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Book Reviews

The Importance of Attitude, Soul Exercises, and a Final Thought Worth Writing Down – Twice

by joi on December 17, 2009

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

101 Exercises for the Soul by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

A lot of things fascinate me. I guess I’m easily fascinated. And amused. I laugh often and easily, and sometimes at inappropriate times. I can’t help it, really, life and the livers of it simply amuse me.

One of the aspects of life that fascinates me the most is people’s attitudes. You can take two individuals – living under the same situations, same conditions, and sometimes even the same roof – and they’ll often have two completely different attitudes about life. One will think life is a wonderful long party – one that requires all the dancing, singing, and merriment that you can muster. They’ll see the hope in even the most dire circumstances, a rainbow at the end of every storm, and reason to smile when others think they’re whacko for doing so. The next person will think of life as a long work day – one that needs to be plowed through like Sherman plowed through the south. They’ll resent others who aren’t plowing along beside them and secretly wish the dancers would fall into a pit. A deep pit. (What these people don’t realize is that even if we did fall into such a pit, we’d just party on. Heck, it’d be a funner party than ever without the plowers!)

Attitudes. They determine so much, yet we tend to overlook and neglect them. Bad on us.

I just finished an outstanding book, 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel.  In the book, Dr. Siegel offers 101 exercises that can, honestly, help transform your life.  He starts off with a bang in precisely the right place – with our attitude.

…if your attitude is negative and your mind is filled with worry and fear, it takes its toll on your body, mind, and spirit.  In fact, by spending all your time creating a vision of an unhappy future, you help create that future.  Remember, your thoughts guide your decisions, and negative thoughts lead to negative decisions.  Nothing is solved by visualizing the worst outcome, but much can be accomplished when you desire and intend to achieve the best possible result.  Optimists may not be more accurate about life – whether interpreting the past or predicting the future – but they live longer than pessimists.  pages 5-6, 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

I believe this is why it’s so important to believe in yourself, your dreams, and your prayers.  When you have the right attitude – a positive one – you’ll keep doing everything in your power to make your dreams come true.  You’ll keep praying, keep believing, and your soul will lie its head on a pillow of Faith and cover up with a blanket of Hope.

However, when your attitude is negative and pessimistic, you’ll all but give up.  No one ever wins ANYTHING by giving up.  Nowhere worth going – that’s where a negative attitude will take you, dump you, and leave you.

I highly recommend clicking the following link and reading more about this wonderful book:   101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel.

It’s a very, very special book.  Grab a copy, then sit down to transform your life.  Be sure to have a pen and paper handy for exercises.  You’ll really get in touch with yourself during these exercises. You’ll find wonderful qualities you’d forgotten you had!  You’ll also uncover a few rotten habits you’ve picked up along the way.  Don’t fret, though – Dr. Siegel will help you cast them aside!

I’ll end with possibly my favorite passage from the book – again about attitudes and the importance of wearing the right one.

Over God’s desk there is a plaque that reads, “If you go around saying I’ve got a miserable life I’ll show you what  miserable really is.  And if you go around saying I’ve got a wonderful life, I’ll show you what wonderful really is.” – Dr. Bernie S. Siegel – 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit

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

Designer Women: Made By God Book Review and Interview with Ruth Tuttle Conrad

by joi on July 6, 2009

in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Spiritual

Designer Women: Made By God

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. That’s exactly the first three words that came out of my mouth after I finished reading Ruth Tuttle Conrad’s book, Designer Women: Made by God.  Well,I guess it’s not exactly three words as much as it is one word three times, but you get the idea.

In this wonderfully written book, Ruth Tuttle Conrad (an ordained minister and teacher) takes us by the hand as she leads us on a joruney to visit with some remarkable women from the Bible:

  1. Eve
  2. Zelophehad’s daughters
  3. Zipporah
  4. Hagar
  5. Ruth
  6. The Crippled Woman  healed by Jesus
  7. Anna
  8. Elizabeth
  9. Mary
  10. Dorcas and Priscilla

In reading about these women’s lives, we see that they had the same emotions, frustrations, doubts, and problems we face.  They lived in a different time.  They dressed differently, they ate differently, and they would have thought Starbucks was something in the sky. (I think Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha would have been big Starbucks fans.  They were the essence of cool, so it’s pretty much a given.)

Not only did I love learning more about these women who God deemed worthy of mentioning in the Bible, I loved the personal glimpses the author gives from her own life.  You feel as though your having a great little visit with an old friend, catching up on one another’s life.  By telling the reader about her own experiences, she  causes the reader to think of similar experiences in his or her own life.

All in all, Designer Women: Made by God isn’t just a beautiful read – it’s a beautiful journey. And it’s one you’ll want to take as soon as possible, so head over to Amazon as soon as possible and order yourself a copy.

