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Peace on the Other Side

Maria Schmeig Author Interview

Don’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By a Narcissist shares with readers your story of surviving an emotionally abusive marriage and how you eventually broke away and started healing. Why was it important for you to share your story?

For virtually my entire marriage, I lived in a state of bewilderment, not understanding how or why my husband was so easily provoked into a rage. I assumed he had a bad temper. It never occurred to me that he was abusive, and my eyes were only opened to that by a trusted advisor. After the breakup, I did a lot of research to better understand exactly what I had been dealing with. It was through that research that I learned that there were countless others experiencing similar circumstances. Many had situations that were worse than mine: they had little or no money, no support system, or the abuse included physical abuse. Many shared similar feelings of anxiety-filled confusion in dealing with their mates and the need to constantly walk on eggshells. I felt it was important to share my story for those who are still in these relationships, even though their guts constantly cry out that something is amiss. I hope that they can see that they are not flawed, but rather, the relationship and the other person in it is. I hope that once they see this, my book will give them the courage to get out and offer them hope for a better future. I hope my book will show them that there is peace and a good life waiting for them when they get out. For those who have escaped, I hope my book can offer them comfort, showing them that they are not alone, and that it was not their failing that caused the abuse. I also hope, that they too can be encouraged that they made the right decision and that life will be better for them in the future.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I think it is important that we each learn to love ourselves. Self-love is the beginning of healing. We have to forgive ourselves for getting into the relationship and perhaps staying longer than we should have. Everyone is dealing with difficulties, some harder than others, but we should never feel we are alone in what we are experiencing. Things are never as they seem to an outsider. No one has a picture-perfect life. A support system is vital to escaping. I was fortunate to have a great family and friends and my faith. For those who are isolated from family and friends, they need to actively seek out support whether at a faith-based organization or a shelter. There is peace on the other side, and it’s worth the pain to get there! Have courage!

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?

Never feel shame about sharing your story.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

I hope my readers see that they are beautiful and loved, that they deserve better than what they experienced with an abuser, and that if they are brave, they can find a way out and a happy future.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Maria Schmeig’s harrowing tale begins with “This nightmare ends today,” and for anyone who has experienced the torment of emotional abuse, her story offers hope and healing.
Maria’s gripping declaration, “This nightmare ends today,” sets the stage for a tale of love gone awry and the enduring strength it takes to break free. At 29, Maria believed she had found her soul mate, but the blissful façade quickly crumbled, revealing a narcissistic husband who unleashed an onslaught of emotional abuse. For an astonishing twenty-eight years, she weathered the storm of mistreatment, trapped in a cycle of manipulation and gaslighting by her narcissistic spouse.

Don’t Poke the Bear delves into the challenges of raising three children in an environment fraught with uncertainty, where the next rage could erupt at any moment. Maria candidly shares her coping mechanisms, shedding light on the perpetual bewilderment she faced until recognizing the narcissistic pattern. From the initial love-bombing to the heart-wrenching ultimate discard, Maria chronicles her journey through the exhilaration of early romance, the dark years of abuse, and the protracted, bitterly contentious divorce.

This memoir is a testament to Maria’s unwavering resilience, fueled by the support of her family and her unwavering faith. Don’t Poke the Bear is not just Maria’s story; it echoes the experiences of countless other victims, standing as a beacon of courage during life’s darkest hours. It is a powerful reminder that breaking free from the chains of abuse requires extraordinary strength and resilience.

Join Maria on a transformative odyssey, where love, courage, and empowerment triumph over adversity. Don’t Poke the Bear is not just a book; it’s an invitation to fall in love with a story of triumph and hope. Get your copy today and be inspired to conquer your own challenges with newfound strength and resilience.

Don’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By A Narcissist

Maria Schmeig’s Don’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By a Narcissist is a poignant and unflinchingly honest account of her 28-year struggle within an emotionally abusive marriage. At 29, Maria believed she had found her soulmate, only to discover that her partner was not the person she thought he was. Her narrative vividly details the challenges of navigating a dangerous relationship while raising three children, offering a close look at her coping mechanisms and the journey to recognizing the abusive patterns of her narcissistic husband.

