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book review

Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up!

by joi on February 17, 2010

in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Positive Thought, Spiritual

I just finished reading a book by Deb Scott, The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up!.  There were so many things I loved about this book – from the author’s infectious positive and fun-to-read style to the catchy title – a title that starts the reader off on a journey to discover what the author has in mind.  As an avid book reader who always has more books that she wants to read than time in which to read them, I love something else about this book – something that I’ve started embracing books for having: Large enough text for me to lie the book on the front of my treadmill and read as I trudge along.  Big bonus!  I actually finished this wonderful book this afternoon while getting in my daily exercise on my treadmill.

There is great power in the now. Give up the hope of a better past, and start focusing your time and energy on a better present moment, right now. – Page 15, The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue.

I’d categorize this book under the following categories:

  • Spiritual
  • Self Help
  • Self Improvement
  • Inspirational
  • Motivational
  • Recovery
  • A Book that Makes You Glad to Be Alive!

That last category?  Just made it up – Just for this book.   When I finish reading a book, I ask myself what my initial opinion of the book is.  After the standard, “Like it, love it, or eh -so-so,” I always have a few summarizing thoughts about the book, the author, or the way the book left me feeling.  After reading The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up!, I thought, and subsequently wrote down, the following:  “This book was like a walk through an inspirational and spiritual garden.  There were so many lovely thoughts, quotes, stories, and illustrations along the way – just like beautiful flowers along a garden’s path.  I kept stopping to pick one and could see one just ahead – from the first page of the book to the last.”

I share a lot of books with you, my friends who also happen to be my readers.  If I got something out of a book, I want at least the same for you.  But it can be tricky.  I don’t want the article to come across as a book review, per se.  My goal for Self Help Daily is for you to truly get something out of every single post – whether it’s a dose of inspiration, a blast of motivation, something to think about over the course of the day, or even a good (loving) kick in the butt (speaking of which, put down that soft drink).    All of this means, I like to share something with you from the book that’ll give you food for thought for your day and, hopefully, your life.  However, in fairness to the author – I never want to give too much away.

Generally, I just approach it like I do everything else in life – I let my heart be my guide. So, here goes!

As I said, The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! is filled with insightful, wonderful gems. Some of these are quotes, some are examples, and some are stories. However, the majority of these gems are the author’s own lovely thoughts and views of life. Deb Scott has lived a full life and seen her share of troubles and triumphs. It’s because of this view that she’s able to write such a thought-provoking and inspirational book.

We may not be able to control the direction of the wind, but we can always adjust the direction of our sails. – Deb Scott

It seems to me that this book is written, primarily, with the individual in mind who has been in a battle or who is currently on the battle lines. Even though neither description fits me, personally (for which I thank God profusely), I did get a great, great deal from this author and this book. I can only imagine what someone who has suffered any sort of abuse or addiction would take away from this book. I have an idea that it’d be this: A new life.

I’m not even remotely exaggerating.

Deb Scott has battled a demon (alcohol) that many face but only the strong defeat. She also battled an abusive relationship. I love that she didn’t just find her way out of the darkness… she’s going back for others who haven’t found their way out yet.

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! can serve as a beautiful guide and companion to those who are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Make no mistake about it, it’s there and Deb Scott can be your guide.

I want to hasten to add, however, that even those of us who have been ridiculously blessed – having never been mistreated by anyone and who can claim coffee or chocolate as the only addictions they’ve ever had – can, and will, benefit from this book and author.

We magnify what we focus on. - Deb Scott

Here’s an example. Deb Scott points out, beautifully, a truth that I have always felt strongly about: The more we focus on something, the larger we make it. We actually end up magnifying what we want most to diminish! If you keep focusing on a small habit or trait of a loved on… keep thinking about it…. keep talking about it…. keep obsessing over it… it will become so large that you won’t be able to stand being in the same room with it. That’s why it is so important to focus on positive things in life and positive traits in people.

Think about it, our thoughts fill the room that we happen to be in. Do you really want to be filled with negativity, criticisms, and pet peeves? Hadn’t you rather be surrounded by love, laughter, positive thoughts, and positive energy?

