May 2023 MBR The Self-Help Shelf

The Self-Help Shelf

The Art of Calm
Roger Hutchinson
https://www.rogerhutchisonbooks.com
Morehouse Publishing
c/o Church Publishing Incorporated
www.churchpublishing.org
9781640656321, $24.95, PB, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Calm-Spiritual-Exercises-Anxious/dp/1640656324

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul". author Rogert Hutchinson proves nn invaluable resource for anyone struggling with anxiety, fear, or depression. A lifesaving and inspiring guidebook that empowers us to break free from the emotional bondage of mental illness, "The Art of Calm" is a compendium of deep personal insights and uplifting practical guidance.

It's a kind of therapeutic journey beginning by charting Roger's own devastating psychological descent -- which included panic attacks so severe they landed him in the emergency room. When the medical system proved unable to provide sustained help, however, a floundering Roger Hutchison turned to his faith for guidance. The healing path God led him on was nothing short of miraculous, offering not only authentic spiritual renewal but also a profound sense of belonging in a world where he once only felt like a stranger.

Weaving these personal stories with thoughtful questions, journaling prompts, and a wide range of inspirational practices, Hutchison has created a kind of self-help tapestry of compassion, vulnerability, and action. At the end of each chapter is a colorful variety of reflections and creative exercises ranging from photography, music, and meditation to cooking, hiking, and art that encourages the reader to get up and discover a more centered and peaceful life. The result is an essential tool for finding tranquility in the midst of both inner and outer turmoil.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' presentation, "The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul" will be of special value for readers with an interest in a Christian approach to therapy and relaxation in dealing with the inevitable stresses and strains of daily life in these troubled times. Inspired and inspiring, "The Art of Calm" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.990 and is highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections and reading lists.

Editorial Note: Roger Hutchison (https://www.rogerhutchisonbooks.com) is the author and illustrator of nine books for children and adults including, The Painting Table, My Favorite Color is Blue. Sometimes., Faces: A Love Story, and Sparrow's Prayer. There is prayerful poetry woven through Roger's work, a gentle reverence in his tone and posture toward the heartbroken. Roger's mission is to use art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today's hurting world. Roger serves as the Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX, and is a member of the National Alliance of Grieving Children and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

The Inward Outlook: Conscious Choice as a Daily Practice
Laura Basha
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647424732, $16.95, PB, 152pp

https://www.amazon.com/Inward-Outlook-Conscious-Choice-Practice/dp/1647424739

Synopsis: Every day, we take in data from the world around us and store that data in our intellect. Then, without conscious awareness, we listen to that data (a process we call "thinking") and use what it tells us to inform our decisions. But living our lives this way means always living in the past, and it limits us more than we think.

With the publication of "The Inward Outlook: Conscious Choice as a Daily Practice", psychologist Laura Basha shares how to discern this habitual way of thinking from the innate wisdom and common sense that we all have available to us at all times. Once we can see this distinction between personal thinking from the past and in-the-moment, impersonal, diffuse thinking, we are awakened to the conscious choice point, which allows us to make choices with awareness and to release judgment of ourselves and of others. We then consciously create ourselves to be the best version of ourselves we can be: our authentic, powerfully creative, compassionate selves.

A powerful guide to accessing one's own innate health, well-being, and wisdom, "The Inward Outlook" is a fully accessible exploration of a principle-based paradigm that educates people in the role thought plays in creating their experience of reality, as well as a road map to cultivating inspired focus, accomplishment, and peace of mind in one's life.

Critique: Of special appeal to readers with an interest in personal, psychological, and spiritual self-help, "The Inward Outlook: Conscious Choice as a Daily Practice" is exceptionally well written, organized and presented. Inspired and inspiring, "The Inward Outlook" is a very special life-enhancing, and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Inward Outlook' is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Laura Basha (https://www.whitebirdrising.com/laura-basha) is a published author, professional artist, compelling and empowering speaker, and certified trainer. She holds a BA in Fine Arts, an MA in counseling psychology, and a combined doctorate in clinical and organizational psychology. Through the years, the focus of her work has always been personal and organizational transformation and leadership development, and she has been an international consultant, educator, and personal coach for thousands of clients since 1978.

