Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

New single: High Hopes and Low Expectations – JD Clayton

High Hopes and Low Expectations is the new single by JD Clayton. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

With his new single, High Hopes and Low Expectations, the Natural State’s new favorite recording artist, JD Clayton, tells the story of a young man searching for a better self and greener pastures, leaving his small town for the glamour of the big city. “This is really a song to myself,” says Clayton who co-wrote High Hopes with Nashville veteran Kendell Marvel. The song was self-produced by Clayton and he teamed up with six-time Grammy Awards winner Vance Powell to mix the track. The song’s protagonist meets an older gentleman who gives him a bit of free advice: “Live with high hopes and low expectations.” It’s not lost on Clayton that Marvel is the one who’s giving him the sage advice back in the real world. “He has become such a good friend and has been so kind to me as I’ve started my career,” says Clayton. “It felt like we were living out the song literally as we penned it.” (IV-PR, 2024)

Clayton found the inspiration for High Hopes and Low Expectations by chasing a blend of James Taylor and Elton John. Acoustically rich, the mid-tempo slow burner rides a heavy emphasis on a borderline-funky backbeat, piano, and guitars playing counterpoint to Clayton’s earnest vocal delivery. High Hopes and Low Expectations is out now and can be streamed or purchased right here. This single is the first in a number of new releases from Clayton as he gears up for a full-length follow-up to 2023’s Long Way From Home.

JD Clayton’s debut album, Long Way From Home, was released in early 2023 receiving overwhelming critical acclaim. Named one of 2023’s most anticipated Americana albums by Wide Open Country, the debut, 10-song offering has simplicity and sincerity running throughout. Earnest lyrics and lived-in vocals are delivered with a balance of warmth and resolve, and his timeless sound has an immediate appeal. Touring-wise, 2023 was spent building fans market by market, city by city while touring with Dwight Yoakam, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Tanner Usrey, Pat Green, Shane Smith & The Saints, Vincent Neil Emerson, Parker McCollum, Hank Williams Jr., Brent Cobb, Ashley McBryde, Cole Chaney and playing tastemaker festivals such as Bonnaroo, Rebels & Renegades, Born & Raised, and Dreamy Draw. On the heels of his debut album’s success, Clayton is putting finishing touches on his forthcoming self-produced record to be announced in spring and released later 2024. 

Clayton just wrapped up a 22 date tour with Tanner Usrey through early March and has upcoming dates with Ashley McBryde in April as well as adding additional headline and other support dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Catch JD Clayton On Tour:
April 25 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre *
April 26 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory *
May 3 – Cullman, AL – Alabama Strawberry Festival 2024
May 12 – San Diego, CA – Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
May 17 – Bentonville, AR – FreshGrass Bentonville
* With Ashley McBryde

Book review: ‘The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies’ by Dr. Jane Willow PhD

Unlock the healing power of nature with ‘The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies.’ Photo: Amazon

Dr. Janet Willow, MD, PhD is an award-winning clinical psychologist specializing in the psychological treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression and other mental health conditions. With decades of experience, she is a leader in her field and widely recognized for her passion to help clients achieve optimal mental health. Her approach to therapy focuses on not just eliminating symptoms but also helping clients understand how they relate to their environment, making lasting changes that can improve overall life satisfaction. Her new book “The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies” is an essential guide to help readers discover the healing power of nature. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies” – discover the fascinating world of herbal medicine and harness the therapeutic potential of plants with this groundbreaking book. It bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, providing readers with a comprehensive and accessible guide to natural healing.

The material discussed includes an in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural significance of herbal medicine, the science behind the healing properties of plants, detailed profiles of over 50 medicinal herbs, including their therapeutic uses and preparation methods, step-by-step instructions for crafting your own herbal remedies, from teas and essences to salves and syrups, practical advice on incorporating herbs into your daily wellness routine, and an extensive reference section with the latest research and clinical studies on herbal medicine.

This book contains everything you ever wanted to know about herbal remedies. In Chapter 1: Introduction to Herbal Medicine, the author explains how she became interested in the healing power of plants when as a child, she watched her grandmother enjoy a cup of chamomile and mint tea. Even after she got her scientific education, her fascination with herbal remedies lingered and she was determined to find a connection between both of them. In Chapter 2: The Science Behind Herbal Medicine, she takes readers on a journey to discover the science behind herbal remedies, while Chapter 3: History of Herbal Medicine gives the history of herbal medicine that proves that humans have always had a connection to the natural world.

