Tag: Self help

Mastering Conversations: A Review of ‘The Art of How to Talk to Anyone’

Discover how to unlock the power of effective communication with the new book by Harmony Hart. Photo: Amazon

“The Art of How to Talk to Anyone” by Harmony Hart is a concise and insightful guide to mastering the art of conversation. Hart blends practical advice with psychological insights, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

It begins by emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding others, setting a foundation for effective communication. From there, it moves on to techniques for initiating conversations, keeping them flowing smoothly, and gracefully exiting when necessary. Hart’s approach is straightforward, offering valuable tips that can be applied in various social and professional settings.

Chapters include:
Understand the Basics of Conversation
Essential Social Skills for Everyone
Strategies for Building Rapport
Overcome Common Social Challenges
The Introvert’s Path to Social Confidence
Cultivate Personal Relationships
Cultural Sensitivity and Global Communication
Enhance Communication for Career Advancement
Navigate Digital Communication
Become a Lifelong Communicator

Highlights:
4. Overcome Common Social Challenges
Conquer Imposter Syndrome in Social Situations – stresses the importance of overcoming doubts about your abilities and accomplishments. “This self doubt can create a barrier to forming genuine connections, as you might hold back from engaging fully or authentically with others.”

5.The Introvert’s Path to Social Confidence
Set Healthy Social Boundaries – the importance of setting boundaries to give yourself time to recharge and refocus. “…remember that your boundaries are not barriers but bridges to more authentic and enjoyable connections.”

What I like most is its main focus is on developing empathy and the importance of authenticity. Hart encourages readers to genuinely connect with others by showing interest and empathy, rather than focusing solely on themselves. This approach not only enhances one’s ability to converse but also fosters meaningful relationships.

Overall, “The Art of How to Talk to Anyone” stands out for its practicality and accessibility. Whether you’re an introvert seeking to feel more comfortable in social situations or an extrovert looking to refine your conversational skills, this book offers valuable insights that can help you navigate conversations with confidence and finesse.

*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.

Book Review: ‘How To Master Your Emotions’ – A Guide to Emotional Resilience

‘How To Master Your Emotions’ by Richard Rokicki is a support system for readers looking to better manage their emotions. Photo: Amazon

“How To Manage Your Emotions” is an essential guide to navigating the complex landscape of human emotions. Through a blend of practical advice and psychological insights, Rokicki offers readers a roadmap to understanding and managing their emotions. He refers to it as a ‘survival guide.’

The author begins by identifying the four main pillars of survival: the physical pillar, the psychological pillar, the social pillar, and the spiritual pillar, which he used in his work as a palliative care psychologist. He divides the book into these 4 parts. He then explores the various strategies for mastering emotions, such as breaking out of BINARY communication, management of toxic personalities, and the importance of forgiveness, not forgetting. By using case studies, he encourages introspection and emotional resilience. He also analyses Near Death Experiences and how they change the people who have experienced them.

Chapters include:
Introduction
The physical pillar
The psychological pillar
The social pillar
The spiritual pillar
General conclusion

Highlights:
The psychological pillar – where he emphasized the importance of putting our negative feelings on paper because it’s how we start to heal. He advised one of his patients to write a letter to her abusers: “There’s no need to pass the letter on to them, as the very act of writing is therapeutic in itself.”

The social pillar – where he describes the different types of toxic personalities, this way we can surround ourselves with the right people and set limits on the wrong ones so they don’t drain our energy. “No one is immune from being an energy vampire for the people they come into contact with.”

The best part about this book is practical approach and accessibility. The language is simple and to the point and avoids complicated jargon. He communicates his ideas clearly and directly, making it easy for readers to apply the principles in their daily lives. He also uses figures to make his point and speaks directly to the readers, calling them ‘survivalists.’

Overall, “How To Master Your Emotions” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence and achieve greater emotional well-being. Whether you are grappling with stress, anxiety, or simply seeking personal growth, Richard Rokicki’s insights offer a thoughtful and practical guide to mastering your emotions. It is recommended for readers interested in personal development, counseling, and overall mental health.

