Healing From Dysfunctional Life in New Memoir

 Title: Unfold Me; Unfold Layers of Your Wounded Heart and Begin Living Your Dream Life

Author: Deirdre Maloney

Publisher: Unfolding Press

Publication Date: January 2, 2021

Length: 134 Pages

About the Author
Deirdre Maloney is the founder of High Gate Racing, Canada's largest all-female competitive cycling team. She is also the co-founder of a women's support group in her own community. Deirdre believes in sharing our stories to cultivate more collective healing.

Resilience, Insight, and Healing
Deirdre Maloney takes an honest look at her life and is determined to learn from her past mistakes and take responsibility for her actions. She was raised in a dysfunctional family and suffered an eating disorder, abuse, and molestation at a young age. As she grew older, she was involved with drug abuse, prostitution, and extremely abusive relationships with men. 

The author decided her life experience was going to be a story of resilience that needed to be shared. She was determined to turn her pain into purpose.

My Thoughts
This book is not for the faint-hearted. The author was very transparent about her life and this book includes X-rated language and experiences that might make some person blush. However, I have to admire the way she put the past behind her and focused on making a better life for herself and her family. 

The positive changes came in Ms. Maloney's life when a therapist suggested that she join a women's support group for group therapy. The most important thing she learned was acceptance. This is exactly what she needed for healing.

The last chapter in this book is titled "A Wholehearted Life". The author reflects on her healing journey and offers practical insights to anyone who is serious about making positive changes in their life.  Change does not come easy, but it is possible. This young lady has overcome some incredible challenges and I wish her nothing but the best.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I purchased a digital copy of this book with my own funds.

Breath Love - Live Love Laugh Breathe

About the Book

Title: Breath Love

Author: Lauren Chelec Cafritz

Publisher: Warren Publishing, Inc.

Publication Date: June 11, 2019

Length: 174 Pages

About the Author

Lauren Chelec Cafritz is an internationally known breathwork teacher, speaker and the author of Breath LOVE. She is trained and certified in Integrative Breathwork and Transformational Breath® and has studied many other breathing modalities. 

Just Breathe

Lauren Cafritz is a certified breathwork specialist.

What is breathwork?

"Breathwork is the experiential field of study and practice that uses various breathing techniques, individually and in groups, to promote self-awareness and enhancement of physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing. Breathwork uses conscious connected breathing to release trauma, clear emotional blockages, and heal physical ailments."

Ms. Cafritz inspires readers with her own experiences with breathwork and explains how she has changed the lives of others by teaching breathing techniques.

My Thoughts

I chose this book because I have used deep breathing techniques to help me relax for many years. I play the piano for my Sunday School Class at church and often find myself feeling tense before I begin playing. I have found intentional deep breathing to be very helpful in taking away the stage-fright jitters. I also find deep breathing a great way to relax before going to bed at night. 

I enjoyed reading about how breathwork helped the author reconnect with her love of art that she enjoyed as a child. I could relate to this experience because I also enjoyed art as a child and have found pleasure in artistic endeavors in recent years.

The highlight of the book is the "Emergency Toolkit". The author advises her clients to use the following four techniques when they are feeling angry, upset or even having a panic attack;

• Connect your breath. Take 20 conscious, deep, diaphragmatic breaths.
• Drink water. Drinking eight glasses of water will help you function at your best, especially if you are under stress. 
• Move your body. Do 10 push-ups or sit-ups. Think about something that makes you angry and then start wiggling your whole body. The mind lets go of anger as soon as it is moving.
• Go outside in nature. Go outside, get into nature, feel the sky over your head...and be sure to keep breathing. Being in nature will change your perspective almost immediately.

This book gave me new ideas for using breathing techniques for relaxation, pleasure, healing, and wellbeing. Breathwork can be done in combination with yoga, meditation or therapy. I recommend this book to anyone who is curious about how breathing can improve the quality of life. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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The Gratitude Prescription by Will Pye

The Gratitude Prescription: Harnessing the Power of Thankfulness for Healing and Happiness

Author: Will Pye

Publisher: Reveal Press

Publication Date: May 1, 2019

Length: 232 Pages








About the Author
Will Pye is an entrepreneur, transformational coach, speaker, and spiritual teacher. In his early twenties, Will embarked on an intense quest exploring human potential and the nature of reality in order to overcome his own suicidal depression. He enjoyed business success while raising millions of dollars for leading charities. A series of awakenings, and then a brain tumor diagnosis in 2011, inspired a new direction. Since then, Will has given talks, meetings, workshops, and retreats—globally sharing the power of presence and gratitude for well-being and awakening.