The rest of the book is divided as follows:

Chapter 4 Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability – Honoring the Earth, Ensuring the Future
Chapter 5 Safety First: Understanding Herbal Contraindications
Chapter 6 The Herbal Apothecary
Chapter 7 Herbal Remedies for Digestive Health
Chapter 8 Herbal Remedies for Muscle Pain
Chapter 9 Herbal Remedies for Respiratory Illness
Chapter 10 Herbal Remedies for Cuts and Bruises
Chapter 11 Herbal Remedies for Mood Enhancement
Chapter 12 Herbal Remedies to Strengthen Immunity
Chapter 13 Herbal Remedies to Improve Sleep
Conclusion

From the science behind herbal medicine, to tips on setting up your own apothecary and herbal remedies for different types of ailments, there is so much useful information for readers of all levels. Whether you are just interested in the history portion or are looking for specific remedies, this is a must-read book. It is well researched and put together and is easy to understand without using complicated medical terms. Readers interested in wellness and herbal remedies should definitely add it to their reading list.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Photo: Amazon

Celebrate Easter with themed treats from Bakery Lorraine

Bakery Lorraine’s Easter themed Moon Pies. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With Easter right around the corner on Sunday, March 31, I wanted to share some Easter themed pastries and baked goods available for purchase from Bakery Lorraine at all their locations. There is still time to order: from now until 5p.m. on Thursday, March 28, guests can pre-order a delectable 7’’ Carrot Cake for $80 through Bakery Lorraine’s website. Their carrot cake is full of pineapple, coconut, walnuts, generously layered with cream cheese frosting, and topped with a variety of macarons. Pickup will be on choice of either Saturday, March 30 or Sunday, March 31. (Bakery Lorraine, 2024)

Additionally, Bakery Lorraine will have Easter themed in-store pastries available over the weekend from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 31.

These pastries include:

  • Bunny Tart – White chocolate mascarpone mousse and strawberry centers on dark chocolate shortbread
  • Egg Shaped Moonpie – Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched between house made graham crackers
  • Chocolate Nest Tart – Salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache in a vanilla pastry shell topped with chocolate eggs nested in chocolate phyllo

Carrot cake slices will also be available for in-store purchase throughout Easter weekend and the following week while supplies last.

Bakery Lorraine’s carrot cake. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Upcoming new book release: ‘On My Way Back to You’ by Sarah Cart

‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Photo: Amazon

Raised and educated in New York and New England, Sarah Cart, a freelancer, wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, they moved to the Florida Keys, but they returned every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos. Then came Covid. The pandemic, combined with Ben’s health issues, necessitated their sheltering in place in Florida for the entirety of 2020. In the wake of Ben’s undergoing miraculous lifesaving measures, they have been afforded the unanticipated gift of a future and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends. In her upcoming new memoir, “On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope,” Sarah Cart shares how she became one of 39 million Americans taking care of an ailing loved one. It will be released on April 2 and is available for pre-order through Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“On My Way Back to You,” – In suspenseful and heart-rending detail, Cart recounts how, beginning with an incurable autoimmune disease, her husband developed one life-threatening condition after another. As each month passed, she felt her best friend, this brilliant businessman, successful entrepreneur, and energetically engaged and organized father to their four sons, slipping away, until eventually they received devastating news: Ben needed a heart transplant. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Two weeks after the COVID-19 lockdown, they realized Ben’s body was shutting down and his only hope was to get on the list and get that transplant now—in the midst of a pandemic. And that wasn’t even half of what was to come.

Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Cart required a deep well of faith, grit, and grace as she confronted doubts, fears, endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape while struggling to help Ben regain whatever he could of all that had been lost.

Cart reminds us that “there is certainly no promise that the health we enjoy this evening will be with us in the morning” and provides guidance for others in her shoes. Sooner or later, everyone will either become a caregiver or need one. To help when time comes, she shares the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the self-care necessary for the caregiver.

“On My Way Back to You” is more than a chronicle of Ben’s illness. It’s about love, resiliency, and the power of community: “When Ben was in the hospital, I felt all the people who’d ever loved him shining their light from the far reaches of the universe each time I begged them to do so.” It’s a roadmap through some of life’s greatest challenges and the journey of two people who used the power of love, determination, and endless patience to find their way back to each other.