The next time you begin to zero in on insignificant, petty little habits or idiosyncrasies of someone, switch your frequency. Think about his sense of humor – how he always makes you laugh. Or think about her sweet nature – how she wouldn’t hurt anything or anyone, even if they struck first.

Instead of thinking about your “small” house, think about how “cozy” it is! Instead of thinking about all the work you have to do, think about how blessed you are to have a job and the health with which to do it. Instead of criticizing yourself for being overweight, focus on how young you look, your beautiful hair, or your eyes that your friends envy so.

Fill your thoughts and fill your world with positive energy and show negativity the back door. There’s no doubt in my mind that I come across as Mary Poppins sometimes. It’s a fact I don’t just live with, I actually embrace. And it’s something that isn’t reserved for my writings or blogs – I’m this way in the kitchen, in the store, while vacuuming, in the laundry room, working in my yard… and so on. I simply think any time spent generating negative energy is a waste of time and an insult to God. It’s also not fair to people around you – the ones you spew it all over!

My husband and I had a funny talk last night at supper. He was talking about a guy he has golfed with before. He said he wasn’t his favorite golfing buddy because he was so negative. Then he told a story about a guy he likes to golf with. This guy isn’t as good of a golfer as the other guy, but he apparently thinks he’s the next Tiger Woods. He’ll hit a so-so shot or even a bad one, then look at my husband and say, “Wow. I couldn’t have hit that one any better!”

I love this guy!

Remember, we can’t unscramble the scrambled eggs. But we can come up with delightful new recipes to serve and enjoy them. – Deb Scott, Page 39, The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I promise that you’ll find plenty of beautiful flowers to cut and enjoy along the garden’s path.

Buy The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! on Amazon today.

The Skinny on Willpower: How to Develop Self Discipline

by joi on November 30, 2009

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

The Skinny on Willpower by Jim Randel

I’ve fallen completely in love with books that are as visual as they are motivational, educational, inspirational, and helpful. Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle with illustrations by Patrick McDonnell (creator of MUTTS) is a perfect example. I fell hard for that book and now I’ve fallen hard again.

The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline by Jim Randel is a first-class example of a book that’s a lof of fun to look at and a lot of fun to read… yet, amongst all of the smiles is a great, great deal of useful and helpful information.

“Willpower isn’t something that gets handed out to some and not to others… it’s a skill you can develop through understanding and practice.” – Gillian Riley

The adorable stick figures in this book get into a whole mess of situations. You follow the skinny little characters as they learn about willpower and “making it happen.” Basically, The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline is a great lesson on self-discipline and willpower told in a story format. You’ll find lessons, bullet points, and quotes throughout the book as well. The characters, through trial and error and with help from the author (moderator), they find the path to making their dreams come true.

The best part, of course, is we can find the same path. The author serves as the moderator for our lives as well. This book is honestly filled with fantastic advice – all presented in a way that’ll be completely fresh and new to each reader. Come on, I read as much as a cat sleeps – I’ve seen every kind of book there is. And as much as I love books, they can sometimes become monotonous. You’ll be halfway through the book and have to look at the cover to see which book it is you’re reading. There have been times when I would have sworn I’d read a book before – when, in actuality – it was a new book… just old material and worn out thoughts.

With The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline, I certainly didn’t have to look at the cover any! This book is a very refreshing and fun read. I hope you’ll find a copy asap and devour every word. It won’t take long to do so as the book reads incredibly fast. But it stays with you forever.

I’ll end with an excerpt from the book, itself. In one of the strongest parts of the book, the author lays out the three key steps you need to take in order to prepare yourself to be able to sustain the resolve you need to accomplish a goal.  The first step he gives is, “Take Your Temperature.”

Page 67:  TAKE YOUR TEMPERATURE:

No, not that kind of temperature.  What we mean is ask yourself how badly you want to achieve your goal.  One of the most famous self improvement authors (Napoleon Hill) speaks to the need for “a desire of white-hot intensity,”  In other words, do you really, really want to achieve your goal?  The good news is that if you do, you can almost stop reading.