“This book aims to give you the answers and methods you need to restore a sense of calm within yourself and regain solid self-confidence.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

From Challenge to Triumph: ‘Stress Test’ by Kay White Drew

‘Stress Test’ is the new memoir from Kay White Drew. Photo: Amazon

Kay White Drew is a retired physician and lifelong writer. Her essays, poems, and short stories are found in several journals including Hektoen International, The Intima, Bay to Ocean Journal, and Loch Raven Review, where one of her essays was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2022. Her new book “Stress Test” is a love letter to women in medicine and the feminist causes of the 1970s and the present day. (Amazon/Mindbuck Media Book Publicity, 2024)

“Stress Test” – The story covers a five-year ordeal, from the first day of medical school through the last day of pediatric internship. Unveiling the cadaver in the anatomy lab while her mother lay dying on an oncology ward; the excitement of making difficult diagnoses and the terror and tragedy of disastrous mistakes; the joy of connecting with patients and the heartbreak of losing them—it’s all here. Women made up less than a fifth of the author’s medical school class and as a white woman in the largely Black urban environment of West Baltimore, barely a decade after the Civil Rights movement and long before Black Lives Matter, she bore witness throughout her training to the human cost of racism.

The author navigated personal struggles as well: her mother’s death; several ill-starred romantic relationships, including an interracial love affair with a professor; a roommate’s suicide; and her own suicidality, depression, and experiences in therapy.

“Stress Test” joins a growing body of work by women physicians. This memoir takes place at a time when women were still years away from comprising half—or more—of medical school students, and when the second wave of feminism was surging; but many of the fears, griefs, and struggles that women in medicine face today are the same ones the author grappled with decades earlier.

The Power of Tapping: Donna Eden and David Feinstein’s Approach to Energy Medicine

‘Tapping: Self-Healing with the Transformative Power of Energy Psychology’ is the new book by David Feinstein PhD and Donna Eden. Photo: Amazon

Donna Eden is the author of “Energy Medicine,” has treated over 10,000 individual clients, and has taught hundreds of classes, speaking to standing-room-only audiences throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Since childhood, she’s been able to perceive the body’s subtle energies and now works with those energies to heal others and to teach others how to work with them. David Feinstein, PhD, a clinical psychologist, has served on the faculty of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and has received nine national awards for his books on consciousness and healing. Together, they have written “Tapping: Self-Healing with the Transformative Power of Energy Psychology.” (Sounds True, 2024)

In “Tapping,” Eden and Feinstein detail the procedures that signal your nervous system to reduce fear, anger, stress, and grief while activating brain regions involved with problem-solving and managing emotions. The goal is to help you find inner balance and take charge of the internal models that govern your life. Physically tapping energy points on your skin while bringing problems and goals to mind changes the brain in ways that help to overcome those challenges and support those aspirations. This stimulating practice places an astonishingly effective tool into your own hands. The approach is as deceptively simple as it is potently effective. 

Through their extensive research and field-tested refinements on this method, Eden and Feinstein have emerged as top experts on this approach for self-development—combining the verified effectiveness of tapping with the best practices of psychotherapy. “Tapping” is an unprecedented resource for self-care and personal growth.

Finding Harmony: The Message of ‘Peace Over Politics’ by Tonja Myles

The new book ‘Peace Over Politics’ gives practical tools to manage mental health and chronic stress during election season. Photo: Amazon

The mental health crisis in America persists as a silent epidemic, affecting millions across all demographics. Despite increased awareness, stigma and inadequate access to care have worsened the situation, leaving many untreated or undertreated, especially among marginalized communities. Anxiety and depression rates are soaring, compounded by societal pressures, economic instability, and now, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this crisis demands systemic changes, from policy reforms to efforts to destigmatize getting treatment, to ensure every individual has access to the support they need for their mental well-being.

In her new book, author Tonja Myles and mental health expert addresses the importance of protecting your inner peace during political chaos. Polarized politics and never-ending news cycles have created a national mental health crisis that will only worsen if people cannot build needed skills to survive. (Tonja Myles, 2024)

“Today’s political climate is more divisive than ever, and you have to protect your inner peace and mental health like never before. Our current election season is a source of chronic stress that will only worsen if we do not learn the needed skills to cope.” – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline subject matter expert and spokeswoman Tonja Myles

Released this month, “Peace Over Politics: How to Navigate Protecting Your Peace During Political Climates,” gives readers practical tools to manage this crisis. According to the American Psychological Association, following daily political news can negatively affect your mental health, but disengaging from society can be harmful too, she says. Myles, a community engagement advisor for the Huntsman Family Foundation and mental health expert, says everyone must learn how to practice self-care while balancing good citizenship, regardless of political party.

