Blog Archives
Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line
Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line: A Collaborative Journal Experience is divided into 10 parts, titled Decades, which focus on various topics that touch on everyday life. Maria Wheeler neatly arranged the chapters and gave light and insightful discussions on each. The poems are beautifully written and refreshing. Maria Wheeler makes the reader question self, and reflect on their personal life. She asks questions like, who are we? And helps the reader answer the questions by discussing life and the purpose every individual has on earth. There are several decades in the book that I enjoyed reading.
The first decade; To Be Honest, was among those that stood out for me. In this decade, the author writes why it is important for people to be genuine and intentional in their actions. A little hope also does not kill. Other decades that I enjoyed reading include decades 3, 4, 7 and 9. After reading these decades I realized that hard work pays and being grateful for whatever one has is important.
Wheeler’s words stick with you after every decade as she uses distinct and memorable words. The book contains a lesson, funny lines, and unique words in each poem making it a pleasurable read. The author’s work is different from many as the book is short but has a profound message. This book is one of those short reads that you can complete in one seating and repeat the whole book without losing interest. The author knows how to capture the reader’s interest not just with moving words, but also using casual topics packaged in a premium manner.
The poems in Lost in the Circle are so simple yet so satisfying to read. Another exciting thing about the poems in the book was getting the context after reading each of them. Both the outer meaning and deeper meaning of the poem were necessary. Both avid and casual readers will enjoy this book and that is the beauty of author Maria C Wheeler’s modest writing. The author has a way with words that one never feels like stopping once they start reading her work. This is an exceptional book for people that enjoy light reads, intriguing poetry, and positive vibes.
Pages: 84 | ISBN: 1952521475
The Essential Revolution
In his latest book, The Essential Revolution, Michael McGinnis gives us an inspiring story that reveals the possibility of human awakening. In a world filled with hatred, violence and hurt, The Essential Revolution is here to invite anyone who reads it to learn how to live life with love, compassion and peace.
Marcus Ogabi is a black American cop going through a divorce and financial problems. In a tragic event that will change his life forever he meets Dimitri Tanomeo, a young adult that despite growing up in some terrible circumstances seems to have a secret knowledge, one that he wants to share with the entire world so humans can finally evolve and reach a new reality, one filled with truth and love. Through what Marcus experiences throughout the novel, the reader is shown the teachings of Dimitri. The same teachings that change the characters’ lives for the better are available to each reader to change their lives as well.
Most of the story develops inside of a prison. It is there that Dimitri Tanomeo will start his spiritual revolution as he tries to change the perspective and attitude of each of the inmates, an act that will be recognized to be the greatest rehabilitation experiment ever. Human awakening is possible, and in this book you have the chance to learn how to achieve it.
I truly enjoyed the way the author shared all of the problems that humans around the world are currently having, showing, at the same time, what are the steps that the collective need to make to finally get rid of them once and for all and find healing. Spirituality and its importance in everyday human life are explored, giving us, the readers, the chance to learn more about what we need to do to live more spiritual lives and why we should do it.
The characters that McGinnis created are endearing and easy to connect with from the very beginning. They portray struggles that we all have to deal with as humans regardless of our different circumstances and upbringing. The story is gripping, feels very real and will probably resonate with a lot of people. Prepare to be challenged to change your life for the better and to question everything. Leave fear behind and learn to do what is right with this book, change is in your hands.
As fiction meets reality, I was able to learn more about myself through this story, and will surely apply many of its teachings in my life. The Essential Revolution is a story that showcases the importance of love, compassion and forgiveness, and encourages everyone to live authentically. This is your invitation for awakening, so get ready to be the change you want to see in the world.
Pages: 484 | ASIN: B08MYBCN8R
A Foundation for Winning
Solid Ground provides sound guidance and coaching to help readers be successful in both life and work. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote this book as a roadmap to help you find success, purpose, and happiness. There are many confusing messages being promoted today about achieving success, finding one’s purpose, and finding happiness, and many people are given bad advice through social media’s constant bombardment, campus propaganda, and mainstream media. Trying to sort through your life choices while constantly being reminded to “follow your dreams, do what you love, find your passion, and sell your personal brand” can be pretty intimidating. If you are a person who wants to find success and happiness, who has dreams and ambitions, and the talent to achieve them, but in all the noise and nonsense and clutter of modern life, you’re not quite sure how to get where you want to go, this book is for you.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about success?