You know the expression, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”?  Well, many achievement authors would say the same thing a little differently.

“Where there’s a will, there’s willpower.”

In other words, if you want something badly enough, your internal programming (for survival) will kick in and help you find the self-discipline you need along the path to your goal.

But don’t kid yourself.  If your temperature is not high enough – if you do not want something badly enough – why bother?  Your willpower will fade when the going gets tough – and whenever you seek something of value, the going will always get tough. The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline by Jim Randel – pages 66 – 67

Angel Animals – Book of Inspiration by Allen and Linda Anderson

by joi on May 12, 2009

in Animal Protection, Book Reviews, Books I Love, Positive Thought, Relationships, Spiritual

Angel Animals Book of Inspiration by Allen and Linda Anderson

I just finished a book that can only be described as completely beautiful and precious. I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m all kinds of animal obsessed. So much so that the term animal lover just doesn’t seem to cover it. We have 3 cats (plus a few strays that I’ve already named, but can’t quite touch yet), 3 hamsters, and a host of cuties that come into our yard each day and night. Yes, as a matter of fact, I do name our possums, rabbits, and raccoons. You have not seen cute until you’ve seen a raccoon with a bunch of grapes!

We currently have 4 bird feeders and I’d name my feathered friends as well, but they number in the gazillions.  Besides I don’t have to call them for them to flock to me.  All it takes is the rattling of bird seed, a bag of popcorn, or a loaf of bread.

Our dog, sadly, passed away over a year ago and we haven’t gotten another one yet. I’m working on my husband as well as our outside cats. None are budging, yet, but if the hubby remembers how much he loved walking Wednesday, at least he may reconsider.

Anyway, a few of my favorite authors are also animal lovers extraordinaire: Allen and Linda Anderson. This book is their latest: Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion.  It’s also probably my favorite book of theirs.

A few days ago, I posted about one of the stories in this wonderful book on my Dream Blog, click the link to read it – the story is about an iguana (oooh, I’ve never had one of those).  The story is very interesting.

This beautiful book is available on Amazon for just a little over $10 – are you kidding me?! You could buy one for every animal lover you know and have birthday, Father’s Day, and Christmas gifts that will make them smile ear to proverbial ear.

Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion is a collection of true stories by animal lovers – all about the remarkable animals that have touched their lives.

These are animals that’ll make you smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry. As they’re moving your emotions and stirring your heart, they’ll also inspire you and touch you in a way that you’ll want to share with others. I’ve already shared a few stories with my daughters and their boyfriends. When it comes to animal lovers, my youngest daughter’s boyfriend is a kindred spirit. When they first started dating, there was a big snake on our patio, completely uninvited. That’s where this animal lover draws the DO NOT CROSS line. When this young man saw the snake, his face lit up. When most people would have tried to kill the animal, he took the time to catch it and take it to a field to release it safely. He even talked sweetly to it the entire time – the way I talk to animals with fur and feathers. If I’m not mistaken, he called it baby once.

A sentiment I couldn’t get entirely behind, but I knew the kid was a soul mate.

You’ll want to share these beautiful stories with all of the animal lovers in your life – even the snake handlers.

“As a lifelong animal lover, I am delighted to see them celebrated in such a positive way. You and your pet will enjoy reading this together.” – Betty White

Some of the animals you’ll fall in love with are:
Richard Simmons’ beautiful Dalmations
A Llama with wings!
Cassidy the blue eyed cat
The Dolphin who loved the song “Amazing Grace”
Jasper, a neglected cat who was fortunate enough to be adopted by very sweet and loving parents
And too many more to even list… including, of course, the iguana I mentioned above.

The stories in Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion made me think more about the animals in my own life – how they’ve helped us through hard times and how they’ve touched us in ways we didn’t think possible.

