Book Review: Living Intentionally by Bonnie Aaron (And a contest!)

An Apology

I feel bad, because I promised to do an interview with Dr. Bonnie Aaron to discuss her upcoming book, Living Intentionally. I should have posted the interview today, but I only got halfway through the book and didn't have the time to get my questions over to her. Not that I didn't like the book--I was completely intrigued--I just didn't have the free time I thought I would, and I'm a fairly slow reader.

I'm on a self-help reading kick right now, so I didn't hesitate volunteering when I had the opportunity to get an advanced reader copy. Hopefully, when the smoke settles and I finish the book, I can get Dr. Aaron to return and answer some questions.

Why This Resonated With me

I coasted along in life, just doing what I thought others expected of me, until I was in my early 20's. I'd been this way since birth, so I'd never even considered an alternative existed. When I read "7 Habits of Highly Successful People" by Stephen R. Covey, I realized for the first time that I could actually determine my path in life.

If this book existed back then, it is probably what I would have picked up next (instead, I devoured a lot of Dale Carnegie). Don't get me wrong, this isn't a rehash of 7 Habits, but the principles within the 6 steps from "Living Intentionally" compliment and resonate with Covey's masterpiece.

Here is the back cover, explaining in the author's voice what is to be found within it's pages:

Living Intentionally is the result of implementing the six step transformation process outlined in this book. Following the steps outlined will motivate readers to take responsibility for their lives, stop blaming others, and stop making excuses for their present circumstances. The goal of this book is to help readers experience the joy of living intentionally. 

Here are six simple steps to your transformation:
1. Discover your purpose
2. Identify what is not working
3. Elevate your consciousness
4. Be your own change agent
5. A call to action
6. Assess your progress 

Transforming your life is an ongoing process and this book is designed to be your companion as you embark on a continual process of transformation and breakthrough. This book is designed to empower you with the tools needed to discover your purpose and live intentionally. The tools are only potential power and will become powerful when action is applied. Each chapter offers practical application steps followed-up with call to action. The steps outlined in this book will help you establish a foundation for your transformation and breakthrough. 

My transformational journey arose from the ashes of personal tragedy and failure to a life of clarity and intention. I hope that as you read my story you will be inspired to implement the steps and transform your life. The steps in this book will challenge you to ask questions that only you have the answers to. By the time you have finished the book, you will appreciate all of the failures in your life that can be used to your advantage. You are about to discover what it means to be unstoppable.

I love that last word: unstoppable. It is so apt! In the book, she quoted one of my favorite sayings:

If you believe you can do a think, or if you believe you cannot, in either case, you are right. -Henry Ford

It's true, you can't stop somebody who knows what they intend to do with their lives. It is so liberating to know that the best path to success and happiness isn't the one somebody else paved, but it is the one you determine and create for yourself.

A Contest

Yay, prizes!! I get the privilege of hosting a rafflecopter in anticipation of the book's release. If you're interested in winning an eBook copy for yourself, just enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway