Tag Archives: self-help

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery: Simple Tools to Self Love by Veneta Shepherd (Book Review)

We KNOW that our life is short and precious, and yet, we spend most of our time feeling miserable about ourselves.

We’ve been conditioned to hide our true feelings, our very essence from everyone, including ourselves.

We think that we CAN’T love ourselves.

The truth is that we CAN; we just don’t know HOW to do it.

I believe that our main purpose in life is to learn about ourselves, and then share what we’ve learned with others.

We each have a responsibility to define and pursue our own version of a meaningful and fulfilling life through a continuous process of learning to love, accept, and trust ourselves.

SoulQuest is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself, and shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.

I am by no means saying “Do things my way.” What I’m hoping to accomplish is to help you trust yourself enough to do things YOUR way.

Ultimately, I want you to stop beating yourself the hell up, because… How’s that working for ya?

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself. It shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.

Veneta Shepherd states early on that they are not a therapist. The information and the exercises they’ve gathered are based on personal experience and research. Since a medical expert didn’t write the book, it appeared less clinical and more personal. I found myself tuning in to their words instead of zoning out. Which, we all know, we’ve done in the presence of a white coat issuing their opinion on certain matters. 

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery covered multiple areas, such as self-love, fears, the importance of watching what you consume, and forgiveness. In each section, prompts (in blue-bolded text) ask you to complete different tasks. For instance, list your accomplishments (especially the small ones). Write down five things you are grateful for in the last 24 hours. Pick your favorite body part and shower it with love all day long. Write down your fears. Give up eating high-carb foods for 30 days and assess how your body feels. For carb lovers like myself, giving up carbs will be a real test of strength.

Each exercise will prove easy for some and hard for others; therefore, everyone will find some aspect of the book that pertains to their lifestyle and life goals. 

There were many affirmations in the book that stood out for me. “Your spirit, your SOUL is MUCH more powerful than your fears could ever be.” “Self love is not about perfection. We are not meant to be perfect. We are meant to love, and learn and grow and share.” And, “When you can allow yourself to BE vulnerable, you also allow yourself to FEEL your inner strength RISING.”

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery offers you, the reader, the tools to achieve self-love: the most important love of all. They clearly state that self love is not narcissism. “Narcissist demands to be the center of EVERYTHING, requires constant proof of love and loyalty, and their need is NEVER satisfied.” Self-love is the opposite. “Self love is compassionate, generous, forgiving, honest, and unconditional.” 

When we truly love ourselves, we are then capable of loving others. The writer states, “BEGINNING the process of self love is not as complicated as you might think.” While some may disagree, there’s no harm in trying the exercises highlighted in blue. Remember, there is no such thing as perfect. If you stumble in the process, don’t give up on yourself. Try, try again. Praise your accomplishments, no matter the size. Be kind to yourself. Take responsibility for your OWN happiness and keep reminding yourself you are strong, brave, and deserve happiness. 

Finally, the writer has created a FREE workbook to guide you along your journey. The link is provided on page 3. 

I recommend every reader of my review to take a chance on the self-help book. We all deserve love – from others and (most importantly) from ourselves. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

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Meet the Author


I am the oldest of seven, Mom to five (three on the autism spectrum), and Grandma to four (so far). I became a second degree Black Belt at age 51, a widow at age 62, and published my first book at age 66, my second at 68. I treat myself to popcorn every night, and laughter is my love language.

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SURRENDER – How To Break Free From Addiction by Julian Morgan (Book Review)

Do you want to break free of the shackles of alcoholism or addiction? If so, then this is the book for you. Compelling, brave, and strong, ‘Surrender’ tells the true story of how Julian Morgan recovered from crippling alcoholism, and how he stays recovered on a daily basis using a simple, straightforward process. This moving, authentic book details his journey, from his near-fatal struggle with denial, helplessness and anxiety, to a whole new commitment and faith, paving the way to years of sobriety. ‘Surrender’ is no harrowing drinking memoir – it outlines a strong, positive self-care plan for optimum recovery, including tried and tested tools and skills to keep sober, centered and calm. It also offers advice on dealing with triggers and relapses. A sequence of heartfelt and humorous poems offers further explanation and hope. Written from the heart, ‘Surrender’ will open locked doors and show a new path to freedom.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Surrender – How To Break Free From Addiction was born during the first COVID lockdown in the UK when Julian Morgan (the author) watched a documentary featuring interviews with inmates where they were questioned about the underlying root of their incarceration. The majority claimed their predicament was due to alcohol or drug addiction and their helplessness to fight its control over their body. 

