M. J. Ryan (1) (1952–)

I liked a lot of the info presented here, and it’s just as relevant now during these times as when it was written after the crisis of 2009 on. I don’t know why I’m always thinking that things will stay the same as they never do, and I believe this read has some good ideas to use when (and before) they’re sorely needed. First thing I’m going to do is define some of the chapters in my life and go from there.

This is a fast-reading book with hints and tips about how to be successful in making a change in your life.

I want to start off by saying that I did not like this author. She is one of those motivational types who seem to have no real background of their own. All surface and no substance. She is not credited with any education or professional accomplishment except writing books and being a popular speaker. She is one of those weird Californians who actually make a living as a "thinking show more coach". (Apologies to everyone from California, but to us here in the midwest, some of the things we hear about what goes on out there are hard to believe.) Almost every single statement she makes is taken from (and credited to) some other author who wrote some other self-help book (a few of which I'd actually heard of). I'm sure that if I met her in real life I'd roll my eyes and keep my distance.

Having said that, now I need to say that I actually found the book to be quite helpful. She has organized the work into 3 sections, each one filled with more than a dozen short articles which offer helpful hints and advice to support the focus of that section. The first section talks about the preparation needed before attempting to make some kind of change in your life, the second section is about implementing that change, and the last talks about sustaining the change. She explains the brain research (done by others - our girl is no scientist) that shows the reasons why most people who make resolutions fail in the attempt. And provides ideas for overcoming those roadblocks and move on. She provides lots of anecdotal examples of how her suggestions might be implemented. Most of all, the things she says are common sense and encouraging.

I picked the book up at the library on a whim, hoping for a kernel or two of something useful. I found that, and more. I actually found motivation and encouragement to do something different and reasons to hope that the effort could be successful. I guess she's good at what she does, after all. show less

One of the few "self help" books with practical, useable advice. This book on how to change habits or make new ones does not offer a single magical prescription to cure all your ills. Instead, it offers dozens and dozens of different methods of making change, with the single admonition to keep trying methods until you find something that works -- because, if you really want it and practice it, one or more method will work.

365 Health and Happiness Boosters
by M. J. Ryan

This wonderful collection of meditations, insights, and great ideas is set up in such a way that you can have a fantastic little gem of spiritual wisdom to start your day, everyday throughout the year. I find the format to be easy and the messages wise and wonderful. I am totally in love with her suggestion for July 7th, because she says that today is a day to do nothing, to just kick back and ponder what things you wanna do to do nothing.

show more Awesome topics like herbal teas, sunlight, art, road rage, love, and so so so much more. I feel that having something to focus on when I get up in the morning really helps me to start my day and keep my day on track. I would recommend this meditation book to anyone and as a gift for anyone who enjoys learning, growing and feeling there best throughout the year. Thanks M. J. for sharing another one of your special literary gifts with us.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann show less