One instance that comes to mind involves my mother. Right after my dad passed away, their beautiful lab had to be put to sleep. What was a heartbreaking time for all of us was about as close to unbearable as possible for my mother. Mom, was also an extreme animal lover, understandably was going through an extremely hard time. One afternoon, she looked out her front door and saw an adorable, frisky, white, little dog staring back at her – wagging his tail so much that it nearly knocked him down! Naturally, she brought him inside. She contacted the local radio stations and put up a few “missing dog” posters. Deep down, I somehow knew that an “owner” wouldn’t show up. I knew the owner was her – because, frankly, I’ve seen God work before and am familiar with His style.

I’ve known many, many dogs in my life but I can honestly say that this dog had the sweetest nature of any dog I’ve ever met. He was simply a joy to be around. He was playful, loving, sweet, and possessed an incredible sense of humor. As all pet lovers know, all animals have different levels of humor. This little dog was a riot and seemed to love NOTHING more than making our mom laugh.

Like I said, I’m familiar with God’s style.

Please grab at least one copy of this book, it won’t just touch your heart, it’ll gently squeeze it.

Accomplishing More by Doing Less

by joi on February 25, 2009

in Book Reviews

"LESS - Accomplishing More by Doing Less" by Marc LesserI love irony. Truth be told, I stand gawking at its beauty every time.

A few weeks ago, I made a few decisions in the section of my life that I call “work.” Why the quotation marks? Because I know enough to know that my “work” would be PLAY in the lives of those of you who day in, day out do really hard work.

It seems, somehow, unfair to use the same word for what I do during the day that’s used for nurses, construction workers, lawyers, waitresses, soldiers, authors, salespeople, Starbucks employees (I love you), etc. Deadlines? Demanding customers? Clock in? Clock out? Irritable boss? Frustrating co-workers? Hateful people? Alarm clocks, what?! That’s the sort of stuff that would make me want to hide under the covers. Like, forever.

Anyway, I decided that I had spread myself too thin. I realized that having more to do was sucking the life out of what was being done. I made a few decisions, while I let a few more simmer on the back burners.

While they were simmering, I was sent a beautiful little green book, Less: Accomplishing More by Doing Less by Marc Lesser. Less by Lesser.

Our daily incessant busyness – too much to do and not enough time; the pressure to produce a to-do list and tick off items by each day’s end – seems to decide the direction and quality of our existence for us. But if we approach our days in a different way, we can consciously change this out-of-control pattern. It requires only the courage to do less. – From the Prologue, Less: Accomplishing More by Doing Less

The author, Marc Lesser, lays out and explains his 5 step approach which he calls the Less Manifesto. The goal of this system is to accomplish more, do more, and enjoy more by doing less. His approach is, I’d say a younger sibling to the “Work Smarter not Harder” philosophy and is one that more of us should become more familiar with.

While the steps focus mainly on our professional lives (Wait? I have one of those?), they are equally effective in our personal lives.

In Chapter One, the author proposes the idea that many people become addicted to busyness.

We all get overwhelmed with busyness at times. But if you find yourself frequently comfortable with or bragging about how over-busy you are, you may want to question whether you’ve become addicted to being busy. Have you convinced yourself that you thrive on busyness? Do you often feel a physical satisfaction and increase in energy from “multitasking” – from the thrill of jam-packing a day with more than seems humanly possible, or from the drama of working under impossible deadlines and meeting them at any cost to health and family? At the end of a workday, do you have difficulty focusing and calming down? Do you feel a sense of emptiness?

If the answer is yes to most of these questions, you might want to consider developing a more sustainable approach to work and activity in general. Your current and future health probably depends on it. – Page 9

If you recognize yourself in the description above (even slightly), I’d recommend a quick hop over to Amazon. This is a wonderfully inspirational book that’s full of wonderful ideas and insights. It’s also one of those books that “reads” very quickly. But while it can be read in one day, it has the power to touch all of your tomorrows. The author, and thereby his words, have a lot of heart. If you let them, they’ll bring a great deal of peace into your life.

Doing less leads to more love, more effectiveness and internal calmness, and a greater ability to accomplish more of what matters most – to us, and by extension to others and the world. – Marc Lesser, Less: Accomplishing More by Doing Less

Visit www.accomplishingmorebydoingless.com for more information.

