative writing at Ohio University.

People want to write the book they know is inside of them, but they run into stumbling blocks that trouble everyone from beginners to seasoned writers. Drawing on his years of teaching at both the university level and at writing workshops across the country, Professor Dinty W. Moore dons his book-doctor hat to present an authoritative guide to curing the issues that truly plague writers at
all levels. His hard-hitting handbook provides inspiring solutions for diagnoses such as character anemia, flat plot, and silent voice, and is peppered with flashes of Moore's signature wit and unique take on the writing life.

My thoughts:

My dream is to write a book and I have yet to get over my fear of just getting started with it, so when I saw this book up for review I jumped at the chance to read it. I also thought the doctor theme was unique and made it fun to read this book. There were dips in this book that I will go back to over and over again. I thought the writing style was easy to read and moved right along nicely. I plan on looking for more books by this author to help me in my writing journey. 

Meet the author - Dinty W. Moore:

Dinty W. Moore was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, and spent his formative years fishing for bluegill, riding a bike with a banana seat, and dodging the Sisters of St. Joseph. He earned a BA in writing from the University of Pittsburgh, worked briefly as a journalist, and also served short stints as a documentary filmmaker, modern dance performer, zookeeper, and Greenwich Village waiter. It was only after failing at each of these professions that he went on to earn an MFA in fiction writing from Louisiana State University.

A National Endowment for the Arts fellowship recipient, Moore has guest taught creative nonfiction seminars across the United States and in Europe. In addition to editing the internet journal, Brevity, he is on the editorial board of Creative Nonfiction magazine.

Moore teaches writing at Ohio University.

Success with Stress by Jae Ellard - Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher

Book Details:

Book Title: Success With Stress by Jae Ellard

Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 102 pages

Genre: Self-help

Publisher: Simple Intentions

Release date: March 31, 2011

Format available for review: Print

Will send print books: Internationally

Tour dates: April 10 to May 5, 2017

Content Rating: G (This is an all ages book designed to create awareness and manage stress)

Book Description:

Believe it or not, stress isn't all bad; in fact, it's an important part of the natural world. Stress helps us survive as a species - because of that we want the ability to be stressed. That said, being able to manage stress with greater success is the difference between surviving and THRIVING. Success with Stress explores five simple ideas to spark your personal power to change the level, duration, and frequency of the stress in your life. With workplace stress being linked to quality of life, health, and workplace morale, this is a must-read for any team looking to improve morale and individuals looking to improve their quality of life.

Buy the Book: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

​Jae Ellard is an author, speaker, and expert on developing the skill of awareness in the workplace. After years in senior communication roles crafting content for executives, Jae collapsed from stress-related adrenal fatigue. This life-altering experience propelled her to research human behavior, neuroscience, mindfulness, and organizational relationship systems. In 2008, Jae founded Simple Intentions and developed the Mindful Life™ Program to generate intentional conversations to disrupt patterns and create awareness, accountability and action at team and individual levels. Jae has taught the skill of awareness in more than 50 countries to thousands of employees at multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon and Expedia.

Jae is a columnist on workplace awareness for Mindful Magazine, as well as the author of 7 books on the topic. She contributes to the Healthy Living section on Huffington Post as well as the Simple Intentions blog. In 2013, she founded Seattle Wisdom, a community organization working to create and support conscious conversations in professional spaces in the Pacific Northwest. Jae has a master’s degree in Communication Management from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She holds certificates in co-active coaching and organizational relationship systems coaching.

Connect with Jae: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ LinkedIn

My thoughts:

When I first saw this book I jumped right on the list to read and review it. Who does not want to learn how to have success with stress right? This was a very quick book to read. In fact I read it in less than two hours. I think I will let what I read sink in a little and probably read it again a second time in a few days. For me it started out a little slow as I was not sure I was going to like it as it had some definitions of stress and what I would call sciency things. But I kept reading and I ended up linking it and it gave me some food for thought. To start with it talked about some symptoms of chronic stress - a few of which I do have and I know for a fact at least one if not more are caused by my stress - like my acid reflux. I know this because stress makes my flare up even more. Then the author goes into had to have success with your stress and dealing with it. In going through each of these strategies the author gives you two questions to answer at the end of each chapter. The five strategies are 1. get clear, 2. give up control 3. say what you mean, 4. honor yourself and others and 5. be in the moment. I also learned from reading this book that I tend to hedge which means I do no say what I mean instead I tend to say I don't know, maybe or we'll see when people ask me questions or ask me to do things. This is something I will have to work on. Like I said I want to read this again only take a little more time to think about the questions that the author asks. I am glad I gave this book a chance.