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Book review: ‘Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence’ by Ansh Verma

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” is a comprehensive exploration of prevalent misconceptions that cloud our understanding of intelligence.

“Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” – the core topic of this enlightening book is intelligence and the myths surrounding it. Such myths include the misleading notion of left-brain/right-brain dominance and the widespread belief in using only a fraction of our brain’s capacity. Other topics include gender differences when it comes to intelligence, emotional intelligence, the aging mind and how to address cognitive decline, neuroplasticity, and the cultural biases in IQ testing that can affect people who have different types of cultural intelligence.

In the Introduction, the author writes that the purpose of this book is “to empower readers with accurate knowledge about human intelligence.” By doing so, he hopes readers will understand that intelligence is made up of different factors and then arms them with the information necessary to make appropriate life choices. Chapter 1: Defining Intelligence defines intelligence as more than just what a typical IQ test might measure and that it includes a wide variety of cognitive capacities and aptitudes. In Chapter 2: Nature vs. Nurture, he clarifies the connection between genetics and environment and how they shape cognitive aptitude. In Chapter 3: Brain Myths and Cognitive Abilities, readers can learn all about the various learning styles and the importance of evidence-based approaches to education.

The rest of the book consists of:

Chapter 4: Creativity and Problem Solving
Chapter 5: Learning Styles and Intelligence
Chapter 6: Gender and Intelligence
Chapter 7: Emotional Intelligence
Chapter 8: Memory and Forgetfulness
Chapter 9: Nature of Intelligence in Children
Chapter 10: The Aging Mind
Chapter 11: Neuroplasticity and Learning
Chapter 12: Intelligence and Success
Chapter 13: Intelligence in Different Cultures
Chapter 14: Genetics and Intelligence Revisited

Overall, this is an extremely insightful and deeply researched book on intelligence – how it is made up of different factors but it is continuously changing and adapting, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence and neuroplasticity. By using down to earth language and examples of real people when describing the different learning and intelligence types, the author makes the subject easy to understand. This is a must read for readers interested in a deep study of intelligence and the complexities of the human mind.

“Success is, therefore, a multifaceted concept, and one’s ability to excel in a particular field is influenced by a complex interplay of various attributes and factors.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New movie release: Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret

Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret will be showing in limited theaters on March 24, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The highly anticipated film Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret is the follow up from What the Health, (which sat at #1 on Netflix for weeks and even came back at #1 again recently and is executive produced by Joaquin Phoenix) Cowspiracy, (executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Seaspiracy. This new movie explores religion and the farming and animal products industry and is in theaters across the United States on March 20 and 24 only, with encores possible, from Trafalgar Releasing as part of the film’s worldwide release. (Christspiracy, 2024)

Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret – their new film is a dive into Christ’s genuine compassion for ALL living beings including animals and how they uncovered His passion for helping animals – an act of animal activism and kindness that dates all the way back to the days Jesus walked the earth. As Christians across the globe are currently celebrating Lent and draw closer to Palm Sunday and Easter, this is perfect topic to continue to the conversation of how Christ showed his love while here on earth.

Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters show how religious leaders of all faiths have overlooked or even promoted animal exploitation, some thinking they’re teaching what Jesus wanted. Christspiracy asks the question: “Is there an ethical or spiritual way to kill an animal?”

The film features interviews with Oxford University doctors, American priests, and religious leaders from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It shows holocaust survivors and community leaders changing what they teach after witnessing the harrowing truth hidden from the public. The film explores humanity’s relationship with animals and how they ended up on the plates of the human species and how we are living on a planet where over 90 billion animals are enslaved and killed, plus nearly 3 trillion fish killed every year as humans empty the oceans.

“Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret, the latest documentary from Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters, takes us on a philosophical journey to find out the truth in relation to Jesus and the animals. The film explores the answer from many of the world’s religions and exposes unforgiving truths about animal cruelty in the name of religion.” – Oscar-winning actor and animal rights advocate, Joaquin Phoenix.

“Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret has an exclusive discovery about Jesus Christ that has never been shown in theaters before. We believe what we have unearthed will transform history and the future.” – Kip Andersen, president and founder of AUM Films

In Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret, the world-exclusive has been at least double-sourced as they have Oxford University doctors plus senior theologians confirming it. Christspiracy includes teachings from Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism too. It reveals what the world’s religions have hidden from people. Was it deliberate or the gravest mistake and atrocity of all time?”