From the opening line, “This nightmare ends today,” Schmeig sets a tone of empowerment and resilience. She not only shares her story but also imparts a critical lesson on the importance of community support in overcoming such trials. Her writing invites readers into her world, allowing them to connect deeply with her experiences. I found myself empathizing with Maria’s pain and admiring her courage. Her unapologetic honesty creates a bond with the audience, making her journey feel both personal and universal. The memoir stands out for its heartfelt sincerity and vivid descriptions of life with a narcissist. Schmeig’s storytelling is engaging and rich in detail, capturing the complex dynamics of her experience. The book’s artistic style contributes to its immersive quality, though some readers might prefer a more straightforward approach.

Don’t Poke the BearDon’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By a Narcissist is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It’s a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of living in an abusive relationship and the power of personal transformation. This book not only tells one woman’s story but also speaks to the broader themes of survival, support, and self-discovery.

Pages: 263 | ASIN : B0CNTWR44T

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Healing Books For Women

Boadi Moore Author Interview

This guide helps women identify their attachment wounds and help them reframe their thoughts to regain control over their relationships. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Healing Your Attachment Wounds?

I’d not long self-published Women Going Sober when I experienced what I’d call a stark illumination of my wounded self. Researching Women Going Sober exposed me to Gabot Mate’s body of work, specifically his assertion that addictions originate in trauma and emotional loss. With this nugget of insight, I glimpsed how emotionally ill-formed I felt at my core. A harsh reality to own in my 60s! It dawned on me that I was showing up wounded in every relationship, be it with my partner, adult children, family, career choices, etc. This broken version of me was sabotaging any and all attempts to step fully into an authentic life I’d yearned for as a young girl. I wanted to understand what it meant to have attachment wounds, how I got them in the first place, and where the path to healing might take me. It was only a matter of months after publishing my first book that I launched into writing book Healing Your Attachment Wounds.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

The vision, when sitting down to write my healing books for women, bundled together as the Sisterhood series, was to blend the latest neuroscience research with an overlay of spiritual awakening, shared struggles and triumphs, peppered throughout with hope and sisterhood. I set out to create a relatable roadmap for personal transformation and healing that would guide my readers through issues emanating from attachment trauma.

In writing Healing Your Attachment Wounds, I imagined my readers would receive a comprehensive understanding of their attachment style and its effect on their interpersonal relationships.

I understood, as I embarked on this healing journey with my readers, I’d be taking courage to confront my own demons.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?

Healing implies emotional work. It requires us to put our suffering into perspective. To look for the gift wrapped up in the wounds we lay down. Letting go of our wounds, however, we got them in the first place, creates space for our story to be as magical as we can imagine. We commit to nothing less than a deeply loving opinion of ourselves.

Do you have future books planned for The Sisterhood Series? If so can you tell us what topics they will cover and when you expect them to be published?

Yes, I feel book calling to be written. I took a road trip recently. It was a long, exhaustive 13-hour solo drive. Towards the end, I got a glimpse of the direction my next book in the Sisterhood series might take. I believe women, young and old, are on their own heroine’s journey to usher in personal transformation that will upshift us all. Using my own journey as the backdrop, as I did in books 1 and 2, might I create an impactful healing book that not only encourages transformative experiences but provides a roadmap to connect with and experience our heroic self?

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Do you feel like unhealthy relationships have held you back from realizing your potential as an adult? Do negative, unhealed wounds shape your current interactions and leave you feeling misunderstood?

Many women don’t have secure attachment styles, which impacts adult behavior. By identifying and addressing attachment scars, we can more authentically improve the way we develop positive relationships in life.

If you’re a woman struggling with codependent behavior, addiction, anxiety, intimacy, or other trauma, former attachment wounds are molding your current experiences. Negative attachments, obsessions, and lack of trust no longer need to dominate or destroy your connections with others.

It’s time to reframe your attachment styles once and for all so you can heal, create personal independence, and establish successful relationships.

With a thorough examination and understanding of attachment, you can learn to more genuinely bridge a healthy relationship between yourself and others.

