Category: Books

Being Yourself Is Your Superpower:12 Things About My Authentic Gypsy Soul

In a world that often expects us to be something that we’re not, it can be difficult to find our true selves. We are constantly getting messages from the media and society telling us what is acceptable and what is not. In the end, most of us try fitting into a mold that simply does not fit.

Thankfully, more and more women are starting to break free from societal expectations and embrace who they truly are. They are learning to love themselves for who they are, quirks and all. And that is something truly amazing.

For me, I am a gypsy soul. Learning what a gypsy soul is made me realize I’m not crazy or weird but just being my authentic self – doing what comes naturally to me. Don’t make yourself nuts trying to fit into a societal norm. Figure out your own norm. What makes you feel alive, excited, and comfortable? After being conditioned by expectations for so many years, you might go through a trial-and-error period learning what feels authentic, but it’s a self-discovery that profoundly impacts how you live your life and how you experience joy in this world.

Here are the twelve things that feel authentic for me and my gypsy soul:

1. I am an old soul in a modern world. Sometimes it feels like I was born in the wrong time period. 
2. I am self-sufficient, unpredictable, and fiercely independent. I work hard to make my own wishes and dreams come true. 
3. I am not scared of life, and life doesn’t scare me. While life can be scary at times, I know that’s when I learn and grow the most. I can be the hero of my own life.
4. I am a collector of moments; material things are not important. I rather have a barrel full of memories than a barrel full of things!
5. I am a passionate person who asks deep questions and thinks about deeper aspects of life. Self-discovery is always on my mind, and I want to know all the things about all the things. Don’t give me small talk; give me a deep, meaningful conversation.
6. I love nature and art, being imaginative and creative, and music runs through my veins. Being in nature makes me feel alive. I want rocks covered in moss with a small stream running nearby.  
7. I let my emotions guide me, am empathetic, and trust my intuition. I tend to think and feel things way too much. 
8. I believe in magic and miracles. I’m optimistic and know that something good is always around the corner. There is a silver lining in every cloud and magic in every day; sometimes you just have to find it.
9. I dance to the beat of my own drum and live an unconventional lifestyle. I’m constantly looking for something new and exciting. I’m creating my own path and finding my own joy. You may not always agree with my choices, but I’m making those choices for me and not you!
10. I am a free-spirited, adventurous wanderer who loves my freedom. I want new places and new faces. I want to experience all there is to experience! It’s not about checking off boxes; it’s about experiencing it all!
11. I am full of energy and want to live life on my own terms, always open to change and embracing chaos. I have fire in my soul. There is beauty in imperfection, no need for rose-colored glasses. An authentic life doesn’t pretend to be perfect. Perfect is an illusion I quit chasing.
12. I am afraid to fall in love, but I love unconditionally. I have a big heart and every time I have loved, I have gotten hurt, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying. I hope to find someone who can match my depth.

We are all unique and amazing in our own way, and there’s no need to apologize for being who we are. So go out and be your beautiful self, unapologetically. Let society try and put us in a box – we’ll always find a way to break out and fly free.

If you’re feeling down because you don’t fit into the “norm,” remember that you are not alone. There are billions of other women out there who are also fighting against societal expectations. And together, we can make a difference.

Check out my book, Discovering My Gypsy Soul, to learn more about me and my journey of self-discovery.

About The Author

Catina Borgmann is a free-spirited, adventurous woman who has discovered and subsequently embraced her authentic gypsy soul. She was born and raised in Nebraska and lived there until 2018, when she followed her dream to live in a tiny house community in North Carolina. 

Catina is a catalyst for self-love, self-discovery, and living an authentic life. Along the way, she has made mistakes, learned lessons, fought battles, won victories, survived traumas, become an author, and started a blog. She’s managed to always find joy within her journeys.

Through her company, GypsyWander, she hopes to inspire and encourage free-spirited women around the world to live authentically and find joy in their own journeys. You can find her at www.GypsyWander.life, on Facebook, and on Pinterest.

90 Books From All Of Your Favorite Genres Published In 2021

The ultimate list of 90 new books that will fit whatever genre you love.

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things about winter is curling up with a good book under a fluffy blanket with hot cocoa within reach. No matter what genre you love – romance, bios, sci-fi, etc. – there’s definitely something in this list for you. These books have also been very recently released, which means you’ll be among the first to read them. Here are 90 books that fit your genre, whatever it may be.

