Tag: non fiction self help

Interview with Author Shamayne Olivia Kotfas 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing? 

I never expected to become a writer and oddly, it still sounds strange to my ears. Yet, here I am. I’ve written a teaching memoir, created an accompanying workbook that came from a dream and developed a digital workbook. The ball continues to roll as I have added a trademark and public speaker to my bio. My writing came out of necessity as I journaled my way through healing from a dysfunctional family system, childhood trauma and a tragic accident that none of us saw coming. 

In midlife, I experienced a period of unraveling that led to unexpected change through self-reflection, divorce, loss, and tragedy. Twenty years later, I am retired from corporate and focusing on my passion to help others reclaim more authentic and meaningful lives. I am happily remarried and living in the suburbs of Austin, TX with my husband, Craig and our two cats, Wrigley and Ivy. I have three adult children; Sydney and Nathan live nearby while Daniel is on the west coast. I’m also Maymie to three remarkable grandchildren, Emerson, Joaquin, and Jude. When I’m not writing, or planning a workshop, I love live music, theatre, and baseball.

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2) What inspired you to write your book? 

A vivid dream was the spark that gave me a purpose that eventually became my workshop. Women in my workshop often asked me when my book was coming out so they could read my story. I didn’t have one but I had journaled many stories during my self-discovery journey. I was inspired by their curiosity about my story to write a book based on my experiences. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book? 

It’s never too late to reclaim their sense of self and identity. We were born to be seen and heard for who we truly are. I hope readers walk away knowing that their story is valuable and their experiences add value to the lives of others.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre? 

Part of my healing journey involved volunteering in women’s support groups. I was so inspired as I watched each one realize their true potential and develop the courage to embrace positive change. It was genuine guidance they had lacked in their lives that prevented them from moving forward and realizing their full potential. I recognized myself in their shoes and wanted to create a tool that supported a new beginning for those asking “Who am I?”

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership? 

I am new to this side of developing readership. It feels so overwhelming at times. I have found Linked In to be very helpful, but I truly enjoy in-person networking. Having close connections with people is the most valuable tool for me. I have joined several groups and attended events that align with my genre of personal development.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there? 

Never give up and work at your own pace as you follow your dreams. My experience as a first-time non-fiction writer was harder than I expected, but extremely rewarding as I watched the process unfold. It was difficult to write about myself, but I learned so much about myself on a deeper level. Writing expanded my ability to accept people for who they are and to have compassion, not judgement, for their circumstances and what shaped them, including myself. I realized my potential and capabilities went far beyond anything I could have imagined. 

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About the Author

  • Austin, TX is my home
  • Started my career at Humana in July 2008; Retired January 2024
  • Executive Admin for Central Division Senior Products (6yrs)
  • Texas Region Provider Development and Engagement (9yrs)
  • Humana Well-being Champion representing the South Region – 2014 – 2023
  • Women’s Networking Resource Group (WNRG) Perspectives Steering Committee (2017 – ’24); Leadership Symposium Steering Committee (2017 – 2022); Associate Recognition Advisory Board (2018); Founding Member of the Mindfulness & Compassion Group (2020); Mindfulness Mentors Steering Committee for the (2021 – 2023)
  • Presenter – Many groups and departments in Humana invited me to share my story and shoe steps to their associates beginning in 2018
  • Featured on Hi! Page “Women with Vision” in March 2019
    (Humana’s Associate Intranet Website) 
  • Moderator WNRG Ted Talk WOWZA (Vulnerability) October 2019 
  • Keynote Speaker – Women’s Perspectives Event (“Building Self-Confidence”) September 2022
  • Keynote Presenter – Humana Regional Health Services Leadership Summit (Mental Health and Wellbeing) May 2023 (this included the medical directors of this region)
  • Developer and Facilitator – WNRG Post Event Discussions (I created the format and lead these discussion groups after each quarterly event we broadcast each quarter – each discussion group met once a week for 3-4 weeks) 2021-2023
  • Life Coach certification specializing in Identity and Emotional Wellness
  • Creator/Facilitator – Shoes for the Woman’s Soul©
    workshop for Mindfulness and Compassion Community 2020 – 2022 
  • Podcast Host for “Hear and Now” podcast through the Mindfulness and Compassion group. Podcast based on my shoe steps and emotional wellness – every Thursday during 2023 – this was on Humana Radio with a co-host – so I don’t have the recordings ☺
  • Founder/CEO SHOES THAT FIT HER SOUL, LLC 2022
  • Enjoy live music, baseball, traveling and family

One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two: Finding Meaning When Life Doesn’t Add Up by Nathaniel Malabonga Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Nathaniel Malabonga shares some insights and fundamental truths about life and the fairness that often eludes us all in the book “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two.”