Guest Post:

4 Ways to Mindfully Prevent Office Burnout

By Jae Ellard, Author of Success with Stress and Founder of Simple Intentions

In 2007 I collapsed from exhaustion at an event that I was producing. It was the culmination of far too many hours working, the lifestyle choices I was making (and not making), and the always-present stress of trying to be “perfect” at my job.

My doctor said my body was in adrenal fatigue and that my career was killing me. His advice? Get a new job. I knew that wasn’t the “right” conversation—yet I didn’t know what was. I chose to stay on, but went deeper into my own mindfulness practice to try to understand what had happened.

Over the next year, I discovered that the right conversation sits in the knowledge there is a choice regarding the type of relationship you want to create with your work.

For those of you flirting with burnout, you are not alone. According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of people feel stress at work. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 75% of all doctors’ visits are stress-related.

There is hope, however. And it comes down to being present to what’s happening in your life, and acting with mindful intention to make some changes.

Burnout is not so much about the specifics of your job. It’s mostly about the choices you make (and don’t make) about how you want to live. Being aware of these choices, and approaching the inherent stressors in any job with mindfulness and clear purpose can transform our relationship with stress—and put work in its place. To start, here are some actions you can take in this moment to start to redefine your relationship with work.

1) Define the core issues
Can you pinpoint what causes the overwhelm? Is it a capacity issue? Do you have more work than hours to complete? Is it a skill issue? Is there a gap in the skills you have versus what is required? Is it a communication issue? Are you able to share what’s causing stress? This is your first step: Collect all the relevant data so you know where to focus solutions.

2) One step at a time
You didn’t arrive at burnout overnight, and the process to undo some of the habits you created will take time. Pick one behavior right now that you can consciously begin to shift. For example, create clear start and end times for work each day. The flexibility that technology and remote working offer can be overwhelming and contribute to burnout if boundaries between work and non-work time are not well-established.

3) Befriend your body
How do you hold stress? Maybe you grind your teeth at night, experience a knot of tension in your neck, or have trouble staying asleep. Now think about what helps you to unwind. Taking a lunchtime walk outside, going for a post-work run, or getting a weekly massage, as examples. Regularly tune into your body so that you can recognize the earliest signs that stress is present, and take the preventive actions you’ve identified to work through it before it overwhelms.

4) Share what you need
Professional stress can be extremely isolating; we often withdraw in order to “deal with” work issues on our own. But letting the people in your life know what you need to feel supported is essential for putting things in perspective and managing stress. None of us can do it all alone. Your colleagues and loved ones won’t know how to help if you don’t tell them.

[This article originally appeared in Mindful Magazine]

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​ Win a print copy of Success With Stress with a companion notebook (open to USA & Canada - 10 winners total)

Ends May 12

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Wellth by Jason Wachob - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book Details:

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Harmony; Reprint edition (March 7, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-1101904503

Synopsis:

mindbodygreen founder Jason Wachob redefines successful living and offers readers a new life currency to build on, one that is steeped in wellbeing…Wellth.

“Many of us aren’t satisfied with just trying to accumulate the most money and toys. The good life is no longer just about the material—instead, it can be found in a lifestyle that is devoted to mental, physical, and emotional health. A wellthy existence is one in which happiness is attainable, health is paramount, and daily living is about abundance. It’s a life in which work is purposeful; friendships are deep and plentiful; and there’s a daily sense of richness or overflowing joy. But since there’s no one-size-fits all definition for a wellthy existence, I hope this book will serve as a guide to help you embark on your own personal journey that is both unique and meaningful.”

Eat. Move. Work. Believe. Explore. Breathe. Connect. Love. Heal. Thank. Ground. Live. Laugh.

These are the building blocks of Wellth…and in this blend of memoir and prescriptive advice Jason Wachob shows us all how to enjoy truly ‘wellthy’ lives—lives that are deeply rich in every conceivable way. Through his experience and personal story, as well as in exclusive material from popular expert contributors (including Dr. Frank Lipman, Dr. Lissa Rankin, Joe Cross, Charlie Knoles, Kathryn Budig, Dr. Aviva Romm, and Dr. Sue Johnson), we learn how we too can embrace this new movement and develop richer, fuller, happier, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

About the author:

JASON WACHOB is the Founder and CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellness. He has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and Vogue. Jason has a BA in history from Columbia University, where he played varsity basketball for four years. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, and loves German Shepherds, Chuck Taylors, and guacamole.

