MBR reviews Simple Serenity by Nancy Oelklaus

Reviewer’s Bookwatch: April 2022
Carolyn Wilhelm’s Bookshelf

I didn’t think I needed any more finding joy books, so started reading thinking it would be the same old. The author suggested writing, drawing, painting, or other activities to help process the book. Not just read it through? Well, it seems I changed my mind soon after beginning to read. This is not a “preachy” text as Oelklaus explains how her thoughts helped her to find peace. She discusses being “in love” as opposed to trying to fix other people. She explains how she stopped being a fixer of other people and says it is freeing to her to mind her own business.

Yes, some of the short writing pieces with questions at the end did seem quite easy. Some seemed to be great for writing group prompts, some seemed good for a reading group discussion warm-up, or even useful for art class. I think counselors might refer to some chapters for finding discussion topics. One of her ideas to solve feeling overwhelmed is explained in terms of her practical and step-by-step system. All in a very short chapter, which others could try although it is explained in terms of her own life. Her lesson from a ceiling fan recently happened to me after I found a telescoping and bending duster online, bought it, and was able to dust our ceiling fans. The vignettes are relatable. She asks:

“When have you felt as if you were being held hostage and your world was narrowing? How did you work your way out of it?”

A wardrobe can support the life you truly want to live, according to Oelklaus. She tells about buying three pieces of clothing and donating four. No piling all the clothes you own in one room, just thinking about the life you want.

She also discusses a “God box.” Any nagging thoughts can be put in such a box until you can see it clearly for what is really is about.

With poetry, stories from real life, and questions, this book offers a chance for a new view of life. Highly recommend.


Justin Fights Sleep

978-1-61599-376-5
$15.95
In stock
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-376-5
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Author: Ashley Vien

Justin Fights Sleep is a funny and fantastical story about a boy who has decided that sleep is not for him and how he learns from the consequences of his decision. According to Parents Magazine, sleep fulfills several biological and mental imperatives including promoting growth, protecting the heart, controlling the appetite, boosting the immune system, reducing the chance for accidents, increasing attention span, and improving learning at school. Let Justin's story be a fun and gentle introduction into the importance of sleep hygiene for your family!

"This very short book is an opportunity for parents to help children begin to learn that sleep is necessary. It provides us with the energy to enjoy our awake time activities. Every child, teen and adult remembers the excitement experienced the night before a special event. It is truly a skill to be able to self-soothe and relax. Justin's story will be a wonderful addition to your bedtime story time routine."
-- Theresa Fraser CCW, CYC-P, M.A., CPT-S Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist, Registered Psychotherapist, author of Billy Had to Move: A Foster Care Story.

For more info see http://vienabooks.com
From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com
JUV010000 Juvenile Fiction : Bedtime & Dreams
JUV015010 Juvenile Fiction : Health & Daily Living - Daily Activities

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Simple Serenity: Finding Joy in Your Life
Nancy Oelklaus
http://nancyoelklaus.com
Loving Healing Press
https://www.lhpress.com
9781615996636, $16.95 Paperback, $28.95 Hardcover, $4.95 Kindle, 168p

Carolyn Wilhelm, Reviewer
Wise Owl Factory LLC

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