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The Synopsis

Life is filled with things that shouldn’t occur but happen anyway, and none of it adds up.

Picture this. A CEO runs a company to the ground yet gets a golden exit package worth millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an ordinary hard-working person struggles to pay the bills and is one illness away from becoming homeless, even if they work 2 or 3 jobs at a time. How does any of that make sense?

It’s one of the most demotivating situations one can go through. It builds up a general resentment towards life that’s hard to shake off because it’s born out of the idea that we deserve better. If this describes your life in broad strokes, then it’s time to return to something more basic.

You are more than just a unit of production. This book is a journey back to yourself, to a fundamental truth that most people have ignored for too long and with tragic results. And unlike the intangible soul or the mind, this is a truth that you can touch and feel but is no less profound. It’s a realization that can lead you to rebuild yourself and give you the one thing you may need the most: hope.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author had a way with words that spoke to the heart and felt thought-provoking at the same time. The book itself felt conversational in its delivery, with the author able to relate specific themes and topics to personal experiences, pop culture references, and everyday life in an easy and relatable manner.

The themes the author wrote about were timeless and compelling. Two chapters in particular spoke to me. One chapter spoke of holding onto the little things that give people a sense of respite, allowing them to find some form of escapism and understanding others who experience a loss of that escape from their lives. Then there was another chapter that spoke of family versus friendship, and the reality that proves that people can choose their friends, but they cannot choose their family, for better or for worse. These musings and artful approaches to life’s experiences were compelling to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, authentic, and engaging, author Nathaniel Malabonga’s “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two” is a must-read nonfiction self-help book. The authenticity and heartfelt nature of the book’s message, along with the relatability readers will have with the author and their journey, make this a compelling book to revisit time and time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.

Own the Goddess Within by Glenda Benevides Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In the book Own the Goddess Within, Author Glenda Benevides shares the steps to a great self-care lifestyle and awakening the goddess within us all.

The Synopsis

Having clarity, courage, confidence and commitment is a reflection of your core being. Whether you’re an introvert or an extravert foundations for a Badass Goddess lifestyle begins with you creating a self-care environment that works.

Creating the right conditions supports a thriving uplifted experience in all aspects of your Goddess self. It’s then body, mind, spirit flourishes and anything and everything is possible.

It’s Ritual! The Ritual of building an invigorating self-care Badass Goddess lifestyle is a very direct and potent way of understanding who you truly are. It’s something you can rely on daily, that gives you a strong foundation in this amazing and ever-changing world.

So let’s clear and set a path in a courageous and grounded way, attracting all that you want using powerful tools creating magical outcomes to move forward.

Global Badass Goddess is excited to share with you these tools and more, to help you insightfully care for yourself. So you can enjoy being grounded, creative, confident and joyfully expressed!

The Review

This was a fast-paced yet profound read. Anyone seeking encouragement or change will instantly benefit from this self-help book. The straightforward yet impactful advice and guidance the author provides will tap into that inner goddess that the author talks about and provide insight into a more balanced and meaningful life.

Many of the steps the author talks about are simple tasks that can be delved into in everyday moments, alleviate stress, and care for ourselves both in body and mind. The moments include grounding oneself by using our hands or feet to touch the bare Earth, drinking pure water, or immersing oneself in pure water. Yet other moments take readers on a more cosmic and spiritual movement, connecting to one’s higher self to organize and create healthy boundaries that remove life’s stresses from our daily lives. 

The Verdict

Quick, powerful, and impactful author Glenda Benevides’s “Own the Goddess Within” is a must-read self-help book. The heartfelt delivery of each passage and the theme of connecting our inner power or “goddess” is a sentiment and calling that will reach many readers as the book continues. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement by Phoenix Bloom Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Discover the means of taking control of your emotions and learn to set a positive growth mindset in author Phoenix Bloom’s “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement”. 

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The Synopsis

Change your life in just 30 days, even if you’re deeply entrenched in negativity and self-doubt, with “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement”

Are you stuck in a rut of negative thoughts and emotions?

Are you desperate for a transformation but don’t know where to start?

Are you ready to take control of your mindset, defeat negativity, and unlock your full potential?