The most common misconception is that you have to choose between success and happiness. You can have both, either or neither, because they are unrelated. In my experience, happiness and success are two completely different things. To oversimplify, happiness is the natural result of learning and growing as a person and helping others.
Success is the result of hard work, talent, persistence, and continuous improvement. People are often under the impression that success equates to wealth, but wealth can be measured in many ways. You can be wealthy with money, power, and possessions, or you can be wealthy with family, friends, strong faith, good health, a great reputation, and high self-esteem. Success is the gradual realization of a worthy ideal.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?
Find your talent and focus on that. You will always have time outside of work to pursue your passions. But when you find your talent, you’ve found your sweet spot. There are few things sadder than older men and women who didn’t cultivate their talents and in middle age are filled with regret over things they didn’t do. You don’t want to be fifty years old and stuck in a boring job that doesn’t challenge you or make good use of your talents.
I felt like you provided a lot of pragmatic advice. What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Your foundation for success must be built on Solid Ground. There are still 5 fundamental requirements for long-term success in your life and your career. These qualities will set the stage for a happy and successful personal life and put you in a position to win in your career, and are: Personal Character, Hard Work, Goal Setting, Helping Others, and Self- Awareness.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Twitter
SOLID GROUND shatters the popular myths in today’s culture about how to create a successful life and career. Tom Lewis offers both a road map and a compass for discovering True North. Following these principles will not only put you on SOLID GROUND, it will significantly improve your chances of finding success and happiness.
TOM LEWIS is an award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist who overcame career setbacks, tough competition, and a life-threatening illness to reach the pinnacle of success – and more importantly – fulfillment. He shares his journey and his advice in this very personal and profound book.
Ten years from now you will thank yourself for reading this book.
It will change the trajectory of your life.
INTRODUCTION FROM SOLID GROUND:
To be successful in life, I have learned that you have to put first things first, but today’s popular culture has it backwards.
- You can’t find your passion until you develop your work ethic.
- You can’t find your purpose until you discover who you are.
- You can’t find your happiness until you find your talent and help others.
- You can’t find success until you earn it.
What we need today, probably more than ever, is a return to the fundamentals of building a good life—one that is full of goodness, success, and even happiness. And it’s not really that complicated. SOLID GROUND presents a model for success that has worked for centuries—and it will work today.
If you are willing to put in the time and effort to invest in your future, this book is for you.
All proceeds from SOLID GROUND will be donated to T.W. Lewis Foundation which supports higher education, healthcare, youth character education and children and families in need.
Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line
Lost in the circle, Found on the Line, by Maria C. Wheeler, is a self-help journal with a collection of different poems, inspirational quotes, and other forms of art.
The journal has some striking art forms and illustrations adorning the book. This inspirational book forces you to see the world through a shift in perspective. It asks some of the most critical questions of life: Who are you? Do you know where you are going? Are you lost in the circle of the world? Author Maria C. Wheeler presents the journal with a thoughtful and reflective voice. In these pages is the inspiration to take the reader out of the procrastination zone and push them into a journey that will lead to a more purposeful life. It encourages readers to be mindful of life so that they may learn to honor themselves and those around them.
We all are ultimately on a journey to find peace within our lives by connecting with others. One thing that I took away from this uplifting book is that to find yourself, you need to start living and celebrating life. A central way to do this is to live a life of purpose. You need to go round the whole circle and find what you connect with. It is about different decades of a person’s life and the essence of each phase and how hopes and dreams evolve during each part.
Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line is a thought-provoking read that will benefit you the most if you are ready and willing to follow the prompts in the book. I don’t think this book is for everyone, but I certainly think this book will be profound to those that are ready and will to make a change.
