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Be True To Yourself Always
Zombies & Butterflies is a self-help book that explores the idea that many of us move through life emotionally numb, the “zombies,” while real growth comes from becoming aware, compassionate, and fully engaged, the “butterflies.” Where did the idea for this book come from, and how did it develop over time?
The Idea for the book and how it developed over time was, in my opinion, quite unique. The book took about twelve years to write. I still had to work to provide for the family. Vehicles, lawn mowers, appliances break down and needed fixing as well as replacing shingles on the roof and other house related repairs. The kids had sporting events, plays at school and time to play with the kids. I also had obligations within the community. The ideas for the book were in my head and as far as a way to lay it all out and organize it, I had no idea. But not knowing how to do something or never having done something, like writing, never stopped me from doing it. So, I kept on writing and figured something would come to me. And sure enough, after three, four, five years of trying to figure out just the title of the book, the title, the rough cover design and the organization of the book came to me in a flash while I was doing something not at all related to writing.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
A few ideas in the book, among all the rest of the ideas, that I believe are crucially important is the idea of individual authenticity. Being true to yourself first and foremost and what you are and who you are, really. Not the show for the rest of the world. It was surprising to me to read that one of the greatest fears people have is what others think about them. How truly sad that is. I sincerely believe that all truth begins with self-truth. That’s foundational. Without that foundation, all truths will be elusive. Also, the idea of a most genuine connection with the Divine is paramount. That connection will serve as a conduit straight to the source of all truth which you’ll be able to feel within you. They will resonate and you will be able to discern them. In doing so, feeding into another significant idea, you’ll need to follow no one but the Creator. You’ll be able to put away those days of being spoon fed by another or others, days of confusion and lies and will be able live life following and being guided by the Creators direction just a true as the north star guides you at night.
What was one of the hardest parts in this book for you to write?
In the book are analogies and metaphors. One of the hardest things to write was always wondering what is too little information which would not enable folks to understand my point and what was too much information which might confound my point. Even now, I don’t know if my choices were correct.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Zombies & Butterflies?
My hopes in writing this book was to be nothing more than a catalyst. I want to spur on a childlike curiosity in people to search and explore themselves first, then the rest of this awesome creation. I want them not to have fear in their venture but the courage of an explorer. The courage to break away from the old worn-out entanglements which time has proven over and over and over throughout the centuries to be absolutely inept and lacking all luster and vitality. I want people to escape the tyranny over their minds and truly live free. Free from the fear and avarice and hatred in this world and at length, with enough people living in such a way, the whole world WILL change.
Zombies and Butterflies
I went into Zombies & Butterflies expecting a self-help book, and that is largely what it is, but it reads more like a long, earnest conversation about what it means to be alive instead of just functioning. The book explores the idea that many of us move through life emotionally numb, the “zombies,” while real growth comes from becoming aware, compassionate, and fully engaged, the “butterflies.” Through personal stories, philosophical reflection, and moral exhortation, the author argues that healing starts with caring, self-honesty, and conscious choice, and that inner change ripples outward into relationships and communities.
What struck me first was the intensity of the writing. The author does not ease you in. The author opens with vivid, sometimes brutal imagery and then pivots quickly to emotional and spiritual terrain. It can feel overwhelming, but that seems intentional. This is a book that wants to shake you awake. The voice is passionate, almost preacher-like at times, yet rooted in lived experience rather than theory. I found myself alternating between nodding along and needing to pause because the emotional weight was heavy. The war metaphor, in particular, is thoughtful. It turns internal pain into something physical and hard to ignore, like a constant low-grade thunder in the background of everyday life.
As I kept reading, I noticed how much the book relies on stories and analogies rather than instructions. There are no neat lists or tidy frameworks here. Instead, the author circles the same core ideas again and again: caring matters, kindness matters, attention matters. This repetition feels comforting, like returning to a familiar trail. There is sincerity in that insistence. This is not a polished productivity guide or a detached philosophy text. It sits firmly in the spiritual self-help genre, blending memoir, moral reflection, and motivational writing. You can feel how personal these ideas are to the author, how much of the book is a kind of testimony rather than an argument.
Zombies & Butterflies is best suited for readers who are already asking big questions about purpose, kindness, and emotional healing, especially those who feel disconnected or worn down by life. If you enjoy reflective, spiritually inclined self-help books that value feeling over efficiency and meaning over minimalism, this book will likely resonate with you.
Pages: 93 | ISBN : 979-8-9934353-2-9
LITERARY TITAN 