5 comments about The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success.

1. The One-Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud will help people in business create a domain and range for their personal and business decisions. Published by Collins Business in 2008, the self-help book is timely given the economic and political challenges facing us all. The domain is described in the subtitle, Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success. The range consists of a heuristic metaphor and good operational definitions.
   
   The metaphor is spatial with a focus on "boundaries" of personal "property." It helps to generate hypotheses, cause and effect statements that can be tested empirically. Following up on his earlier work, Dr. Cloud writes that conscious boundaries provide structure for successful business decisions. A major problem for many people is that they do not know enough about themselves to use their thought processes effectively. They let the external environment (e.g., other people, business situations, workplace setting) determine their emotions, relations, and performance. This is a conceptual problem. The good news is that people can learn to use cognitive methods to re-structure their internal property and create stronger boundaries. This is not easy because our current society seems to be "structureless," but it can be done with practice.
   
   The range of the book would be severely limited and could be criticized as psychobabble without Dr. Cloud's operational definitions of terms. These definitions consist of operations the business person can use to observe and measure the effects of hypotheses derived from the metaphor. One way to gather empirical data is to conduct a "time audit," recording the "time of your life." How many hours of the work week do you spend establishing and reinforcing your personal property? In contrast, how many hours do you experience anxiety, seek approval, and avoid making decisions as holes open in your "fences?" Dr. Cloud demonstrates how to keep a log, recording empirical results of the use of the metaphor that can be used for successful action.
   
   Another operational definition involves the "word audit." A major concept in the spatial metaphor is communication about boundaries. Words and phrases can be tabulated and used to develop effective spatial cognitive strategies. Phrases like "I think..." and "I will..." indicate your independence and resistance to encroachment into your property by other people and business situations even in restricted work environments. Dr. Cloud discusses words and phrases that weaken your boundaries and gives clear examples. Again, a log should be maintained so that frequencies of word usage can be changed and monitored for effectiveness. Rhetoric is an important aspect of the spatial metaphor and is essential for self-determination in the workplace.
   
   Dr. Cloud presents many other operational definitions in his book related to his metaphor. He reviews major themes and gives additional specific business examples in the last chapters and appendix. He concludes by showing the importance of the interaction of metaphor and objective measurement, thought and action, hypotheses and conclusions. Often, authors of self-help books present powerful metaphors but give few operational definitions (a useful explanation of the term psychobabble). Because it quantifies the integration of both ideas and performance, The One-Life Solution is an excellent practical manual for personal success and satisfaction in business.



2. From spirituality to professional advancement to martial arts, the development of balance is the lynchpin to achievement and success. As creatures of mind, body, and spirit, we thrive only when we remain attentive to the fundamental equilibrium within our being. As a career services professional, I often encounter those who gauge success or advancement solely by monetary concerns or by the illusions of power. While these may be effective motivators for a time, eventually, when individuals find themselves in situations (whether in their jobs, relationships or other areas of life) contrary to their nature, the imbalance inevitably leads to a downward spiral that can result in unhappiness, frustration, and extreme cases, even catastrophe.
   
   Dr. Henry Cloud, the author if the bestselling INTEGRITY, offers an erudite, yet simply and directly written book concerning the importance of maintaining boundries as a means to maintaining that essential balance among competing demands in our life. He begins with the concept of boundaries in establishing individual differentiation, containing destruction, defining oneself, setting limits, owning and living our values, and developing self control to become and remain free and autonomous.
   
   Chapter Five, in which Dr. Cloud challenges us to conduct a self-audit so that we can realistically determine our strengths and weaknesses, is particularly valuable, and serves as an essential blueprint by which we develop our holistic understanding of ourselves.
   
   Building boundaries on the job takes general principles and applies them to the specifics of career and professional challenges. Dr. Cloud addresses specific topics related to business, including such demands on our time as technology, email, toxic relationships, and other distractions that cannot only impede our effectiveness, but can intrude onto other aspects of our life.
   