You’re not alone. In an age of growing mental health concerns, especially during a pandemic, struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety are all too common.

The good news? This book, a beacon of hope and happiness, is specifically tailored to help you overcome these challenges.

“Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness” is not just any self-help or personal transformation book. It’s the guide specifically crafted to help you shift your mindset, unlock resilience, and open up a world of happiness and success.

This transformational guide promises a wealth of knowledge:

  • Uncover the hidden power of a growth mindset: Learn to see challenges as opportunities and thrive amidst adversities!
  • Explore the practical, actionable steps to positivity: Rid your life of negativity one step at a time with targeted daily applications.
  • Discover inspiring narratives of real-life overcomings: Relate to the experiences of others and take heart that you too can conquer!
  • Arm yourself with science-backed insights: Understand the psychological underpinnings of positivity and resilience.
  • Embrace the mindfulness revolution: Learn meditation and indulging in the present to reshape your life for the better.
  • Build real-world resilience to criticism and setbacks: Cultivate emotional intelligence and resilience!
  • Set and achieve goals: Get expert guidance on mapping out your goals and achieving them with a positive mindset!
  • Carve out your path to personal growth: Transform your life with simple yet effective daily practices!
  • Debunking myths about positivity: Get past the rainbows and sunshine; understand positivity like never before!
  • Tame your self-doubt and imposter syndrome: Get real about the negative inner voices and turn them around!
  • Nurturing habits that welcome positivity: Say goodbye to your old life, form positive habits and hello to a new, positive you!
  • Discover the role of digital wellness: Understand the impact of the digital realm on your mindset and how to navigate it for the best!
  • Understand the power of positive relationships: Learn to weave positivity into your relationships for a happier, healthier life!
  • Tackle real-world problems with positivity: Equip you with practical strategies to tackle real-life problems with a positive approach!

This book is carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of the digital-age young adult. It provides practical strategies to help weather the storms of modern life and find the rainbow at the end.

Don’t get lost in the common doubts and dismissed objections. “But I’ve tried positive thinking before and it doesn’t work!” Truth is, a truly positive mindset is more than just repeating feel-good quotes. It’s about understanding, embracing and transforming your thinking patterns.

And the best part? Positivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. This book embraces diversity and uniqueness, providing a wide range of strategies to find what works best for you. Because positivity isn’t about unrealistic standards, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

If you’re ready to embark on a life-changing journey towards positivity, resilience, and happiness, then it’s time to hit the “Add to Cart” button. The transformation begins today!

BOPIS

The Review

This was an impactful nonfiction read. The world we live in constantly presents the possibility of anxiety, stress, and mental health struggles. Negativity can surround people on a day-to-day basis, and having a process in which people can find peace and change their mindset is crucial, which makes this book truly stand out.

It was amazing to discover the author’s emphasis on exploring the structure of thought itself and the ways in which people’s minds can alter reality. The steps the author lays out to help readers discover the power of positivity and the impact it can have both mentally and emotionally were straightforward and engaging. Confronting the impact that the internet and social media have on our minds was also thought-provoking. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, insightful, and educational, author Phoenix Bloom’s “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset” is a must-read nonfiction and inspirational read. The practices and exploration of the power of the mind and the emotional state that can well up when exploring positive thoughts will be a great reference to return to as the fight against negativity continues. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss by Nancy Ejike-Offor Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Nancy Ejike-Offor shares with readers the process of grief and the healthy ways in which to cope with it in the book “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss”.

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The Synopsis

Are you struggling with the pain of loss?

“Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is here to guide you through the tough times and help you find peace.

In this book, you’ll learn about the different stages of grief, how to cope in healthy ways, and how to build a support system. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or a dream, this book offers comfort and hope.

Why You Should Read This Book:

  • Understand Grief: Learn what grief is and the many forms it can take, helping you to better understand your own feelings.
  • Healthy Coping Strategies: Discover techniques like journaling, exercise, and creative outlets that can help you manage your grief.
  • Support and Community: Find out how to build a reliable network of support, including friends, family, and professional help.
  • Inspiration and Hope: Read real-life stories and Bible verses that provide encouragement and show that healing is possible.

Don’t face grief alone. “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is your companion on the healing journey. Buy your copy today and start finding the peace and strength you need. If you find this book helpful, please leave a review to help others on their journey too.

The Review

This was an emotional and engaging read. The author does a masterful job of capturing the impact and heartbreak that comes with loss. The way the author tackled this subject and spoke on it from multiple paths, be that the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or any other sort of loss, made this book feel more accessible and relatable to a broader audience. 

