Bøger af Mary Jo Stresky

Walking On Fire: The Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Suffering contains the message that no matter what pain and suffering you're experiencing there are ways to control it, overcome it, and live life to the fullest in spite of it. Having grown up in Harare and Zimbabwe, Africa, Nobes incorporates the survival lessons he learned into practical tools and techniques for enduring physical, emotional and spiritual pain. His harrowing, colorful (and often humorous) stories of adversity in the African Bush are perfect examples of how to face obstacles and challenges life tosses at you. Daily trials and adversities can be a challenge and can weigh you down, so sometimes you need your own private little "treehouse" where you can get away from it all and become rejuvenated and revitalized. Paul's goal is for his OASIS OF HOPE AND HEALING website and books to become a safe haven for like-minded people (like you!) to become energized, supported and nurtured, and to live a healthy, happy, exciting life. You may have experienced the devastating effects caused by the ravages of physical, emotional, and psychological pain. Everyone who suffers from a chronic condition creates their own methods and levels of endurance. But once those methods are implemented in a more structured healthy way, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout Paul's years of recovery he met people who also suffered from excruciating pain, and through their encouragement and support he exchanged anger and resentment for courage and faith. They altered his attitude and lifted his spirits, and through bonding and mutual support everyone learned to speak the language of HOPE. The "language of hope" isn't just a verbal language, but a spiritual language of harmonious action. Action leads to growth and acceptance, an understanding of one's predicament, and patience, tolerance and humility - qualities that are very crucial in the quest to overcome any form of adversity. "Only you can decide whether you want to stay at the bottom of despair, or rise above it and defeat it. Only you can decide when enough is enough, and you'll start fighting for your life. My greatest joy will be to know that even one of my words have changed a life, and hopefully it will be yours. And that the lessons I learned from dealing with debilitating pain can be your Oasis of Hope and Healing. The reward is the journey, but the gift lives in the heart forever." Paul Nobes

After many years as a global coach, counselor and relationship therapist (who also specializes in executive leadership) in New Zealand, Grant Wattie had an epiphany about how people are trapped in inauthentic lives when he read the writings of Anthony De Mello, a Jesuit and spiritual advisor: "They're born asleep, they live asleep, they marry in their sleep, they breed children in their sleep, they die in their sleep without ever waking up." Those words were so inspirational that Grant became galvanized to write not only about his experiences about how he broke free from the chains of a life that no longer worked, but about the programs and techniques he developed to help others do the same. "Tragically, most people never get to see that everything is going well because they're sleep-walking through their life. In essence they're living a nightmare because they're just going through the motions."Observing people trying to juggle a horrific work/life existence (plus having experienced that himself while running a photography business in Asia and trying to raise a family), he knew he wanted to develop a program that could help people quickly and easily regain control over their life. When his young daughter asked "Why do you need more money?" -- and he replied that it was to buy a big house and a car -- she replied, "I don't want any of those things. I just want you and Mum." Humbled by her wisdom, he stopped to think about what life is really all about and the legacy he want to leave behind: A loving father and husband? Or a business person with lots of money and so-called success? That interaction with his very wise daughter was a major realization that he needed to change his view of his past, and In that moment he knew he needed to shift his values and beliefs to create a new future. Becoming desperate to give people the freedom to experience greatness and live life authentically, fully, and with passion and purpose, Grant's mission was to write a book that could help people around the world - no matter at what stage or age they are in life - reinvent their lives. Seeing many books, webinars and seminars that tell people why they should accomplish this, but failed to give them the tools of reinvention, he set out to develop better decision-making information and techniques can prevent people from stumbling into "wake-up" calls that cause pain, angst and confusion. Throughout the chapters Grant shares techniques he gathered throughout his many years of experience to help you live a courageous and exciting life. He teaches you simple ways to create powerful strategies to have less stress and frustration. He discusses how to overcome challenges and obstacles in order to have a deeper sense of clarity and control over your existence. He'll share material from other experts to help transform your life, and break free from toxic emotional baggage. He also provide tools to change negative mindsets to positive, and strategies that can free you from constraints in order to survive in this topsy-turvy world. Plus, he'll guide you through self-questioning processes designed to help you understand why you act certain ways. Grant Wattie's personalized transformational program shows you how to own your truth, which can be difficult to do when you're confused about who you are. He provides ways to help you find your "wings" and take flight to become more loving, compassionate, centered and less fearful (this will make sense once you read his parable about Oscar, the Eagle, who found his true identity by acknowledging his authentic self). Embracing the greatness of your talents, creativity, purpose and passion can take you from feeling small, insignificant and unfulfilled, to feeling magnificent, significant and fulfilled!Grant couldn't be happier you've chosen to join him on this voyage to becoming the person you were born to be. So batten down the hatches, hoist the sails, and anchors aweigh!