   With the skill of an accomplished professional, the author provides the perfect blend of principle, anecdote, and analysis in a brief, yet comprehensive and engaging book. It is a book that I will use in working with students and professionals, who seek to advance while maintaining balance and perspective in their lives.



3. The author does a good job of defining the grey area
   of boundaries. Dividing lines are needed to live a
   good life- one undisturbed by constant interruptions.
   
   A boundary provides structure so that work and other
   issues do not invade our spare time without escape.
   People need to gain control in order to relax, plan
   and catch up with an ever growing schedule.
   
   The author asks the question " Which areas of your life
   do you control? " . If work or play takes up 100% of the
   time, then realistic boundaries aren't being set.
   These problems are encountered by young people. For
   instance, friends may occupy an inordinate amount of
   time leaving no opportunity to complete studies or
   household duties. Resultingly, people need to develop
   and implement rules to ensure that important
   activities are scheduled/completed in every event.
   
   At some point, people need to be assertive when their
   valuable space or time is being taken up without
   a compelling rationale. The volume is excellent for
   any individual who seeks to plan to enjoy a more
   wholesome and pro-active lifestyle.



4. In an age when self-help, self-improvement books line shelves and racks of every bookstore, it's difficult to find a book that stands out. This one does. Author Henry Cloud offers a perspective that applies to many situations I have observed, many I have been a party to.
   
   How often have you watched interactions slide into disaster because someone, a boss, a spouse, a sibling, failed to define limits and then stick to those limits? How often have people crossed your personal limits without knowing they were? Could the disaster have been eliminated before it destroyed a relationship? Can you actually improve your life by clearly setting limits in your relationships? Those are the sticky wickets Dr. Henry Cloud tackles in "The One-Life Solution."
   
   For me, the whole book was a thought-provoking review - of people and situations I have observed, of situations in my own life I could have prevented or handled more effectively. I thought of friends who won't set limits for their children - and what a disagreeable experience it is to be around those children. I thought of times I allowed people to go beyond my personal boundaries because I was trying too hard to please. I thought of the times when work was routinely a 24-hour-a-day ordeal, and how I could have managed the demands placed on me more effectively. I decided what I would do in the future to avoid or mitigate such situations.
   
   Author Cloud will show you how to set limits effectively and actually improve situations that may now be causing you significant discomfort. He focuses primarily on work relationships, but the problems and solutions he presents fit many human interactions.
   
   You'll find this book especially helpful if you're hiring friends or relatives, so don't miss the tips found in the Appendix. They're pure gold.
   
   I highly recommend this book - for bosses, employees, spouses, lovers, friends, and parents, that is for everyone. If we take his advice, openly declare our boundaries, listen and observe the boundaries of others, our relationships will improve - for everyone involved.



5. Dr. Cloud has an amazing ability to articulate extraordinary complex psychological principals in a manner that any person can comprehend. This book gives the reader a blueprint of what is possible should he/she choose to take ownership of their life. The section that I love the most was "Follow the Misery and Make a Rule." Dr. Cloud does an excellent job in describing how despite all of the modern "advances" that technology has brought us (i.e., email, pda's, blackberry, cell phones, etc.) we, as a society, have become more "disconnected" from our loved ones due to the increasing demands placed upon us. The importance of creating structure and deciding where, when and with whom we will spend our energy and time is clearly evident as these can be a source of energy or a major distraction to accomplishing our goals. As I finished reading this book I felt a sense of empowerment, hope, excitement, and sheer joy for I read on it's pages exactly the tools which I have needed to assist me in completing the tedious process of completing my doctoral dissertation. I have already begun implementing the tools that I have learned from this book and they have made an amazing difference! This book can help anyone learn how to have balance in their work, home and family life. Dr. Cloud has done a stellar job and I recommend this book to anyone who desires to grow or who is in the growth process. Thank you Dr. Cloud! CD, MS

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work.