A Couple of Things to Think About from the Pages of Sound Health, Sound Wealth by Luanne Oakes, PH.D.

by joi on November 13, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Self Help

Sound Health, Sound Wealth: The Biology of Hope and Manifestation is nothing if not a fascinating read. As I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned, I recently got behind in my reading because of a broken cat. My Alexa decided that she was graceful enough to take a running jump on an ironing board – as though she was Mary Lou Retton and it was her balance beam. Reality crashed down on my beautiful, albeit ungraceful, girl. It landed on a back leg, broke it in two places, and she and I spend a great deal of time lying in the floor.

She has finally consented to allow me to read as she watches, though, so I finished this particular book a few nights ago.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, and whatever your current state of health, you can transform your life – without traveling to Lourdes to be healed, reinventing yourself, or even getting online. Sound Health, Sound Wealth is about effortlessly creating the life you want from the inside out. – Luanne Oakes, Ph.D.

In the statement above, the author sums her approach up beautifully, “…from the inside out.” Her approach to self improvement doesn’t take any excuses and doesn’t allow you to even try to come up with any. She lets you know, right up front, that you are responsible for your own life as well as any success you hope to draw into it.

I love a book that causes me to take notes before I’m even out of the Introduction. This book was just such a book. 5 pages into the intro, I wrote the following down in my much beloved purple notebook:

In recent years, the author Earl Nightingale uncovered a mystical and scientific secret he referred to as “The Strangest Secret.” As he put it, “We become what we think about most of the time….” What do you think about most of the time? How do you feel about your present life, your loved ones, your friendships, and your work? Do you love what you do?…. Each and every thought has a neurochemical, biological, and molecular equivalent. Thoughts do become things. (I actually circled that sentence.)

Sound Health, Sound Wealth is very unique in that it’s a very relaxing book to read, it just brings a certain peacefulness to the reader. I think it must come resonate from the author, herself. Like children, books often pick up the persona of their parent. However, the book also lights a fire underneath you. It causes you to see things you could be doing better to get better – as in better finances, better relationships, better time management, etc.

One of my favorite sections of the book was in Chapter 4 – The Principle of Energetic Boundaries. Under a wonderfully powerful heading called “Energy Leaks,” the author writes, “Energy leaks occur when you consciously or unconsciously give away time, thought, emotion, money, assistance, or any other valuable aspect of yourself in a way that is costly for your well-being and not truly helpful in the long run to anyone else.”

Since reading that paragraph, there have been so many times in my own life when I’ve looked at situations and wondered if they were “energy leaks.” Don’t you just love that phrase?! We all value (and NEED) what energy we’re able to produce – what a pity it is that we waste it with these leaks. When we give away any of our own energy, we’re taking it away from where it’s needed most – from where it could do the most good.

Energy leaks – gotta watch out for them.

Sound Health, Sound Wealth is full of wonderful insights and advice, “Energy leaks” is just one of my favorites. I want you to discover the rest for yourself. If you also take notes when you read, let me warn you – you’ll want quite a few pieces of paper when you sit down with this book.

Btw, the book also comes with a cd. That’s always a plus…. for people in vehicles rather than sprawled across a dining room floor, that is.

The Best Thing You Could Buy For the Graduate in Your Life

by joi on May 12, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within.
This morning, over cup of coffee Number One, I began and finished a wonderful little book I recieved yesterday.  The first thing I did when I closed the back cover was think, “I want each of my three daughters to read this book.“  Then I thought, “I want everyone to read this book!“ 

The book is Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within. by Maria Shriver and would be an ideal gift for a graduate (either from High School or College).  You’ll want to be certain to do one thing, however, and that’s read it before you pass it along!  It’s of the utmost value for everyone, irregardless of their age.  Why?  I’ll let Maria Shriver’s own words explain:

I’ve learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives, not just when we’re starting out in the world.  That’s because, in a way, we’re starting out fresh in the world every single day.   -  Maria Shriver, Just Who Will You Be?