The book shows readers how to cultivate inner harmony while engaging in compassionate activism to create positive change in the world. With these skills, people can gracefully navigate political differences and create unity within their communities, she says.

The book “shares many of the tools, tips, and resources that are needed to build a blueprint for living whole and well even when much around us, online and offline, is loud, divisive, and needlessly harmful,” says American Psychiatric Association Foundation Executive Director, Rawle Andrews Jr.

“Peace Over Politics: How to Navigate Protecting Your Peace During Political Climates” will help readers:

  • Understand inner harmony – become self-aware and emotionally balanced so you can navigate political discourse with composure and empathy
  • Reflect on your values – examine your values and determine how they align with your desire for peace amidst political influences
  • Navigate ideological differences – engage in constructive conversations with empathy and active listening to foster understanding and bridge divides
  • Make healthy boundaries – set and assert healthy boundaries to protect your peace in the face of political discourse and societal pressures
  • Create community connections – engage in community activities, promote dialogue, and collaborate to cultivate your peace and shared understanding amidst political differences
  • Practice compassionate activism – create positive changes in the world while you prioritize your peace and well-being

Tonja Myles is the co-founder and executive director of the faith-based outpatient center Set Free Indeed and the community support program Set Free Indeed Ministry. She is the community engagement advisor for the Huntsman Family Foundation and spokeswoman for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. She has won more than a dozen awards for her service including the Johns Hopkins Substance Abuse Innovators Award 2005 and the Daily Point of Light award 2004. She is an ordained minister, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, author, community activist, and Army National Guard veteran.

Book review: ‘Have It All’ by Gregory Nicholas Malouf

In ‘Have It All,’ is a road-tested guide to doing high performance business. Photo: Amazon

Because they offer insights, strategies, and practical advice for individuals looking to enhance their professional lives, business self-help books are a thriving genre. These books aim to empower readers with tools to navigate the complex world of business, improve leadership skills, foster innovation, and achieve success. Authors often draw from their own successes and failures, as well as from case studies and research, to provide readers with valuable lessons and strategies.

Such is the case with Gregory Malouf. In the early 1990s, he built one of Australia’s most successful independent residential estate agencies in Sydney’s prestigious Double Bay. As a successful entrepreneur, Greg could have had anything he wanted, and still his life fell apart. Despite his many successes, he would come to realize that his fortune was built on his drive to escape a traumatic past. Greg took time away from his businesses, accessed the courage to embrace change and find the answers to questions he’d long been asking, and transformed his life. In 2010, he established the Epsilon Healing Academy to share the many lessons he has learned, with the aim of helping others find their own life’s purpose and, in doing so, live their dreams. His book “Have It All! Turn Your Thinking Around and Find Success in 6 Simple Steps” provides time-tested and practical tools that can change your life. (Amazon, 2024)

“Have It All” can help you increase your wealth by improving your productivity, replace old beliefs that can hold you back and replace them with new and productive ones, access strategies to handle life’s challenges, gain work/life balance and improve your relationships at home and work, overcome criticism and doubt and take control of your life, and stay passionate and motivated for consistent results.

It is divided into seven chapters:

Chapter 1: My Story
Chapter 2: Moving From Outside-In To Inside-Out
Chapter 3: Out with the Old Thinking and In with the New
Chapter 4: Does Your Job Fit?
Chapter 5: Internal Stuff vs Internal Dialogue
Chapter 6: Changing Your Internal Dialogue
Chapter 7: The Remedy

The author begins in the Introduction by giving his purpose for writing this book: “…to offer you a proven road-tested guide to doing high performance business.” He uses anecdotes, motivational stories, and exercises to encourage readers to adopt a growth mindset and take proactive steps towards their professional development. By providing practical advice, insights, and inspiration, he empowers readers to realize their full potential and thrive in the competitive world of business. Highlights include Chapter 3 where he gives readers six steps to breaking productivity barriers, such as Take Your Primary Focus off Outcomes! and Value Relationships Much More, and Chapter 4 where he advises readers how to determine if your job is the right fit for them. He uses down to earth language, so the material is easy to understand, follow, and reference at any time. It may be a small book, but the information is invaluable for anyone looking to up their business game. The skills he shares are not based in theory, but in practice because they have worked for him. “Have It All” is recommended for readers who appreciate self-help books that provide advice from an expert in the field of business.