1. Much of the stress we experience comes not from the workplace but from our reactions to our workplace. Most of Carlson's little book focuses on how we need to change our attitudes in order to minimize stress. For instance, work should be seen as something that we get to do rather than something that we have to do. Enjoy life now--don't wait for retirement!
   
   Problems should be seen as speed bumps to negotiate gracefully, not barriers to be resented. One should recognize that life is full of hassles, and that these should be handled in stride. One should lay off the ego, because constant comparison with others will only raise one's stress. Workplace meetings, instead of being stewed at as unnecessary or boring, should be seen as challenges to learn something new.
   
   Carlson also gives some practical pointers for minimizing work-related stress. For instance, if we feel hurried in the morning, we should get up earlier to give us more time to get ready for work. Long commutes to work, instead of being hated as a waste of time, should be profitably spent listening to books on tape. To avoid the stress caused by constant phone calls, we should have a "no phone" time when we don't answer the phone. Voice mail should be used more often. To dissipate general stress, we should spend ten minutes each day doing absolutely nothing. And, since vacation trips themselves can be stressful, we should spend more of our vacations puttering around at home or visiting local events and places.



2. It is possible to pooh- pooh self- help , power of positive thinking books or to try and learn from them. I take the latter approach. My idea is always that if I learn one good thing from them I have profited.
   This is particularly engaging and helpful self- help book. There are one hundred small essays on such topics as 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' 'Relax' 'Breathe before you speak' ' Allow yourself to be bored' 'Repeat to yourself, " Life is not an Emergency" , 'Lower your tolerance to Stress', 'Become more patient' 'Surrender to the fact that life isn't fair' 'Let others be 'right' most of the time' ' Choose your battles wisely' ' Look beyond behavior' ' Become a better listener' ' Set aside quiet time every day' 'Imagine that everyone is enlightened except you' ' 'Smile to strangers, look into their eyes and say hello'.
   What is surprising is though you think you might know most of this stuff you will probably be induced to practice a bit more by reading the work.
   I very much liked this book. Its aim is to make people better and happier. I think it can do that.
   What is nice about it is that the major ideas are given in the chapter- titles and then the small essays illustrate them and slightly elaborate upon them.
   A few more of the chapters are as follows:
   " Practice Random Acts of Kindness' ' Spend a Moment every day thinking of someone to thank' 'Learn to live in the present moment' ''Resist the urge to criticize' 'Choose being kind over being right' 'Search for the grain of truth in other opinions' ' Read articles and books with entirely different points of view from your own and try to learn something''Stop Blaming others' ' ' Get comfortable not knowing ' ' Lighten up'' Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences''Remember that everything has God's fingerprints on it.'
   One problem of course is that a lot of this is easier said than done. 'Take fill your life with love' That's a hard one for many who have been trying and getting nowhere. Nonetheless the intention and direction are good.
   They are in the spirit of my own attitude in reviewing books, " Try to find something good in it, and something good to say about it. And only criticize it if it is absolutely necessary.'



3. 
   The book was sold as great condition and it was not even in fair condition. Book was stained and old.
   
   Shipped from Florida



4. How often have you said "I have to go to work"? Not, I want to.., but I have to. It's the mindset of the slave, whether slave to a boss, a deadline, a stack of bills, or a self-image. Richard Carlson, in his sensible, smart, and kind way, helps to break those bonds. Applying the strategies and principles in each brief chapter will result in true self-esteem, effective interpersonal relations, and higher levels of productivity more effectively achieved. Similar principles are explained in other expert sources, such as Intentional Living: Lessons from the Tree of Life



5. Get it for yourself and your loved ones get it for those you dont even like so they can change for the better

No comments about Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (P.S.).

5 comments about Second Journey, The: The Road Back to Yourself.

1. I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed all the other books by Joan Anderson. She makes you look inside youself to find out more about youself.