The book includes a really inspiring and beautiful speech Maria Shriver gave to her nephew’s senior class. After the speech, students and parents, alike, came up to her thanking her for her words and telling her what they meant to them. Soon thereafter, the idea for the book came about – giving a much wider audience to the speech and it’s inspirational message.

If I were shopping for a graduation present for someone special, I’d go out and buy a great card, a bright gift bag, and some cool tissue paper.  Then I’d get a copy of Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within. and nestle it into the toilet paper.  Since the gift would probably be for a really young person, I’d also buy and add a great necklace, candy, a gift card, or money to the bag as well.   On the card I’d point out how the message inside the book will do them a lot more good than anything else in the bag.  Even if it’s something chocolate!

The really beautiful thing about this book is that it will touch the graduate not only on the day you give it to him/her but everyday for the rest of their life.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

**** Be sure you read the book first!  It’s beautifully written and the message is huge.

UPDATE:

I just discovered that this amazing little book is also available as a CD (pictured below). It’s read by Maria Shriver – how cool’s that? The  Just Who Will You Be CD would also make a remarkable gift.  It’d make it a little trickier to enjoy, yourself, before giving the gift, of course - unless you’re masterful at rewrapping plastic!  I’ll tell you what, buy a copy for yourself as well.  Then, the graduate will recieve a potentially life-changing message while you’re sitting on one of your own.

Just Who Will You Be CD

Do It Anyway: Living the Paradoxical Commandments

by joi on May 5, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Relationships, Self Help, Spiritual

Before reviewing Dr. Kent M. Keith’s “Do It Anyway,” I wanted to remind you of his infamous Paradoxical Commandments. Written in the 1960’s, they are every bit as necessary and vital today as then. (Let’s hope that can be said for all of us from the Sixties!)

The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

I love that last line, Give the world the best you have anyway. Great stuff! If these Paradoxical Commandments affect you as strongly as they do most people, you’ll want to visit Paradoxical Commandments.com. In addition to a blog, you’ll find mugs, posters, books, clothing, a newsletter, and “sightings” of these world famous commandments.

Onto the book review!

Do It Anyway: Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments
I just finished reading Kent M. Keith’s book,  Do It Anyway: Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments.  This wonderfully beautiful and beautifully wonderful little book serves as a “companion” guide to The Paradoxical Commandments.  It features tools, exercises, and suggestions that the reader can use for personal introspection or group discussion.

The book acknowledges that yes, indeed, the world can be pretty crazy.  But that can’t stop us from doing and giving our best.  We’re the ones with the power – we can either allow circumstances to bring us to a complete stop or we can, in the author’s words, “Do it Anyway.”  This wonderful guide gives specific examples of how we can speed past the life’s tempting STOP signs – without ever looking back!

As the author stresses in Part One, we can’t control the “external world.”  The economy?  Gas Prices?  Political scandals?  Out of our control.  But we CAN control how we react to them.  We CAN make certain that we give our best in every situation and carve out as much happiness and peace for ourselves as possible.  The book challenges us with a series of questions about how we’re coping with the world around us.  It’s like therapy at the end of our arms!

If you are trapped in excuses, or a difficult past, or a difficult present, now is the time to break out.  The Paradoxical Commandments point the way.  Personal meaning and deep happiness are waiting for you. – Do It Anyway: Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments, Page 37

Part One also lists typical excuses and stumbling blocks that get in our way, then tells how to forge ahead and “Do It Anyway.”  I lost track of the times while reading that I thought, “Great advice!”

Part Two is a beautiful section because it introduces you to some beautiful people, people who are living the Paradoxical life.  Their stories are told, in their own words, about ways they used the Paradoxical Commandments to overcome ugliness, unfairness, and unpleasantness.  Each of the Paradoxical Commandments are dealt with, not simply in words, but in real life stories and emotions.