Addiction can and will sink its teeth into anyone at any time. It doesn’t care about gender, skin color, social class, or where you call home. Surrender tells the true story of how Julian Morgan recovered from crippling alcoholism and how he stays recovered using a simple, straightforward process that he is now sharing with you.

Part one begins with the author opening up about his struggles with alcohol, everyone’s opinion regarding his drinking, and what led up to his time in rehab. He admitted he pretended to listen in group therapy sessions while secretly counting the hours to another sip of the ambrosia. His life became a recurring cycle of drinking, rehab, withdrawal, release, recovery, and back to drinking, each time more heavily. His addiction and the inability to keep the beast at bay caused an emergency room visit. Many readers who fight battles like Julian can empathize with every emotion the writer felt while lying alone for a week in the hospital. 

Julian had hit rock bottom and was ready for change. He was now prepared to seek help and actively participate in the process. He was all in! The healing process makes you look inwards, acknowledge weaknesses, and find ways to combat them. It’s imperative in the healing process to make amends and find a support system when you graduate from rehab. 

Those who have ever suffered from addiction will agree with Julian’s statement, “Addiction was my life, my daily existence, totally smothering me and dictating whatever I did, wherever I went, and poisoning every person I met.” Like many others, Julian reached out to a higher power to help him battle and control his addiction. However, his journey wouldn’t have been successful without going through rehab, discovering his triggers, setting boundaries, and not ignoring the three stages of relapse: emotional, mental, and physical. 

Relapses can and will happen, and feelings that arise from them can cause many addicts to give up, thinking, “What’s the point?” There might be those around you, family and friends, who feed into your self-doubt, shame, and guilt, causing you to sink further into the abyss. Julian gives sound advice on this situation, “Please do not forget that their opinion has no value at all unless you decide to give it any.”

Addiction will never completely vanish from our society. With that said, Surrender – How To Break Free From Addiction does give addicts the tools and hope that they will reach a stage where their addiction is not controlling their life, but instead, they are controlling it.

If you are suffering or have suffered from any form of addiction, I recommend you read the book. Sometimes seeing other people’s struggles and success propels a person in motion to try what they think is impossible. 

I wish everyone reading this review the best of luck! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

I travelled extensively overseas and have had a highly successful career in the security industry. I now concentrate on writing and poetry reflecting my journey with alcohol addiction, as only one in seven people worldwide suffering from alcohol and drug use disorder receive treatment.

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Beating the Bladder Blues by Doug Setter (Book Review)

Over 33% of people in the U.S.A. have reported problems with frequent and urgent urination. If you have ever had the embarrassing moments of a urgent race to a washroom or habitually position yourself close to the washrooms, this book can help. Beating the Bladder Blues is an easy-to-follow, humorous book on making less washroom trips and enjoying life more.
The book shows the little known methods of:
1. Internal muscle control.
2. Herbs and foods for bladder health.
3. How-to protect your prostrate and urinary tract from inflammation.
4. Reprogramming your mind-body connection to reduce or end involuntary urination.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Frequent urination (incontinence) or late-night urination (nocturia) is an all-too-common dilemma that plagues adults and children. Those who suffer from either of these two issues might experience uncontrollable leakage. Accidents can cause embarrassment and make one shy away from social engagements, or when nighttime visits are the culprit, the afflicted don’t get adequate sleep.