The way the author honed in on the healing path that faith can have will resonate with more religious readers. The voice in which the author wrote allowed the reader to connect with the author more, as the author spoke from a personal experience and not just in a clinical manner. The examination of the different types of grief, the various ways in which coping mechanisms can work, and the importance of a support system or therapy made this an informative and helpful guide.

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The Verdict

Helpful, thoughtful, and enlightening, author Nancy Ejike-Offor’s “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help book. The feeling of loss is a universal emotion that so many people can relate to in one way or another, and finding books like this can be a great way to navigate those complex emotions. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

What Matters: Lessons Learned from Life by Phil Rainwater Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Phil Rainwater shares a collection of quotes and lessons that will help younger generations connect with older generations greatly in the book “What Matters: Lessons Learned from Life”. 

The Synopsis

What Matters is a book about the lessons learned from life, and experiences we all share. But it’s more than just a book. It represents the connectedness that we seek. It reflects our desire to share parts of our lives with those we love. What Matters allows us to look within ourselves in quiet, self-reflection… inspiring us to be the best we can. To evolve, to share, to learn, to love, and to parent are all ingredients in What Matters.

What Matters starts the conversation between parents and kids, grandparents and grandkids, and everyone in between. The experiences reflected in the book touch on many topics and stages of personal growth. They are a personal journey about situations, behavior, and decisions that really mattered along the way. These experiences are written as a series of quotes with each quote illustrated with a child s work of art. What better way to underscore the lessons we learn from life, than with artwork from one of our greatest teachers; namely children. It s their innocent, unexpected, and wide-eyed visions of all things possible that add to What Matters.

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The Review

This was a fast-paced yet insightful read. The author does a remarkable job of conveying heartfelt and thoughtful messages and quotes that readers can learn to live by and write in such as way that readers from all walks of life can relate to. The honesty and inspirational theme of this book really will stick with readers both young and older as the book progresses.

A couple of things that really made this book’s message more impactful were the inclusion of children’s illustrations and artwork to complement each page, and the book’s proceeds benefiting cancer research. The need to combat this horrific illness made this book feel even more important than it already was, and the use of this artwork allowed the reader to feel that bridge or connection that the author was drawing between different generations, whether that is between parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren.

The Verdict

Insightful, memorable, and engaging, author Phil Rainwater’s “What Matters: Lessons Learned From Life” is a must-read nonfiction book on parenting and self-help guidance. The heart and passion for which the author wrote reflect the importance and power of these passages and will stick with readers long after the book has been put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Phil Rainwater was inspired to create a roadmap for his children to realize and benefit from the experiences and lessons they would learn throughout their lives. Throughout his life, Phil accumulated valuable lessons and wrote them down in the form of simple quotes. As his children came of age, Phil shared these quotes with them inspiring the book What Matters.

But Phil knew that there was more to What Matters than just a book. Knowing that serving others is part of his journey, Phil arranged for students in the Reston, VA school system to create the illustrations to support these quotes. In return, Phil has pledged to donate 10% of book sales to The Reston Arts Center and the PTA of Buzz Aldrin Elementary School. The other 50 % of book sales are being donated to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to help eradicate Pancreatic Cancer.

Phil lives with his wife and sons in Arizona. You can read more about What Matters by visiting his website at WhatMattersBooks.com

Fixing Avoidant and Anxious Attachment in Your Relationship by Robert J. Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Robert J. Charles, Ph.D., DMin shares the way attachment theory plays into the anxieties and issues that can plague a relationship in the book “Fixing Avoidant and Anxious Attachment in Your Relationship”.

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The Synopsis

Do you always find yourself hoping and praying that your relationship will work while never actually taking the time to enjoy it for everything it is?

Are you someone who struggles to trust your partner, constantly overthinks, and ultimately risks pushing them away?

These types of feelings are common, but that doesn’t mean you should have to endure them for the rest of your life. What I want to do right now is show you that when you come to terms with who you are and how your relationships work, you’ll be able to break free from the underlying anxiety that always seems to be there.

If you want to get a feel for what I’m talking about here, consider what would happen if you gave yourself permission to stop worrying. You would find you have so much more mental energy to spend on the things you love in life, all while realizing just how wonderful your relationship really is. The real problems that actually exist become so much more likely to be fixed now that you’re no longer distracted, and quality time becomes more and more common.