“This book will be a roadmap for changing internalized beliefs, making the path easier for you to observe and provide strategies for doing so based on certain keys and steps you will take away and apply to your own life.”

*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.

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.

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.

Book review: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the compelling new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she dreamt of becoming an author and sharing her vision through artistic creation. This dream came true with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her work bridges the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Amazon, 2024)

Modern life, with its chaos and overwhelming noises coming from every direction, can leave us in a constant state of anxiety and longing for inner peace. Jane Kim Yu’s debut book is an inspirational journey into healing, higher consciousness, and discovering what makes us uniquely human. She focuses on themes like love and enlightenment to help readers rediscover themselves and reach the ultimate in higher consciousness. The journey into becoming whole again begins with a return to love itself because, after all, we are love incarnate. Love does not mean being in a constant state of nirvana and never experiencing pain, it merely means learning to process our emotions in an effort to get to know ourselves better.

The author shares her experiences, lessons learned, and how her personal journey transformed her and helped her find peace. Her tips for better living include meditation, prayer, walking (spending time in nature), getting involved in music and the arts, writing/journaling, and having a circle of trusted friends and mentors/professionals. I like that the tone of her writing is calm, soothing, and relaxing, without sounding condescending. Hopefully, this book will be released as an audiobook with her as the narrator. The language is poetic and easy to understand, so the words just flow through the pages.

Everybody’s journey is unique, but we all long for peace and living a life with purpose. If you keep an open mind, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” can be an insightful guide to a more meaningful existence. Let the author’s wisdom and soothing narrative propel your own path of self discovery. Namaste.

*****************************************

La vida moderna, con su caos y ruidos abrumadores que provienen de todas las direcciones, puede dejarnos en un estado constante de ansiedad y anhelo de paz interior. Este primer libro de Jane Kim Yu es un viaje inspirador hacia la curación, la conciencia superior y el descubrimiento de lo que nos hace singularmente humanos. Se centra en temas como el amor y la iluminación para ayudar a los lectores a redescubrirse a sí mismos y alcanzar lo último en conciencia superior. El viaje hacia el regreso a ser completo comienza con un retorno al amor mismo porque, después de todo, somos el amor encarnado. Amar no significa estar en un estado constante de nirvana y nunca experimentar dolor, simplemente significa aprender a procesar nuestras emociones en un esfuerzo por conocernos mejor.

La autora comparte sus experiencias personales, lecciones aprendidas y cómo su viaje personal la transformó y la ayudó a encontrar la paz. Sus consejos para vivir mejor incluyen la meditación, la oración, caminar (pasar tiempo en la naturaleza), involucrarse en la música y las artes, escribir en un diario, y tener un círculo de amigos y mentores/profesionales de confianza. Me gusta que el tono de su escritura es tranquilo, tranquilizador y relajante, sin sonar condescendiente. Con suerte, este libro se lanzará como un audiolibro con ella como narradora. El lenguaje es poético y fácil de entender, por lo que las palabras simplemente fluyen a través de las páginas.

El viaje de cada persona es único, pero todos anhelamos la paz y vivir una vida con propósito. Si mantienes una mente abierta, “Viaje al Despertar y a la Conciencia Superior” puede ser una guía perspicaz para una existencia más significativa. Deja que la sabiduría y la narrativa relajante del autor impulsen tu propio camino de autodescubrimiento. Namasté.

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the inspiring new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books can be inspiring and helpful on your spiritual journey of self discovery. This is especially true when the author includes his or her life experiences. Today’s new book release is all about spiritual awakening and discovering yourself. “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” by Jane Kim Yu is an encouraging guide that will help you discover your true self and is filled with advice, tips, and motivational wisdom. If self improvement is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider this amazing new book on self-discovery, self-awareness, and living your best life yet. It is available on Amazon in English and Spanish versions. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today begin your own journey of awakening.

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she aspired to become an author and share her vision through artistic creation. This dream became reality with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her works bridge the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Jane Kim Yu, 2024)

“Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” – Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that – you are love.

Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.

“True spirituality is a true coming alive, for it’s not what you do; it’s who you are. Which means living the life of your dreams on your terms and, most of all, in your heart as the you that you are. Love unleashed.”

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