My thoughts:

I picked asked to read and review this book as I recognized at least one of the contributors. Then when I read more about the book it sound like it would be something worth reading. The title makes perfect sense - build a life not a resume. Too many of us do the opposite. For me the writing style of this book made it easier to read. I liked that it was not only a self help type book but a memoir. I agree that each person's life has it's own way of being lived - we are not all the same. This book will help you find your own way of living that is right for you. You must be mindful of what you eat, watch, see and do to make your life the way you want it to be. A good book that should be read more than once to get everything you want out of it. Now I am off to check out his website. 

The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn - Review

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review 

Published: December 20, 2016

Number of pages: 224

Genre: Self Help

Synopsis:

One month to a great relationship…with anyone!

Think of your toughest relationship. Think of a relationship that is good but could be great. Think of a group of people that drives you nuts. You want to show more kindness and generosity, but sometimes you’re just tired, stretched, and frustrated. Besides, would small actions make that big a difference? Yes!

After years of extensive research, Shaunti Feldhahn has concluded that kindness is a superpower. It can change any relationship, make your life easier and better, and transform our culture. But how does it work? And how can you show kindness when you don’t feel like it?

In The Kindness Challenge, Shaunti explores….
* Three simple acts that make all the difference in any relationship (with a spouse, child, co-worker, brother-in-law…)
* Whether kindness is ever the wrong approach
* The seven ways you may be unkind and never realize it
* Eight types of kindness—and which might be the best fit for you
* Ten sneaky obstacles that get in the way of giving praise
* Practical ways to persevere when kindness is tough
* How kindness in marriage leads to benefits in the bedroom (yes, really!)
* Why your acts of kindness today can help transform the world

With self-assessments, day-to-day tips, a 30-day challenge, and specific kindness ideas, The Kindness Challenge can make your toughest relationships better and your good relationships great—starting today.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a very informative book. There are many things that you can take away from this and use in any type of relationship. This is not just for romantic relationships. I also liked how at the end they give you more than one 30 day challenge that you can use for which fits you best. I thought it was easy to read and understand. Another thing I liked was the tidbits that were thrown in from facts to tips to stories. This is a book that would benefit everyone. 

About the author:

Shaunti received her graduate degree from Harvard University and was an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher and best-selling author.

Today, she applies her analytical skills to investigating eye-opening, life-changing truths about relationships, both at home and in the workplace. Her groundbreaking research-based books, such as For Women Only, have sold more than 2 million copies in 22 languages and are widely read in homes, counseling centers and corporations worldwide.

Where the “Only” series revealed the often-unseen needs of men and women, her newest multi-year research project, published in The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages, investigates the process of what makes great relationships.

Shaunti’s findings have been featured in media as diverse as The Today Show and Focus on the Family, The New York Times and MomLife Today. Shaunti, Jeff and their two children live in Atlanta and enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed

Wake Up to the Joy of You by Agapi Stassinopoulos - Review

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: December 27, 2016

Number of pages: 320

Genre: Self-help

Synopsis:

This is your year of self-discovery, a journey to create a life filled with grace, meaning, zest, peace, and joy. With warmth and wisdom from a lifetime of spiritual seeking, inspirational force Agapi Stassinopoulos guides you through fifty-two weeks of letting go of what doesn't work for you and finding what does. You ll cultivate the building blocks of self-care (meditation, health, making time for yourself) and confront the common roadblocks we all face, like pouring your energy into other people or living in denial. You ll explore your conflict areas, such as relationships, money, self-esteem, anxiety, and your childhood. And you ll learn to trust your creativity, keep your heart open, and connect to the bigger spirit that lives inside you.
Keep this book by your bedside. It is your loving companion. Be creative and have fun with it. Use it as a tool to unlock your goodness, and wake up to the joy of you!

My thoughts:

I have been enjoying this book. I have started with the first week and doing the activities as it states. It has really helped me with learning to take a moment and breathe as well as meditate. I do this every night before bed and am learning how to shut my mind off. I like how each week you are given a guided meditation to help you along.The author also gives you suggestions for the week to help you learn how to practice a calmer life. I think as the year goes on I will find that I enjoy it more and more. I find it very helpful for someone who wants to make some changes in their life. 

About the author:

AGAPI STASSINOPOULOS is a bestselling author and speaker who inspires audiences around the world. In her previous book, Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love, she shares wisdom from her life’s adventures and experiences. Agapi was trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and then moved on to receive her master’s degree in psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Her previous books on the Greek archetypes, Gods and God­desses in Love and Conversations with the Goddesses, were turned into PBS specials. She is currently conducting workshops for Thrive Global, a company founded by her sister, Arianna Huffington, to help change the way we work and live. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles and was born and raised in Athens, Greece.