The Healing Power of Gratitude
What do a bitter and traumatic family breakup, addiction, bouts of suicidal depression, an ever-breaking heart at a world gone mad, grand mal seizures, financial loss, and brain cancer have in common?

The author shares his story and describes how he was able to overcome his problems and challenges through the power of gratitude. This book is about thriving and resilience, not in spite of life's difficulties but because of them.

My Thoughts

Gratitude is defined as "the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful". (Dictionary.com)

Mr. Pye has done a great deal of research on the mind/body connection. He shares many of his findings in this book. He believes that thoughts of gratitude and positivity can bring about healing and well-being to the mind, body, and soul. 

The author shares his story about how he used journaling, affirmations, and meditation after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He focused on self-reflection and gratitude during the most difficult days of his treatment.

This book describes specific affirmations and provides meditation prompts that readers can use to improve their own mindsets. The author asks readers to "reflect on how your experience of changing the way you looked at an issue changed how you experienced it."

I found this book inspiring and uplifting. This is the kind of book you will go back and refer to often. The author ended each chapter with a simple "thank you" to express gratitude and appreciation to his readers.

I want to express my appreciation to all who read this review.

Thank you.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review from NetGalley.

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Book Review: The Lose Your Belly Diet by Dr. Travis Stork

Start the new year with a healthy diet and lifestyle!
Dr. Travis Stork shares new research about how to lose weight and improve your heath with the right foods and exercise.

Title:  The Lose Your Belly Diet: Change Your Gut, Change Your Life

Author: Dr. Travis Stork
Publisher: Ghost Mountain Books
Date of Publication: December 27, 2016

Length: 256 Pages


About The Author
Travis Lane Stork is an American emergency physician and television personality, best known for appearing on The Bachelor, and as the host of the syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors.

Buddies in your Belly
In this book, Dr. Stork shares new research that reveals important connections between our overall health and the well-being of the microbes that live in our gut.

The good bacteria and other microbes in our belly work with our immune system to fight off dangerous invaders and help us digest food. Gut microbes play such a crucial role in our health that it is amazing that it has taken us so long to give them the attention they deserve.

Here are some ways you can nourish and support your gut microbes:

Eat high-fiber fruits, vegetables and grains.

Fill your belly with prebiotic and probiotic superstars.

Learn why probiotic supplements are usually not necessary.

Eat nuts.

Avoid excess and unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Be aware of pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Strengthen your belly buddies with exercise.

Drink plenty of water.

Dr. Stork shares a detailed diet plan to help you lose weight and improve your health. 

My Thoughts
I really like the way Dr. Stork explains complicated medical research in a way that is easy to understand and really interesting to learn. This is not a book about losing weight, it is about a lifestyle change that will make you a healthier person. However, weight loss will be a wonderful result of following this diet/exercise plan.

It takes time to change our eating habits, but this book demonstrates that you don't have to be hungry to embrace a healthy lifestyle. 

I really enjoyed the way Dr. Stork tells how he goes to the grocery store and chooses healthy veggies from the salad bar when he is traveling instead of eating in restaurants. 

I have started to implement this diet in my meals. I am eating a limited amount of meat and focusing on high-fiber raw fruits and vegetables. I am looking forward to a healthy and happy new year!

I recommend this book for your consideration. It will give you insight on how food affects your body...for good and bad. It is never too late to make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

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Book Review: The 20/20 Diet by Dr. Phil McGraw

One Word Book Review: HEALTHY

 The 20/20 Diet: Turn Your Weight Loss Vision Into Reality

 Author: Dr. Phil McGraw

 Publisher: Bird Street Books

 Publication Date: January 6, 2015

 Print Length: 252 Pages


About The Author
"Dr. Phil" (Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.) is the host of America’s number one daytime talk show and is perhaps the most well-known expert in the field of psychology and human functioning in the world today.