Alone with his thoughts while mining in Alaska, Bob Klauka asked the same kinds of questions you may have asked, such as why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is my part in my destiny? Who is God really? So he began to "mine" the Old Testament beginning with the creation (genesis) of the world, and other events such as Noah and the Great Flood, the Promise to Abraham, and Judgment Day (coming in future books). While reviewing the verses in Genesis, Chapters 1-4, he drills down into history-changing events to bring different perspectives to the table: "The Bible isn't a book you read once (or not at all), then gathers dust sitting on a shelf. It should be read and reread as the stories of Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and hosts of others are real events that happened to real people who worked, played, ate, talked, slept, and had families just as people do today." Possessing a unique, stimulating sense of humor, he thought learning the stories in the Bible should be entertaining and easy to understand: "I wanted to make this fun and exciting -- like thinking of Adam riding an elephant in the Garden of Eden - because it paints a happy picture in people's minds, and helps them relate to and remember things in their life." Initially writing this book to help parents of children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other learning disabilities by explaining God's plans for them, he realized it would be an invaluable resource to learn about God's choices while "staging" the world's infrastructure, and the adversities Adam and Eve had to overcome to survive their turbulent times: "I'm writing my discussion guides to help you see that God wants to have fellowship with His children, that He has a great sense of humor, and that He wants to give you great joy and peace of mind, especially when you understand His purpose for you on Earth." "An amazing journey into the Old Testament. This book was insightful and fun to read with fascinating aspects of the Bible's characters. Your hard work and research into the first book of the Bible is inspiring." Charles Thomas

The martial arts are shrouded in the mystique of Asian lore and nuances. Information is well-known by experienced practitioners, but is often kept as an "open secret" among themselves. Aikido is a self-defense martial art (budo) methodology established in Japan by Morihei Usehiba (O'Sensei: 1883-1969), who blended his techniques and weapons experience with deeply held philosophical beliefs into what is often referred to as "the art of peace." Aikido has a rich history originating to feudal period Japan, which continues today with an international fellowship of people who strive to make the world a better place by following the aiki way, and embracing the legacy of the dojo culture as a training hall and sanctuary for enlightenment. The world is in greater need than ever before to embrace the philosophy and approach of Aikido's founder O'Sensei. The Aikido culture helps shape today's youth, transitions adolescents to become contributing members of society, and helps adults continue spiritual and physical self-improvement. It distinguishes itself by shunning the competitive violence spawned by the pseudo-sports popularized in televised cage fighting, street-style brawling, and computer videogames (although Aikido is highly recognized as a headline program at the World Combat Games). "An Open Secret" solves the mystery of Aikido training by revealing factual truths, historical reasoning, and detailed explanations required of all Aikido students. It also takes an in-depth look at the common and unique practices all Aikidoka (practitioners of Aikido); the background of Aikido's rich history as budo (self-defense martial art); a current assessment of the art's international status; and an overview of various sub-styles in the 21st century. A true budo, Aikido is an extremely effective form of self-defense that equalizes size, strength, age and gender. Therefore, "An Open Secret" provides a proven learning methodology for Aikido that can be used by people of all ages, children and seniors alike, and can become a permanent lifestyle for its practitioners with improved physical and spiritual health. Aikido must be felt and experienced in order to understand the power behind this martial art form. Physical training awakens the Aiki spirit within the student who develops physical skills as a way to understand the "mystery" behind the techniques. Its students can embrace spiritual enlightenment by drawing on this knowledge time and time again. "An Open Secret" is a practical training guide that contains many resources, photos, illustrations, general information and techniques Tony knows would have been helpful when he started training years ago, but wasn't readily available to students of Aikido at that time. The reader is taken under Tony's wing, much like a season co-worker would help a newbie learn the ropes at work. He provides unbiased information on common etiquette, student responsibilities, dojo design, proper training apparel, the relationship between student and teacher and between students, training tools and weapons, rank examination, the Aiki spirit, and fundamental training concepts essential to learning Aikido and ultimately the Aiki way. Other topics include step-by-step pointers on selection and care of the uniform (the Aikido gi and hakama), equipment (Aikido weapons - jo and bokken), and the training facility (Aikido dojo). Grading and promotion examination details are covered for both beginning and advanced students, as well as student's progressive responsibilities as they advance in rank and experience.

Children grow up with their favorite fantasy heroes like Superman, Batman, Wolverine, Spider Man, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man and the Flash. Grown-ups have their favorite real-life pro wrestling heroes such as Hulk Hogan, the Warrior, the Rock, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, Andre the Giant, Jesse Ventura, John Cena, Roddy Piper, and Ric Flair. Have you dreamt of being part of the professional wrestling world, but didn't know where to start? Have you wanted to create your own "superhero" personna, and join the ranks of hard-working men and women who love entertaining millions of people from the ring? Do you watch the matches from your couch, and wish you knew how to work in that industry? Jeff "the Ref" Coles has spent the last 20+ years working with some of the most famous wrestlers in the history of WWE. He has ground-up experience about how to get in and stay in one of the toughest industries around the world. "It's not about all the lights, gimmicks and media attention; it's a 24/7 lifestyle where these people become your family. If you're not committed to working harder than you've ever worked before, it might not be the career for you." He tells it like it is so that you can make a well-informed decision about where to go, what to wear, the gear to buy, the way to treat your peers, the standards of ethics you should live by, and what to expect once you enter the ring. His stories and photos of his time in and around the ring with the best of the best are sure to entice you to get up off the couch and make your dream of becoming a pro wrestler come true!

The bygone days of the 19th century are quickly becoming whispers among many historians. But Alvin Mikkelsen

After surviving combat in Baghdad, Iraq, a military-prescribed drug addiction, a failed marriage and [fortunately] a failed suicide attempt, former Army Sergeant Jason Sapp knows first-hand how post-traumatic stress (PTS) can damage lives unless it's tackled head-on and ultimately conquered.Eighteen percent of reported suicides are military veterans, and the rest are civilians. Sixty-five percent of veterans who commit suicide are over fifty years old. The rate of suicide for veteran women is 2.4 times higher than civilian women. Seventy percent of veterans who committed suicides didn't seek regular health care at a VA. As a result of experiencing a real or perceived threat to life, bodily harm, or emotional instability, trauma can also severely affect children and teens, and men and women of all ages. First responder, civilian and war-related trauma severely affects families and relationships. Once released from service, they're expected to assimilate back into a "normal" daily life despite their damage. Because they've lost the ability to function in their daily life, they're hesitant about what steps they should take to regain the life they had before their trauma snatched it from them. Trauma - a debilitating emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual condition - creates even more victims who suffer from second-hand PTS, which Jason's wife, La'Nette, covers in her section to help other Army spouses and civilian spouses. Events, situations, noises, smells, sounds and even people can trigger negative behavior, excessive worrying, night terrors, lack of self-esteem, and many other maladies. Though the symptoms have always existed as a result of war or other types of trauma, post-traumatic stress dates as far back as the Civil War. Initially coined as a term for soldiers suffering from "Soldier's Heart" (shell shock or battle fatigue), the condition was defined by developmental and emotional characteristics of an individual exposed to extreme or life-threatening trauma.During Jason's journey to regain his post-war mental, physical and psychological acuities, he went on a spiritual trek that culminated in him developing the program he shares in this book and his trauma coaching program. Like many servicemen and women, he'd been unaware how severely the war in Iraq had damaged his coping mechanisms to effectively return to civilian life. Over time he also realized how his childhood trauma had affected his abilities as an adult to effectively function as a friend, father and husband. Struggling to assimilate back into civilian life, his emotional and physical scars, plus his addiction to VA-prescribed pain pills, eventually led him down a rabbit hole to a suicide attempt. Later he realized God had saved him to prove to anyone - military personnel or civilian alike - who has post-traumatic stress (PTS), or other forms of trauma, that they can be healed, and that life can be much happier and more peaceful. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Jason's goal with writing Fortitude is to give people solid tools, tips and techniques to move past their trauma in order to achieve their goals, dreams, identity, purpose and power. And most importantly, to be able to live the loving, passionate life God created for them.

**The Florida Department of Corrections has banned this book because it contains identifying information about current inmates. If a state inmate orders it, the prison will not accept delivery and return the book to sender." Florida has nearly 101,000 inmates in 49 major state prisons and numerous correctional facilities called annexes and work camps. A clemency commutation of sentence and parole are alternate paths to the same goal, which is to release the inmate early. Both involve compassion, redemption, and forgiveness, and are the ultimate grant of a second chance. To get either, you must convince elected or appointed officials that the inmate will never commit another serious crime. However, clemency and parole involve different decision-makers, rules and timeframes. Here is the so-called secret sauce (the actual "how-to" steps to leave prison early), written by one of Florida's most distinguished clemency lawyers. What Others Say... "The clemency process is one of the most emotional, significant to so- ciety and those who are directly affected, and misunderstood undertak- ings of Florida state government. Mr. Reggie Garcia has spent much of his legal career advising clients and state policy makers on clemency and closely observing its evolution over recent decades. For anyone who wants to understand how the king - now governor and cabinet - dispenses discretionary justice in Florida, this is the book to read." The Honorable Bob Graham, U.S. Senator 1987-2005; Governor of Florida 1979-1987 (January 15, 2015) Reggie Garcia is "an expert in clemency and parole cases." Sean Rossman, Tallahassee Democrat (July 21, 2014) "A man who truly seeks justice." Brian Tannebaum, Miami lawyer, author of The Practice and past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (November 18, 2014) "There is not a more qualified clemency/parole attorney in the State. And yet you took your time to educate me and introduce me to key players. Both [the inmate] and I are so grateful." Patti Velasquez, Delray Beach lawyer and mediator (December 1, 2014) "It's the job of Reggie Garcia (JD '85) to win for his clients the rights and freedoms that no judge or jury can grant." Richard Goldstein, Editor/ UF Law, in "Official Mercy," UF Law magazine (Fall 2011) "We are so deeply touched by the pure passion, tireless dedication and absolute commitment that Reggie Garcia reflects every day to reverse a decades-old injustice." Ron Sachs, CEO/Sachs Media Group (August 24, 2014) "Reggie, your experience with the Parole process, plus your energetic personal involvement, have enabled you to represent our inmate friend in front of the Parole Commission in a strong and balanced way." Vivi Letsou, Step2Freedom.com (September 10, 2014) "If you want a passionate, capable, knowledgeable attorney on your case, you will find it in Reggie Garcia. He is qualified bar none to take your case before the Florida parole or clemency boards." Pat Bliss, retired paralegal (September 16, 2014)