FIND HER online at www.WakeUptotheJoyofYou.com

Find Your Extraordinary by Jessica Dilullo Herrin - Review

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Published: May 3, 2016

Number of pages: 288

Genre: Self-Help

Synopsis:

What if you could, with a little effort, live an extraordinary life? A life in which you felt deep passion for everything you did, and always had time for what matters most? A life in which you had the power, the daring, and the will to make your boldest dreams come true, all while you happily left feelings of inadequacy or guilt behind?

Yes, it is possible to take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. The secret? Cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit inside you – the spirit that allows you to embrace your individuality, to look not just at what is but at what could be, to believe in yourself beyond reason and to step up to creating your own definition of happiness and success - a version of success in which work and family life happily co-exist - instead of chasing a cookie-cutter version.

Here, Jessica Herrin, serial entrepreneur and founder and CEO of the Stella & Dot Family Brands, shows how the classic traits of successful entrepreneurs are ones each one of us can develop – and use not only to create a company, but also to create an extraordinary life. Whether we work a corporate job, run a family, or run our own business, Herrin offers realistic, attainable steps each one of us can take to achieve extraordinary success on our own terms. Through candid and inspiring lessons from her life as a successful CEO and working mother of two, as well as stories of many amazing individuals she’s met along the way, Herrin inspires and empowers us to dial up the sound of our own voices and make our authentic dreams a reality.

This book isn’t about having it all; it’s about having what matters most to you. It is about how to find your extraordinary – your extraordinary career, your extraordinary happiness, your extraordinary life.

What did I think of this book:

I have heard the name Stella & Dot but did not know much about them. This book stood out to me because the author was telling me how to live life on my own terms. That is something everyone should do. With that being said this is a good book to help you achieve this. I like how she not only tells you how to do the things she wrote about but she has practiced them herself. She also shared the stories of other people she has met that have been succesful. I thought her writing style was very easy to read - it did not read so much like a self-help book but more like a conversation for me. This book deserves a second reading.

About the author:

Jessica Herrin, CEO and Founder of the Stella & Dot Family Brands, is a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded WeddingChannel.com, the world’s leading wedding site. With a vision to create a new kind of company that would offer today's busy woman a career alternative, Jessica wanted to use her savvy to help solve the modern woman's dilemma: achieving success and balance through a career you love. Never one to go with the status quo, Jessica felt that the typical home based business just didn't deliver. With lackluster product, high pressure sales tactics, and old school marketing methods, inventory was ending up in people's closets with little profit in their pockets.

Jessica's vision called for an entirely new concept that could guarantee women flexibility, reward, style, profit and fun. With an irresistible product and exceedingly personal service, a proven formula for passionate earning and personal success was born. In 2007, Jessica built a world class team including esteemed advisor Mike Lohner, sales guru Danielle Redner and Blythe Harris as partner and Chief Creative Officer. Jessica and Blythe named Stella & Dot after their beloved grandmothers.

In 2014, Jessica launched the Stella & Dot Family Brands, broadening the impact and mission to give every woman the means to style their own life. Growing beyond the flagship accessories brand of Stella & Dot, the Family of Brands allows women to follow their personal passion to create a flexible social selling business opportunity just right for them as an Independent Business Owner. Introducing; KEEP Collective, an innovative charm concept on leather wrap bracelets, metallic bangles and necklaces exclusively sold by KEEP “Designers”; and EVER, a revolutionary, high performance skincare regimen based on a proprietary complex from an ancient botanical that delivers measurable results within 30 days, exclusively sold through “Specialists.” The Stella & Dot Family Brands expands the company’s mission to impact more women while revolutionizing the earnings opportunity for current Stella & Dot’s Stylists. With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement of the earnings opportunity, the integrated Stella & Dot Family Brands’ product range and compensation plan is game changing.

Jessica has been recognized for her entrepreneurial accomplishments and her passion in such national outlets as Oprah, Inc. Magazine (Stella & Dot was named one of the fastest growing private companies of the year for 2010 and 2011), Fortune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, InStyle, Glamour magazine and more. Stella & Dot was recently recognized at the 2012 Accessories Council Excellence Awards for Retail Innovation. In 2010, she created the Stella & Dot Foundation, raising over $2 Million to-date towards creating positive change in women's lives through education and economic empowerment and raising awareness for Breast Cancer and Autism. She earned a degree in Economics from Stanford University and attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Winner of the 2011 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Jessica is also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). Additional awards include 2010 Top Ten Female Entrepreneurs from Inc. Magazine, 2012 Top Ten Female CEOs from Inc. Magazine and 2012’s 40 Under 40 and Most Admired CEO lists from the San Francisco Business Times. Herrin lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her family.