New Year Resolution #1 - Achieve a Healthy Weight!
In The 20/20 Diet, Dr. Phil McGraw identifies seven reasons other diets fail people over and over again:

• hunger,
• cravings,
• feeling of restriction,
• impracticality and expense,
• boredom,
• temptations,
• and disappointing results or plateaus.

Then, he addresses each of these roadblocks by applying the latest research and theories that have emerged since his last book on the same topic, The Ultimate Weight Solution.

Dr. Phil and his team have created a plan that you can start following right now and continue working for the rest of your life. In this diet, readers will start by eating only 20 key ingredients, called the “20/20 Foods,” which theories indicate may help enhance your body’s thermogenesis and help you feel full.

But that's just the beginning. Healthy weight loss requires a lifestyle change. This book promotes a permanent change in your eating habits, exercise patterns and the way you think about your food.

My Thoughts
This is the diet book that I have been waiting for. It is based on 20 foods that are healthy, filling and will lead to achieving a healthy weight and sustaining that weight.

I have lost seven pounds since I started following this diet. My goal is to lose 20 pounds on the 20/20 diet.  I have allowed an entire year to achieve this goal because I want to gradually change my eating habits and exercise patterns.

This is the tool you need if you want to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle. The information in this book is based on current nutritional research and trends. You have to be willing to make a commitment and work toward achieving your goal. This is not a miracle diet, but it is a diet that will work if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Are you ready to join me in this quest for a healthy lifestyle?

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.
I received a print copy of this book from The Dr. Phil Show. I will use my print copy to make notes and track my progress.

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Book Review: Never Feel Old Again by Raymond Francis

Never Feel Old Again: Aging Is a Mistake--Learn How to Avoid It (Never Be)

Author: Raymond Francis

Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.

Release Date: October 1, 2013





About The Author
Raymond Francis is an internationally recognized leader in the field of optimal-health maintenance. At the age of 76, Raymond Francis is president of Beyond Health International, a supplier of highly advanced health education and world class health-supporting products to the public.

Getting Old Is Not For Sissies!
Raymond Francis believes the body ages as a result of accumulated repair deficits, or a lack of maintenance. He says the passage of time alone does not explain what happens to our bodies. What we think of as "aging" is a man-made disease that is preventable and even reversible. The author believes everyone can live to a healthy old age and no one needs to become feeble and die in a nursing home.

Mr. Francis endorses the Beyond Health Model which employs the following six pathways; 

• The Nutrition Pathway
• The Toxin Pathway
• The Mental Pathway
• The Physical Pathway
• The Genetic Pathway
• The Medical Pathway

This book provides valuable advice on how to change old habits and start living a healthy lifestyle. The author believes you can live a strong, purposeful, active, drug-free and disease-free life well into your hundreds!

My Thoughts
This book offers an amazing amount of information. The author has done his research and is very passionate about natural healing and reversing the aging process.

I found the information in this book very interesting but I know it will be a real challenge for me to make the changes in my life that Mr. Frances recommends. The author acknowledges that "habits and addictions are real obstacles to any positive change in your life". However, I think any major lifestyle change begins with a series of small steps. I think the information in this book will inspire me to eat healthier foods, lose some weight and increase my physical activity.

This book will give you many things to think about. You might not agree with everything the author suggests, but I am pretty sure you will find many helpful tips that will improve your health and quality of life.

They say that "getting old is not for sissies!" This book will give you a new understanding of the aging process and provide information that will help you age with dignity and grace.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Book Review: Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath

Eat Move Sleep: Why Small Choices Make a Big Difference

Author: Tom Rath

Publisher: Missionday

Release Date: October 8, 2013





About The Author
Tom Rath is a Senior Scientist and Advisor to Gallup, where he previously spent 13 years leading the organization's work on employee engagement, strengths, and wellbeing. He also served as Vice Chairman of the VHL cancer research organization. Tom earned degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania, where he is now a guest lecturer.

Small Choices Make a Big Difference
Mr. Tom Rath has organized this book about healthy living into the following three categories;
(1.) Eat - Our diet
(2.) Move - Exercise
(3.) Sleep - How many hours each night?

