By now it should be clear that the opinions expressed in this book are solely those of its author. And that both essays reflect the in-depth thoughts of this writer. Thoughts that are unlimited to the various subject matters but are still drawn from various stances pertaining to real life experiences based on what we come to learn and know about real living. Self-identity is an extremely important matter to the cause of existence and socio-political frameworks. Marcus Messiah Garvey who is a Jamaican National Hero and a famed international afro-political and social anthropologist who struggled against the racial oppression of black or Negro people during or around the late 1940s to the early 1970s stated: If you have no confidence in self then you are twice defeated in the race of life. Mr. Garvey was encouraging people of all races everywhere to be and remain resilient despite their daily grief and gripe for racism. This Jamaican immigrant, who migrated to the United States of America realized the need for afro-centric people of all creed and classes to become enlightened about the many social and political as well as religious issues that faces them on a daily basis. These were and still are spitefully designed social and political barriers to prevent people of a darker skin tone from becoming successful or from succeeding the many hurdles lifes struggles evolve, or which are sometimes natural. Mr. Garvey also realized that if people of color are to succeed then the key towards change can only be achieved through education which must be undertaken on a large scale. Because of this fact Mr. Garvey risked his own life; as many also believe this may well had caused the demise of this social-liberator, also the lives of countless others who helped to raise the level of political and social consciousness of not only the afro-American diasporas but of down-trodden peoples of all races, classes, ethnicities and religious persuasions everywhere. Like the Hon. Marcus Messiah Garvey, this writer too realizes the need to further raise the social and political consciousness of all peoples regardless of skin color, ethnicity, creed, religion, spirituality, gender, age, social status or political persuasion. These essays are therefore recommended to everyone who understands or seek to understand the intricate matters of lifes struggles. The author believes that by reading this book one will not conclude full understanding of self-identity, but will however better understand that the mysteries of living carries an endless scope of understanding, therefore the more aware one becomes the easier it is for such individual to accept the joy of living. Also, that if one doesnt understand life on a broad scale then the understanding of self becomes ever more importantly needed. So, on the behalf of the author and all who have already taken a step towards the understanding of self, and too for those who have now decided to join others whove already found pleasure in the study and understanding of self, I do hope that the continuity in doing so will electrify their interest to maintain the effort to become, or to remain an encouragement to others especially after reading these two essays before passing this book on to another while hoping that the same positive results will be achieved. Also, that the need to further study the subject of self-realization may further encourage such ones to continue to seek even more understanding of this subject matter so as to better enjoy the pleasures of living as well as to share such pleasures with others who share such desire.

This wise, eloquent, and practical book illuminates the nature of self-compassion and offers easy-to-follow, scientifically grounded steps for incorporating it into daily life. Vivid examples and innovative exercises make this an ideal resource for readers new to mindfulness.

In their weekly radio show and in their popular workshops, Gary and Joy Lundberg have already helped thousands of people and their families to communicate more effectively. Now, the Lundbergs address an all too common dilemma that arises when others expect you to solve their problems for them, showing readers how they can shed the no-win role of "fixer" and empower people to solve their own problems through validation--a simple yet profound communication tool that is essential to any healthy relationship. Refreshingly straightforward, this inspiring and entertaining work is poised to become a classic guide for anyone who wishes to improve relationships with their partner, children, colleagues and friends.

Do you long for a true friend? "Isn't that what we all want? To be seen, in all our glory, for better or worse, the good, the bad, and the ugly and still be embraced?" If only such friendships were easy to find. And keep. For Lisa Whelchel and millions of others, friendship is a challenge. The vulnerability, trust, balance, grace, and time required to develop and maintain strong friendships do not come easily. Growing up as an actress in Hollywood, there were few people Lisa could trust, and even fewer to guide her. By the time she reached adulthood, she had learned to be self-sufficient. She was strong, she was “safe,” and she was lonely. One day, Lisa found that “the desire to experience connection was stronger than the desire to be safe.” She determined right then to finally understand friendship: how to create one, sustain it, and experience the sheer joy of having it. But it wasn’t easy. Since then, she has traveled the ups and downs of friendship, learning about herself, others, and the kinds of friendship God designed. A speaker, teacher, and compelling storyteller, Lisa writes from her heart and her head, sharing her story and helping women understand how to cope with the strengths and weaknesses of friendship, and basing all her advice on the foundation of our ultimate relationship with the Savior.

Inspired by the website that the New York Times hailed as "redefining mourning," this book is a fresh and irreverent examination into navigating grief and resilience in the age of social media, offering comfort and community for coping with the mess of loss through candid original essays from a variety of voices, accompanied by gorgeous two-color illustrations and wry infographics. At a time when we mourn public figures and national tragedies with hashtags, where intimate posts about loss go viral and we receive automated birthday reminders for dead friends, it’s clear we are navigating new terrain without a road map. Let’s face it: most of us have always had a difficult time talking about death and sharing our grief. We’re awkward and uncertain; we avoid, ignore, or even deny feelings of sadness; we offer platitudes; we send sympathy bouquets whittled out of fruit. Enter Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner, who can help us do better. Each having lost parents as young adults, they co-founded Modern Loss, responding to a need to change the dialogue around the messy experience of grief. Now, in this wise and often funny book, they offer the insights of the Modern Loss community to help us cry, laugh, grieve, identify, and—above all—empathize. Soffer and Birkner, along with forty guest contributors including Lucy Kalanithi, singer Amanda Palmer, and CNN’s Brian Stelter, reveal their own stories on a wide range of topics including triggers, sex, secrets, and inheritance. Accompanied by beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and witty "how to" cartoons, each contribution provides a unique perspective on loss as well as a remarkable life-affirming message. Brutally honest and inspiring, Modern Loss invites us to talk intimately and humorously about grief, helping us confront the humanity (and mortality) we all share. Beginners welcome.

Two boys, whose father, a mob boss, is gunned down in cold blood, catapulting one into sudden unwanted responsibility. A girl, orphaned at three, taken by her rich grandmother to live in Atlanta. A ghetto kid, turned football player, shot down in an alley. An FBI agent, losing almost his entire family in a single day. A gifted musician, with an eye for women, suddenly distracted by a stranger. A woman, to all outward appearances wealthy and talented, who carries a dark secret. Then a murder occurs. Is there a connection?