Doug Setter speaks the truth when they openly discuss what lengths they went to when the urge to go was upon them and no restroom in sight. I haven’t peed in a bottle before, but that’s only because I am a woman and didn’t think my aim would hit the mark 100% of the time. As a person with weak bladder muscles, I am familiar with the need to go multiple times during events. It’s annoying, a nuisance, and can be embarrassing. 

Since I don’t have a prostate, I could not empathize with the author’s talk about the exam. However, the physical therapy intake exam to strengthen my bladder muscles was intrusive and made me uncomfortable. I had to complete exercises while the therapist monitored me internally, manually. So I can, in a way, relate to Doug Setter’s displeasure over the unpleasant physical exam. 

In chapter two, Doug discusses various reasons why a person might be having plumbing issues: UTI, excess consumption of liquids, diabetes, bladder stones, and kidney conditions to name a few. After these possible reasons, Doug included a detailed image of your “plumbing parts” and explained their function in simple terms. 

I would advise taking Doug’s “five-pronged approach to urinating less” before going straight to the scalpel to fix your urinary system and problem. Sometimes eliminating a trigger or doing Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises improves the matter. The good news about these exercises is anyone can do them, regardless of age, and anywhere too! If you’re unfamiliar with Kegel exercises, Doug gives you a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

I found photos of the exercises taught in yoga and other exercise systems helpful. You don’t have to wonder if you’re performing it correctly or not. I encourage you to read the steps, look at the pictures, and then try your hand at the four additional stretches. 

As I stated earlier, removing a trigger can improve or stop your symptoms. Chapter five mentions several food and beverage-related items that might be your culprit. My doctor has told me to avoid citrusy and acidic things, so their presence on the list didn’t shock me. However, my doctor never mentioned spices. I’ll have to examine that one in more detail. Now, all triggers do not have to be food-based. Stress can also play a factor. I never knew that either. I have realized that when I’m busy, I urinate less than when I’m bored. Maybe my mind is preoccupied and not focused on the need to go. Bored seems to be a trigger for me. 

No matter the organ, there will be things that make it perform poorly and superbly. Doug discusses both. On the good list is cranberries which I consume daily. There was also horsetail, something I’d never heard or seen before. 

Some sections are directed to male readers: boosting testosterone and prostate issues; however, both genders can benefit from bladder training, knowing what’s good and bad for their urinary health. 

If you have bladder control issues or know someone who does, read this book or share it with them. It might change their life or yours! 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Doug is a former paratrooper and U.N. Peacekeeper. He holds a BSc and has trained hundreds of people in fitness, martial arts and outdoor skills. He is the author of: Flat Gut After 50, Fit Femme After 50, Flat Gut After COVID, Reduce Your Alcohol Craving and Beating the Bladder Blues.

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The Shaping of a Diamond by Desiree Batiste (Book Review)

“A poem is a moment frozen in time – the words like a photograph. They capture the tears that you were too broken to cry, the emotions too strong to process, the joy too pure to forget and lock it away in time. When a poem is read and shared, any similar moments or experiences felt by the reader will trigger the same emotional response in them that the author captured in that moment, and will allow those emotions to flow freely. In this, poetry is very healing, therapeutic and cathartic.” Desiree Batiste

CONTENT GUIDANCE: This book explores aspects of mental health challenges and contains depictions of self-harm, physical and sexual abuse. These aspects may be difficult for some readers. Please read with care.

The Shaping of a Diamond is a poetic journey through the most emotional moments of author Desiree Batiste’s life. Life cut deep, and Desiree was beaten down repeatedly throughout her life. But with each facet, she became the diamond she is today. From childhood through present day, from surviving child abuse to heartbreak, having kids, domestic violence, divorce and mental health issues – The Shaping of a Diamond leaves out nothing and is a raw, uncensored look at the pain which shaped, inspired, and pushed her to her limits, as well as the moments which healed and saved her. This compilation of poems written by Desiree over a 27-year period contains works from the following genres: Motivational, Emotive, Adult, Inspirational/Uplifting, Moods, Romance, Death/Loss, Spirituality and Mental Illness Awareness. Desiree’s goal in sharing this book with the world was twofold: to provide healing and closure to herself for all of the traumatic experiences she endured and to provide strength, understanding, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to others who may find themselves currently in similar circumstances.