Before you do that, though, I thought you’d like to read a great little Q & A that was done with Ruth Tuttle Conrad.

Ruth Tuttle Conard

Q & A with Ruth Tuttle Conard
Author of Designer Women: Made by God

This Sunday, a woman somewhere in America will don the literal head covering of 1 Corinthians 11 and depart for church, where she will be expected to remain silent. In another church, a woman will stand before the congregation to deliver the sermon. Most of us will fall somewhere between these two extremes—no head covering required and free to teach children or other women or to accompany the church choir, as long as we remember that some spiritual gifts are off-limits to us. In this climate, many women are spiritually suffocating, unique giftings and God-given callings crushed by a male-dominated church culture determined to keep them in their place—regardless of what God is doing.

For author, ordained minister, and international speaker Ruth Conard, these feelings of rejection and confusion are all too familiar. Despite the contradictions in opinion within the church, Conard believes that God is consistent in His love and His plan for women. In her new book, Designer Women: Made by God, Conard inspires women to rise up and embrace God’s unique design and purpose for them by examining the biblical accounts of women who were mightily used by Him.

Q: Designer Women examines the lives of several women in the Bible, including some who are often overlooked. Why is it important for Christian women today to study these stories?

A: Throughout the Old Testament, God’s initial, redeeming plan continued to emerge through the lives of women who rose above the constraints of custom, the body-centered mania, and the fear of men. These women, as leaders and strong examples in varied facets of life, did not act because there were no good men, but rather because they were good women, created in God’s image, gifted by God, and working in obedience with their Maker. These women of strength were pillars in home, society, and faith communities. These are the foremothers of all the women we celebrate within the pages of the New Testament: Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, Dorcas, Priscilla, and a myriad of others. And they are my foremothers and your foremothers with much to teach us.

Q: What is the biggest question that Designer Women was written to answer?

A: The big question is this: Do we have a consistent God for women? I have been in all kinds of churches, and it seems God is pretty consistent for men. They don’t have to change their clothes, all offices are open to them, they have been redeemed from everything, etc. For women, the verdict on these issues changes from church to church. One issue I struggled with was the head covering of 1 Corinthians 11. In some churches, I had to wear it if I sang or played the piano. In others, no. In some places, I had to wear it if I spoke, even if speaking only to women. In some, I had to wear it even though I was expected to sit quietly, not permitted to say a word. In other churches, what was on a woman’s head had nothing to do with anything at all. Then there were the questions that always plagued me regarding spiritual gifts, as well as the part women could, would, and should play and had played in the church.

Q: How did your treatment as a woman affect your passion and enjoyment of your faith?

A: Over the years, I began to ask ministers and male church leaders these difficult questions. The answers I received, along with divergent church practices, became like huge bars on which I slipped and slid. Eventually, the struggles filled my mind with an enormous, resounding No! No! to the questions. No! to what I sensed were the gifts God had given me. No! to the exuberant joy I had felt in walking with Christ since childhood. And, oh so sad, No! to the missionary spirit God had sewn into my very being. Why, I reasoned, should I invite other intelligent, gifted women into the church only to have their fervent, creative, God-given hopes squelched?

Q: Who was Designer Women written to reach?

A: I wrote this book simply for the woman in the pew. I want her to get a little shaken up. I want her to look into these issues. I know only too well the pain, frustration, and loneliness that come when your God-given gifts are squished out of you simply because you are female. I want women to see that, yes, God is consistent in His love for women. We were designed exactly the way He wanted us to be—no matter what kind of treatment we have received from others in the church. I believe there is hope for us.

Q: Isn’t the Old Testament full of laws against women? With laws like these, doesn’t it seem like God prefers men over women?

A: We must continually remind ourselves that between the foyer of God’s original plan (Genesis 1-2) and the vast outlay of the Old Testament lies the narrow, dark hallway of Adam and Eve’s sin. Their choice taints all the rest of Scripture’s pages, as well as our own lives today. The results of their choice, described by God in Genesis 3, are carried out within the context of the patriarchal system that formed the parameters of their society. It’s true, the language used in the Old Testament law supposes a patriarchal society. The household belonged to the man. The man initiated a divorce. Property, family name, and children were all owned and given from the father to sons, not to daughters. However, the law does not depersonalize women. Women were held responsible for criminal actions. Mothers, as well as fathers, were supposed to receive honor. In fact, many of the Mosaic laws which may seem ridiculous to modern readers were actually for the protection and health of nomadic women and their families in the severe desert conditions. The main point to remember is that the law was not developed to make a statement about male-female relationships. The patriarchal system and male domination did not exist because God favored one sex over the other. The law was given so that the Israelites would be recognized as God’s people, no longer belonging to Pharaoh.