Along the way the reader is challenged with questions.  These questions bring us face to face with how we would handle, or how we do handle, similar situations.  We’re forced to see if we are living the Paradoxical Commandments and we’re shown where we may be failing if we aren’t.  One of my favorite stories was from the author, himself, as he talked about his grandparents.  He referred to his grandmother as someone who was easy to love but told how his grandfather was one of those people who was difficult to love.  Apparently the grandfather didn’t talk much and smiled and laughed even less.  The author, however, loved him anyway and was a better person for having done so.

If you live the Paradoxical Commandments, you will change the world.  You will love people, and do good, and succeed, and be honest and frank, and think big, and fight for the underdogs, and build, and help people, and give the world your best. - Do It Anyway: Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments, Page 139

You’re going to love what Part Three has on its mind:  Saving the World.  Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about! We’re encouraged to try and make a difference, for the better, in the world around us. The author emphasizes the importance of starting at home and work – then working your way out.

I love the checklist given on page 158.  The reader is presented with 5 powerful and challenging questions. Two of these are;

Am I satisfied with things as they are?  Why?  Why not?

AmI willing to be known and judged by the stand that I take?

The other 3?  Oh, you know the drill – buy the book and find out!

Part Four is a fascinating interview with the author.  This is a section that I desperately wish all books included.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve read a book and thought, “I wish I could ask the author this or I wish I could ask the author that.”  Ironically, as I was reading the book, I didn’t realize the interview was waiting at the end.  Several times, while reading, I wondered what the author’s favorite commandment was and if he ever thought of adding to the ten.  I also wondered if he came up with the number 10 as a tribute to the 10 Commandments God presented to Moses.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that these answers (as well as others) were all in the back of the book waiting for me, as though they read my mind.  I was also very happy with the answers, themselves.

In summary, this is a book I’d very highly recommend.  I particularly love the way we’re challenged to make a difference in the world around us.  Of course, the only way to really be effective about such an endeavor is to, first, make a difference in ourselves – particularly in our thinking.   

Living with the Paradoxical Commandments will lead you to more peace and happiness than living without the Paradoxical Commandments.  This guide will….well, guide you.  Every beautiful step of the way.

 

Unlock the Healing Code with 7 Special Keys

by joi on April 21, 2008

in Book Reviews, Health

Unlocking the Healing Code: Discover the 7 Keys to Unlimited Healing Power
As I often say, one of the perkiest perks of being a web publisher is the luxury of having wonderful books sent to you.  For a book maniac like me, it’s nearly as good as cash (although I have to confess, the ones who’ve sent a Starbucks gift card along with the book have earned a friend for life).

A book I finished reading last night was Unlocking the Healing Code: Discover the 7 Keys to Unlimited Healing Power by Dr. Bruce Forciea.  Beyond fascinating!

The headline on the back cover gives the best, although briefest, synopsis possible:  A Revolutionary New Approach to Healing.  The author, Dr. Bruce Forciea, holds a doctorate in Chiropractic and is a college professor or anatomy and physiology. He also has an appropriately titled web site, Informational Healing.  He’s sitting on a wealth of information!

One of my favorite subjects of Unlocking the Healing Code: Discover the 7 Keys to Unlimited Healing Power involves the FASCINATING technique known as imagery.  Imagery is one of the most amazing relaxation techniques I’ve ever known.  It allows your body and mind to work together to overcome any tension that’s trying to get the upper hand.  IMAGINE that!

Imagery, as well as other relaxation techniques found throughout the book could go a very long way in reducing stress.  I love the thought of what the author refers to as taking periodical body scans throughout the day.  When you find where tension is holding court, the book’s techniques can help your body say, “Court dismissed!”

Given the fact that stress can, and does, lead to endless diseases and ailments, reducing it in our lives could do more than jus make us feel better.

It could very well add years to our life and life to our years.

Yeah, I went there.

Another wonderful section of the book is the information the author shareds about a health scare he had with his heart.  He details his different healing methods and it’s fascinating every step of the way.  If the thought of discovering 7 keys to unlimited healing power sounds like something you would be interested in, click one of the links within this post (or the image at the top). 

Also, be sure to visit the author’s website:  Informational Healing.com