Pages: 84 | ISBN: 1952521475
The What IF? Diet Plan
![The What IF? Diet Plan: Transform your body and mind through intermittent fasting by [Alexis Cano]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417vnR6+FNL.jpg)
I enjoyed reading Alexis Cano’s The What IF? Diet Plan: Transform your body and mind through intermittent fasting’ because not only was she talking to mothers, but to everyone who at some point has had an issue with their body. The motherhood experiences shared in the book were interesting to read and made one understand just how much of a struggle weight issue is for women who both have or do not have kids. Reading this book is one amazing experience that gets one carried away with the stories.
The author starts the book by explaining to readers what The What IF? Diet Plan is and I liked this discussion as it gives the reader an idea of what Alexis Cano will talk about in the book. Alexis Cano’s personal history with food, her weight journey, and how she tried intermittent fasting was eye opening. Through her experiences, one learns that no matter how hard things are, it does not hurt to try. Everyone’s experience with food is different and in her book, Alexis advises everyone to first understand their bodies before jumping on any diet plan. By knowing what your body can take or reject, you are in a better place of choosing what you can consume and knowing what portions to eat.
There are several important topics covered in the book. Some topics that had me intrigued were about why restricting calories does not work, the power of hormones, how different meals like breakfast, lunch, and supper work in the body, and tuning one’s fasting. Know what science says about the intake of water when thirsty versus intake of soda? The author has a full discussion lined with facts. The author also talks about myths and weight experiences that people pass around as facts. Reading this book makes you see that there is a lot of misinformation out there about food and weight issues. The author talks to people that want to either add or shed some weight.
I appreciate the author for not only talking about the body but also touching on the mind. Mental health is as important as physical health. Whatever we consume affects both the mind and the body. Alexis Cano is a brilliant author. She has a way with words and can easily convince one to adapt to a new, healthier lifestyle. The author also provides health tips and explains how best to adapt to a unique diet. What I like most about Alexis Cano’s writing is that the discussions in the book felt grounded in reality and felt achievable. She does not sugarcoat anything and tells it as it is. She gives bitter truths and openly talks about eating habits that are harmful to the body. Reading this book will not only help you achieve your desired body, but will also have you work on your goals while being in a better state of mind.
Pages: 129 | ASIN: B08K4RM5RJ
Dharma by Design : a universe in harmony
Dharma by Design: a universe in harmony is a thought-provoking book that will have the reader reflect on their actions, lifestyle, and general well-being. The author talks about Dharma, its meaning, and how it is perceived among different societies. Reading this book will make you realize that every individual is different and has something distinct to offer to the world. Dharma by Design is also a great read if you want to learn a few things about Buddhism, its principles, and what one can take from practicing Buddhists to improve their way of living. Surekha Kothari’s definition of Dharma is slightly different from the dictionary definition. She explains in detail and ensures that readers of all levels perfectly understand what it means to be Dharmic.
The author graciously gives explanations and illustrates how the terms discussed are used. By reading the book, you get to learn about new words and human laws. The author advises that in whatever we do, we should follow the laws of nature and protect all that needs to be protected. Reading this book will make you drop some bad habits and have you pick better customs. You will embrace positivity and look at everything with an optimistic eye before judging. We are encouraged to be good and do good to make the world a better place for everyone.
Dharma by Design has 15 chapters all of which talk about different topics that relate to Dharma. Every chapter has unique and enlightening content. I enjoyed reading chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 the most as the author talked of the pillars of Dharma. Each of the pillars is what makes a better human being. I like that the author insisted that Dharma is not a religion as many people assume it to be. By writing this book, Surekha Kothari invites people of various faiths to adopt Dharma in their lives. Just like Yoga or any other thing, Dharma can gain universal recognition and acceptance as a practice that fosters righteous living.
To be Dharmic is to love yourself. The author has kind words for readers especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares the message of hope, patience, and love with everyone. Reading this book will make you realize that despite the hard times, human beings can still be there for one another. This book will help you cleanse your mind, body, and soul, and make you live a fulfilling life. I recommend Dharma by Design to everyone who wants to start their life afresh by embracing a new lifestyle. Surekha Kothari’s friendly tone and gentle way of explaining unfamiliar concepts are what make her an extraordinary author.