2. "Most of us, halfway to a hundred, confront a need for greater self-awareness." With this insight as the opening sentence, Joan Anderson takes her readers with her as she comes to realize that she had been ignoring her own needs for far too long. But how could this be? How could the woman who has given so many women the gift of awakening to self not be heeding her own words?
   
   Anderson's book, A Year By the Sea, is the story of her awakening. It has become a national bestseller that encourages women to find themselves. But as the book and the others that followed grew in popularity, Anderson became so busy that she has robbed herself of herself. Her popularity as an author isn't the only thief. Took tours, public speaking, weekend workshops all steal time and energy. But added to that is the work of being wife, mother, grandmother, and care-giver to an aging parent. These forces have taken their toll on Anderson. And even when faced with her own health issues, Anderson waved them off. Her schedule didn't allow for time for such things as ill-health.
   
   Enter female friends: "The Salty Sisters" to the rescue! Six women who met at one of Anderson's weekend retreats have become friends, nurturing and strengthening one another. Listening to these women, Anderson realizes that she faces too many demands. It is time to step back and re-evaluate. "If I am truly honest, I have to acknowledge that the demands I am so convinced are coming from the outer world are, in fact, coming from that perpetually unfinished part of me--the pulls and tugs originating from my own ambiguity."
   
   In Second Journey, Anderson takes her readers along as she travels to ancestral Iona where she spends time alone in nature, searching for the parts of herself that she has been ignoring in the time since she wrote her first book. She comes to the profound conclusion "For if I have learned anything, it is that the journey will always be unfinished."
   
   Reading a book by Joan Anderson is like sitting with a good friend, sharing a cup of coffee during a heartfelt conversation. With wit, humor and amazing honesty, she is able to reveal not only the pitfalls of a woman's life but also offer the insight and hope that are necessary to meet those challenges.
   
   by Lee Ambrose
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



3. Having read and enjoyed Joan Anderson's A Year By the Sea, I was very excited to begin this book, and especially so because Iona is a sacred place - the perfect destination for someone seeking a spiritual renewal. Having read over halfway through the book before she arrives on Iona, I was very much disappointed in the last few chapters.
   
   My doubts began when she stated that the Argyll is "the island's only hotel". The St. Columba Hotel, right next to the Abbey, was originally a manse for the Abbey, and has been renting rooms to travelers since the mid-1800's. I have stayed there twice out of the three times I visited Iona. It is a larger hotel than the Argyll, where I have also stayed.
   
   Her mention of St. Columba and his role in the spread of Christianity was very slight, and her description of her stay on Iona expressed none of the holiness in evidence in the Abbey, the high standing crosses, the Nunnery, or the beauty of the island and the sea.
   
   I don't doubt that she found it a peaceful place, but she clearly missed the whole point of a visit to Iona: discovering the "thin place" where the veil separating heaven and earth is very thin.



4. Ms. Anderson validated my feelings as I enter my 50's and this book gave me the courage to face the next half of my life with eager anticipation and eyes wide open. In fact, I found it so encouraging and refreshing that I've since purchased copies and presented them to my girlfriends who share my concerns and worries and who seek fulfillment and meaning in their own lives.



5. While I have truly loved all of Joan Anderson's books, this Second Journey is so welcome because of the tendency we all have to "slip back" into old habits after breakthroughs. Every time I realize a personal truth and attempt to own it consciously, the Universe provides tests (obstacles), to see if I can really integrate this truth into my everyday life. It was so refreshing to know that Joan experienced this also and I am so grateful she wrote about it. This book was truly special!

5 comments about French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes, and Pleasure.

1. I bought the first book(French women don't get fat) while living in the US and thought it was great.
   
   After having moved to Paris for almost a year now and also after reading this second book "French women for all seasons," i suddenly realize how naive I was buying in the French fairytale.
   
   I'm an asian women who came to work in the US about 7 years ago. My American experience was very satisfying and rewarding. American people are nice and friendly in general. Very rarely was there someone (friends or total strangers) who was mean to me or gave me bad service. American diet may not be the healthiest in the world and there exists an obesity problem, but I still appreciate people's kindness, whether they're over- or underweight.
   
   My french experience is the totally opposite. They're the most unfriendly people I've ever met, they look down on English speakers, especially americans. By no means do they resemble the elegant, calme, relaxed French image the author tries to sell to the reader. (excellent marketing though cause so many people has bought it).
   
   The author is a very wealthy woman-CEO of a big wine company. Most of the people (French or not) I meet can't afford her lifestyle. There're nice tips we can pick up (like try to eat seasonal fresh rather than packaged food and portion control). That's about all.



2. I really enjoyed this book - it is a great lifestyle read that doesn't just focus on losing weight. I liked the blend of recipes, childhood memories, clothing advice, flower arranging tips, wine tasting lessons, cheese tasting information - it was an interesting read that was informative and not preachy. Buy it just for the discussion of enjoying food and wine (and how to pair both - she really goes into detail and, of course, knows her stuff).



3. I loved this little book with suggestions which real women could use. The diet ideas make sense and the recipes are wonderful..Mireille Guiliano is a breath of fresh air in the miriad of self help and alternative eatting books which have flooded the market. Merci to her and the wonderful French culture.
   J.K.
   Colorado .



4. Enjoyable reading...love to see how the French think...humorous...good recipes. I like this author.



5. "The art of living is pacing yourself in the long run." ~ pg. 34
   
   After discovering a delicious recipe for croissants in Mireille Guiliano's first book: "French Women Don't Get Fat," I was eager to read her second book. "French Women For All Seasons" is as much about the pleasures of food as it is about learning to abstain from overindulgence.
   
   As each season passes, Mireille Guiliano blissfully captures moments she loves. Whether she is talking about her idyllic childhood or her travels she seems to be able to weave in subtle comments about weight issues. Diet aside, I think her love of yoga and walking are her real secrets. Her stories of riding her new bike may also inspire you to dust off the bike in the garage.
   
   There are interesting moments like the recipe for a facemask made with strawberries and Vaseline. The cucumber and yogurt mask seemed more acceptable. I'm also not quite sure why she objects to refrigerating fruit. I tend to keep a fruit salad in the refrigerator but I can see her point about eating room temperature fruit in season.
   
   Many of the recipes look delicious and you might want to try to make your own eggplant tapenade, butternut squash soup, pears with ginger and chocolate mousse or grilled peaches with cinnamon and rosemary. There are a few recipes for pasta and lots of ideas for potatoes. Mireille Guiliano's love affair with fresh fruits and vegetables is very evident. While the recipes are interesting it is Mireille's cozy writing style that draws you into the book and keeps you reading right to the last page.
   
   If you love this book you may also want to look for books by Peter Mayle.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. I know a lot of people who have done great things after reading this book. Obviously, not right after finishing, but I think it helps your frame of mind if you are driven, and success and accomplishment is important to you. It speaks to some fundamental truths about human nature that allow the book to stand the test of time.



2. While I read through this wonderful book, I came to a striking realisation: There exist ways to deal with any situation in life effectively. Stephen Covey has put these into writing.
   The challenge remains to live by these universal principles - which Covey did not create but so prudently recognises - but realising they exist is the first step.
   How one person, through years of research even, put this vital gem so rich in content together escapes me. It's as if the book was written from the creator of these concepts themselves - a higher force.



3. A recipe for life success (I first heard it 8 years ago). Covey's style is compelling in audio - for me much better than reading the book.
   Listen to it twice (at least) to let it sink in.



4. Habits! Yes, consistent, belief-based, and optimized habits are the only way to be your best self. Thoughts are the parents of our experience and performance. This guy will guide you to it. You will also learn how to optimize these habits with Rosalene Glickman's book, Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self (endorsed by Covey). These books will bring that optimal consistency into every aspect of your life.