Q: What are your feelings regarding the ongoing debate about the roles of women in the church?

A: What is extremely fascinating to me is that this continual battle over women in the church does not seem to have caused any problem for God and how He has designed his daughters. The reading of church history shows that in every century since the beginning of time, and in every land where Jehovah God has been acknowledged and the gospel has reached, women have always carried the good news of salvation, have always served God with whatever gifts He has given (whether quieter gifts or more visible gifts), and, alongside their brothers, have died for the cause of Christ. It’s happening today, even as I was in the process of writing Designer Women. And God is still creating baby girls, all over this world, who grow, confess Jesus as Savior, and are given spiritual gifts from the complete list of gifts, as the Spirit wills, even while men and women continue to say that it just isn’t possible!

Q: Why did women choose to follow Jesus during His earthly ministry? What does that mean for us today?

A: Jesus was counter cultural, especially in the area of gender. No off-color jokes, no demeaning attitudes, and no avoidance of women. He never abused them in action, word, or thought. When they raised questions, He never said “not goin’ there!” and then snickered with His male disciples. He respected them and their actions toward Him, even when others in His party scorned them. He listened to women, dialogued with them, and sought them out. He didn’t define the parameters of their lives. He was not afraid to touch them in public, accept their worship, commend their faith, and heal them. He talked straight to them about their sin and how to do right. Nor was He backward in treating them as full-blown, intelligent, competent adults. It’s no wonder women followed this man. This same Jesus walks beside you and me today!

About the Author:
Ruth Tuttle Conard is the pastoral director of Designed To Be Pillars, an inspirational ministry to women around the world. She is an ordained minister, a teacher of Gods Word, and a mentor to many. She and her husband, Bill, served God in South America for twenty years where they also raised their three children. Since 2000, she has ministered to thousands of women in over 20 countries outside of the US. Ruth’s deep love for women is rooted in years of praying, serving, and suffering alongside women in various parts of the world.

So, there you have it. All the information you need to let you know why you should grab a copy of Designer Women: Made by God right away. It’s a book filled with remarkable women which helps us to realize that we’re pretty remarkable ourselves!

Mindy Friddle, Author of The Garden Angel and Secret Keepers

by joi on June 22, 2009

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

Secret Keepers by Mindy Friddle

I’ll be honest with you, there are many, many, many things I’m unable to do.  There are plenty of things that I can do, but would LOVE to have the talent and ability to do better.  Photography is one of those things. I think I get too caught up in watching everything at once (cats, squirrels, birds, butterflies, shiny things…), instead of focusing in on the subject.

Story. Of. My. Life.

I am completely fascinated with the art of photography, though, and would love nothing more than to take the sort of pictures that take people’s breath away.

The lady who is doing a guest post for us today doesn’t just take people’s breath away with her photography, she refuses to give it back.  She has such an amazing and artistic eye – I could look at her photography all day.  Sadly, if I went out and tried to emulate anything she does, I’d have such a mess that even the robins would laugh at me.

Her name is Mindy Friddle and she’s as gifted with the pen as she is the camera.  I’m thrilled to have her as a guest blogger today and know you’ll love her words, as well as her photography which is included in the post.

Mindy Friddle’s first novel, The Garden Angel (St. Martin’s Press/Picador) was selected for Barnes and Noble’s Discover Great New Writers program in 2004, and was a National Public Radio (NPR) Morning Edition summer reading pick.  Secret Keepers, her second novel, was published by St. Martin’s Press in May.

Mindy lives, writes, and gardens in Greenville, South Carolina where she directs the Writing Room, a community-based nonprofit program she founded in 2006. She often posts photographs of her garden on her blog Novel Thoughts: Musings on Reading, Writing & the Earth.

Secret Keepers by Mindy Friddle

When I’m at my laptop working, when an impending deadline is breathing down my neck, the best way for me to get some focus–pardon the pun– is to take a few minutes and step outside with my camera. Although I don’t consider myself a photographer–have had absolutely no training– I love capturing images in the outdoors with my digital camera and sharing them on my blog.

Along with writing and gardening, photography is a way to lose my sense of self. And I mean that in a good way. There’s no pressure about how a picture will “turn out”– no ends to a means. I just focus on what’s in front of me–usually in the front-yard garden: a pitcher plant, a bed of sunflowers, a bluebird at the feeder. There’s always a lot going on out there– the St. John’s Wort is covered in bees, the swallowtail’s wings fanning back and forth on the yarrow, a black snake sunning itself. Last week, as I stood snapping a few photos of the bee balm in full bloom, a hummingbird zipped right up to me, RIGHT up to me– hovering there for the longest time, as if she were posing.