Pages: 146 | ASIN: B08MV2FH2W
13 Common Parent-isms
Clean Your Plate! is a fantastic parenting guide that helps well-intentioned parents avoid troublesome mannerisms. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I think that every parent has had that “oh crap, I just became my mr” moment when something comes out of our mouth we swore we’d never say. There’s a reason for parent-isms like “clean your plate”, “get straight A’s”, or “go give your aunt a hug”, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still have negative side-effects. (Kind of like how your headache medicine may get rid of your headache, but it could also cause nausea, vomiting, or spontaneous combustion.) This book goes over 13 common parent-isms and gives a research-based look at what negative side effects they could be causing and how to get the intended message across in a more positive way.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about parenting?
I think people believe there is a Don’t mistake my meaning here, there are plenty of clearly and obviously wrong ways to parent, but the only right way is the right way for you and your kids. So many parents try to parent “by the book” only to unnecessarily force themselves into something that feels unnatural and makes either them or their kids (or both) unnecessarily stressed.
What is your paring experience and how has that helped you write this book?
I’m the step-mom of a teenage girl and the bio-mom of a 5-year-old Navy Seal trainee in an Elsa dress, and a 1-year-old raccoon noise impersonator. Our household also features a cumulative 200 pounds of dog and a rabbit of unusual size.
When I was first attempting to “learn how to parent” (as if such a feat is really possible) I kept finding so-called parenting books that were so full of information yet little-to-no practical help. I knew what meconium was, but I had no idea how to bond with my baby. I could tell you all about teen hormones, but I didn’t have any clue how to handle it when my step-daughter went into her room for days at a time. I happened to be working on my PhD in business psychology at the time and realized that the most helpful information for my day-to-day parenting issues was actually coming from my PhD research rather than the parenting books I was reading.
This book is an attempt to bridge that gap.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
The three main take-home messages from this book are to parent for the long term (not the short term), to parent for skills (not results), and to parent like you and your kids are on the same team (because you are…no matter what it feels like in the moment).
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
We want our kids to get good grades, stop hitting their siblings, and, yes, clean their plate at dinnertime. It shouldn’t be that hard, right?
Wrong. Sometimes these harmless sounding statements don’t work. Even worse, they often backfire to cause unexpected and unwelcome side effects for us and for our kids. (Just like your prescription for headache medicine may accidentally cause vomiting or make you spontaneously sprout a leathery tail.)
This book takes 13 of the most common parent-isms and walks you through the ways they can go wrong, why they could negatively impact your kids, and what you should say instead.
Includes parental greatest hits like:
Do You Need Any Money?
Get Straight A’s
Don’t Be a Quitter
Don’t Talk Back (to Your Elders)
Waste Not, Want Not
Be Nice to Your Friends
Give Your Aunt a Hug
Win Your Game Today
Finish Your Homework
Don’t Hit
Sit Still
Don’t Watch TV
Clean Your Plate
Proactively Take Action
Discovering Hope is filled with ideas and actions that anyone can take to improve their state of mind and their life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In my work and away from it, I’ve had so many conversations with individuals struggling, with no work or too much work, lonely or overwhelmed with interaction! The individual and collective struggle exacerbated by the pandemic, compelled me beyond the encouragement I try to give on individual calls, to want to do something to help more broadly.
What do you feel is a common misconception people have about positivity?
The most common misconception is that people are positive or not and that there’s not much to be done to change that. The truth is we all have oscillating levels of positivity and can all proactively build it. Like anything, think of it as a muscle that needs to be nurtured.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I want readers to see that far from being in a hopeless situation, that they can proactively take action
to improve the way they think and feel.
Do you have plans to publish more books on this same topic?
I have a follow up book which will be published in 2 months.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
Do things feel hopeless?
Do you want to rediscover a more positive outlook?
Discovering Hope is full of ideas and actions designed to
Develop a more positive state of mind.
Turn to any page and you will be closer to feeling hope.
