Janet Boyer

Book Gems #10 Unsinkable by Sonia Ricotti

I first heard of Sonia Ricotti as a fellow Hampton Roads author. I LOVED her book Law of Attraction Plain and Simple, primarily because it was one of the most clear and sensible treatments of the LOA that I had ever read.

When I heard she was coming out with a new book (this time, from the wonderful folks at New Page Books), I couldn't WAIT to read it! I just finished Unsinkable: How to Bounce Back Quickly When Life Knocks You Down a few days ago (review forthcoming) and it's so inspirational. If you're "stuck" or discouraged, I think you'll love Unsinkable--because it's packed with practical wisdom, grounded insights and Sonia's characteristic warmth.

For now, here's an excerpt from Unsinkable, in the section about faith. Enjoy!

Have Faith in What Will Be

Faith is an interesting word. When I researched it in various dictionaries, I found that it has many meanings and definitions. I have also found that it means different things to different people. To some, faith is a religious term; to others it represents hope and belief in something, but regardless of what the word means to you, faith can offer comfort when you are faced with challenging experiences.

I found my favorite definition of the word in the English Word Dictionary:

Faith: A strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence.

An “unshakeable belief”—those words really ring true to me; believing in something beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Faith is what I had when everything in my life felt as thought it was falling apart. Without it, I’m not sure how I would have gotten through everything. Believing in something bigger than myself, believing that everything was going to be okay, believing that something incredible was going to come out of it is what helped me move from the deep darkness toward the light.

…Think of a time in the past when something major happened in your life when you thought it was the worst thing that could possibly have happened. Then, a month, a year, or two years later you realized it was the best thing that ever happened to you.

It may not be clear right now why things are happening the way they are. But having faith and trust that it is all unfolding as it is supposed to can having a calming effect when you are in the midst of a chaotic storm. Have faith that it is all unfolding for a higher purpose. Be patient. The purpose will reveal itself with time—if you allow it to.

Click here to see the Unsinkable page on the New Page Books website. Click here to visit Sonia's website. Click here to order Unsinkable from Amazon.com in hardcover, and here for Kindle.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin) 

Peach Avocado Salsa

 This delicious salsa is a favorite with my husband and myself. We mostly use it for dipping tortilla chips, but it also goes great with grilled chicken, fish and pork dishes--as well as spicy foods. Enjoy!

* 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) sliced peaches, drained and chopped
*1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
*1 tablespoon lime juice
*2 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
*1/4 cup diced onion
*2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
*1 tablespoon cider vinegar
*1 to 2 teaspoons seeded chopped jalapeno
*1 garlic clove, minced
*1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine the peaches, avocado and lime juice. Add the remaining ingredients; lightly toss just until combined. You can lessen and increase ingredients to your taste. For example, I put in LOTS more cilantro.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer Publishing 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer Publishing 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows

Check out this fab trailer of the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie, Game of Shadows, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law (there's a Tarot reading at the beginning, too!).

Obviously, though, Rober Downey, Jr. is incorrect in saying that this sneak peek is "only" available via iTunes Trailers!

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer Publishing 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer Publishing 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Noah Sez - I Should Be Cat-Mind, Not Monkey-Mind

Our wise resident sage Mr. Noah just declared he should be cat-mind, not monkey-mind.

In Buddhism, the monkey mind describes the mental state of turmoil or racing thoughts. Noah, our 12-year old, is currently reading The Mindful Child by Susan K. Greeland. Although geared towards parents, teachers and caregivers, I asked Noah to read it for his own benefit.

Through mindfulness practices such as watching the breath and focusing on the present moment, Noah has benefited greatly in managing stressful thoughts and emotions. I taught him about the "monkey mind", and how it likes to squeal and yell--jumping from one thing to the next.

Apparently, my little lesson took root...because he just made the above comment about wanting a "cat-mind".

We often observe our cats, Neo and Stuart, and I point out how they have no worries of the future, nor do they beat themselves up for the past. They just ARE--and are enjoying every minute of their beingness!

So what kind of mind would YOU like today?

 
-- Janet (Mom to Noah--another Renaissance Soul Ablaze)