Behind the camera, you have to be still and alert. Your mind quiets. You witness the world through a lens that isn’t you– it’s more than you. And for me there’s an element of surprise in how the photographs differ from how I thought they’d look. The crowd of sunflowers look like they’re laughing once I see them on my computer screen. Who would have thought? I take it as a reminder of perspective, of the many, many ways of looking at the world.

When the publisher of my second novel, SECRET KEEPERS, requested some ideas about the book cover, I sent them a few photographs from my garden, pictures I thought captured the mischievous “ruined finery” of the novel. I was shocked when I opened up the image of the new book cover to find my publisher had selected a photograph I’d sent them. Those boot “planters” on the cover of SECRET KEEPERS are still on my front porch. I like to think they keep me down to earth.

———-
SECRET KEEPERS: strong storytelling, comic touches, prickly family dynamics, and the magical power of nature.
St. Martin’s Press
Read an excerpt at www.mindyfriddle.com

Chaos to Balance, A Life Changing Strategy by Raymond Salcido

by joi on March 19, 2009

in Book Reviews

Chaos to Balance - A Life Changing Strategy by Raymond SalcidoI just finished reading the book Chaos to Balance – A Life Changing Strategy by Raymond Salcido. Yet another fascinating, thought-provoking book. Like I’ve said, I’m really on a roll with great books!

Do you know what first caught my eye about this particular book? The thing that made me know I HAD to read it? It wasn’t the bright, gorgeous colors (although I’m wild about them), it wasn’t the cool, peaceful vibe (even wilder about that), and it wasn’t even the words “peace, happiness, and balance” on the back cover – although they’re words I keep in my heart and mind 24/7. The thing that provoked me to read it (even though I was, at the time, swamped with books on my desk) was something the author had written on the back cover:

“Based on eighteen years of psychotherapy experience, Raymond Salcido has built a system that identifies and manages the four stages of chaos addiction, providing peace and balance in a world that seems out of control.”

…..chaos addiction? The concept fascinated me when I first read it and it fascinates me even more now, after reading the book and deciding that the author is right on the money. Many people are totally addicted to chaos, stress, imbalance, and turmoil.

And it’s killing them.

Chaos to Balance – A Life Changing Strategy includes scenarios, soul-searching questions, advice, and encouragement.

Best of all, it lays out a perfect strategy for bringing balance into a life that has forgotten what balance even feels like. If you recognize yourself in this description, I urge you to grab a copy of the book. It may very well be JUST the thing you need to turn your life around and get it back on track.

If you don’t recognize yourself in this description, buy the book anyway! Why, overly caffeinated Self Help Daily blogger with chocolate on her breath, would I do that? Because the pages are filled with advice that’ll make your great life even better and will put you on alert for things you should watch out for. This way, you can regain your balance the minute it begins to slip!

This is a great read, you’ll learn a great deal.

Road Rules: Be the Truck Not the Squirrel by Andrew J. Sherman

by joi on January 24, 2009

in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Self Help

Road Rules by Andrew J. Sherman

Earlier this month, my husband’s car hit an oily patch in the road, so it decided to dive into a deep ditch.  Car, totaled.  Husband, sore. Wife, completely shaken.

I didn’t think January 2009 and I were going to get along.  However, things have picked up considerably.

The inauguration has left me, and the country I love so much, hopeful and proud.  It seems to me that everyone’s walking a little taller and daring to hope with a few less reservations.  Irregardless of which party you’re aligned with or which wonderful man you voted for, that’s a beautiful thing.

I’ve also seen what proved to be one of my favorite movies ever (Gran Torino).  Given the fact that Clint Eastwood is one of my three favorite actors, ever, I’m especially thrilled.

Recently, the positive vibe continued in a very big, literary way, when I had the pleasure of reading a fantastic book, Road Rules: Be the Truck. Not the Squirrel. Learn the 12 Essential Rules for Navigating the Road of Life by Andrew J. Sherman.  This is an intelligent, incredibly well-written, humorous, motivating, and inspiring book.  If self improvement is high on your list, this should be the next book you read.

Many times, when I’m reading a book, a particular phrase or word will keep popping into my mind.  While reading Road Rules, the words/phrases were Stop! - Road Rules by Andrew J. Sherman“Brilliant!” and “Ooooh.”  Okay, so maybe Oooooh doesn’t qualify for a word or a phrase, but it certainly qualifies for this book.  I was struck, again and again, by the clever analogies author Andrew J. Sherman uses while comparing living to driving.