Now, you might think this all sounds too good to be true, and for a lot of people out there, it is. What makes you different? I’m going to personally connect you with a resource that will guide you through everything you need to know.

“Fixing Your Attachment Style” is the only way to change what’s wrong and celebrate what’s right. I know you can do this!

InsideFixing Avoidant And Anxious Attachment In Your Relationship, you will discover:

  • What attachment theory is and how it came to be
  • The role of childhood development in developing an attachment style
  • The four major types of attachment styles
  • Identifying your attachment style
  • How your attachment style impacts how you interact and relate with others
  • Why some attachment styles attract each other
  • Tools needed to change your attachment style
  • Overcoming jealousy and insecurity in relationships
  • Overcoming codependency and improving interdependence
  • What attachment styles exhibit codependent traits
  • Tips for building and maintaining healthy relationships
  • And a whole lot more!

One-click NOW will change your relationship!

You can be anyone you want to be, and all within the confines of a secure, loving, and caring relationship. It’s all about finding a way to deal with your anxious self so there no longer feels like there are three of you in the relationship.

Let’s make the change!

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The Review

This was a compelling and informative read. The author did an amazing job of crafting a guide and educational book that speaks both to the individual and the couple within a relationship. The fast-paced book and the healing atmosphere the author highlights throughout the book were truly engaging for a reader to behold, and the use of biblical references throughout the book will resonate with religious readers as well.

The things that really stood out to me as a reader were the emphasis on attachment theory and the way this book examined the way to strengthen relationships while also healing the wounds of our past. The way the author was able to break down each type of attachment style and the way the author touches upon things that can go wrong in a relationship, from codependency and jealousy to improving upon our self-esteem and practicing self-compassion made this a truly remarkable read.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, meaningful, and engaging, author Robert J. Charles’s “Fixing Avoidant and Anxious Attachment in Your Relationship” is a must-read nonfiction guide and self-help book on relationships and the path to healing. The emotional and educational value of this book is perfectly presented by the author’s straight-to-the-point yet compassionate writing style, making this one book that could prove essential to any couple’s relationship. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Meet Robert Charles

Robert Charles, PhD, DMin, is a life coach, mentor, pastor, radio host, and best-selling author.

He serves as a Departmental Director at the Greater New York Conference. Robert has also been an Advisor for the Doctor of Ministry program at Andrews University for eight years and is certified in World Literature from Harvard University.

In his inspiring books, Dr. Charles calls upon three decades of spiritual and practical experience as a mentor and pastor to help you navigate life’s challenges, live with joy, and discover your unique mission on this earth. He believes everyone is equipped with God-given talents to help them become the best versions of themselves. He says his raison d’être is to help as many people as possible tap into their strengths.

In his ministerial duties, Dr. Charles has encountered many cases of preventable/manageable mental health dysfunction and relationship breakdowns due to poor communication. This inspired his decision to take his mentorship worldwide through his books.

Some of the themes he has explored in his books and radio programs include:

• The Effects and Dangers of Overthinking

• Decluttering One’s Mind

• Codependency

• Effective Mood and Stress Managers

• Stress Management Techniques

• Physical Decluttering

• Mindfulness and Meditation

• Anxiety and Depression

• The Pillars of Self-confidence and Self-Esteem

• The Dangers of Wild and Unregulated Negative Thoughts

Dr. Charles believes every person deserves the best mental environment to grow into a balanced life and succeed.

He loves meditating, walking, and listening to inspirational music. He works in a team with his wife, Gina. They are blessed with three adult children: Ginaldy, David, and Daniela.

https://robertjcharles.com/

Be Your Own Guru: 34 Essays on Figuring Out Life by Anastasia Petrenko Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Anastasia Petrenko shares a powerful collection of essays to help break free of the narratives that don’t help you to live your most authentic and best life in the book “Be Your Own Guru: 34 Essays on Figuring Out Life”.

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The Synopsis

It’s time to shatter the shackles of mediocrity and embrace a life as it is: hard yet fascinating.

Be Your Own Guru is a refreshing take on self-help. Instead of telling you what to do and think, this book invites you to assess your assumptions and break free from narratives that don’t serve you in living your best life.

Featuring 34 insightful essays, each accompanied by thought-provoking questions and practical exercises, this book will inspire you to reflect on your beliefs and values, ultimately aligning them with your aspirations and goals.

Expect to be challenged, provoked, and even occasionally angered by the author’s observations, as they prompt you to confront your own biases and preconceptions.

