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Self-help material came to my attention when I decided to buy a book by a psychic named Sylvia Browne.  I found her book in the New Age section. In the new age section were the books about astrology, numerology, tarot, crystals, ghosts, magick (yes, magick with a ‘k’), paranormal phenomena and developing psychic abilities, etc.  And next to that were books on topics like meditation, spiritual journeys, karma, reincarnation and finding your purpose known as dharma.  Next to those books, were the books about fad diets, improving your romance life, spa retreats, growing a business, improving interpersonal skills, interviewing skills, family relationships, etc.  Whoa!

It was in that moment I realized there was a whole genre of books that interested me! The bookstore became a favorite place for me to hang out.  I could buy a cup of coffee, pick out a book, and then sit back, relax and learn.  Back then, I wasn’t in a hurry to change myself in any overt way.  I just wanted to learn.  When I saw a book called ‘Conversations With God’ by Neal Donald Walsh, I had to read it.  I am so glad that I did.   That book and others made me realize that there are so many different points of views about life. 

Life is what you make out of it.  You are so unique that when you read a book, your understanding of it is uniquely yours.  As you read this blog, what you get out of it will be different from the next person that reads it and different from me.

One of the self-help industry’s goal is to assist you in becoming aware of your uniqueness and how you can accept and honor yourself and at the same time flourish in numerous ways. Keep in mind that you are unique as you read these books. Tweaking the formulas/methods/suggestions presented in these books to fit where you is very much the appropriate thing to do. They are just reference material.  Take from them what resonates with you and leave the rest behind for another time or never.

The definition of self-help is the act or an instance of helping or improving oneself without assistance from others. Having said that, here are some of my favorite self-help authors that I have benefited from their assistance through their books: Dr. Wayne Dyer, Michael Neill, Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne, Pam Grout, Steven R. Covey, Louise Hay, Don Miguel Ruiz, Carolyn Myss, Marianne Williamson, Iyanla Vanzant, Deepak Chopra and of course, Sylvia Browne.

Blessings from my soul to yours always!  Kimberly Thomas

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