Mr. Rath has spent many years researching these topics and has presented the information in a fascinating and scholarly book about the food we eat, our daily exercise and sleep habits.

The author believes the right choices over time will greatly improve our odds for a long and healthy life. The problem is, we can't see the threat small daily decisions pose in the moment. Small decisions about how you eat, move, and sleep count more than you think.

Each chapter includes three findings and concludes with three ideas for how you can apply these discoveries in your life. The author suggests that the readers use the resources in this book to start a 30-day challenge to learn new and healthier habits.

My Thoughts
I discovered this book at a time when I really needed to make improvements in my health and lifestyle habits. I have gained weight, I am not exercising as much as I once did and my sleep habits have been sporadic.

Here are some things that I learned in this book that will help me get back on a healthier track;
(1.) Exercise is not enough. Being active throughout the day is what keeps you healthy. Sitting more than six hours a day greatly increases your risk of an early death. Limit yourself to two hours of seated television a day.

(2.) When you want to do your best work, sleep longer. Missing sleep can change the trajectory of an entire week. Wake up at the same general time every day to keep your internal clock on track.

(3.) Ask yourself if the next food you put in your mouth is a net gain or a net loss. Sugar is the next nicotine. It fuels diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. Get most of your protein from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish or white meats. Always eat the healthiest food first.

(4.) When it comes to beverages...stick with coffee, tea and water.

I am very glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. I think the one thing that impressed me the most was the importance of frequent MOVEMENT during the day.

I highly recommend this book. Small choices really can make a big difference!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

Do you need to make some changes in your health and lifestyle habits? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Walking, Living, Learning! by Al Argo

Walking, Living, Learning! An Adventure In Personal And Professional Development

1 Man - 1 Year - 5 Countries - 66 Books - 1,000 Miles
1,000+ Life Lessons

Author: Al Argo

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Date: July 17, 2011


About The Author
Al Argo, The Positive Impact Coach, is a personal and professional development expert, author & speaker. His Bachelor of Arts is in Advertising/Marketing from the University of Alabama and he has completed numerous courses in leadership, cross-cultural communications, business, personal development & more.

Exercise For The Body And The Mind

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." - Henry David Thoreau

Al Argo believes that exercise is important for the body and the mind. In this book, he documents one year of walking 60 minutes a day and listening to audio books.

This book has 365 short chapters...one for each day of the year. Mr. Argo describes the neighborhood where he is walking, the name of the book that he is listening to and a summary of the book.

Some of the books that he listens to during his year of walking/listening are;

• Brain Rules by John Medina
• Position Yourself For Success by Nido Qubein
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Flawless Consulting by Peter Block
• How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• My Father, Maker Of The Trees by Eric Irivuzumugabe
• How To Win Customers and Keep Them For Life by Dr. Michael LeBoeuf
• What Makes An Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
• The Magic Of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz
• Loving Your Child Is Not Enough by Nancy Samalin

Mr Argo chose books that would improve his skills as a business owner, a parent and an individual.

My Thoughts
The title of this book just jumped off the page at me because I am an avid walker, reader and lifelong learner. I could truly relate to Mr. Argo's "Walking, Living, Learning" project.

Research shows that walking is one of the best ways to exercise the body and keep the brain alert and healthy. Mr. Argo's goal of listening to audio books and walking 60 minutes a day was an excellent way to develop a habit that will serve him well for the rest of his life.

When I worked as an elementary school librarian, the skill of summarizing reading material was taught at all grade levels. I think the ability to summarize a report/book/article is not only a learned skill but also a special talent. Mr. Argo did a great job picking out the most important points in his books and sharing his thoughts and insights.

I may never have the opportunity to read the 66 books that the author read, but I now have a general understanding about the key concepts that are covered. 

"Walking, Living, Learning!" is a no-frills book that provides "just the facts" about a nice selection of motivational and inspirational books. This was an inspiring and informative read that might inspire others to put on their walking shoes and attach headphones to their e-reader. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received this book as a FREE digital download during a special promotion on Amazon.Com. Please check the price before ordering.

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Children's Book Review: Henry's Heart by Charise Harper

Henry's Heart: A Boy, His Heart, and a New Best Friend


Author and Illustrator: Charise Mericle Harper

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Date: November 22, 2011






About The Author
Clarise Mericle Harper has created lots of books for children, including the popular Fashion Kitty series and the Just Grace books.

Facts and Fun
Henry's heart is very chatty. Here are some facts that he shares with us;

• The heart has two parts
• It is mostly muscle.
• The heart is a pump - without it the blood can't move.
• It is about the size of Henry's fist.
• The heart is on the job 24/7 because it can't take a vacation from circulation.

Readers learn about the many ways the heart functions within the body, and how what we see, hear, and feel can directly affect our heart rate.

What happens when Henry falls in love? We learn that a new puppy is just what the doctor orders to get Henry's heart in tip-top shape.

My Thoughts 
I chose this book because this weekend  marks the two year anniversary of my father's death from congestive heart failure (October 14, 2010). I think it is extremely important for children to be educated in the functions of the heart and the things that are necessary for good heart health.

This book teaches us about exercise and eating the right kinds of food. It also confirms that love and positive relationships can influence our heart health. It is very important for children to learn and LIVE the information in this book.

I love the way the author included the lesson of  responsible pet ownership in this book.  I {{{HEART}}} this book and I highly recommend it for children of all ages.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I checked-out this book from the public library.

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Book Review: The 3 Minute Difference; ALTER Your Health, Money and Relationships

The 3-Minute Difference: ALTER Your Health, Money and Relationships Without Changing Who You Are

Author: Wayne E. Nance
with William Hendricks and J. Keet Lewis

Publisher: Mission Books (July 1, 2012)






About The Author
Wayne E. Nance, better known as the "Real Life Attitude Guy", is the developer of the ABCs of getting your life under control. He is founder and CEO of Real Life Management, Inc. Mr. Nance lives in Texas and is a highly regarded speaker, trainer and author.

The 3-Minute Survey
Each of us is born with an attitude that heavily determines what we focus on in life. Our attitude is inborn and remains substantially unchanged throughout life. Mr. Nance developed a tool to identify a person's core attitude. It is called "The 3 Minute Survey" and it can be taken by filling out a form in the book or online.

This survey reveals what your core attitude is...the way you make health and wellness decisions, money and spending decisions, relationship decisions and many other decisions affecting your lifestyle.

ALTER
The 3-Minute Survey helps you pinpoint the attitude you have while the book gives you a specific game plan on how you can start achieving the things you want most. This book shows you where to start and then gives you a plan on how to get there.

Mr. Nance suggests the following five steps for ALTERing your attitude;

• Awareness. Become aware of your attitude (the inborn hard wiring that drives your beliefs and behavior).
• Learn. Learn as much as you can about your attitude and how it impacts your beliefs and life choices.
• Tactical Plan. Develop a plan that will address the issues that you need to work on in your life.
• Execute The Plan. Start working on a daily plan of action for 91 days to improve your life.
• Re-Evaluate. Review your progress and adjust your goals.

This book is divided into the following three sections;

• Health and Fitness
• Financial Fitness
• Relationship Fitness

The author believes that you can apply the principles in this book to any area of your life that is out of control.

My Thoughts
The author was inspired to develop this program because his own life was out of control. He weighed 315 pounds, he had more than $40,000 in credit card debt and his marriage was in trouble. He realized that obesity, debt and relationship meltdown were surface problems resulting from his core attitudes and beliefs.

I think this book is well researched and much of the information was learned from personal experience and working with others. I took the 3-Minute Survey and learned that my primary attitude is "rational" and my secondary attitude is "tactical". That means that I focus on issues and ideas. I don't mind challenging other people's opinions and I will defend my position quite strongly. "Tactical" means that I am a planner and pay attention to deadlines and details. That is pretty accurate. The funny thing is that my husband had almost the same results...with "tactical" being his primary attitude and "rational" being his secondary attitude.

Mr. Nance has gone to great lengths to provide "plans" for each of the attitude types. Sometimes I got bogged down and it seemed to be "too much information" to digest at one time. I suggest that you determine your attitude type and then pick and choose the information that applies to your situation.

This book is available in paperback, Kindle and audio editions on Amazon.Com.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from B & B Media to read and review. Thank you!

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You Can Ride A Horse

Several months ago, my dad suffered a major heart attack.  The doctors said that his heart valves were leaking and he would not survive a surgery to repair them.  He might live a week, month or maybe even a year....but there was no hope for recovery.  Basically, he was a dead man walking.
Dad spent a month in the hospital but he really wanted to go back to his beloved home.  He seemed to be doing better.  He could get out of bed and walk with assistance.  He was eating well and said that he was not feeling any pain.  Unfortunately, he was plagued with shortness of breath and oxygen hunger.
The decision was made for Dad to go home and my mother would take care of him with the help of a Hospice nurse.  He would get up each morning and get dressed.  Some days were better than others but he was very happy to be home.  He was striving to resume his normal routine and that included going into town and have coffee each morning with his friends. 
One day Dad asked the Hospice nurse, "Can I go to the coffee shop"? 
The nurse replied, "You can do anything you feel like doing.  You can ride a horse if you want to!"
This made Dad feel very happy.  Even though he knew what the doctors said, he thought that he must be getting better if he could ride a horse.  Of course, he had no desire to ride a horse but he did enjoy joining his friends for coffee for the last couple of weeks of his life. 
On the day that he died, my mother drove Dad into town to get a hair cut and then they attended the Rotary luncheon.  He spent his last days living life to the fullest and doing exactly what he wanted to do.
I like to think that Dad rode a horse into heaven to meet his Lord on that October evening. 
We should live each day to the fullest.  We don't know how much time we have left so we should spend our time wisely.  Don't wait to live your dreams.  You can ride a horse today!

Love Or Perish

A life without love is rotten at the core, and is likely to bring the rottenness of ill health with it.
We don't know all the causes of disease,  but we do know that many illnesses are partly caused by warped emotions.
When love isn't at the center of our life, but hatred, resentment, and envy fester instead, all sorts of illnesses easily follow.
So love thy neighbor as thyself, and grow healthier every day, not only in body, but also in spirit.
Dr. Smiley Blanton, author of Love or Perish, wrote, "Each act we perform from motives of love pours strength and health into the stream of life. Hate causes us to perish—sometimes in a series of little deaths, sometimes at once. If we would preserve life in its fullest sense, we must choose the course of love.  For without love we will lose the will to live. Our mental and physical vitality is impaired, our resistance is lowered, and we succumb to illnesses that often prove fatal. We may escape actual death, but what remains is a meager and barren existence, emotionally so impoverished that we can only be called half alive."

What's Age Got To Do With It? by Robin McGraw: A Review

Robin McGraw is the wife of best-selling author and television talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw. Robin is on a mission - her goal is to teach women how to age with grace and dignity.

The book is divided into the following topics that will interest most women;
Fitness
Nutrition
Skin Care
Menopause
Hair
Makeup
Fashion
Faith
Robin tells some delightful stories about her quest to take care of herself at every stage of her life. She shares the details of her daily exercise routines and diet. She also shares her skin and hair care expertise. There are highlighted areas in the book called "Robin's Rx" and "Robins Way". Robin provides the brand names of the hair and skin products that she recommends. She also provides advice from a panel of experts who answer questions at the end of each chapter.

"What's Hormones Got to Do With It?" (Chapter 5) is very interesting. Robin has spent many years doing research on menopause and how it effects the health of women. She explains how bio-identical hormones can be used to replace natural hormones in a woman's body. Since these natural hormones need to be compounded, which means that they're specially customized and mixed upon the direction of a licensed physician, it is necessary to locate a compounding pharmacist. I have seen Robin on several talk shows promoting this book and she spends most of her time talking about menopause and hormones. She believes that getting your hormones balanced can make a huge difference in your life.

The last chapter, "What's Faith Got To Do With It", tells about Robin's Christian faith. She tells how her mother raised her in a God-centered home and her Christian faith is something that has inspired her deeply. Her mother took her to church, taught her to read and study the Bible and taught her about accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

Robin McGraw has opened up her bag of tricks for fighting aging and has shared it with the world. This book is informative and inspirational. I look forward to reading the companion volume to this book.