Tag: Self-Help

Celebrating Harriet Hodgson @healthmn1 #RRBC #RWISA

Published on by Jan Sikes23 Comments

Today, Wednesday, 5/27/20 we are honoring the GRAND PRIZE Winner of our 2019 KCT INT’L LITERARY AWARDS Contest, “SO, YOU’RE RAISING YOUR GRANDKIDS!” by RWISAAuthor, Harriet Hodgson.

And I’m SUPER excited about that. At 84 years young, Harriet is an inspiration!

HARRIET HODGSON BIO

Rochester, Minnesota resident Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance writer for 38 years, is the author of thousands of articles, and 36 books. She has a BS from Wheelock College in Boston, an MA from the University of Minnesota, and additional graduate training.

Hodgson is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). She is a contributing writer for the Open to Hope Foundation, The Grief Toolbox, and The Caregiver Space websites. Visit www.thecaregiverspace.org/authors/hhodgson to read her articles.

Hodgson has appeared on more than 185 talk radio shows, including CBS Radio, dozens of television stations, including CNN, and dozens of blog talk radio programs. A popular guest, she has given presentations at public health, Alzheimer’s, bereavement, and caregiving conferences.

Her recent work is based on Hodgson’s 21 years as a family caregiver. She was her mother’s family caregiver for nine years, her twin grandchildren’s guardian and caregiver for seven years, and is in her fifth year as her disabled husband’s caregiver.  Visit Harriet’s RRBC Author Page to find out more about this busy wife, grandmother, caregiver, and author, as well as more information on her many other books listed in the RRBC catalog.

BOOK BLURB:

If you are a grandparent raising your grandchildren, help has arrived.

According to the US Census Bureau, more than 10% of all grandparents in the nation are raising their grandkids, and the number is going up. You may be one of the millions of these grandparents and it’s a role you never expected. Willing as you are to assume this role, you have some questions. How will I find the energy for this? Is my grandchild normal? What if I “blow it?” Each day, you look for ways to make life easier.

This book will:

•Help ease your worries and guilt;
•Offer tips for creating a grandfamily;
•Give methods for improving grandparent-grandchild communication;
•Suggest ideas for how you can connect with your grandchild’s school;
•Provide child development information;
•Recommend approaches to help your grandchild set goals;
•Stress the importance of having fun together;
•Offer ideas of how to foster your grandchild’s hopes and dreams.

So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids blends Harriet Hodgson’s wise and moving grandparenting story with recent research and findings. It shares her 21 years of caregiving experience, including seven years of raising her twin grandkids. Each chapter ends with What Works, proven tips for grandparents raising grandkids.

At the end, you’ll cheer for all the loving grandparents—including you—who are putting grandchildren first.

PURCHASE LINK:

Jonah – Part 9

Published on by Jan Sikes25 Comments

Last week when we left Jonah, he was settling into his new hut. Let’s check in and see if he’s making progress toward getting off the island.

JONAH – PART 9

Tidus came and went. Jonah never knew when the kid would show up, but he always came bearing some sort of gift each time. Jonah now had a more comfortable abode that made daily survival less stressful. And, it had been days since he’d seen the fanged beasts. Jonah was sure that was due to the frequent visits from Tidus.

He’d scoffed when Tidus mentioned that the bigger hut and more comfortable surroundings allowed him the time he needed to focus on himself and do the work the Wise Ones had demanded of him.

Jonah finished “The Four Agreements,” and started on “The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.”

He now understood the purpose of the journal.

At the end of Chapter Two, he tackled the exercises.

Question #1: What are you most afraid of?

Jonah thought long and hard. He chewed on the end of the pencil. He didn’t have many fears. He’d spent years making sure others feared him. Okay. Skip that one. Next.

Question #2: What aspects of my life need transforming?

That answer required no thought. He needed to get off this godforsaken island and back to his turf.

Question #3: What do I want to accomplish by reading this book?

Same answer – to get off this godforsaken island.

Question #4: What am I most afraid of that someone else will find out about me?