29 Gifts by Cami Walker - Review

Published: November 1, 2009

Number of pages: 256

Genre: Memoir/Self-Help

Synopsis:

At age thirty-five, Cami Walker was burdened with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that made it difficult for her to walk, work, or enjoy her life. Seeking a remedy for her depression, she received an uncommon prescription from an African medicine woman: give to others for 29 days.

29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author's life changes as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. By day 29, not only had Walker's health and happiness improved but she also had created a worldwide giving movement.

More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.

What did I think of this book:

I listened to the audio verson of this book instead of reading it. I thought the narrator did a good job although I am not sure if it was the author herself or someone else - either way she was good. That is my problem with audio books is that if I don't like the narrator then I can't get through the book. The concept of the 29 gifts in 29 days is a very nice concept. You can read more about this concept on Cami's website: 29gifts.org as well as hear other's stories. This book tells Cami's story of how once she found out she has multiple sclerosis and was in tremendous pain looked for anything that could help her and through a friend learned about 29 gifts. The idea is that you give away 29 gifts in 29 days and it will all come back to you. The gifts can be something as simple as giving your time to listen to a friend or as big as giving a donation of money to someone. The whole idea seems like a great idea. I enjoyed following along on Cami's journey of her gift giving. 

Accepted Secured Signigicant by Kemley Whiteside - Spotlight, Interview and Giveaway

Published: March 29, 2016

Number of pages: 70

Genre: Self-help

Synopsis:

This text is a spiritual and inspirational journey for those drawn away from their purpose by the circumstances of their lives. This book is dedicated to those told they would never amount to anything.

It is for those told they would be just like their mother or father, that they are idiots, mistakes, and failures. It is for the pushed aside and ignored. It is for those under shadow, and for those abused from childhood. It is for the molested, and the ones told that no one loves them and no one ever would. It is for the misled and mistreated. It is for the suicidal. It is for the victims of domestic violence and abusive relationships. It is for those in spiritual bondage, and those who don’t believe in themselves. It is for those suffering from cancer or other diseases. It is for the motherless, fatherless, jobless, and homeless. It is for the depressive and anxious, the lonely and isolated. This book is for the hopeless.

To my brothers and sisters who need a way out: This book was written just for you. It is to polish your existence and your purpose on this earth.

This book was inspired and written by the Holy Spirit to assure you that, as a child of God, you no longer have to feel bound by labels and curses spoken over the course of your life. God wants to reinforce in your heart how valuable you are and how much you mean to Him. He wants you to know that through Him, you are Accepted, Secured, and Significant.

Buy the book: Website

About the author:

Kemley Whiteside is a native of the Republic of Panama, a survivor and overcomer. Kemley resides in the state of New Jersey with her husband and children.

She is ordained to help build by empowering, igniting, and fulfilling people into their purpose. She is a life-coach, mentor, inspiration, motivational speaker, and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

She is the survivor of an anxiety disorder, depression, cancer, Lyme disease, domestic violence, and suicide. She is the survivor of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. These obstacles have strengthened her life and her purpose.

She is a woman birthing life to others by embracing them with confidence, and helping them achieve their calling. Kemley Whiteside earned her MA in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, and her MBA in Project Management from Ashford University. She holds a BS in Information Technology from Phoenix University and has over fifteen certifications.

Connect with the author: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram

Interview:

How did you get the idea of your cover for the book?
I had a vision that God had laid in my spirit. I immediately wrote it down with the exact specifics and instructions from God.

What do you think people will get from the book?
I think people will immediately take the book as intimate and personal. They will see themselves through each Chapter of the book, because they will be able to relate with all of the various issues. The other thing I believe will be helpful is that they will be able to apply some of the things to their lives to avoid making those mistakes.

What made you write about your life?When I began writing I had no idea that was the direction I was going. God was leading me as I was writing. There were various intimate things I never thought I would share with the world, but I realized that those intimate things I overcame were supposed to happen so I can share my story. God was directing me to write about my life.

How did you create examples of things you experienced?
Each time I related in my book a specific issue I encountered, I wanted to apply real life solutions. I read books in the past and I realized that I was not receiving answers. I was being spoken to like I was supposed to understand how to solve the problem and that was my inspiration to create examples.

How do you overcome fears?
I take time to meditate and reflect on God’s creations. I spend time understanding that there is an outcome that produces great fruits of the labor at the end. I overcome my fears by believing that if I don’t accomplish the task then I will remain in fear always and that’s not an option. I try to reverse that thought and use fear as a challenge to fulfill my destiny.

Giveaway:

Win a print or ebook copy of Accepted, Secured, Signficant: (international)

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April 18 - Corinne Rodrigues - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

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