Romance:

For the Love of April French – Penny Aimes

Heartbreak for Hire – Sonia Hartl

Incense and Sensibility – Sonali Dev

Neon Gods – Katee Robert

Seven Days in June – Tia Williams

The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes – Xio Axelrod

The Intimacy Experiment – Rosie Danan

Love at First – Kate Clayborn

The Ex Talk – Rachel Lynn Solomon

Shipped – Angie Hockman

Mystery

The Last Thing He Told Me – Laura Dave

The Maidens – Alex Michaelides

The Wife Upstairs – Rachel Hawkins

Local Woman Missing – Mary Kubica

When the Stars Go Dark – Paula McLain

For Your Own Good – Samantha Downing

The Night She Disappeared: A Novel – Lisa Jewell

The Man Who Died Twice – Richard Osman

A Slow Fire Burning: A Novel – Paula Hawkins

Too Good to Be True – Carola Lovering

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

The Nature of Middle Earth – J.R.R. Tolkien

The Body Scout: A Novel – Lincoln Michel

The Last Graduate – Naomi Novik

The Brides of Maracoor – Gregory Maguire

Perhaps the Stars – Ada Palmer

Noor – Nnedi Okorafor

Termination Shock – Neal Stephenson

Alien³: The Unproduced First-Draft Screenplay by William Gibson – Pat Cadigan

Truth of the Divine: A Novel – Lindsay Ellis

The Veiled Throne – Ken Liu

Horror

Later – Stephen King

The Last House on Needless Street – Catriona Ward

The Mary Shelley Club – Goldy Moldavsky

The Final Girl Support Group – Grady Hendrix

The Book of Accidents – Chuck Wendig

My Heart is a Chainsaw – Stephen Graham Jones

Revelator – Daryl Gregory

A Broken Darkness – Premee Mohamed

Whisper Down the Lane – Clay McLeod Chapman

The Drowning Kind – Jennifer McMahon

Poetry

Many Kinds of Love: A Love Story of Life, Death and the NHS – Michael Rosen

A Blood Condition – Kayo Chingonyi

Wicked Enchantment: Selected Poems – Wanda Coleman

Teeth in the Back of My Neck – Monika Radojevic

Rotten Days in Late Summer – Ralf Webb

Poems: 1962-2020 – Louise Glück

Call Us What We Carry: Poems – Amanda Gorman

The Crossing – Manjeet Mann

Sho – Douglas Kearney

Glass Constellation: New and Collected Poems – Arthur Sze

Young Adult

Roman and Jewel – Dana L. Davis

Be Dazzled – Ryan La Sala

Lore – Alexandra Bracken

Happily Ever Afters – Elise Bryant

You Have a Match: A Novel – Emma Lord

The Girls I’ve Been – Tess Sharpe

City of Villains – Estelle Laure

Written in Starlight – Isabel Ibañez

Hot British Boyfriend – Kristy Boyce

These Feathered Flames – Alexandra Overy

Historical Fiction

Band of Sisters: A Novel – Lauren Willig

The Rose Code: A Novel – Kate Quinn

Our Woman in Moscow: A Novel – Beatriz Williams

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur – Alka Joshi

The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel – Kristin Harmel

Three Words for Goodbye: A Novel – Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Harlem Shuffle – Colson Whitehead

Of Women and Salt – Gabriela Garcia

The Social Graces – Renee Rosen

The Personal Librarian – Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Non-Fiction

Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir – Ashley C. Ford

The Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt – Audrey Clare Farley

My Broken Language: A Memoir – Quiara Alegría Hudes

White Magic – Elissa Washuta

Crying in H Mart – Michelle Zauner

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty – Patrick Radden Keefe

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism – Amanda Montell

A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance – Hanif Abdurraqib

Animal, Vegetable, Junk: A History of Food, From Sustainable to Suicidal – Mark Bittman

Please Don’t Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes – Phoebe Robinson

Biography/Autobiography

The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Power – Max Chafkin

Philip Roth: The Biography – Blake Bailey

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music – Dave Grohl

Goodbye, Guns N’ Roses: The Crime, Beauty, and Amplified Chaos of America’s Most Polarizing Band – Art Tavana

Hollywood Eden: Electric Guitars, Fast Cars, and the Myth of the California Paradise – Joel Selvin

The Triumph of Nancy Reagan – Karen Tumulty

Unfinished: A Memoir – Priyanka Chopra Jonas

The Almost Legendary Morris Sisters: A True Story of Family Fiction – Julie Klam

The Young H. G. Wells: Changing the World – Claire Tomalin

Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century – Tim Higgins

Check out some of these reads and see if you can borrow them from the library (old-school style), download them to your electronic devices, or purchase them to keep it all to yourself. Happy reading!