5. My husband recommended this book to me, and I couldn't put it down. It was very easy to read. We each read it over a year ago, and yet we reference it ALL THE TIME!
   
   Covey does a good job with illustrating his points. I think it would have been a boring book to me if anyone else had written it...but Covey made me not want to put it down! It was a page turner!!
   
   You should definitely read this book!

5 comments about Five Good Minutes: 100 Morning Practices To Help You Stay Calm & Focused All Day Long.

1. Can five minutes make a difference in your life?
   
   The answer is a resounding YES, according to authors
   Jeffrey Brantley and Wendy Millstone in FIVE GOOD
   MINUTES IN THE MORNING (see also Section 2)--a most
   informative book that is filled with suggestions on what
   can be accomplished in such a brief period of time.
   
   To begin with, you should start with mindful breathing and
   follow that with mindful listening . . . you are then ready
   to act wholeheartedly, in which you do something with
   all your attention and energy.
   
   The authors give you a choice of 100 different practices, any
   and/or all of which can be used to get your day off to a
   great start . . . some of them may some basic, but methinks
   if you actually tried to implement at least some of them,
   you couldn't find a better way to begin start your day.
   
   Or in certain instances, end it as was the case with the
   following exercise that I've already started to put to good use:
   
   If you inherited the worry wart gene, then you're well versed
   in the mental ruminations that can plague a quiet night at home.
   You worry about the strange ticking noise that the car started
   making. You worry about an awkward conversation you had
   with your boss. You may find yourself on a hamster wheel of
   worries, running in circles but not making any forward progress
   at all.
   
   The following practice will help you stop spinning your wheels
   and let go of those bothersome thoughts.
   
   1. Begin by making a mental or written list of all your worries,
   large or small, rational or far-fetched.
   
   2. Visualize or find a small wastepaper basket or box in
   which you can stash your worries.
   
   3. Imagine tearing off each individual concern or fear and tossing
   it into your storage bin. If you've made a written list, go ahead
   and actually do this.
   
   4. Say these words out loud: "I am letting go of these
   nagging thoughts. Some are important and some are not.
   But right now, I am reclaiming my right to enjoy life, live
   fully, and feel safe and secure tonight."
   
   Today, let me add one more exercise to the aforementioned
   100; i.e., take the time today to get your own copy of FIVE
   GOOD MINUTES . . . this slight investment will pay itself
   back many times over.



2. I love this book. It offers great ways to stay calm & focused in just five minutes.



3. Little things can make a big difference. Yes, investing as little as five minutes a day can make substantial positive changes in your life. And these exercises really can be done in five minutes - even the "busiest" people can carve out this small time to invest in themselves.
   
   This book provides a solid introduction to mindfulness and 100 different practices to get your day started in a positive way or use throughout your day. It's small, portable and easy to read. Work through it start to finish or just open to any of its short chapters and try the given exercise with an open mind.
   
   This book will bring home the lesson that you can't give away what you don't have. Use this book as a tool to create more for yourself and to give to loved ones in your life. Recommended both for readers and as a great gift book.
   
   Mollie Marti, Ph.D., J.D.
   Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success



4. I wish this book had a lower price or more information. Try Instant Karma. A great Book with 8700 ways.



5. I was really looking forward to reading this book, but when I finally did, it was a huge disappointment. "5 Good Minutes" should be "5 Good Pages," which is about as long as this book should have been. It's dull, suprisingly repetitive, and boils down to one word: Mindfulness. If there weren't already a dozen very good, well-known books on this subject that are more approachable, applicable and practical, I may have given it more stars. On the other hand I may not have, since the prose is as lackluster as the content. I've never seen an author make mindfulness and meditation sound so boring before.
   
   I also got "5 Good Minutes in the Evening" at the same time. It was almost exactly the same, and so was my reaction to it.

4 comments about How Full Is Your Bucket? Educator's Edition: Positive Strategies for Work and Life.

1. Great book for those who want to be a positive influence on others. Our entire school staff read the book before the year started.



2. I am currently using this book as part of the professional development of the Resident Assistants that I supervise, who are undergraduate college students who work with many different kinds of people. Although my staff does not always recognize the long-term meaning of this work, I feel that when we discuss the chapters and try to show the connection to daily activities, they are able to understand the meaning of the book.
   
   I would recommend this book for an older crowd, and definitely to be used in a team-building way over the course of time.



3. This is a terrifc introduction to teaching students (and co-workers) to become self-aware individuals. The theory provides us with a concrete method for evaluating our behavior and relating to others. These concepts have been well recieved in my 5th-8th grade classrooms. I read them the picture book version of the "story" as we began discussing working successfully in groups. The benefits are already apparent after only 4 weeks of school. The students have carried this over into all other aspects of the curriculum and hopefully at home and in their communities as well. A must read for all educators and administrators!



4. Wonderful thoughts in this book. How did they ever think of this?! Everyone should read this book. Not only is it is uplifting but it makes one think about the others in the world and your effect on them. During and after you read this book you will feel good. Let a week go by, then pick the book up again and read it again.

5 comments about Stop Whining, Start Living.

1. Dr Laura was 'spot on' with advise given in her book. I purchased the book with the intention of furthering my own education and helping other people. After reading her book I have now passed it on to several of my friend's who are a bit stuck in their own world at the moment.
   
   Great information, great book.
   
   Bev Chad



2. This book is AWESOME! Life altering, confirmation of everything I believe about life in general. I AM not a person who suffers from depression, in general I totally dance through life, but... I just went through a HELLACIOUS DIVORCE from a 23+yr marriage and I was having some SERIOUS issues, I am a Christian so, I firmly believe in the goodness of God and that all things work for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.
   
   I was a stay at home wife and mother, I homeschooled my kids and my life was my family, I was never going to get divorced: but it happened to me!
   
   Awful: it's not a good story so I won't tell it, but I will tell you that I have not seen my child in almost a year now and it feels like the most painful experience of my life, this is my baby, I birthed her, nursed her, taught her how to read, math etc. I slept with her until she was 11 and rubbed her back/head/feet daily, I adored her. SHE is my LIFE.
   
   I could not move forward without her, I finally started living again when I got this book, it was such confirmation of ALL the things God was telling me, I dance and every page of this book speaks to me and reminds me that life may not be the party we hoped for but we might as well dance.
   
   Good stuff. Plus, focus on the light, edit out the bad... I have a new baby (not mine, I didn't birth her) but mine none the less, SHE is a fat 8 month old CupCake that is making me VERY happy and I am so blessed everyday to have her, if these things hadn't happened to me, I would not have been where I was when the call came in and I am so thankful and this book reminds me everyday that life is a choice, that I can move forward without my daughter. + I'm getting her back! It's only a matter of time, in the mean time, I am loving this baby with EVERYTHING in me, I hated people telling me 'it's time you started caring about You' I HATED that, I don't have to/want to care about 'ME'. I'm good, always, I'm caring about this baby, THAT is who I am.
   
   I am HAPPY and I don't need anyone to 'explain' any of this garbage to me anymore.
   
   Life is GOOD! Plus I have a great testimony to tell people that there is a God, that he cares for you and he will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. My ex took my baby, and God gave me a new one, one that needs a mother who is sober and knows how to love little princesses. CupCake is a princess in the Kingdom of Sugar.
   
   I SERVE AN AWESOME GOD! Life more abundantly, bring it on!