Trying to pick a favorite section of the book would be like trying to pick a favorite aspect of eating chocolate, but I do want to share one of the favorites.  In Chapter 3, Happiness is a Clear Windshield,  the author points out ways we become complacent – behind the wheel as well as in life.  He points out how this impedes our vision.  After giving maddening examples of how drivers allow their vision to be hindered (by not taking 10 extra minutes to clean their windshield, for example), he brings the subject, beautifully, into real life terms:

If you need to refill your metaphorical windshield wiper fluid, replace worn down wiper blades, or get your defogger to work properly, then be proactive and make it happen.  If you have the power to remove impediments to your vision, do so without delay.  Never, ever be complacent or reactive in accepting a clouded outlook when you have the ability to enjoy clear sight….

Our ability to thrive, perform, succeed and enjoy life relies on our ability to see things clearly, to make the right decisions and to have all of the information and perspectives available to make these decisions.  If we have the power to remove the impediments to our vision, we should do so with gumption and without delay.

About the Author

Andrew J. Sherman is a world recognized public speaker and author. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business for over 20 years. He has been quoted as a thought leader in No Parking - Road Rules by Andrew J. Shermancountless publications, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Washington Post. He has appeared on numerous television shows such as CNN an CNBC as well as many radio shows.

Andrew J. Sherman has authored 17 books on business strategy, business growth, and strategic planning. His fans (and I’m a card waving member) are hoping to see a Road Rules for Business in the near future.

Oh, yeah, did I mention that in 2002, Fortune Magazine named Andrew J. Sherman as one of the Top Ten Minds in the nation? More Books by Andrew J. Sherman

The following is from Road Rules, by Andrew Sherman (published by Elevate). †Copyright 2008 by Andrew J. Sherman.  †Reprinted with permission of the author.

PREFACE

For most of us, our daily commute or a drive to the mall is not a particularly enlightening experience. We are more likely to suffer from boredom, road rage, frustration, or even a fender bender than we are to embrace life’s most meaningful lessons. But what if I told you that virtually everything you needed to know about navigating the road of life could be learned during a routine errand run, behind the comfort of your steering wheel?
So many of our core life lessons are reinforced by the simple act of driving a vehicle:

  • when to speed up and when to slow down
  • when to yield and when to come to a complete stop
  • when to add gas and when to add oil
  • when to allow another to pass you by and when to make your move
  • when to proceed with caution because children are playing or there is construction ahead
  • when to give your keys to a friend to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • when and how to communicate when it is not clear who has the right of way

The lessons that we learn on the road that get us to our destination are in Yield! - Road Rules by Andrew J. Shermanfact the same lessons that we need to understand to achieve our goals in life. The rules that we must follow to maintain our driver’s licenses—our privilege of sharing the road with others—are the same rules we need to embrace to lead an enlightened and productive life.
Road Rules was written to provide insights into the process of transforming what we know to be the best practices and habits of safe and purposeful driving into living a meaningful and goal-driven life. A life that is devoted to helping others, helping ourselves, and achieving financial and wealth goals.
Crossroad - Road Rules by Andrew J. ShermanIt is my hope that this collection of insights and stories will help you navigate through life’s challenges, roadblocks, twists and turns, steep declines, and upward opportunities. My goal is to help you look at things just a bit differently and to solve problems just a bit more creatively.

Sometimes adjusting the compass dial only a few degrees in one direction or another can put you on a much more efficient path and be the key to survival and prosperity.
Think back to your first driving lesson. You take your place behind the wheel, learning the critical difference of when to accelerate and when to brake. You learn how to drive on a straight and focused path and the Wrong Way - Road Rules by Andrew J. Shermanimportance of taking into account the actions of others around you. The excitement of hearing the engine for the first time when you start the car is offset only by the nervousness of wanting to avoid hitting something or someone, which will surely cause damage.

So many aspects of the basic steps in driving a vehicle also parallel many of life’s more critical lessons—which are all wrapped up in an activity that most Look! - Road Rules by Andrew J. Shermanof us take for granted and without giving it a second thought. We seem to have lost sight of our ability to find joy and excitement from the simple act of driving. You are traveling just inches above the road at 65 mph on an open stretch of road on a beautiful day! Let’s learn to reconnect with the happiness to be found in the simple things in life that make our quest for the more complex easier to handle.

From ROAD RULES by Andrew J. Sherman (published by Elevate). †Copyright 2008 by Andrew J. Sherman. †Reprinted with permission of the author.

Buy this extremely important, profound, humorous, and wonderful book on Amazon: Road Rules: Be the Truck. Not the Squirrel. Learn the 12 Essential Rules for Navigating the Road of Life – if, that is, you want more from life.

Book Roundup for Book Lovers and Bookworms

by joi on December 5, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

As I said a few posts back, I recently overloaded my book reading plate. Actually, if life hadn’t thrown me a few curve balls, they probably wouldn’t have seemed so overwhelming – but, as it was, having a cat with one leg in a cast and more online work to do than one person should even TRY to do found me staring at my pile of books like, “Are you even serious?!”