This practical guide equips you with the tools and techniques needed to navigate life’s complexities. You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize and reevaluate the expectations that cause suffering in your life;
  • Uncover your hidden priorities and integrate them into your personal values system;
  • Make decisions with confidence, knowing they are rooted in your true values and beliefs;
  • Cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness by minimizing regrets.


If you’re tired of cookie-cutter advice and overblown claims that don’t resonate with your everyday reality, pick up Be Your Own Guru and initiate meaningful change now. No more delays, no more excuses. Step up, take charge, and create the life you want to live.

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The Review

What immediately stuck out to me as a reader was the depth of heart and passion that the author wrote. The way the author was able to dive into so many different avenues of thought, from making choices and caring about the important things in life to living life authentically and separating oneself from the media noise, allowed the reader to feel more connected to the subject matter, as it dealt with everyday life and yet felt like the importance was of a grand scale.

The thing that stood out to me the most was the author’s ability to connect with the reader. Rather than feeling like a step-by-step guide from an expert in a field, the book instead felt like an honest and open discussion from someone on the same path as the reader. The heart of each chapter came not in formal steps, but in guidance for the reader into the heart of each matter, allowing us to see the choices we make and go on an internal search for our own answers and paths forward in life. 

The Verdict

Insightful, honest, and passionately written, author Anastasia Petrenko’s “Be Your Own Guru” is a must-read book. The wonderful play on words for each chapter allows the reader to get the depth of internal searching that is required to become our own guru, and the emotional depth of the writing itself will keep readers invested enough to come back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Anastasia Petrenko is a dynamic entrepreneur and writer, originally from Ukraine and now dividing her time between Canada and Costa Rica.

With a passion for asking tough questions and challenging common beliefs, Anastasia regularly contributes to Medium, sharing her unique perspective with a growing audience.

In addition to her non-fiction writing, Anastasia is currently working on her debut novel while sipping on cups of steaming hot tea next to her electronics.

anastasiawhy.com

Medium

Becoming Flawesome: The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Kristina Mand-Lakhiani shares the secrets to embracing our flaws and overcoming the need for perfection in the book “Becoming Flawesome: The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life”.

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The Synopsis

Overcome perfectionism and self-doubt by unapologetically embracing your fully awesome self—flaws and all—with the co-founder of Mindvalley, a global school that delivers transformational education for all ages.

It’s odd to think that we can simultaneously be living as ourselves without ourselves. As life happens, we fall in love with the idea of who we could be instead of with who we actually are—leaving parts of ourselves behind and losing sight of what and who is truly important within ourselves.

By sharing revelatory personal anecdotes and reflection prompts, Kristina Mand-Lakhiani, co-founder of Mind Valley, helps to guide you toward:

  • Finding your own truth despite the external and internal critics
  • Transforming from the Perfect You into the Real You
  • Embodying a life where no one needs fixing

Reclaim your happiness as your gift to the world and take the first steps to living truthfully within your flawesomely beautiful reflection.

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The Review

This was a memorable and well-developed self-help and motivational guide/book. The author does a remarkable job of writing in a way that readers can relate to as if the book is an ongoing conversation between the author and the reader. The relatability and pop culture references that the author uses in the book help elevate the core themes and messages that the author attempts to convey.

The author’s attention to detail and ability to inspire with her words is a true gift. The things that stood out to me were when the author spoke of self-love versus self-care, and how happiness was a skill we all had to learn. These spoke to me personally, as oftentimes self-care can feel like a chore rather than the love we need at the time, and speaks to the need for an inner dialogue with ourselves from time to time. The trait of happiness and the skill to utilize it also talked to me, as it takes a lot of work to find joy and hold onto it, and it doesn’t always just happen. The emphasis on hard work and yet reveling in the imperfections life throws our way was truly moving.

The Verdict

Memorable, well-written, and engaging, author Kristina Mand-Lakhiani’s “Becoming Flawesome” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help book you won’t want to put down. The heart and passion for which the author writes, and the use of reflection points at the end of each chapter allow the reader to put in the work to make use of the points they emphasized in each chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani has been engaging in the personal transformation industry for over 15 years, collaborating and playing with leading thinkers and teachers in consciousness, relationships, human performance, and life optimisation. She started her career working for the government of Estonia before joining the non-profit sector and working for organisations such as the United Nations, Oxfam, and AIESEC. In 2003, she co-founded Mindvalley, a global school that delivers transformational education for all ages. Visit her at kristinamand.com.

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