Blog Archives
FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH: Teens’ Journey To Mental Wellness: Navigating Adolescence With Resilience And Hope
Hobokela Jackson’s From Struggle to Strength: Teens’ Journey to Mental Wellness is a compelling and insightful guide that delves into the emotional challenges teens often face during adolescence. It addresses pivotal issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and the complex transition into adulthood, offering practical solutions like mindfulness, journaling, and building personal wellness toolkits, while underscoring the importance of family support.
Jackson’s use of personal stories allows readers to see how resilience, community involvement, and mental health advocacy play crucial roles in overcoming adversity. The book tackles essential themes like self-acceptance, identity formation, and the profound influence of peer and family support on mental well-being. One of the standout features of this work is Jackson’s empathetic tone and his ability to resonate deeply with young readers. The real-life experiences of teens navigating mental health challenges make the narrative both relatable and approachable. Jackson excels at demystifying mental health topics, offering concrete strategies teens can easily integrate into their lives—such as breathing exercises and setting realistic, manageable goals to combat anxiety and depression. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter on constructing mental wellness toolkits, which encourages teens to take control of their mental health in a proactive and empowering way. For readers familiar with mental health literature, certain content may not feel entirely groundbreaking, and the pacing slows in parts where familiar advice is revisited. Yet, Jackson’s compassionate approach to mental health education remains a highlight, offering a well-balanced mix of practical strategies and emotional insight.
From Struggle to Strength stands as a valuable resource for teens and their families, offering critical guidance in navigating the mental health hurdles of adolescence. Its emphasis on resilience and self-compassion infuses the book with hope, assuring readers that with the right tools and mindset, overcoming mental health challenges is achievable.
Pages: 183 | ASIN : B0D6WY6KTS
Talking About Adolescence: Book 1: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health
Adolescence is a period of immense change, swirling emotions, and the constant push-pull between independence and dependence. It’s no surprise that teens and the adults who love them often find themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Talking About Adolescence: Book 1: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health, by Eichin Chang-Lim and Lora L. Erickson, serves as a vital compass for navigating this challenging journey.
Chang-Lim and Erickson offer more than just a theoretical exploration of adolescence. They craft a practical guide that tackles the real issues teens face today. Social media addiction, academic pressures, and the ever-present anxieties of growing up are all dissected with clarity and understanding. The authors don’t shy away from difficult topics either. Self-harm, substance abuse, and the often-stigmatized subject of mental illness are presented with sensitivity, focusing on providing resources and fostering help-seeking behavior. What sets this book apart is its accessibility. Gone are the days of dense, jargon-filled self-help books. Chang-Lim and Erickson use clear headings, bullet points, and engaging storytelling to ensure that teenagers can grasp even the most complex concepts. Personal anecdotes pepper the text, allowing teens to connect with the experiences shared and feel less alone in their struggles. This accessibility extends beyond teenagers themselves.
Talking About Adolescence is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone who interacts with young adults. The book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the often-turbulent waters of adolescence. Parents will gain valuable insights on fostering open communication and recognizing the signs of mental health struggles. Educators will find guidance on creating supportive learning environments that address the emotional well-being of their students.
Talking About Adolescence empowers teenagers to take charge of their emotional health. The book doesn’t offer empty promises of a smooth ride but rather equips them with the tools to weather the storms of adolescence and build a strong foundation for a fulfilling future. Chang-Lim and Erickson have crafted a must-read for anyone invested in the well-being of today’s youth, providing a comprehensive and compassionate guide to understanding and supporting adolescent mental health.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0CTKZ3DGH
Honest Reflections – For Everyday Life
Honest Reflections, by Traei Tsai, is a captivating collection of over 80 musings that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. Through a series of concise reflections paired with evocative photographs, Tsai explores the nuances of everyday life and larger socio-political and cultural themes. This compact volume reads like an art-and-reflections journal, combining the introspective quality of a personal diary with the visual allure of a photo essay. Each piece invites readers to engage in a dance of text and image, with some entries juxtaposing the two elements provocatively, while others seamlessly integrate them.
Tsai’s writing, which sometimes adopts a poetry-like form, presents a complexity that often enriches the reading experience, offering depth and provoking thoughtful interpretation. The interplay between words and visuals is particularly striking in entries such as “Fear of Colors,” “Dandelion,” and “Rose Quartz,” where text and images not only flow together but also stand distinct, creating a multi-layered reading experience. Photographs like “Blow This” and “Everything is for Sale” powerfully enhance the accompanying reflections on themes like loss of agency and racism. These visual elements often communicate profound meanings, sometimes more effectively than the text itself. A notable highlight is the verse “What the Dog Saw Everyday,” a charming and natural piece that also serves as the cover’s artwork. Its sequel, “What the Real Dog Saw Everyday,” continues the exploration of themes like motherhood and reflection, creating a cohesive link between the two pieces through both photography and prose.