When the holidays decided to join in the mix, complete with baking, decorating, and shopping – I stopped staring at the pile of books, I put them out of view. The ones that were sitting, politely, waiting to be reviewed as well as the ones that were waiting to be read – they were each ushered to a shelf on a wall I seldom see. I promised them that I’d come back for them, after I caught my breath.

I was glad to see, this morning when I did in fact return for them, that they were right where I’d left them. And they were in good spirits, too. That’s the great thing about dealing with books – they’re so intelligent and insightful.

I just wrote a review about one such book on my Mental Fitness blog. The book is titled The Language of Emotional Intelligence and you can read the review by clicking the link. It was an incredible little book.

Below are other books I’ve enjoyed reading. They’d make great books for yourself AND/OR for book lovers on your Christmas list.

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet: I have a confession to make. When I got this book in the mail (to review) it happened to be only a day or two after my much beloved, oldest cat Prissy (she was 19 then) had suffered a really bad stroke. She had already lost her sight and with this stroke, I knew my girl was on borrowed time. When I brought the package into the kitchen and opened it, right in view of Prissy lying on her favorite pillow, I burst into tears when I saw the title.

I put the book into a roll top desk because I didn’t like what it had on its mind – Goodbye. I was not ready for goodbye! Amazingly, neither was Prissy! She celebrated her 20th birthday recently and seems to be doing as well as expected for a tiny, antique cat. She purrs just about constantly and remains the happiest, best natured little thing on earth.

When it was clear that we’d weathered that storm, I brought the book out and read it. As one of the biggest animal lovers the world has ever known, I always want to read books by other animal lovers. Kindred spirits and all that.

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet is a beautifully written book. Any pet lover would appreciate it, whether they’re currently having to let go or not.

Riding into Your Mythic Life

Riding into Your Mythic Life: Transformational Adventures with the Horse is a must read for horse lovers. Living in Kentucky, I have the great fortune of seeing these beautiful animals daily. I always knew they were beautiful and very special, but this book caused me to appreciate them even more.

I know horse lovers everywhere would cherish every word of this book.

The Way of the Horse: Journal

Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery – A Book of Exploration and 40 Cards is one of the prettiest books or journals I’ve ever seen. The artwork takes your breath away. This journal is positively something you MUST get for horse lovers on your Christmas list. Coupled with the book above, you couldn’t go wrong.

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Bollingen Series) was originally written by Joseph Campbell in the 1940’s. This is a profoundly interesting book. It’s easy to see why it is one of the most widely read books of the 20th century.

I always encourage everyone to occasionally read “up” or “above” the reading level they currently read the most often. For me, personally, I generally hover around Dean Koontz and Agatha Christie – they’re my happy place when it comes to reading fiction. I try to stretch my mind as often as possible, though, by reading books that are more challenging – whether it’s Shakespeare (Love Shakespeare!), other classic literature, or great non-fiction books from years ago, like The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Bollingen Series) is a brilliant way to stretch your mind while educating yourself.

Thou Shalt Not Whine by January Jones is a Book That Should Be Required Reading in Every School, Workplace, Home, McDonalds…

by joi on November 1, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

Thou Shalt Not Whine by January Jones

You can overcome anything if you don’t complain about it. – Samuel Johnson

I understand that some things, some situations, and (Heaven knows) some people beg to be complained about. However, for the most part, I absolutely detest complaining or whining of any type. When my girls were small, they got the idea fast enough. The same “Mommy” that wouldn’t blink if they argued in the back seat, smiled through their spills and usually cleaned their messy rooms up for them would practically get lock jaw if one of them whined. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK SHE GOT MORE FRIES THAN YOU DID?!?!

My girls spent the day with some friends and their family once when they were around 6, 8, and 9. It was one of the other kid’s birthday, so the brave parents had custody of about 20 kids all day. They went on a hay ride, grilled hot dogs, played games and watched gleefully as the father sprouted gray hairs one by one by fifty. Later that evening, the parents told me that my girls were exceptionally well behaved and that they were the only ones who didn’t whine or complain about anything all day. They seemed totally amazed by this. I guess they didn’t realize I’d exorcised the whines out of them years ago.

We’ve frequently gotten this type of compliment on our daughters – that they’re good-natured, don’t compain, and can adapt well to different situations. Personally, I think it makes them super cool and I’m delighted they caught on fast. Lock jaw isn’t any more comfortable than it is attractive.

When I saw a book by January Jones called, “Thou Shalt Not Whine,” I knew I’d found a kindred spirit – someone else who understood what a nasty, vile sport whining is. But unlike me and my jaws, this anti-whiner was taking her campaign global.

