As soon as I heard that Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson were writing a book together, I knew I wanted to review it.
Both of these exceptional women have been my mentors and what I call treasured teachers in my life. They inspire me, encourage me, and remind me to pay attention to my thoughts, my words, and my choices. Each of them, in their own ways, has made a huge contribution to who I am today.
When this book showed up in the mail, on a Friday night, I did a "Happy Dance" and said, "Wahoo!!!" and then I sat down to start reading. I finished half the book the first night, and I finished the second half the next day. Now, I've read it twice all the way through. I enjoyed it both times.
Reading it was especially fun because I felt like I was there with Louise and Cheryl for each of their conversations and that was a joyful feeling. The conversations take place in cities including San Diego, Tampa, Orlando, and New York here in the USA, as well as in Toronto, Vancouver, and London. Some of the conversations even take place with Skype while they are both in their pajamas with no makeup!
I wanted to be part of the conversation. The way it's written I felt like I was there with them.
Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson have made a huge difference in the lives of people all over our planet – and I am one of them.
YOU CAN CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE
Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay's new book - and me!
An inspiring book by two exceptional women!!!
I first discovered Cheryl in 1999 when I heard her talking about her first book, "Take Time for Your Life." Louise Hay came into my life in a BIG way in 2005 with her book "You Can Heal Your Life" and her "I Can Do It!" conference which I attended because of my Mom's health.
Cheryl said her first thought when considering Reid Tracy's suggestion for her to write a book with Louise Hay was, "That would be a unique opportunity to learn from a woman who has had such a vast impact on my life as well as the lives of millions of others."
The book consists of a series of heart-to-heart conversations about spiritual principles that have shaped their lives.
The book is from Cheryl's point of view, but it highlights the comments made by Louise during each of the conversations. I liked that Cheryl also told us what she was thinking, feeling, and gave examples of how the conversations with Louise Hay were changing how she looked at life and how she talked to herself about life.
Some of the stories were familiar to me from reading Louise and Cheryl's previous books, but there was so much more depth that now I know both of them in ways I never had before.
I love the titles of the chapters:
1. Answer the Phone and Open the Mail
2. Becoming the Creator of an Exceptional Life
3. How You Start Your Day is How You Live Your Day
4. How You Live Your Day is How You Live Your Life
5. Don't Break a Habit – Dissolve it!
6. The Beauty of Wisdom
7. The End of the Movie
Themes:
Simplicity – small, simple steps…
Optimism – attention and energy on solutions…
Patience – experiencing the journey…
Trust – opportunities for growth…
Growth – life as a classroom…
Service – encourage and assist…
Action – "show up" and walk through doors…
Faith – keep moving forward…
Magnetism – the ability to attract…
Louise says her question has always been: "How can I help people?"
Louise believes, "We are powerful, creative beings who determine our future with every thought we think and every word we speak."
Cheryl's thoughts about what Louise said above: "As I consider Louise's remark, I realize, at its core, this message is one of the most important: In our purest, most positive state of mind, we are powerful creators of our very best lives. When we think good thoughts, we feel good. When we feel good, we make good choices. When we feel good and make good choices, we draw more good experiences into our lives. It really is that simple… and elegant … and true."
Our sweet cat, Bender, with "You Can Create an Exceptional Life"
What do I love about Louise and Cheryl's new book? The size and the length. It left me wanting more, and yet feeling as if it was perfect just the length it is – to savor the first reading and to read it again and again over time for the reminders and enjoyment.
Why do I recommend it? I found it inspiring, and it was fun to read. I felt as if I was there with Louise and Cheryl in the various cities and countries. Cheryl did a great job of describing where they were and what it felt and looked like to her. I especially enjoyed her description of what it was like to be in Louise's home. She made me feel as if I was there with them. What fun!
I recommend it because whether you know Louise and Cheryl or not it is inspiring. For those who do know their work – and who love them – it is a wonderful feeling to be part of their conversations about love and how to love yourself and your life. I loved hearing their thoughts on how to get the most enjoyment possible from each day.
What would I suggest to make it better? To record it as CDs so we can hear Louise and Cheryl having the conversations!! I love both of their voices and would love to hear them reading it.
There are wonderful affirmations throughout the book and in lists at the end as well. One of my favorites, now, is: "Life loves me." I've started to say, "Life loves me. I love life, and I love me!" (over and over) when I am on my way to sleep, as I get up, and when I feel I need some love during the day.
Cheryl asked Louise how she looks and feels so good at (almost) 85. Louise's answers were as follows:
"Well it comes down to loving yourself, loving your body, and making peace with the aging process. When you love yourself, you care about your body, and you care about what you put into it. You also care about the thoughts you choose to think."
"I have cultivated a mental outlook that allows me to see life from the most positive advantage. This positive, loving, grateful, joyous outlook attracts to me the greatest life – and that's why this is the best decade so far."
What a book!!!
What exceptional women!!!
I am thankful to have them both as mentors, teachers, role models, and I am happy that I am excited to see them both October 14-16, 2011 in Pasadena at the "I Can Do It!" conference (check it out).
Here are four ways to buy this exceptional and inspiring book:
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