He sat back on his haunches. He didn’t much care what others thought of him. That hadn’t been important. Okay. Skip that one too. Next.

Question #5: What am I most afraid of in finding out about myself?

He reached for a small mirror Tidus had brought on his last visit. He stared at his reflection. He’d always been told he was handsome with his dark eyes and hair. But the man looking back at him in the mirror had aged. While he’d worked daily to stay in good physical condition, had he let his mind get soft? Was that what he was afraid to discover? That beneath the hard exterior beat a soft heart? That bit of information would tarnish his reputation for sure.

 

Jonah4

He laid the mirror aside and read the next question.

Question #6: What is the biggest lie I’ve ever told myself?

He knew the answer but, refused to write it down. He hated this kind of stuff.

Question #7: What is the biggest lie I’ve ever told someone else?

The answer to both questions were the same.

He closed his eyes and went back to that dark alley where he first killed. The scene unfolded in his mind. The look on the boy’s face. The begging and pleading. The jeers from others who stood by. A tear squeezed its way out of the corner of his eye and ran down his cheek. He hadn’t wanted to do it, but if he’d backed down then, he would’ve lost their respect. No one had seen him retching behind a trash can a few minutes later after they’d all moved on down the street. No one had seen him curled up in the fetal position crying, regretting. If he could take it all back.

dark alley

 

He jumped to his feet and stripped off as he ran straight to the murky water. It didn’t matter that the gray mud sucked his toes down or that the stench attacked his nostrils. A strong urge to wash away the memory was all that mattered. He put his head under and swam back and forth until exhausted, he pulled himself up on land.

Tidus ran to meet him. “Are you okay, Jonah?”

Jonah growled. “Go home, kid.”

“Let me help.” Tidus placed a hand on Jonah’s shoulder.

Jonah shoved his hand away and yelled. “I said go home. I don’t need any help. I just need to get off this shit hole of an island!”

Tidus stumbled backward. He turned to leave, then stopped. “At this rate, you’ll never get to leave.” He dropped something at Jonah’s feet. “Here. I brought you this.”

Then he turned and ran.

Jonah stared at the object hating himself with every ounce of energy he had. The Wise Ones had been wrong. There was nothing about him that was worth saving.

He picked up the soft leather pouch.

Jonah – Part 8

Published on by Jan Sikes20 Comments

When we left Jonah and Tidus last week, a horrendous and sudden storm had totally destroyed his hut. He’d grabbed Tidus and his meager belongings and fled. After Tidus chanted and held his Amethyst Gemstone to his forehead, the storm had stopped as suddenly as it had started. Now Jonah’s returned to make the shocking discovery of a new bigger and better hut and a new burlap bag. Let’s join them and see what’s next.

Jonah stood rooted in the same spot for a long minute. He turned to find Tidus close behind him.

“What? How?” He pointed to the hut.

Tidus shrugged. “Maybe something in the bag will answer your question.”

Forcing his feet to propel him forward, Jonah reached the burlap bag and pulled the tie. He dumped the contents on the hard ground.

Another book and a note fell out. He dropped to his knees. With shaking hands, he unfolded the note and read it out loud. “Because you thought of someone other than yourself for the first time in your life.”

Tidus knelt beside him. “You mean you’ve never thought about anybody other yourself your entire life?”

“I suppose so,” Jonah muttered.

“But, you made sure I was safe and it seemed to come naturally to you.”

Jonah reached for the new book. “Dark Side of the Light Chasers,” by Debbie Ford.” He held the book out to Tidus. “Ever heard of this one?”

dark side of the light chasers

Tidus nodded. “It’s a workbook of sorts. There are exercises after every chapter.”

“Exercises for what?” Jonah thumbed through the pages.

“It’s sort of a guided way to work on yourself, to face your shadow self and do shadow work.  My favorite quote from the book is, ‘Remember, all the answers you need are inside of you; you only have to become quiet enough to hear them.’ ”

Jonah stood. “Shadow work?  Answers inside me? That makes no sense.”

“It will when you read the book. Looks like you have to do some self-discovery work if you ever want to leave this island.”