This book is a hilarious look at human nature, particularly the part that makes some people want to gripe, nag, complain, and whine. January Jones (come on, is that a great name or what?) has divided the whiners into categories: Children, teenagers, baby boomers, men, women, seniors….. In each section, she gives common whines along with advice on curing these whines. Although the book is laugh out loud funny, the advice is excellent and spot on. It’s the type of book that you find yourself quoting from to everyone you know.

Below is an example of advice from the book. She points out in several places that Baby Boomers and Seniors sometimes complain and whine about getting old and looking older. Her advice is a perfect mixture of humor and brilliance. She suggests to simply stop looking in the mirror and to act any age you choose – preferably the age you remember as the best time of your life.

No one can dictate how you feel on the inside or control how you act on the outside. Remember, you are the star of your own show, so make it a good one! It is time to start doing things that amuse, amaze, and astound you rather than continue a cycle of activities that only makes you kvetch and complain ad nauseum. – January Jones, Thou Shalt Not Whine, page 101

I was thrilled to see, at the end of the book, that there are plans for future “Thou Shalt Not Whine” books. It’ll save me from having to whine until she agreed to my demands.

Useful Links:
January Jones on YouTube
January Jones and The Whine Tester Blog!
Buy Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop on Amazon.

Other Books by January Jones:
Jackie Ari & Jack : The Tragic Love Triangle

Oh, No… Jackie-O!

Oprah’s Wonderful New Book: O’s Big Book of Happiness

by joi on October 27, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

O's Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration

Every once and again I read a book that I love SO much that I practically run to my computer to tell the world about it. Naturally, I can’t get to the world – so I end up just telling as many people as possible, by giving it a shout out on all of my blogs.

This one’s a winner, y’all.

O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration is a big, beautiful book with Oprah’s gorgeous smile warming the cover.

My daughter, Stephany, and I are both huge fans of Oprah, so when the book came in the mail, we immediately started scrambling for reading rights. Unfortunately, when we came into the house, I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and rolls to make and Steph? Well, she had a big beautiful new book to read.

O’s Big Book of Happiness is a compilation of O Magazine’s best stories, articles, wit, wisdom, and advice. For those of us who have seen our magazine purchasces come to a stand still (thank you grouchy economy), this book is even more appreciated. It’s like several huge stacks of magazines roleld into one glamorous looking book.

I’ve always found Oprah to be incredibly uplifting and inspiring. Anyone who doesn’t love this woman doesn’t watch, read, or listen to this woman! Honestly, there’s nothing not to love. Through willpower, determination, intelligence, hard work, and perseverence – she made herself a household name. Along the way, Oprah has helped more people than any one person could ever hope to count. I recently overheard an interviewer refer to someone in the business world as the “Oprah” of his industry.

Wrong.

If your name isn’t associated with giving to those who have less than you and improving the lives of children – you’re most definitely not the “Oprah” of anything.

However, it does point out this amazing woman’s influence. The fact that her name would come up in that context is just another example of her scope.

Reading the positive, uplifting stories in O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration makes you feel as though Oprah is in the room with you, introducing you to her friends and encouraging them to encourage you.

The book is positively wonderful and has been awarded the prominent place on the table in our living room – you know the type, the table that likes to showcase “important and impressive” books, pictures, etc. This great-natured book, with it’s helpful disposition and sparkling personality is so lovely, it begs for such positioning.

In my last post, I sounded the trumpet for adopting new habits. We agreed to read more, laugh more, love more, complain less, and be more thankful – among other things (I’m conveniently leaving out the water and exercise, aren’t I?). Buying this book would be a perfect step in the right direction! Oprah and her “friends” will provide all of the inspiration, motivation, and insight we could hope for.

There are over 100 wonderfully (wonderfully) written articles in this powerful book.  Each article is actually a chapter in and of itself.  Trust me, after reading each you’ll want nothing more than to just spend some time soaking in what you just read. 

The first article I read was one written by Oprah, herself, about a special dog of hers named Gracie.  I laughed, I cried, and I was inspired.

The second article I read was by an author named Martha Beck.  The article was titled “The Cure For Self Consciousness” and packed more of a punch  than any book I’ve ever read on the subject.  It summed the whole process up with one word.  I’ve used this one word several times since reading the article and I swear to you on my Starbucks card, this is powerful.

There are articles about relationships, beauty, fitness, health, cooking, and more.  Oprah interviews Bobby Kennedy, Jr. about the environment and his infamous family.  Queen Latifah gives her “Aha” moment – describing the point in her life when she realized she didn’t need to change herself to “fit” any mold.