Tickets are available now online for the March 24 showing.

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces 2024 chef lineup

Tickets are now on sale for Fiesta’s culinary kickoff event on April 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mark your calendars, folks! This year’s Fiesta San Antonio is scheduled for April 18-28 and it’s time to start making plans. What started out as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers parade has grown into a city wide celebration and ‘party with a purpose.’ The Taste of the Republic is the opening event and will take place at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

 

Taste of the Republic, the official culinary opening event of Fiesta® San Antonio, is excited to announce its all star chef lineup for the event on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The following San Antonio chefs will create and serve their vision of Texas cuisine from the six culinary regions of the state defined by the event’s co- founder, Chef Brian West. Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. (Taste of the Republic, 2024)

This year’s participating chef lineup, curated by Chef Brian West, includes:

• Chef Jessie Kuykendall of Mipa
• Chef Ceasar Zepeda of Saucy Bird
• Chef Jose Ochoa of Palenque Grill La Cantera
• Chef Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana & Toro Kitchen + Bar
• Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
• Chef Benjamin De Los Santos of Benjie’s Munch
• Chef Ernie Bradley of The Cherrity Bar
• Chef Lisa Astorga- Watel and Chef Damien Watel of Bistro09
• Chef Joe Melig and Chef Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse
• Chef Kristina Zhao of Dashi & Sichuan House
• Chef Andrew Gutierrez of SA Pops

“We are so excited to bring together an excellent group of San Antonio chefs once again to celebrate Texas’ unique culinary traditions. We can’t wait to celebrate the best of San Antonio and to kick off Fiesta with all of our guests.” – Chef Brian West.

Ticket holders will be able to sample dishes from all the aforementioned chefs. Each dish is paired with a specific wine to compliment it, and beer and cocktails will also be served. Tickets for the event are $125 per person and a portion of the ticket sales goes toward supporting the San Antonio Fiesta Commission.

Taste of the Republic will be held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion in downtown San Antonio (210 W. Market Street, SA 78205). The event starts at 5p.m. Taste of the Republic’s Main Sponsors include High West Distillery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Proximo, Brugal 1888 rum, Perry Homes Foundation, HeartBrand Beef and Dos Equis.

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Book review: ‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Journey Within’ is an excellent guide for personal growth and development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His book “Journey Within” is an eye opening guide that examines the profound significance of self-discovery and purpose in leading a fulfilling and prosperous life. 

‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma – Personal growth and development begins with getting to know yourself, your values, and your purpose in life. This is important not just for personal reasons since being a well rounded and fulfilled person affects those around us. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the author explains that individuals who are happy with themselves can inspire others and that “this ripple effect of positive impact contributes to creating a more harmonious and fulfilling society.”

Readers are guided in this transformative journey of self discovery beginning with Chapter 2: Understanding The Inner Self by learning to recognize just how important it is to truly get to know themselves. In Chapter 3: Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation the author explains that by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present, they lessen the regrets about the past and the worries about the future. In Chapter 7: Embracing Change and Transformation readers learn about the importance of adopting a growth mindset because it makes them more resilient when faced with challenges and helps them view failures as opportunities to grow. Other notable chapters include Chapter 10: Embracing Gratitude and Abundance, Chapter 13: Living with Purpose and Intention, and Chapter 19: Empowering Others on Their Journey.

Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read through and reference back to specific topics. The most important lesson to be learned from “Journey Within” is that working on yourself can make a big impact in the world because “a healthy relationship with oneself is a foundation for healthy relationships with others.” This is an excellent book to read if you are working on self improvement because it emphasizes the importance of exploring who we are, fully understanding our values, passions, and strengths, and aligning our actions with our authentic selves.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Upcoming new album release: Every New Beginning – Kim Richey

Kim Richey’s new album Every New Beginning is due out May 24, 2024. Photo: Stacie Huckeba, used with permission.