3. Dr. Schlessinger is a best-selling author, award winning radio therapist and a former professional licensed marriage and family therapist. The book is a collection of documented phone calls to her radio show sprinkled with her consultations. Given her background in marriage and family therapy, it is not surprising that this book is weighted heavily in issues, examples and discussions in these areas - and almost exclusively from a woman's perspective. So unless you are interested in these areas, you'll find yourself skipping entire sections of the book. That being said, I found these refreshing pearls of wisdom both from the good Doctor and from her callers:
   
   1) Closure isn't necessary - or sometimes even possible...most of the wish list rarely comes true. And it is very wise to let go of a persistently rotting rope, isn't it?
   
   2) Trying to make things be different by going over them again and again only fixates you in the past. Letting go of that rotting rope with your hand firmly gripping a better philosopher, a wise counselor, or a loving friend or relative as a cheering squad gives you the possibility of greater peace and happiness
   
   3) "The longer you behave in certain ways, the more it comes to define you, not only to others, but also to yourself."
   
   4) Too much talking. Whine less, do more. "I have learned that there is great power in taking action in directions where I have complaints or have been wronged by someone - and most of all, by taking forward steps instead of dredging up the past and displaying my suffering.
   
   5) Perspective. How are you doing: "Better than some and not as good as others."
   
   6) You are what you give (to others and yourself). You are what you do - first do good, then feel good.
   
   7) Endure. "The point of documenting all these calls and letters is to give you enough scenarios that one might strike you as way to close to home; and better still, before it become "impossible." For some of you, then is now. You are already whining and feeling perpetually trapped...yet the whining state is just about the only condition you imagine is possible. Let me repeat an important concept: enduring. What we can't change (or fix) must be endured. That means the whining stops because you set your mind, heart and soul to how to make the best out of a situation you'd rather not be in...but it is too late. You must be polite, nice, helpful, positive, kind, patient; you know, some of that actually is potent salve to make the unendurable even pleasant. And enough of that might change the situation completely and for the better."



4. This book is reminder of how all of us should be thnakful for what we have, and how living a positive life can not only influence you, but hundreds of people around you! With real life examples from real people Dr. Laura uses her direct approach for solutions! This book is a must read for anyone interested in turning their life into one of gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation! You can only come away from this book with a positive outlook on your life!



5. Loved this book. It greatly empowered me. I had gotten in the habit of being the victim in relationships and this book teaches that you have control over you. You can have a greater influence to help others and be happy if you want to!

5 comments about My Grandfathers Blessings : Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging.

1. What a wonderful thing it would be if we all had a grandfather like Rachel Naomi Remen had. Since we don't, the next best thing might be to learn the lessons and experience the blessings by having her share her stories about him with us. She does so in a beautiful, almost under stated way that is never intrusive and leaves us with a feeling of deep appreciation. These are very human and moving parable like stories that enrich our connection to each other in almost imperceptible ways. Although this is definitely not a how to book, the stories may effect how we live our lives. Thank you to Dr. Remen.



2. I happened upon this book by chance, and it is quite possibly the best book I've ever read. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and give you a positive outlook on life, this is it. It is incredibly refreshing and easy to read. Rather than one long story, it is a bunch of short stories, which makes it great for reading a little bit at a time. It has really helped me remember what is important in life. After reading this book, I can't wait to read other books by this author.



3. This is one of the best inspirational books I've read in a long time. I love it so much I'm buying it for friends! It is so full of wisdom...rich, rich, rich.



4. The author shares some inspirational stories of the lessons her grandfather, a Rabbi taught her as a child that served as building blocks for the rest of her life, as a Dr. and then a counselor. Whether you read this from cover to cover, because it is delightful and insightful, or take it story at a time over a period of time, it is a wonderful book. There are important life lessons for us all. Some will make you laugh, others cry, and others to say, "Oh wow!"



5. Real life wisdom for living life in balance and with heart.
   Rachel tells her stories openly, with compassion and great warmth.
   I have given this book to friends and family and carry its lessons in my own life. A lovely read, not at all preachy. Each chapter is worth savoring.