“I’ll read the book and learn the right words to say. Then I can talk my way out of here.”

Tidus drew a symbol in the dirt. “It doesn’t work that way, Jonah. They’re not interested in your words. Your actions are what they want to see.”

Jonah squinted. “You’re a weird kid, Tidus. How do you know so much about all this? Did they send you? And what is that you are drawing in the sand? You aren’t doing some sort of magic spell, are you?”

Tidus dropped his stick and stood. “No. I swear it. This is what we call sacred geometry. It is the symbol of the flower of life.”flower-of-life-beach

He continued, “What I told you is the truth. My father disappeared. My mother died and I’m all alone on the other side of the island. I would take you there if I could. Then you’d see I speak the truth.”

“Okay, kid. I believe you. It’s just that you seem to know a lot about all this self-work stuff. More than a kid your age should know.”

“It’s simple. My mother taught me from all these books. She was also teaching me how to grow and use my magic when she died. I have lots of books back at my home. If you want, I could bring you some. Maybe I could help you.”

Jonah shrugged. “Suit yourself. Bigger men that you have tried.” He slapped Tidus on the back. “Let’s look inside my new digs.”

With his dagger drawn, Jonah flung the rickety wooden door open to reveal a more spacious and weather-proof hut. As far as he could tell from the dim light, the inside was empty. He could almost stand up inside.

He sheathed the dagger and tossed the new book into one corner, then emptied the contents of the bag he carried over his shoulder. He quickly dug a small hole and re-buried the Jerky. With some of the vegetables Tidus had brought, he could make them a nice soup to eat. He leaned back against the wall and blew out a breath.

His head spun with thoughts. He was being forced to look at himself. The thought frightened him more than anything or anyone he’d ever faced. This was not going to be easy or pleasant.

Jonah Part 2

Published on by Jan Sikes22 Comments

A young man named Jonah has been exiled to an island for reasons we do not yet know. It’s not your typical island as it is covered with stinging nettles, venomous flowers and mythical fanged creatures. He’s been there a few weeks already but he watches daily for the boat that will come and take him back to the mainland. What does he have to do to be rescued? Let’s go see.

Jonah awoke with a start. His hand flew his dagger when he heard a loud thud.  Warily, he peeked out of his crude shelter expecting the worst.

A burlap package lay a few feet from his hut.

burlap-bags-1

He turned in a full circle and did not see another living soul or source from where the package could have come. He dashed out, grabbed the bag and ducked back inside his shelter. His heart raced! He wasn’t forgotten.

He opened the bag as eager as a child on Christmas morning. The first item he discovered was a sealed package of dried buffalo. Without looking any farther, he tore into it and groaned aloud as he savored the flavor of the meat. Anything was better than the muddy fish he’d been forced to eat to stay alive.

He sat back on his haunches and explored the remaining items in his mysterious package.

A bar of soap, toothbrush, and hairbrush fell out on the floor of his hut. How had he made it this long without them? He set them aside and continued exploring.

In the bottom of the bag lay two books and a pencil, along with a handwritten note.  He unfolded the parchment note.

There is only one way off this island. You must examine yourself, face your truths and make peace with your demons.

Jonah folded the note, lay it next to the bag, bit off another piece of jerky, then carefully resealed the bag and opened the first book, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Four Agreements

The first sentence on the inside flap, “Be impeccable with your word,” brought a snort. He tossed the book into the corner of the hut. He didn’t need any philosophy BS, he just needed to get home.

He reached into the bottom of the bag, hoping for more food and found another book and a pencil. He opened it to find only blank pages.  He tossed it into the corner along with the other book.

He’d heard the psychological and philosophical jargon his entire life and none of it had helped him survive on the streets. None of it had helped when his father was beating him across the back with a leather strap. And none of it put food in his belly when he was starving.

No. He’d made his way with his own strength and that wasn’t about to change now.