Trauma, sadness and loss have a tendency to make people feel like they are isolated and alone. It becomes harder to function and to carry on. By creating this book, Desiree has reached out to any and all people who have had similar experiences and feelings to let them know that ‘we are all in this together’. Her survival enabled her to achieve inner peace and start the wonderful life she has now, and she believes if she can achieve it, anyone else has same chance at peace and happiness. Rough patches in life do not have to dictate its permanent course: we, as individuals, do that.

These poems are all based in fact, and are feelings captured during the best or worst moments in Desiree’s life. As pain is often captured in the poems because they were written in the moment or soon following the moment, some of them are dark-themed and very raw in their emotion. The point of writing like this was to highlight those extreme human emotions – emotions which we all feel and share in common when we are hurt or we struggle – and reach out a metaphorical hand to all people out there. Her hope is that her poems may help others to be encouraged, inspired, uplifted and save them some of the painful struggles she went through during the darkest times of her life. Desiree also hopes her words inspire people to open up and talk or write about their own painful and joyous moments. Life will continue to surprise us, test us and devastate us. It is what we choose to do with those moments that will make a difference – for each individual, for each life…the venue of expression is yours. Desiree’s hope for each and every person who reads The Shaping of a Diamond is that they find answers, comfort, peace, joy…and to know that there is at least one “someone” out there that understands what they are going through, and cares. Where feelings can be shared, one is never alone.

 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 

The Shaping of a Diamond is a collection of poems by Desiree Batiste that covers memorable moments from childhood to now. Desiree speaks openly and honestly about depression, relationships, abuse, and hopes for the future. They didn’t pull any punches or sugarcoat anything, which I respect. Everything they’ve gone through, the good and the bad, have shaped them into the person they are today— on a path to a bright future. 

Before eachfacet of the life (chapter), the author summarizes their life during these times. Facet 1: Childhood background information spoke of her father, a disabled Vietnam vet, and her abusive, unhinged mother. Her mother wasn’t always the villain in her life’s story. But when she became one, the child’s inner light became dimmer. I didn’t see a “trigger warning” disclaimer for facet one, but it needs one. The subject matter might be emotionally and psychologically difficult for some individuals to read. I was in tears throughout this first section, especially when reading “The Promise.” It touched me on a personal level. 

As we enter her high school years, the author questions if God has it in for them (Things That Go Wrong). This is a common thought, a question when life seems to beat us down. We wonder if we did something in a past life to deserve this punishment. Does God hate us? What have we done, and why can’t we find happiness? Again, this is another poem that spoke volumes to me. During the poems connected to her “adulthood,” the writer sees God in a more positive light. Heaven will wash away their pain and sorrow. Religious people will agree as you walk through the pearly gates, all your pain, suffering, and sadness vanishes. 

Facet 4: The Pit of Despair discusses the author’s relationships, beginning with “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore.” Again, due to the subject matter, I must issue a trigger warning disclaimer. It might cause an extreme emotional response: PTSD, panic attacks, dark thoughts, etc. Again, in this section, I found myself reaching for Kleenexes. I lost my father, a serviceman, and reading “My Father’s Eyes” made me think of him and all he’s missed and will miss. Her “dream” made me cry even harder because she reminded me that even though my father was not beside me, at least he was not in pain anymore. That does give me some solace. 

Desiree Batiste and I have many things in common, including how we escape from reality: music, dance, and writing (Facet 5: Sweet Escapes). All three quiet my mind when darkness takes root. 

Though darkness is a common theme in the writings, Facet 6: A Love Story contains more uplighting poems, and my tear ducts thank you! It was nice to see the author found happiness, passion, and love. However, things took a dark turn in the next section. Family should be a tight-knit function, but hers is falling apart at the seams. Desiree is a strong woman, and it took an enormous amount of strength to handle everything life has thrown at her and for her to share her story with others. 

She, like so many of us, carries scars from our past. They change us in ways we never imagined. But as she stated so eloquently, her turbulent past showed how “badass” she was. She’s a fighter, a dreamer, and, most importantly, a SURVIVOR. 

Desiree’s story will inspire others to keep fighting, don’t give up hope for a brighter future. I encourage you to read it, but (again) remember that many areas contain possible triggers. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

Desiree Batiste was born in Mesa, Arizona in 1979. She has been diagnosed with PTSD and several anxiety disorders as the result of her past experiences. She graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelors of Science in Technical Management with Criminal Justice specialization in 2020.

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Rose: Future Heart by Jazalyn (Book Review)

A socially underprivileged rose witnesses unpleasant events and behaviors that threaten Her inner peace and is determined to set life and love aside in order to find Her true, pure and moral parts of character.

30 petals of MOOD and STATUS.

A society full of INJUSTICES and UNFAIRNESS.

A ROLE She doesn’t want to play.

A RAGE. A RAVE.

A PAST that leads to HATE.

A RARE SOUL.

A wishful CHANGE of HEART.

She AROSE and She ROSE.

From IGNORANCE to STRENGTH.

A FUTURE that should lead to LOVE.

But can there be LOVE?

A dark fantasy magical realism poetic novel that endures urban social issues and inequality, and challenges self esteem, self help, self improvement, self development, healing.

I never knew how to have
I’ve learned to live without love
And I can’t change all of a sudden
Something’s got to happen

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

 

Reading Rose: Future Heart was like riding on a merry-go-round that never stops. You go up (I want to love and be loved) and down (love escapes me, no one will ever love me). 

Jazalyn’s poetry speaks of love in different intensities, which usually piggyback on jealousy, tears, pain, feeling of shame and humiliation, and reasons why love eludes them. They speak of not becoming a lover until they find their “perfect fit” (“No Lover”). There is no perfect fit; we all have flaws. You might see these flaws as you date or move in together. Eventually, the imperfections will surface. Saving yourself for perfection is a goal that’ll be difficult to obtain.

The author discusses other reasons they can’t have intimate relations: OCD, mysophobia, and germophobia. I have OCD and am a germophobe, but “mysophobia” was new to me. Upon a quick internet search, I discovered it meant having an extreme or irrational fear of dirt and contamination. They feared disease entering their body. I get that, but unless a person with mysophobia wants a sexless life, they need to seek counseling for this condition.

 

Favorite poems:

“Entertainment Made Me Love Like That” – People indeed use many forms of creative outlets to help them cope with internal and external pain. I hope writing brings the author comfort and peace. 

“Sleeping Beauty (Life Back)” – I thought it was interesting writing about what’s going on inside the mind of the sleeping beauty. I’ve watched the movie many times, and not once did I stop and wonder what she was thinking or dreaming about. 

 

Overall impression: The collection was not my cup of tea. I was going to score it two, but upon reflection, I decided to score it based on how it would be received by others who struggle to find or retain love in their life – for those who are looking for their “perfect someone” to make them whole. 

 

Heart Rating System:
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Score: 

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About the Author

With 150,000+ engagements and 20,000+ followers that grow more and more across 7 social media platforms, Jazalyn is among the most-promising newcomers authors-poets.

Her books have sold in 4 Continents and have been featured on best-seller category-based lists on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Amazon AU. Soon she will expand in every corner of the Earth.

Jazalyn attracts all cultures and traditions with an audience from all walks and stages of life as a consequence of the universal atmosphere that encircles her themes.

Her innovative and versatile writing style stemming from abstraction and absurdness captivates mystery and suspense with words swimming in surrealism and magical realism.

Her imaginative and inventive narration unites the philosophical with the psychological and the scientific elements of both fantasy and fiction that create and solve riddles and puzzles.

In what results as a contemporary genre of cinematic (epic) poetry in slice of life-vignette expression which provokes thinking and eyes new horizons.

Her latest books vViIrRuUsS, Rose, Hollow signify Jazalyn’s transition towards literary magnificence.

 

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