I actually don’t have the other O books yet – O’s Guide to Life: The Best of O, the Oprah Magazine (The Oprah Magazine) or Live Your Best Life: A Treasury of Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration from O, The Oprah Magazine… Emphasis on yet.

I’m going to need a bigger table in my living room.

I hope you’ll buy a copy of this book today. After you read through the wonderful stories, I know you’ll want to put a copy in the hands of your loved ones. This book would make an excellent Christmas present – presented with a subscritpion to O Magazine, I guarantee your’s will be the best gift. What’s more, they’ll think about you every single time they curl up and read.

Buy. This. Book. Today. 

O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration

The Last 6 Books I Recommended to My Own Family

by joi on September 24, 2008

in Book Reviews, Books I Love

I was just responding to a comment left on one of my posts when an idea for this post struck me.  My husband and three daughters (Emily, Brittany, and Stephany) are very busy people.  They come and go at all times – most of our cats gave up, long ago, trying to keep up with them.  One, Alexa, is fighting the good fight and still stays on top of watching the revolving kitchen door.

For some peculiar reason, when one of them or one of their boyfriends (we’ll exclude my husband on that one) come through the door, Alexa will find me to “tell” me that she/he is here.  She knows that’s when I like to go meet them and see what they’d like – be it coffee, tea, hot chocolate, food, or an ear.

Needless to say, they don’t have as much time to get lost in a great book as I do.   Ahhhh, the sweet perks of working from one’s home.  I read all the time – as I’ve said before, I usually have at least 3 books going at once.  If I recommended EVERY single book I like to them, they’d think I was completely off my nut. 

I’m still trying to keep that fact a secret from them, so I only recommend only the books that I KNOW will touch their lives and make them and their future brighter and better.  The following are the last 5 books that I recommended to my much beloved family.  I’d like to recommend them to you, because I heart you a great deal, too!

  1. The Bible.  Obvious, much?   I’ve always loved the Bible and reading it has been a constant in my daily life for too many years to even count.  Every single one of life’s problems can be found in the books of the Bible and I’m convinced that the first step in living a better life begins with being a faithful Bible reader.  After losing my mom, far sooner than I should have, in 2006, I found a great deal of comfort by turning to Psalms.  The beauty of the words brought more calmness into my heart than it thought possible.
  2. Just Who Will You Be? by Maria Shriver - Click HERE for my review of this remarkable little book.  Each one of my family members has read this book and commented on how much they loved it.  It’s a very fast read, and I think each one of them read it in one sitting.
  3. How to Think Like a Millionaire – Read my review of this exceptional book HERE.
  4. One Can Make a Difference: Original stories by the Dali Lama, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Dennis Kucinch, Russel Simmons, Bridgitte Bardot, Martina … Dozens of Other Extraordinary Individuals – How’s that for a title??  This is another wonderful book that’s also easy and fast to read.  It’s actually compiled of a series of amazing essays, so they can be read in a one essay a day fashion.  I would actually advise you to read them that way, because each essay stands on its own as a powerhouse of motivation and inspiration.  The book is so amazing that you’ll want to devour them all at once.  I have to confess, that’s the way I did it.  But I’m going back now and reading them one essay at a time – really allowing each one to “set in” before moving to the next.  This is a profound and powerful book that will change you forever.  The truly beautiful thing?  If enough of us are changed, we can change the world!
  5. Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude: How to Find, Build and Keep a YES! Attitude for a Lifetime of SUCCESS - A wonderfully fun, yet highly motivational little book. It, too, will change your life for the better – by changing the way you “look at” things. It’s a make-over for your attitude, which is pretty essential because your attitude touches every single inch of your life.
  6. Strength for Life: The Fitness Plan for the Rest of Your Life – My family’s health is even more important to me than my own, so I recommended this great all-in-one book to them. The author, Shawn Phillips, has as much knowledge about nutriton and fitness as any author I’ve ever read. He lays it all out for the readers in an easy-to-read and easy-to-live style that puts better health within arm’s reach.

For my daughters, I also recommended a fictional book by Kate Jacobs: Comfort Food. She’s the talented, engaging author who also wrote “The Friday Night Knitting Club.” I love her style! Comfort Food is about a lovable host for a television show on the Cooking Channel. The main character, Gus is a fifty year old mother who has had this show for 12 years. The ratings are dipping, so the producers add a diva-like co-host, Carmen. Carmen loves nothing more than Carmen, so you can imagine how well that goes over.

Carmen decides to use her show as an on-air cooking class that brings together her fighting daughters Sabrina and Aimee.

Another great character, Oliver, provides the romance for the novel. He’s the new culinary producer who adds spice to Gus’ life. Sorry, I couldn’t resist the spice comment. I tried – but, in the end, I had to go with it.

North Star Fine Coffees

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