Honest Reflections – For Everyday Life stands out as a testament to the power of personal observation and artistic expression, offering a fresh lens through which to view the ordinary and the extraordinary. Its ability to provoke thought and inspire reflection makes Honest Reflections a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of life, art, and social commentary. Through this intimate and visually engaging work, Tsai provides a meaningful journey into the everyday moments that shape our understanding of the world around us.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CPL1HYXB
Age is Just a Number
Daylight Saving Time: The Power of Growing Older is beautifully written and addresses a subject that is rarely discussed. Why did you want to write about subjects such as growing older?
Honestly, I was in the throes of it, this aging thing. And we all are. Plus, I think in America, at least, we shun the subject a great deal. Instead of embracing it, we work to find ways to avoid it, to battle the aging process. It seemed a subject worthy of exploration. Plus, it interested me personally. There must be others who feel the same. Plus, aging is not just for the old. We are aging from the moment we are born.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted the prose to feel “of the moment.” And did not want it to be a self-help or an instruction book. I’m not qualified to write such a book. That was never my intention. I wanted this book to be personal, real, authentic, and honest. I think I did that. Hopefully, the reader thinks so, too. I think the reader will see much of himself/herself in this story.
You discuss a lot of topics that conjure up strong emotions for people. What was one of the hardest parts of this book for you to write?
There was nothing “hard” to write, but if you are asking what was the most “emotional,” well, that would be the letter I wrote to my sons which is documented in the book. I thought long and hard about that. I wrote the book some time ago, and I recently re-read that letter. I wouldn’t change a thing. But it took a great deal of my emotional strength to write that letter exactly the way I wanted to.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Daylight Saving Time?
That life is a gift. Seems a cliche, but one to remember. And that growing older is a process to savor. To find new loves, new experiences, to remind ourselves that age is just a number, as they say. And that aging is not just for the old. We are all aging, all the time. As one Buddhist saying suggests, “Our aging at every stage is the greatest kindness we can offer to ourselves and those we love.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
The Beauty of the Freedom Afterwards
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse: The Many Types of Abuse, The Angels of My Story, Tricks Learned for Escape is beautifully written and a unique approach that addresses a subject that is often overlooked or talked about by people who have not lived it. What inspired you to share your story?
It was a simple passing request believe it or not. Matilda (now grown) for whom I was a tutor, asked me to write one scene about what we were all going through. I did so, but then just couldn’t stop writing.
It was as if “the code of silence” that keeps many in the hands of abusers, broke. I became flooded not simply with emotion, but the more I thought about it, the more I saw how I might help others with what I’d learned, having escaped my abuser.
Everything poured out, and when organized became a guide, not just to escape, but to the beauty of the freedom afterwards.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Probably the most important would be that the victim knew how to survive long before they met the abuser. That being so, the victim will also survive after the abuser is gone. Survival need not be taught. Survival is a basic drive we are born with.
The second being; most victims are brainwashed into thinking they are less, undeserving, useless. That is just a power play that abusers use to minimize partners. If we were truly unworthy, would it have to be told to us repeatedly? No.
The problem I see most of the time is that people mistake confidence and or self-love for pride. These are not synonyms. Yet somehow, we grow-up believing that feeling good about ourselves is conceit.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about people in abusive relationships?
The biggest problem I’m aware of is that mainstream belief is that the abused are weak. Absolutely laughable if you take into account every horrible thing they put up with and still manage to get out of bed in the morning.
The worst bit is that the abused believe that lie too. This keeps them in the nightmare. I truly wish that society would stop reinforcing this mindset.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
We really are capable of anything we put our minds to. ALL of us. Don’t sell yourself short and bar yourself from overcoming obstacles. You are the main character of your story, if you don’t like what your story says, you have the power to rewrite it.
If this book helps even one woman get free, I’ve succeeded.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
What I didn’t know about abuse could fill up a book.
I didn’t know the many types of abuse and how they could affect me. I didn’t know how to escape or get away from it. I didn’t know how smart I actually was and everything I could accomplish if I only put my mind to it. And I didn’t know how strong I was… that is, until Angels Descended upon me and enlightened my thoughts with what was actually possible for my life.
God did not put us on this planet to be bullied and abused. When He sends Angels to help you – LISTEN to them! Take action. And get away as soon as you possibly can!
Break the Chains
In your memoir Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go, readers will find a deeply personal and emotional account of how divorce and personal loss have affected your life. What motivated you to share your story with the world?
I believe we experience loss and other pain in life in order to heal and then help others. We aren’t supposed to keep it for ourselves. I know there are many people suffering the pain of emotional abandonment, grief, and trauma, and I have found healing and a solution that not only sets me free but gives my life purpose. I’m compelled to share this healing with others. It’s as simple as that…something inside pushes me to help others.
I greatly appreciate the candid and transparent nature of the story you have shared. Would you be able to shed some light on the most arduous aspect of the writing process?
Personally, rewriting Chapter 1, “The Catalyst,” about my brother’s overdose, our childhood memories (some pleasant, others, not so much), my anger about his addiction and death, and eventually how his death set me free, was very difficult. I would find myself in disbelief that I was crying, again. It was also challenging to see the truth of my story. Seeing the reality of some painful events, in black and white, was emotionally draining. In general, I didn’t find the writing process arduous. It was a period of divine inspiration and came quite naturally to me. The hardest part was deciding which parts to keep and which parts to toss. I felt much of what was removed was important, but I had to make very honest decisions about if it added or detracted from the main message and the power of the book. It was a humbling process.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger that could have helped you deal with personal loss and grow from these challenges?
You are good, worthy, and loved no matter what. Know that other people’s actions and behaviors are not about you, and you are not responsible for anyone else’s happiness.
I understand that your story is important to you and you want your readers to connect with it. Can you please help me understand what message you want your readers to take away from your story?
Healing your personal pain holds the power to heal the collective. It’s the only power we truly have. Finding comfort in all of your emotions by healing your grief and trauma, building an unshakable foundation of self-worth and self-love, and trusting yourself to show up for yourself in good times and “bad” creates an open heart of unconditional love and compassion, for yourself and others. It’s time to break the chains of generational family dysfunction, address your pain, and do the work to heal. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Everyone leaves you or hurts you. This false myth of generational family dysfunction, compounded through trauma, appeared frighteningly true to Amanda the moment her brother overdosed and died. Devastated, she shined up the emotional armor she wore to protect herself from pain and soldiered on. But a decade of self-reflection and personal growth in 12-step recovery could not save her from herself. Attempting to destroy everything around her, including her troubled marriage, she experienced a spiritual awakening that radically transformed deeply engrained lies about love, loss, and connection. Lies she didn’t even know she believed.
Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go is a pragmatic yet soulful inspirational memoir delivering uncompromising self-love that heals deep wounds. Amanda’s revealing, thought-provoking narrative will guide you to find comfort in your emotions and meaning in your suffering, while organically bridging an inseverable, trustworthy connection with self, others, and the universe.
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse: The Many Types of Abuse, The Angels of My Story, Tricks Learned for Escape
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse by Mrs. Anonymous offers an insightful exploration of the psychological impacts of abuse through the lens of spiritual metaphors and personal experiences. This work uniquely combines angelic symbolism with practical advice, providing a valuable resource for individuals recovering from abusive relationships. The book begins by shedding light on the subtle yet damaging forms of abuse, including emotional and economic, along with their warning signs. Mrs. Anonymous then shares her own story, starting with her summoning of an angelic figure, symbolizing the initiation of her journey toward liberation from her abuser.
Mrs. Anonymous’s narrative is deeply personal, recounting her journey through the support of Alcoholics Anonymous and a compassionate therapist, whom she affectionately terms as the ‘medicine man’. These experiences are presented as pivotal in her healing process, offering readers a raw and intimate glimpse into her soul. Her writing style is notably approachable and empathetic, resonating with those facing similar challenges. She consistently promotes resilience and faith, encouraging readers to persevere through difficult times. A significant aspect of the book is its practical guidance for those seeking to extricate themselves from narcissistic relationships. Mrs. Anonymous outlines strategic steps and resources for a safe exit, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and professional assistance.
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse is a compelling read, not only for those navigating the journey from victim to survivor of abuse but also for individuals supporting others in such circumstances. It’s a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of seeking and accepting help.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0CS19HPLK
Create the Life You Desire
Power to Excel: How to Get The Life You Want By Leveraging What You Already Have is a thought-provoking guide for those seeking personal growth and fulfillment. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal in writing this book was to inspire and empower readers to unlock their full potential and achieve the life they desire. I aimed to provide practical strategies and actionable insights that readers could apply to their own lives to create positive change. Additionally, I wanted to connect with readers on a personal level, sharing my own experiences and challenges as a writer to demonstrate that transformation is possible for anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I sought to share several key ideas that are essential for personal growth and success. One important concept is the idea of leveraging what you already have—your strengths, resources, and experiences—to create the life you want. I emphasized the importance of self-awareness, goal-setting, and continuous learning as foundational principles for personal development. Additionally, I stressed the significance of mindset and resilience in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. Throughout the book, I also highlighted the importance of taking action and embracing change as essential components of the journey toward excellence and fulfillment.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your Power to Excel?
One thing I hope readers of “Power to Excel” come away with are a renewed sense of belief in their potential and a clear understanding that they have the power to create the life they desire. I want readers to feel empowered to take action, to set ambitious goals, and to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Additionally, I hope readers recognize the importance of leveraging their strengths and resources and the value of continuous growth and learning on their journey toward success. Ultimately, I aspire for readers to be inspired and motivated to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, transformation, and excellence.
that tells you to keep going, no matter the obstacles or suffering from your past? In Power to Excel: How
To Get The Life You Want By Leveraging What You Already Have, author Valerie L. McDowell reveals that
the answer is power, and more specifically, the power to excel. And these are not just words but her philosophy, a philosophy rooted in tapping into the strength inside, where the gifts, talents, and ingenuity is on full display, boldly and unapologetically.
This book details what your life could look like when you discover how to engage your power and impact the
lives of many who never knew their stories could be so transformative.
LITERARY TITAN 