Tag: self help

When the World Hurts by Liz Moyer Benferhat 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 Liz Moyer Benferhat shares the message of finding hope in desolate times and turning our pain into action in the book “When the World Hurts.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 New Release

What if our pain isn’t the end but a beginning?

With breakdown on the rise—climate injustice, war, polarization, inequality—it’s easy to feel helpless. Overwhelmed. Collective pain isn’t just out there; it’s in your body. And if you’re like most people, you don’t know what to do about it.

But what if the pain we’re feeling—individually and collectively—isn’t proof of our demise, but a sign we’re awakening to something deeper as a society? What if your experience has a role to play?

When The World Hurts invites readers into a grounded, soulfully honest way of making sense of the world’s pain. It is a book about emotional healing that offers a simple yet radical idea: our emotions about the world are part of her change. Far from being obstacles, they’re doorways into collective wisdom. We just need the right tools to work with them.

Drawing from years of work at the intersection of sustainable development, systems thinking, and trauma-informed healing, Liz Moyer Benferhat presents a self-help guide to collective healing. She introduces her We Heal For All Circle model, a practice that helps people work with the emotional impact of change by connecting with themselves, each other, and the world through co-created wisdom.

When the World Hurts weaves together healing frameworks, social analysis, and storytelling to explore:

  • Why collective pain is on the rise and what it might point toward.
  • How to unearth wisdom within your grief for the world, and how to use it to play the role the world needs you to.
  • A deep dive into collective wounds to better understand yourself and others in our polarized times.
  • Tools that bridge inner work with outer action.

Whether you’re a burnt out activist seeking political self-help, a parent trying to stay hopeful for your kid, or simply someone who wants to do good in a world that’s upside down, this book is for you. It’s a shared space—a place to breathe, feel, and remember you’re not alone.

These pages won’t tell you how to save the world. But they will help you be in relationship with her, so you can listen more deeply to what’s being asked and be of service to the world’s transformation from the inside out.

The Review

In a world so divided and facing so many challenges, it is easy, when we are feeling stressed or scared about what may happen next, to feel alone and isolated. Yet the author’s book does such a beautiful job of creating a sense of community and love that resonates on an emotional level. The almost conversational tone and atmosphere the author creates with this book’s writing style cut through immediately for readers and allow them to relate to the author and their message very quickly.

The emotional journey readers are taken on is perfectly paired with the strong themes and messages this book offers. Not only are readers able to utilize excercises and moments of self reflection to engage in the author’s book, but the author showcases how the painful moments and experiences they live through both in their personal lives and what we as a society are experiencing right now are not necessarily a reason to despair and turn to hoplessness, but instead to see the winds of change in our world brewing and how that change can be the catalyst to heal these collective wounds and make a brighter future instead.

The Verdict

Hopeful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Liz Moyer Benferhat’s “When the World Hurts” is a must-read nonfiction book of inspiration, guidance, and heart. The author’s positivity and exploration of everything from political activism and parenthood to inner struggles will resonate deeply with readers, creating a book that is both helpful and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz has worked in the sustainable development field for almost 20 years, so knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. Which is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers and healers to have a healthier relationship with the world, so they can be conduits for these transformational times.

She does this through collective healing—both as a lens for making sense of the times we live in (“why is the world in so much pain?”) and as an embodied practice for what to do about it. Through writing, teaching, and beautifully co-creative community space, she offers language and tools for the inner dimension of social change, bringing healing-centered approaches into the mix.

Her offerings—Circles, courses, writings, and meditations—support people with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to our changing world. They’re the very tools she herself has needed as a longtime change maker, now shared to help others usher in the culture and consciousness shifts we’re at the precipice of. 

https://www.wehealforall.com/

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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

Calm Within Chaos by Paul DeRenzo 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 Paul DeRenzo shares a guide for teenagers and parents alike to help cope with anxiety and empower teens to build lasting relationships in the book “Calm Within Chaos.”

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The Synopsis

Teens growing up in the 21st century are living in a world where social media, new technologies, and rapid spreading of information make them feel more connected than ever before. With this connectedness also comes new social, academic, and personal pressures nobody could have imagined decades ago. It is not surprising that over 70% of teens report feeling stressed on a daily basis, according to a 2024 research report by the American Psychological Association.

Are you a teen caught in the whirlwind of anxiety, stress, or anger, and not knowing what you can do to get out of it? Or are you a parent/caregiver searching for ways to better understand and support your teen through these emotional struggles? In either case, Calm Within Chaos is designed to help you navigate these situations.

This book was inspired by countless conversations with teens – conversations that started with confusion, frustration, and feelings of being misunderstood but ended with clarity and hope. While emotional struggles are an unavoidable part of growing up, having the right tools to manage them makes all the difference. This is more than just an anxiety workbook for teens—it’s a powerful guide to emotional strength and personal growth.

This book isn’t just about learning to control your emotions—it empowers you to live more fully, make better decisions, and build lasting, meaningful relationships. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your mood, or understand your teen’s emotional world, Calm Within Chaos provides the tools you need to create lasting change. It’s ideal for those seeking stress management for teenagers, tools for anxiety relief for teenagers, and even stress relief for high school students facing academic and social pressure.

What you will find in this book.?

  • Science-backed explanations of how we develop and experience emotions, based on insights found in books like The Wisdom of Anxiety and Redefining Anxiety
  • Techniques to address emotional triggers and develop healthy responses, perfect for anyone looking for social anxiety help or seeking a teen anxiety solution
  • Exercises to build skills in identifying emotions, managing stress, and building resilience—similar to a practical anxiety journal for teens
  • 10 interactive challenges, quizzes, and reflections to reinforce your understanding—ideal for parents, caregivers, or therapists looking for a teen stress relief book or health anxiety book that delivers real results


This book is meant to help teens immediately! Each chapter ends with a 7-day long Teen Inner Peace Challenge that will tell teens exactly how to apply the lessons from that chapter in their actual life. This will help them navigate complex relationships with friends and classmates, family members, and even their social media relationships. It’s a valuable resource whether you’re working with emotionally resilient tweens and teens or supporting kids anxiety book readers moving into adolescence.

Parents/caregivers can use these challenges as a guide to help them ask the right questions to their teen and play a part in helping their teen gain healthy control of their emotions. Whether you’re looking for a social anxiety book, a teen anxiety guide, or something akin to a mindfulness for teens with anxiety toolset, this book offers it all.

Don’t let another day pass in emotional turmoil. Grab Calm Within Chaos today, and take the first step toward emotional mastery, resilience, and a calmer, more confident life. Perfect for anyone searching for a teens guide to anxiety, a social anxiety book for adults trying to relate to their teen, or support in helping young adults with anxiety.

The Review

This straightforward and compelling book is a valuable resource for teens and parents alike. The author does an incredible job of speaking directly to the reader, not only by recognizing the emotions teens experience but also by providing tools that empower them to take charge of their own emotional care. The balance the author found in not only identifying the causes of these stresses or anxieties and the steps needed to face them, but also in speaking directly to teens and to the parents or caregivers who need the proper tools to interact with and help teens going through these emotional moments. 

At the heart of this book was a focus on relationships as a whole and an exploration of the pressures and challenges teenagers face in the modern world. As someone who grew up in an age that had only just begun to acknowledge mental health and still grew up around mentalities of just “toughening it out”, it was refreshing to see the honest and compassionate yet interactive way the author dove into the challenges facing teens today, from social media and academic pressure to the sadly uncertain future teens face due to the growing political and social divides that impact everything form relationships to economics and so much more. The way the book encourages teens and parents alike to find common ground and create an atmosphere that fosters emotional growth together was a bonus.

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The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging, author Paul DeRenzo’s “Calm Within Chaos” is a must-read nonfiction self-help and emotional guide for teens, parents, and everyone in between. The detail and straightforward writing style, along with actual tools and practices teens can use to tackle these emotions head-on, will be perfect for readers to return to 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

Your Mindful Moments, PLLC is the driving force behind this

book, dedicated to helping you take control of your emotional well

being. The goal is simple: equip you with practical tools for

managing stress, building resilience, and creating stronger rela

tionships.

Paul DeRenzo, the founder and licensed therapist behind Your

Mindful Moments, PLLC, has over 10 years of experience helping

teens and adults navigate emotional challenges. His approach

blends mindfulness techniques with cognitive-behavioral strategies

to help you develop emotional resilience, manage stress, and thrive

in everyday life.

Through his work, Paul empowers clients to embrace emotional

regulation as a lifelong skill. For more resources, articles, and

personalized consultations, visit yourmindfulmoments.com. Join

the Your Mindful Moments community to continue building

emotional strength and well-being.

Socials

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@ur.mindful.moments

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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

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

Why We Make Bad Choices The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self by Maria Liviero 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 Maria Liviero shares a unique journey to understanding the self and how a false self can impact the negative decisions we make for our lives in her book “Why We Make Bad Choices: The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self”. 

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The Synopsis

This book explores our sense of self and the source of the unhealthy behaviours and thinking patterns that cause us to make bad choices through the symbolic themes and characters of Genesis 1–3.

The journey towards understanding ourselves is undertaken by a character called Eve, who enters a parallel universe between Genesis and the present day only to discover the dark side of human nature that stems from God, and where she learns how to deal with the resulting false self.

This is a self-help book for anyone interested in investigating the depths of the human self and exploring how a false self can manifest itself causing us to make unhealthy choices. It will take you on a journey where you will encounter both the good and evil that exists within all of us, a journey first introduced in the creation story of Genesis.

The Review

This was a unique and powerful read. The author’s ability to write in a way that felt both educational yet relatable to everyone was a great use of voice and tone, and the philosophical discussions that the author’s work brings up help to bridge the gap between religion and psychology as a whole new way, allowing for the reader to really take the time to explore their own lives and the impact that one’s faith and morality can impact their lives directly.

For me, the connection the author formed between religion and psychology was such an impactful writing and philosophy tool. The symbolism and creativity that the author used in showcasing the story of Eve and her experiences throughout the book of Genesis, and how the author was able to relay that information to our own understanding of the universe as a whole and our place in it in regards to our own identity and psyche was amazing to see come to life.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, author Maria Liviero’s “Why We Make Bad Choices” is a must-read self-help and nonfiction read for both religious and psychology enthusiasts alike. The passion for which the author wrote and the information that the book imparts to the reader made this a truly compelling read and made for a great balance with the more interactive aspect of the book’s themes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maria Liviero, based in the UK, has received an award for her first book that had been in the planning for five years. With the many ups and downs of writing, and to share how personal struggles can create an empty canvas to recreate the reader’s life, because there is no end but a beginning.

She obtained a psychology degree, along with MSc and diploma in psychotherapy. In her experience, the dark side of human nature is of equal or even greater importance—without being conscious of our shadow we continue to live in fear, discord with ourselves and others. Maria believes to understand ourselves we must travel the path of self-discovery. This can mean transcending our false ego to live a fulfilling life without the shackles that we have created like the internet, social media, mobiles phones, addictions, relationships, negative thinking (and behaviours), and statements.

Liviero’s passion is to show how suffering is an important part of life that must not be repressed or pushed aside by using a person, a thing or a situation to relieve us from the inner despair but take the experience to evolve emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

https://www.maria-liviero.com/