I like to introduce you to (another) book, this time by Robert Holden, who is a top UK psychologist. Robert teaches that we are worthy of a joy-filled life and, through our ability to 'change our mind,' we can achieve amazing inner peace and power. He shows us, that happiness can be attained by making small, consistent changes in the way we think. And as our thinking changes, so does our life. As Robert says: 'One new perception, one fresh thought, one act of surrender, one change of heart, one leap of faith, can change your life forever.'
Each of the 50 concise and entertaining chapters is filled with wisdom and clearly tackles fundamental, everyday concerns that can undermine enjoyment and fulfillment. His clever and inspirational blend of tender, poignant, joyful and eye-opening stories, insights and practical exercises cover a wide range of themes such as confidence, creativity, fear, success, relationships, forgiveness, control, struggle and so much more.
In Shift Happens! you will read gems such as the following extract from the chapter entitled Give Up Your Fear of Giving:
'I was at my health club on an exercise bike pedaling fast to nowhere when James first introduced himself to me. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live.
I was nearing the end of a grueling ninety minute workout. I was in a sweat, in a world of my own, and the last two minutes of the cycle program were feeling like forever. Sometimes I swear I can make time go backwards when I exercise! I had not noticed James and his companion enter the gym, so I was greatly surprised when James slapped me on the back and shouted, 'Hellooo.' It took all my balance just to stay on the bike!
James’s hearty, open manner left me abashed. 'Why pick on me?' I thought. As it turned out James didn’t just pick on me. I watched him enthusiastically introduce himself to every person in the gym. 'Hellooo,' he said to the man who almost fell off the treadmill. 'Hellooo,' he said to the man who almost dropped his dumbbells. 'Hellooo,' he said to the most attractive woman in the gym whom no man dared talk to.
James aimed his great big smile at everyone he met, and within moments he was talking to people I had never spoken to in months of visits. I was so impressed. James was so natural, so present, and so open with everyone. 'That's how I want to be,' I thought. Come to think of it, I probably was like that once.
James is diagnosed with Down's syndrome. According to society he is deficient and ill. He is certainly different, but I saw no trace of lack. That day in the gym he was more unconditional, loving, and communicative than the rest of us 'well people' put together. James gave himself fully and he got the best of us in return. He had no fear of giving.
I believe the purpose of life is to be like James. You are a gift-bearer, blessed with gifts of God, and you are here on earth to live fully and give fully—not just things, but who you are. You are the gift. My work has shown me over and over again that when people do not give themselves fully they experience lack, struggle, discontent, emptiness, isolation, and illness. Do not sit on your gifts.'