Why can't most organizations seem to get project, portfolio and program management off the ground, despite all the books that are written these governance disciplines? Is there something you can do to make your organization one of those that do live up to expectations? Actually, the best practice books are right ... in the long-term; it's the initial approach that's often wrong. You can't cure a patient by administering an overdose. Right medicine, wrong treatment. Best practices are where you aspire to get, not where you start out. But how do you get organized enough to start thinking about best practices? Welcome to Let It Simmer, a step-by-step guide to implementing governance practices using The Simmer System SM. Dr. Douglas Brown developed the system during 20-plus years as a PMO Director and as a consultant in both public and private sectors, helping organizations set these management disciplines up or get them back on track. Introducing governance is a big change. People are always concerned about how change will impact them, and many senior managers see the arrival of management discipline as an attack on their freedom of action. The Simmer System shows you how to make this change happen with a minimum of conflict by helping your colleagues collaborate to help themselves, rather than attacking you for trying to make them do it. Let It Simmer explains how to implement the components, illustrates them with numerous case studies, and provides practical exercises that show you how to implement the system in your own organization (or your client's). The components are: -Four core principles of integration, transparency, integrity and purposeful service that will keep you on track when things get murky (and they will). -Seven lists of data you can gather that set the stage for collaborative actions without sending up red flags. -How to attain and keep top-level support, and what to do if you don't get it. This is the most essential task in determining the usefulness and staying power of your initiative (which in a process-averse organization is quite possible, at least at first). -Eight collaborative activities to bring your peer managers into the governance world by solving their problems. -How to identify the real decision-maker (i.e., a board or an individual), and how they can operate transparently without losing their autonomy. Implementing organizational change doesn't mean you need loads of experience. Sometimes too much experience makes you part of the problem. You may get handed the role because the organization wants a fresh face with innovative ideas, and you're the right person for the job. This step-by-step guide provides you the opportunity to achieve a dramatic transformation that lasts - but without pushing so hard that the organization decides to get rid of it instead. In less time that you might expect, your fellow leaders will have started adopting sound management practices and your organization will be noticeably more cohesive, collaborative and productive. You'll be amazed at how much gets done once it's not all about you. A word from Douglas Brown: People have asked, "What's with title, The Simmer System?" For instance, tough meat needs to cook over low heat to soften gristle and melt the fat. Cook your food over very high heat and you'll burn it. Turn the heat down to very low and it just sits there. I'm sharing the many lessons I've learned so you don't have to go through the aggravation of determining which correct "temperature" to use. I teach you how to simmer your programs, and end up with a well-run organization.

Anxiety, panic attacks and conflicting negative emotions can severely cripple your personal life, your career, and your relationships. Therefore, the challenge becomes how to control them before they control you! According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders affect 78 million people worldwide annually. Sadly, only a small percentage receive proper treatment because they're often underdiagnosed misdiagnosed, or are afraid to admit they're experiencing problems. Anxiety is a global affliction. Psychological issues manifest differently from culture to culture. For people living abroad, their cultural values, beliefs and traditions can conflict with the people in their community. Cultural factors also influence how individuals perceive and express their psychological distress. For example, in Western cultures like the United States, a diagnosis of a mental disorder differs from a physical condition, so each one is attended to separately and more openly. Dr. Esmeralda Franco-Mansilla's objective is to give you wisdom and awareness, a greater sense of belonging, and renewed strength as you have many wonderful years still ahead of you without stress, worry, and emotional conflict. She provides encouragement and support while introducing new techniques and strategies to utilize at your own pace. The good news is there's no 'expiration date' as you'll be able to use these tools throughout your entire life! Within Breaking Free Dr. Franco-Mansilla discusses... -how to discern between anxiety, fear and stress so you can determine the best treatment protocol to become calmer, anxiety-free, and more self-confident. -the different kinds of pressure and stress people experience in their daily life. -how to achieve optimal health by first recognizing your problems. Then how to deal with them by utilizing my strategies to greatly reduce or eliminate the stressors that try to control my client's lives. -why anxiety takes a toll on your well-being. -why fear can cripple you emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Practicing her guidelines and methodologies with dedication can greatly improve your physical, emotional and psychological well-being. More importantly, she provides practical steps to help you control your emotions instead of having them control you! Quelling your emotional storms to get you safely back to shore will give you the serenity to live your life with grace, fortitude and conviction. As you immerse yourself in understanding the complexities of your emotions, you'll acquire the power and knowledge to improve your energy, become healthier, and enjoy your life in a way you never could have imagined. After graduating with a degree in medicine from the University of Nuevo Léon in Monterrey, Mexico, Esmeralda received her Master's of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the Yorkville University in New Brunswick, Canada. During the first years of her medical career, Esmeralda was a general physician (GP) in various remote mountain communities and villages throughout Colombia, South America. Though she moved to Canada, she never lost her desire to help others find ways to overcome their problems and personal setbacks. Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Franco-Mansilla has dedicated herself to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy in behavioral science, and to diagnosing and treating different psychological pathologies in children, adolescents, teens and adults with various mental and anxiety disorders. As a result of her extensive training and experience she developed cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques to help her clients experience a better quality of life. Known as a compassionate forward-thinker who prefers a more hands-on approach to wellness, Dr. Franco-Mansilla's strong sense of self-awareness, attentiveness and intuition helps her clients manage their anxiety in a more holistic, organi