He pulled his hair back and ducked out of the shelter into the early morning dawn. The most important thing he could do was keep his body strong and ready to fight. After all, it was what he did best. He stretched his taut muscles and began a series of Tai Chi maneuvers. He twirled and kicked, landing in fighting stance. Yes, this was what worked for him, not religion or philosophy.

manbun

A scurrying sound drew his attention and he glanced toward the hut in time to see a furry rodent dashing inside. The jerky! He lunged forward and reached the critter at the same time the critter reached the bag. With a precise throw, his dagger landed in the varmint’s neck. He tossed the invader into the murky water and grabbed his precious staple. After he dug a hole inside the hut, he buried the meat and covered it. Then he placed both books on top.

There. That should protect it. He’d gather the mushrooms and edible roots he’d discovered and make a stew later. No, he didn’t need self-examination. He needed sustenance and most of all he needed to get back to the mainland and back to living, back to ruling his kingdom.

He pondered the words on the note. What was he going to be forced to do?

 

LOVE – THE BEAT GOES ON – Lynda Filler #BookReview

Published on by Jan Sikes39 Comments

5 star

IF I COULD GIVE THIS BOOK 10 STARS, I WOULD!!

Love The Beat Goes On

THE BLURB:

When your cardiologist tells you to “Get your affairs in order, your heart condition is incurable,” what do you do?
Lynda shares her personal story in the typical fast-paced, edgy, in-your-face style she’s known for in her writing. She will walk you through her journey to self-love sharing her belief in journals, love, prayer, soul, spirituality and positive mindset.
She’s hard-hitting but compassionate. She writes about romantic experiences that may shock you, but makes no apologies for her unconventional life style. Nor does she hold back taking responsibility for the things that she believes created her dis-ease.

You will definitely question a woman who walks around in denial; then makes a decision to drive, all alone, from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to Whistler, Canada with undiagnosed Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Men and women are often self-care-challenged and Lynda was no the exception.

If you are fighting any kind of illness or dis-ease, you are not alone! Lynda has walked her talk, and after an experience in the summer of 2015 relating to Dr. Wayne Dyer, she is now ready to release her story

Lynda knows how it feels to be told you’re not healing or your condition is incurable. At no point will she undermine anything your physicians tell you to do. She is not a medical doctor. She will explain the powerful, yet simple concepts, beliefs, balance and faith that she believes led to her healing. Most of all, she will show you how she used these simple principles to design and live, the fully healed life she now enjoys in 2017.

You will shake your head in wonder, laugh, and maybe cry too. If you want less pain, worry, and stress about dis-ease and life in general, you will want to read this simple yet powerful story.

MY REVIEW:

I have read a lot of new-age books over the years and got something good from each of them, but this book by Lynda Filler is amazing. Her honesty about the journey from receiving a death sentence for an incurable disease to healing in a rainstorm while a Shaman beat on his drum is not just compelling, but astounding.

I loved every fragment of this story. She takes the reader through the full gamut of emotions while she seeks to heal her diseased heart for which the doctors had no cure. But, the lessons she learns, the incredible experiences she has, are inspired and inspiring.

I highly recommend Love The Beat Goes On to anyone who is seeking a higher level of consciousness, whether you are sick or healthy. Also, the resources she lists at the end of the book are invaluable. I have listened to some of the Shamanic healing videos by Akal (her Shaman guide in Sedona) and they take me instantly into a state of peace, of bliss. This is a book every human should read and take away the lessons given. If I could give it ten stars, I would. It’s that good.

 

Lynda Filler
Lynda Filler

 

“The author’s style is reminiscent of CLIVE CUSSLER, LEE CHILDS or BALDACCI.” N. Huff

Lynda Filler makes her home in sexy, sultry Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and writes both novellas, fiction, and non-fiction. She’s been accused of writing autobiographical stories, but so far no can get her to admit it! She’s been writing her whole life but only started publishing with the encouragement of NYT/USA Best Selling author Russell Blake of the popular JET series. When she is not in Mexico, she travels to the Pacific Northwest or Paris, France to visit her children. She loves to hear from her fans on FaceBook where you can find book news, crazy fun quotes, and photographs of both Mexico and Lynda’s travels.

TWITTER         FACEBOOK     BLOG    BOOKS ON AMAZON

Lynda Filler is a member of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB