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Reflections From 2018

Quote of the Day: “We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.” ― David Levithan, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List

Refections from 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Between now and the New Year take a break and reflect on the sights, sounds, and aromas you experienced over the past year. What are your favorite thoughts? Catalog in your mind the sweet memories of 2018.

Most all of us have goals we wish to achieve each year. What plans can you mark as completed for this year? Celebrate the milestones with friends and family. To you and your 2018 successes – cheers!

Refections from 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Life has its ups and downs and sometimes we have events in our lives that knock us for a loop. There are many facets to our lives like family sickness and deaths, business losses, relationship problems, and divorces to name a few that hit us hard.

Whatever you’re going through know that it can and will get better. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and reach out to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings. There’s free and confidential support just a phone call away. Talk to someone until you feel at peace again. There is promise in each new day. Believe it!

In my reflecting on the past year I came across a video that best represents my feelings. The worldwide celebration of Stand By Me |Playing for Change |Song Around the World! Like the song says, no matter who you are – you’re going to need someone to stand by you. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor – everyone needs someone to stand by them. Hope you enjoy this video with musicians playing and singing around the world. This video was produced by Playing for Change – connecting the world through music.

I hope you enjoy looking back at 2018. May all your dreams come true in the New Year! Carolyn Bowen

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

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The Travesty of Self-Deception

The Travesty of Self-Deception
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Life isn’t about maneuvering in a straight upward line. It’s about negotiating the dips, twists, and turns encountered in everyday life thereby removing obstacles standing in your path to claim your noble calling. CMBowen Author

Now available in the Timeless Edition.

The first sentence in M. Scott Peck’s book, The Road Less Traveled, says “Life is difficult.”  What a downer or surprise for those who believe failure is not an option.

Many years ago with the first edition, I wanted to quit reading after the first sentence. My definition of life was the direct opposite. Yet, I continued reading and joined a book study group to get the full force of the meaning and basis for the book. I’ll add here the end results enlarged my thinking to transcend difficulty and surrounded me with lots of warm, fuzzy feelings.

Struggle too many is unacceptable. If it becomes too hard they quit. But, the question comes to mind, how long should you struggle, sometimes leaving a trail of brokenness in your wake? Perhaps, you’re barking up the wrong tree decoded means this business/career is not for you. Highlight: There is a special way for you to showcase your talents. Go back to square one!

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

If you’re repeating previous failures, stop now and get some help before your upside down peeking out a mouse hole.

Question for Today

How long do you think you should attempt to accomplish a goal? For example, building a business, before quitting?

I look forward to reading your comments. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Hope you’ll check out my “About Page” to learn more about my books and writing life.

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

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Stress: The Good, Bad and the Ugly!

Quote of the Day: “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

World Mental Health Day

Stress: The Good Bad and the Ugly!

Today is World Mental Health Day and a worthy awareness cause to celebrate. However, concerns for friends and family’s mental health and our own should be something we recognize daily.

Recently I was told about a woman who was in the midst of the worst and best days of her life. The events happened in threes with some planned and others unplanned. The occurrences hiked her normal stress levels to new heights.

The first was the unexpected death of a parent, immediately followed by her daughter’s planned wedding, then a car accident where she was at fault. You’re probably thinking – how in the world was she coping? It seemed she was attempting to put one foot in front of the other and carry on until she could find a place and time to personally make peace with life events.

Stresses can build up over time if not resolved and can destroy your mental and physical health. We don’t think about it often, but good happenings like weddings, new job, partner, home, financial windfall, and others add to our stress level. Then when the boom falls caused by death, divorce, job or business loss, home disaster, and other life problems we find ourselves staring at the bottom of a dark hole.

We feel debilitating stress when the good and bad experiences make an impact acting as a vortex spinning our world out of control.

When you’re feeling you’re being swallowed up by things out of your control, seek help. Don’t wait for things to get better on their own. There is qualified help to get you back on a wellness path. For immediate free help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Today through the end of the year, December 31st, 2018 I’m offering new subscribers a free Kindle version of my personal transformation book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Act Now! Limited Offer – Fill in the information below for emailing your gift code to redeem your book.

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!”

 

To learn more about my books, review my “About” page, Amazon Author Page, and/or your favorite bookstores.

Stress Relief, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!, Books by Carolyn BowenThanks for connecting, Carolyn Bowen, Author.

 

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Courage Under Fire!

Courage Under Fire, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Elliot

Today’s topic is courage for I can’t think of a more pertinent quality and conduct for achieving success.

Courage Defined

Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle.

To step into your destiny and live your dreams for the future, courage or a lack thereof plays an important role. When you’re feeling courageous it seems the world is your template to create the lifestyle of your choosing.

When doubt intervenes in your thought processes, you become stuck in your tracks unable or fearful for making a decision that changes the status quo. Calculated change to your present circumstances can bring about the results you’re seeking. A shift in your mindset toward the idea of success and accomplishing your goals is the first step.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

What’s impeding your steps toward achieving your goals?

  1. Fear of judgment or being ridiculed
  2. The embarrassment of falling on your face in public
  3. Unsure of your capabilities for achieving your goals
  4. Not having a clear plan and strategy for success

The above are all possibilities if you focus on the downside. Some of the most successful people in history have failed, more than once, but they didn’t stop trying or believing in their goals.

“Worrying about something you can’t change will forever be the biggest waste of your time.” — Unknown

Fear of the unknown has caused many to stop in their tracks, don’t let that be your downfall. People who judge you most likely don’t know you. They’re likely acting out of jealousy, greed and/or shortcomings of their own. Don’t let anyone influence your life goals. Even those close to you, don’t know everything about you. Listen, and then make your own judgment calls.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain

First, you’ve got to believe in yourself and your plans for the future. Then, have clearly defined goals and strategies for accomplishing your dreams or ideas for the future. Lastly, follow through on your plans and revise as needed to hit your mark.

What are your plans for success? Begin taking action today one step at the time. I’m looking forward to learning about your courageous leaps of faith to realize your dreams. Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

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Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Conflict Resolution: Taking the High Road

Quote of the Day: “Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” Wayne Dyer

Conflict Resolution, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!“ I talked about steering clear of negativity and taking the high road when necessary to keep from responding in like-kind toward mean-spirited actions or comments by others.

At first glance, taking the high road seems like an act of denial. Most times what you really want is to give the opposition an equally or better negative response. Although expressing those feelings may give you a temporary shot of endorphins, it’s not over yet. You may have just created a monster.

There is a purpose in stepping above the pettiness of others. You’ll have no regrets and may end up making a friend and in the least avoid a heated exchange thereby creating an enemy. There are ways of dealing with conflict when two or more opposing parties have differing points of views.

The Short List – Conflict Resolution

  • Find a safe place and time to talk
  • Stick to the facts – No personal assaults
  • Active Listening: Listen to one another with the idea of understanding what is being said. Identify his or her perception or understanding of the conflict.
  1. Are there any points that coincide with one another?
  2. Are there any points you both can agree upon and will you? Strive for a win-win outcome by providing other options for solving the problem.
  3. In business communication, map out these points of agreement and attempt to build a working model. If the goal is of mutual interest, then fine-tuning the overall concept with strategies for achievement becomes one step easier.
  4. In interpersonal communication, conflict gets sticker. Finding the upside for mutual agreement usually doesn’t have the same focus as business conflicts where monetary gains are on the line.
  • Recognize that all of us have biased fairness perceptions. If no agreement can be made that will work for everyone, accept the other person has the right to their opinion and let it go.
  • The feel-good feeling will return and you can go about your lives in peace and harmony.

Latest Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Limited Offer – Act Now! Note: If you follow using a social media sign-in, please provide an email address to send the gift in privacy mode. Thank you!

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Latest Writing News

Quote of the Day: “To think to long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” Eve Young

person writing on white book
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Sunday’s are a day of reflection and planning around my house for me. Today is exciting as I look forward to my next creative venture. And, you’re invited to participate in my latest Sunday fun day idea!

The V.I.P. Launch Team

Team members will receive the first copy of my new books for review and comments. Also, members will have the opportunity to win prizes of a few of my favorite things – books and more. Join the V.I.P. Group today. Thanks for your support!

 

Free Gift For Subscribing to “The Writing Life!”

Please leave your name and email address for a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” by Carolyn Bowen. Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life! #SelfHelp #MentalHealth #Bestseller

Life is precious – go live it! ~ Carolyn M. Bowen

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Hello September!

Quote of the Day: “The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

September1

September is waving its magic wand inviting us into a new season when fall begins and summer ends. The quote for today honors Longfellow’s favorite month – September. May it become our best month yet!

Here are a few special days for September 2018.

Celebrate Self Improvement this month!

September 3 – 1st Monday in September – Labor Day

September 6th Read a Book Day!

September 8th International Literacy Day!

September 23rd Autumn Equinox – fall begins!

September 25th National Comic Book Day

Background – Labor Day

Labor Day, is a legal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone, and the Virgin Islands. Canada also celebrates Labor Day on the same day.

What Labor Day Means

For most people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and a chance to say goodbye to the summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to men and women in the workforce. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States (NYC) since September 5th, 1882 in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union.

Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of  “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen (ends September 9th). Learn how to change your world one step at a time.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success by Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends September 09, 2018.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

 

As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Tasty Book Reviews and More…

Quote of the Day: Summertime and reading are the perfect pairings!

Early Autumn

Labor Day will be here before we know it broadcasting the end of summer. The leaves are beginning to change acting as a harbinger for the fall season. I would have missed these telltale signs if not for enjoying nature. Time flies.

This summer I’ve done a lot of reading and writing. A much-prescribed ambition for becoming a successful author. Below I’ll reference one of my latest reviews for books I enjoyed reading.

Update on my latest book release – “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!”

Thank you for spreading the word about this personal development book. This little instruction book was written in hopes of helping others define and achieve their destiny. I appreciate your sharing this self-help book with your friends and family.

In the weeks ahead, I’m offering a Kindle version for everyone who follows my blog. Of course, if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it now for free.

How to Claim Your FREE Copy!

It’s simple, just click the follow button on the upper right-hand side near the descriptions about the blog.  Leave your email address and I’ll mail you a gift code for downloading Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!

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Here’s my latest review in the mystery/thriller genre – The Broker by John Grisham.

The BrokerThe Broker by John Grisham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grisham pulls out all the stops in this international legal thriller. Follow former Washington D.C. power broker, Joel Backman, as he attempts to put the pieces together about his last-minute presidential pardon.

He was now on the run with his assigned government handler. He was loaded into a cargo plane immediately after release from federal prison with a need to know the destination. Could he keep his wits about him and thwart their interrogations and possible death sentence?

Who are the people chasing him and why? He suspected U.S. government spy agencies, Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis had obtained secrets about his former client’s sophisticated satellite surveillance system, JAM.

He was provided with little details and cash from the people sent to watch over him. Learning Italian was a must for his survival or said his handler. He was diligent in his studies with the tutors provided by the government. He learned his way around the Italian city of Bologna and became adept at losing his handler.

He enjoyed early morning walks in the crisp air, the food and wines, and historical sites. His body became leaner and healthier with his outside explorations. Even he didn’t recognize the man he saw in the mirror.

The C.I.A. planned to release his whereabouts to the global spy agencies interested in his secrets and watch who’d kill him first. He was tipped off when his bag was stolen in a restaurant during a scheme caused to disrupt service. Not long afterward, he was confronted by two men from the F.B.I. near his apartment. He knew other spy agencies were probably closing in. It was time to leave Bologna but could he with no money, passport, or change of clothes?

His being on the run trying to stay ahead of deadly spy agencies proved to be daunting. Where should he go and how could he survive since they were always one step behind?

This heart-racing thriller will keep you on your toes. How many people would be killed because of his client’s secrets? Was it possible for him to broker one last deal – the most important one in his life?

View all my reviews

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

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Your Key To Success: #1 Bestseller New Releases

Quote of the Day:  “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” ― Paulo Coelho

Author Carolyn Bowen, Cross-Steppinng Your Way To Succeess, #1 Bestseller, Amazon Hot List

Oh, happy day! My dreams are coming true by helping you discover yours and claiming your destiny. I am grateful for today’s happy news!

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” is currently an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Mental Health Law New Releases and #5 in Amazon Hot New Releases for Family & Health Law. I’ll be on the lookout for more great news! Thank you for making this possible. Let me help you realize your dreams, too!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Life’s tiny little instruction book for mastering success! Author and lifestyle coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time.  Download and Read ” “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.”

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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July Writing News

July Writing News, Success

Quote for Today: “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”  Albert Einstein

Today’s an exciting day. My new personal development non-fiction book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, is now live on Amazon. Here’s the skinny on it!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

With “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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