We build strong and thriving interpersonal relationships by learning how to comprehend our past and mend any damage caused by negative attachments. In this second book of The Sisterhood Series, author Boadi Moore offers insightful, candid, and personal connections to help readers quickly and effectively realize their healing potential.

Inside Healing Your Attachment Wounds, you’ll discover:How attachment styles impact individuals far into adulthood
Ways to understand which attachment styles connect most to your life
Raw and relatable stories that highlight how women can learn to let go of negative attachments
Strategies to explore and resolve negative parental attachment
Methods to detach from childhood trauma
Techniques to identify and heal toxic attachments
Ideas for reframing personal boundaries and communication
Unique and constructive self-care routines to begin celebrating you!

Plus, you’ll receive ideas for sharing your story of attachment and healing.

Neuroscientists and doctors are making society more and more aware of the undeniable connection between the mind, spirit, and body—which are holistically integrated parts of our whole being. Doctors Gabor Maté, Amir Levine, and Bessel van der Kolk are but a few of the prominent names who advocate this integrative mind-body system.

While the past shapes our behaviors and interactions with others, attachment wounds don’t have to impede our ability to succeed in the present. True integration of our wounds gives us the power to embrace love and nurture the connections we hold dear.

Healing Your Attachment Wounds: A Guide to What’s Hidden in Your Attachment Style and Relationships

Delving into the intricate world of developmental theory, Boadi Moore’s Healing Your Attachment Wounds illuminates the significant influence of childhood attachment on adult relationships. Moore thoroughly unpacks how attachment styles, shaped during early development, permeate through every aspect of relational interaction, occasionally leading to trauma and misunderstanding.

In this sophisticated exploration, the second in the Sisterhood series, Moore seamlessly combines her personal narratives with comprehensive research. Her transparent and candid writing style elucidates complex theoretical frameworks, making the subject matter both accessible and enlightening. Serving as an empathetic guide, Moore adopts a holistic perspective on attachment disorders, offering tangible steps towards healing and self-improvement.

One of the standout sections of this insightful book is the chapter dedicated to the concept of ‘letting go’. Despite the common skepticism around this idea, Moore convincingly argues that there comes a point where blaming upbringing loses its merit. Letting go, she posits, creates the necessary mental space to facilitate healing—a vital gem among numerous others in this compelling read.

Healing Your Attachment Wounds not only presents a powerful discourse on attachment styles and their implications, but also fosters meaningful conversation around these often-overlooked aspects of relational dynamics. Moore successfully reframes the common narratives around ‘toxic partners’ by encouraging readers to understand the underlying causes of their behaviors, thus promoting empathy and compassion.

Designed for anyone grappling with challenges related to intimacy, trust, anxious attachment, and identity merging, this book can serve as a valuable starting point. While it does not replace professional therapy, it equips the reader with a comprehensive understanding of their attachment style and its effect on interpersonal relationships. It inspires readers to embark on the journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.

Boadi Moore’s creation is indeed a beacon of hope for individuals seeking healthier relationships, despite the lingering effects of negative childhood attachments. It emphasizes that the past, while significant, need not dictate the future adversely.

The compelling narrative, coupled with Moore’s authentic connection with the reader, makes Healing Your Attachment Wounds not only worthy of one’s time but also deserving of recommendation. It truly serves as an instrument of healing for readers from all walks of life.

Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0C8P968GQ

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No One is Truly Alone

Andy Chaleff Author Interview

The Connection Playbook is a guidebook that teaches readers how to build meaningful and healthy relationships in order to have a more fulfilling life. Why was this an important book for you to write?

My life’s path has primarily centered on guiding individuals through the intricacies of their relationships with others. Writing a book on this subject felt like the inevitable next step in this lifelong pursuit.

My enduring desire has been to take the insights I’ve held deep within and present them in an easily understandable and engaging manner. Writing a book has allowed me to discover the beauty in the shared human experience – realizing that many people have similar insights; they simply express them in unique and diverse ways.

With so many different books out on the market on relationship building, what ideas do you present that make yours different and stand out?