Success on Your Own Terms
James B. Rosseau, Sr.
https://jamesrosseausr.com
Career Press, Inc.
9781601633156, $15.99, PB, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Success-Your-Own-Terms-Promises-ebook/dp/B07HVPJJRS

Synopsis: Passion comes from inside. Stoke it. Setbacks happen. Find your way around, over, and through them. Be willing to receive, then give back. Pay it forward.

Many young people (perhaps four out of five or more) are dissatisfied with their jobs. Why bother to pursue a dream?

It's up to you to create your custom-tailored career and define success your way. How? Combine your burning passion with drive, determination, strategy, and commitment to pay it forward; and find and nurture mentor support, stay steady on your path, and see the fireworks. Success on Your Own Terms will show you exactly how to do it.

Living parallel lives as a business executive, Christian hip-hop media owner, and author, James Rosseau has merged the streams of his three passions to make a difference in his own life and the lives of countless others.

Learning to make and keep six promises during his diverse career, with the publication of "Success on Your Own Terms: 6 Promises to Fire Up Your Passion, Ignite Your Career, and Create an Amazing Life" Rosseau now shows young people how to develop a plan for themselves.

These stories, lessons, setbacks, and triumphs are drawn from the neighborhoods of North Philadelphia to executive leadership, revealing new possibilities in an inspiring blend of smart strategy, hard work, and willingness to connect to help others.

Critique: Impressively informed and informative, "Success on Your Own Terms: 6 Promises to Fire Up Your Passion, Ignite Your Career, and Create an Amazing Life" is exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. While highly recommended for community, corporate, and academic library Jobs/Careers collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship, motivational management, company leadership, and self-improvement that "Success on Your Own Terms: 6 Promises to Fire Up Your Passion, Ignite Your Career, and Create an Amazing Life" is also readily available in a Kindle edition.

Editorial Note: James B. Rosseau, Sr. (https://jamesrosseausr.com/about) is a senior business leader, author, hip-hop artist, producer, and media. He is also a team-builder, alliance-creator, mentor, teacher, coach, and master strategist. Rosseau redefines achieving success with passion. A former executive with Allstate and JPMorgan (both Fortune 100 companies) he is currently president of LegalShield Solutions, as well as co-owner of Christian Media Properties (HolyCulture.net) and overseer of Corelinkradio.com, a 24/7 Christian urban music channel. He previously hosted one of the top five Christian hip-hop radio programs.

The Language of Trust
Ingrid B. Christensen
New Degree Press
https://www.newdegreepress.com
9798885044981, $18.99, PB, 230pp

https://www.amazon.com/Language-Trust-Communicate-Meaningful-Relationships/dp/B0BTV2S92D

Synopsis: With the publication of " The Language of Trust: Communicate to Build Meaningful Relationships in Business and Life", author Ingrid Christensen provides her readers with an impactful and essential guide to the crucial ingredient that makes relationships, businesses, and communication tick: trust.

"The Language of Trust" directly addresses the precise practice of taking meaning from one language and translating it into another, proliferating your ability to connect with people all over the world, no matter what language they speak. Throughout "The Language of Trust", readers will learn how to nourish relationships and communicate authentically to build confidence and deepen human connection.

Once you learn about developing an organizational identity, cultivating trust with others, and prioritizing time for personal development, you'll get to do the work for yourself. As a leader, your ability to cultivate trust both at work and home will have a profound impact on your personal and professional life.

Trust directly impacts everything-it's the key to unlocking one's purpose, connection, resilience, and growth. Trust is a practice that offers transformation and "The Language of Trust" shows you how.

Critique: Eloquent, elegant, 'real world' practical, insightfully informative, motivational, and inspiring, "The Language of Trust: Communicate to Build Meaningful Relationships in Business and Life" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' DIY combination of instructional guide and how-to manual. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, and of immense value to readers with an interest in Communication Skills,"The Language of Trust" will prove to be a welcome addition to personal, professional, and community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement & Media Communications collections.

Editorial Note: Ingrid R. Christensen (https://www.ingrid-christensen.com) is an entrepreneur, business leader, and advocate passionate about providing equal access to information to everyone, no matter what language they speak. In 2006, Ingrid launched her company, INGCO International after witnessing firsthand how translation and interpreting services truly bridge barriers and connect people from different cultures. Ingrid, alongside people during some of life's most vulnerable moments, in hospitals, courtrooms, classrooms, boardrooms, and more, has observed how communication and trust transform relationships, empower the underserved, and gives a voice to the voiceless.

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Midwest Book Review