From her critically acclaimed self-titled 1995 debut to Long Way Back… The Songs of Glimmer in 2020, Singer/songwriter Kim Richey has consistently impressed listeners, garnered accolades, and attracted famous fans with her deft songwriting and crystalline vocals, both of which have made her an in-demand collaborator. Her voice has graced scores of recordings, providing peerless harmonies, including Jason Isbell’s watershed Southeastern, Trisha Yearwood’s Everybody Knows, Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams, Reba McEntire’s Starting Over, and Has Been by Capt. Kirk himself, William Shatner. Richey hits the road in the US and Europe this spring in support of Every New Beginning, her new album due out May 24 on Yep Roc Records. (Kim Richey, 2024)

Over a pulsating rhythm section and moody guitar arpeggios, the widely-beloved voice of songwriter’s songwriter Kim Richey delivers the opening line to her first new music in four years: “So here we go, another day on the water / The sun is shining but we never dive in.” The song is “Floating On The Surface” and it’s the first single to be released from Every New Beginning. Featuring ten songs spanning from more recent writes to decade-old puzzle pieces, finally finding a home on Richey’s 10th studio album, Every New Beginning highlights not just the songs of a master tunesmith—some co-written with fellow greats like Aaron Lee Tasjan and Brian Wright—but a career-defining performance from the voice which Brandi Carlile has cited as formative in crafting her own style. 

Every New Beginning manages to continue the throughline of Richey’s nearly 30-year career while simultaneously adding a new chapter. The songs represent the full spectrum of the Ohio native’s gifts as both a revered songwriter who can leap from melancholy to mirthful in a single couplet and owner of one of music’s truly celestial voices.  

Fans can stream or purchase “Floating On The Surface” at this link and pre-order or pre-save Every New Beginning ahead of its May release here. Fans who pre-order the project on vinyl have the option of Clear Coke Bottle Vinyl or a Limited Edition (250 worldwide pressing!) Translucent Orange Vinyl that includes an autographed handwritten note from Richey. She hits the road again in March for West Coast and Midwest shows before heading across the Atlantic in May.

Catch Kim Richey on tour:
March 22 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theatre
March 23 – Lake Oswego, OR – Parrott House Concerts
March 24 – Bremerton, WA – Concerts In The Woods
April 21 – Athens, OH – Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
May 3 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s Grandview Music Hall & Kitchen
May 4 – Peninsula, OH – GAR Hall

May 15 – Camden, UK – Green Note
May 16 – Swindon, UK – The Old Stables, Cricklade
May 18 – London, UK – Half Moon, Putney
May 19 – Bristol, UK – Bristol Folk House
May 20 – Aberdeen, UK – The Blue Lamp
May 23 – Glasgow, UK – Glad Cafe
May 24 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – The Cluny 2
May 25 – York, UK – Newbald Village Hall
May 26 – Birmingham, UK – Birmingham Kitchen Garden

June 13 – Auburn, AL – Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series
June 14 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
June 15 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

Courtesy photo, used with permission
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Book review: ’10 Habits of Highly Successful People’ by Ansh Verma

’10 Habits of Highly Successful People’ contains essential information for people interested in personal development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “10 Habits of Highly Successful People” is an essential guide that breaks down the main essential habits and characteristics of successful individuals.

“10 Habits of Highly Successful People”  – Sometimes life can get so hectic that we often forget that there are easier and better ways to cope with life’s struggles. While there are other books out there that address personal development, I like this one because the author uses language that is easy to read and understand and the tone is not condescending at all. Because it is a short read, he gets down to the point without fillers like background stories or endless examples of how people have successfully implemented these habits into their lives. Since each habit is a chapter, it makes it so convenient to go back and re-read at your own pace. He also gives tips and key points on how to implement these habits into your daily routine.

The chapters are as follows:

Goal Setting
Time Management
Continuous Learning
Positive Mindset
Networking
Consistency
Embracing Failure
Health and Wellness
Financial Responsibility
Gratitude and Empathy
Bonus: Wisdom from Japanese Traditions

Some of these habits are well known, like Networking, Time Management, and Goal Setting, but some of them are more personal, like Positive Mindset and Continuous Learning. My favorite ones are Embracing Failure and Gratitude and Empathy. Embracing Failure – it is not easy to accept and learn from failure but it is an important part of the growth process because it creates resilience. We should not let failure define our worth or potential. Gratitude and Empathy – “highly successful individuals embody gratitude and empathy in their interactions with others.” We can do this by reflecting on the things we are grateful for and putting ourselves in other’s shoes. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in self help books about personal growth and development, not just success in terms of money and status.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.