I’d like to start by expressing my perspective: to me, books are akin to seeds. When you plant them, some flourish with enduring significance others don’t make it so far. Books about relationships, regardless of their authorship, hold value for anyone who gains insight from them. In the case of this particular book, I believe it offers a blend of practicality, straightforward simplicity, and exercises that provide a genuine opportunity to transform lives and relationships.

A decade of my life has been woven into the fabric of this book, and I believe readers can sense that profound connection. Even the inclusion of QR codes at the conclusion of each chapter serves as a poignant reminder that every reader is not traversing this intricate journey alone.

Has anyone ever given you a piece of life-changing advice, if so can you share with us what that was and why it made such an impact on you?

Advice holds significant meaning in my life, and I tend to perceive it in a broader light than most. I genuinely believe that everything that comes our way carries hidden lessons. Each encounter is an invitation for us to discern the guidance the universe is presenting us with in that particular moment.

Reflecting on just this book, some of the most invaluable advice I’ve received came from my high school teacher, who remains a dear friend to this day. In the early stages of the book, he remarked, “The book is not a reflection of you. It lacks the depth I know you possess.” While it was more of feedback than advice, the lesson I gleaned from it was clear: don’t restrain yourself. And I heeded that wisdom wholeheartedly.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I aim for readers to realize that they have the capacity to transform relationships they may have once dismissed as irreparable – be it with parents they’ve been reluctant to forgive or children with whom they struggle to find common ground. Ultimately, life can often seem isolating and insurmountable. I’m hoping this book makes that less so.

I wrote this book to illuminate the fact that no one is truly alone in their journey. I want people to recognize that there are tangible, practical steps they can take to enhance their interactions with others. In the end, they need not be mere victims of their circumstances; they possess the power to shape their relationships and their lives.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon

The Connection Playbook is the ultimate relationship manual for anyone seeking to forge genuine, vulnerable, and meaningful connections with their spouse, family members, friends, and others. Whether you constantly catch yourself in repetitive arguments with your partner, struggle with parenting a difficult child, endure constant criticism from your parent, grapple with the aftermath of hurting a dear friend, or struggle to forgive someone who has caused you pain, this transformative guide holds the answers.
🌐 The Connection Playbook is both deeply relevant and immediately practical, offering illuminating exercises at the end of each chapter. This book is an invitation to transform how we relate to others, unburden ourselves from the weight of unresolved conflicts, and embrace the transformative power of authentic connections.
🌐 Dive into the depths of human relationships, communication, and the intricate web that binds us all. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your personal connections, improve your professional networking, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the world around you, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
📖 Inside, you’ll discover:
🗣️ Difficult Discussions: Learn strategies and techniques to navigate tough conversations with grace and empathy.
🧘 Managing Triggers: Explore how to identify and manage emotional triggers that can hinder meaningful connections.
🤔 Asking Skillful Questions: Uncover the power of asking the right questions to foster understanding and connection.
🚫 Overcoming Blame and Judgment: Gain insights on how to let go of blame and judgment, creating space for compassion and connection.
🎉 What’s Included?
📖 The Main Book: A comprehensive exploration of connection, featuring insights, stories, and expert advice on these and other vital topics.
🎧 7 Hours of Audio: Immerse yourself in the content with in-depth audio guides for each chapter.
📹 4 Hours of Video: Access exclusive video content to enhance your understanding.
📣 Get ready to connect on a whole new level, both with yourself and with others.
🌟 Get your copy today and let’s explore the boundless possibilities of human connection together!

The Connection Playbook

In The Connection Playbook: A Practical Guide to Building Deep, Meaningful, Harmonious Relationships, Andy Chaleff presents readers with a profound roadmap to a fulfilling life, drawing from his personal and profound journey. Navigating the challenges of growing up with an abusive and bipolar father, Chaleff discovered an innate ability to empathize and understand human behaviors more deeply than most. His vast experience in mentoring and coaching relationship dynamics shines through every page, offering readers tools to navigate the complex web of interpersonal relationships—be it with partners, parents, friends, or children.

Diving into the book, readers are invited on an introspective journey into the psychology underpinning our relationships, starting with the foundational one: the relationship with oneself. Chaleff thoughtfully divides the book into six distinct sections, each shedding light on a unique facet of relational dynamics. From unveiling how our behaviors mirror our innermost feelings, beliefs, and thoughts to delving into respect, trust, codependency, and even the nuances of influence and manipulation, Chaleff leaves no stone unturned.

A standout feature of this book is Chaleff’s approachable style. Far from being a dry tome of theoretical jargon, The Connection Playbook interweaves academic knowledge with compelling real-life narratives, making complex concepts feel immediate and relatable. As a budding psychologist myself, I was particularly taken with the book’s emphasis on the pivotal role our self-relationship plays in shaping our interactions with the world. This resonates with the growing societal dialogue on mental well-being, underlining the significance of self-awareness and introspection for holistic health.

Moreover, Chaleff’s inclusion of brief lessons and exercises at the close of each chapter is a thoughtful touch. These practical takeaways encourage readers to pause, reflect, and truly integrate the book’s insights into their daily lives.

The Connection Playbook is more than just a book—it’s an invaluable guide for those yearning for richer, more meaningful relationships. It serves as a beacon for introspective individuals, psychology enthusiasts, and professionals alike. I commend Chaleff on this enlightening work and eagerly await his future contributions to the field.

Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CHMLS4D5

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An End to Arguing

In An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for All Relationships, Linda and Charlie Bloom share their fifty years of marriage experience, offering insight into how to make relationships work and gently resolve conflicts. In addition, the book provides tips on avoiding arguments and shares essential lessons on managing differences in a relationship.

The authors’ background as psychotherapists is infused into their writing, resulting in a gentle and positive tone that makes the reader feel included in the discussion. The text is clear, and the phrases used are memorable, making the reading experience feel communal. This inspirational book provides value for readers, including life lessons, free marriage advice, virtual counseling sessions, and a positive outlook on relationships. The book contains 101 chapters, each tackling different but related topics, making it an engaging read for individuals of all ages and relationship types.

The authors offer insights on critical issues such as nonreactive listening, projection, negotiation, arrogance, people-pleasing, and agreements, among other topics. This book stands out because the lessons are not limited to just romantic relationships. The knowledge in the book can be applied to friendships, family relationships, professional settings, and any spaces that involve human relationships and interactions. The first chapter, which discusses the inevitability of differences in relationships and how to meet in the middle with your partner, is particularly profound and electrifying to read. The authors use multiple scenarios to expound on the topic being discussed, making it easy for readers to fully comprehend the main point.

An End to Arguing is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether romantic or otherwise. The book provides practical tips, free advice, and a positive outlook on human interactions. It is an encouraging and enlightening read that is sure to provide value to its readers.

Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BNM149DM

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Carbon Under Pressure

Carbon Under Pressure is the extraordinary story of an ordinary young woman called Rose. This emotional book starts with an account of Rose’s daughter Sophie attempting suicide. Then, the book follows Rose through the next three years of her life as she tries to save her daughter. As if this is not bad enough, more troubles follow this family as they try to wake up from the nightmare they are living and get through to the light.

Author Meg Heart tells her story in a manner that if the reader didn’t know beforehand that this was based on a true story, it would read like a fictional novel. The people portrayed in this book take on the appearance of a set of characters, with a relatable protagonist, a supporting yet devious husband, and a teenage daughter going through a dark phase in her life. While the entire story seems fictional on the surface and anything but ordinary, the most significant message of the book is that it can happen to anyone. The author adeptly carries the story forward while focusing on the mental state of all the characters involved and thus manages to evoke strong emotions in the reader.

This book is intended for mature audiences and covers topics of suicide and sexual assault. However, it is done with great care. The author only mentions the details that are required to tell the story without making the book too heavy to read. The book revolves around the themes of suicide, dealing with depression, family, and sexual assault and covers the topics in fair depth and accuracy.

Carbon Under Pressure is the memoir of one woman named Rose and about the darkest point in her life. How she survived and made it through is detailed with the cautionary tale that it could happen to anyone. This biography will appeal to readers that are interested in women’s studies, depression, sexual assault, and family issues. This book does an excellent job of describing the lesser talked about realities of life.

Page: 176 | ASIN : B09KY45J7P

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