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.


Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts

978-1-932690-97-2
$22.95
In stock
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-932690-97-2
Brand: Life Scripts Press
Finally a treatment approach that embraces the whole family!


In one sense, alcoholics and drug addicts are the fortunate ones. They have to learn a new
way to live or risk death, incarceration, and loss of everything they hold dear.

But what about the other members of their family? Because so many of them believe that the
addict is the problem, they do nothing about their own habits of mind and heart--and continue
to live in resentment, anger, and fear, feeding their own stress level and shortening their lives in a
way that's very different from the addict--yet, on another level, remarkably similar.

Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts contains information,
explanation, and processes for change. Following the steps outlined in this book brings peace of
mind, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ability--truly--to live happily ever after.



About the Authors


Nancy Oelklaus, Ed. D. has more than 30 years in education, specializing in curriculum development, professional
development, and leadership development. First and foremost, she is a teacher. She's also an author, coach,
speaker, and workshop leader.


Irene Watson, MA brings over 40 years of life changing experiences and study into her hands-on retreats and
workshops. Her background includes psychosynthesis therapy and entrepreneurship. Irene's vision is to inspire others to find their authentic self.


Liliane Desjardins, LCAS loves helping people to do better. With 32 years of clinical experience, she understands and appreciates the beauty, resilience, resourcefulness and deep intelligence of
human spirit.



Acclaim for Rewriting Life Scripts



"Rewriting Life Scripts is a must read for everybody in a family that lives with
addiction. A lot has been written about and for people who are addicted. But this book is
for the family. And it's good. Their advice is very straightforward and practical and their description of the family disease is a very real picture of the
kind of reactions family members develop when they live with someone who is addicted."

--Tony Mandarich, former NFL player, author of My Dirty Little Secrets: Steroids, Alcohol, and God



"Rewriting Life Scripts is an invaluable roadmap for anyone navigating the difficult journey through the family disease
of alcoholism, with stories of success from real people who have 'been there, done that' and are
willing to share their experience, strength and hope. Addiction doesn't discriminate and neither
should recovery -- recovery for the family too."

--William C. Moyers, author of Broken and


From Life Scripts Press

Learn more about this book at www.RewritingLifeScripts.com



SEL026000 Self-Help : Substance Abuse and Addictions - General

FAM501000 Family and Relationships : Dysfunctional Families

SEL003000 Self-Help : Adult Children of Alcoholics
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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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