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About the Author

Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

How to Turn A Viral Article into A Published Book

Viral articles are sometimes the launching pad for a successful writing career. A viral article may turn into a series of articles followed by a book, or it may be the impetus for writing a book. Here are a few tips on how to turn a viral article into a published book. 

 

You Can Create a Series of Articles on the Same Subject 

Every book should have a central focus, even if it is your ramblings about life. Think about the story you’re trying to tell, if a personal blog post has gone viral or a short story has become wildly popular. If you have an article on a subject you know about go viral, then you can consider whether or not you have enough content to create a whole book based on the series. A rough rule of thumb equates 500 words to a single page. If you have 100 related two-page articles saved on your computer hard drive, you have a 200-page (or longer) book. If you have dozens of related articles you’d like to write, you could probably create a book, even if it is only a collection of essays.

If you have a short story that has gone viral, sit down and write out an outline for a potential book. Do you have enough “story” to stretch it into a book? Do you have other short stories in the same genre that could be released in the same collection?

In short, make sure you have enough content to fill a book before you start the actual process of writing a book. 

Get the Tools You Need to Write the Book 

In theory, any word processing program is good enough. However, you might from dedicated book writing software. This software may automatically format chapter headings and track references to sources. Using tools made for authors will create the polished manuscript you would send to publishers. The best book writing tools will check your spelling and your grammar while reporting the readability score of the content. 

Publish the Book 

There are several ways you could publish the book. One option is selecting an agent and asking them to shop the manuscript with publishers. This is the traditional approach. Unfortunately, you might pay an agent who never gets the book published. Another option is self-publishing. This has been made easier by ebook publishers who let you upload a book manuscript, select the settings you want to apply and then hit publish. This approach may make the book widely available such as when you publish through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Other services will offer an ebook for download and a printed version for those willing to pay for the printed book. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay them part of the proceeds to pay for the service. 

Another solution is offering the book for download to your readers. This approach gives you total control over its publication and all of the income. The challenge is getting people willing to pay you for the book through your website. 

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8 Best Horse-Related Books Every Equestrian Needs to Read

When you love horses, you love horses, and there’s no other feeling in the world like the special connection you can have with yours. It’s beautiful and inspiring, and easily one of the most rewarding things you can do in the modern age. 

If you share this passion for horses and always share a passion for reading, you’ll love the fact there are so many horse-related books out there for you to dive into. Today, we’re going to explore eight of the very best that every horse rider and lover should fill their bookshelves with!

1.    The Faraway Horses – Buck Brannaman

Buck Brannaman, one of the most iconic horse riders in the world, even featured in the aptly named iconic documentary Buck back in 2011, has now written his own book that will change your life.

“Easily one of the most intense rollercoasters of emotion, you’re sure to laugh, cry, and feel like a different person once you’ve flicked through the pages of what this book has to offer you,” says Veronica Emobi, a writer at Assignment Help and State Of Writing.

2.    Riding Lessons – Sara Gruen

If you’re in the mood for a bit of light-hearted reading and you simply want to unwind and take a breather from life, riding lessons is the book for you. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of misinformation in this book, including some of the myths about horse riding you might laugh at, but as a far as a story goes, this is one of the best and most gripping.

3.    Sgt Reckless America’s War Horse – Robin Hutton

Based on the true tale of one of the most defining and courageous warhorses to grace America, this story follows the steps of Sgt Reckless, who served with the Marines during the Korean War and is still, to this day, the only animal to have been given the official rank of a Marine Corps.

4. Chosen by a Horse – Susan Richards

Chosen by a Horse is a captivating horse-based novel that will have you hooked from start to finish. Written with grown-ups in mind, the story follows Lay Me Down, a retired and forgotten about racehorse, now with a foul which is then rescued and shown the love it so desperately needs. A heartfelt tale through and through.

5. The Horse Whisperer – Nicholas Evans

The chances are, as a horse lover, you’ve seen the major motion picture of the same name, the one starring Robert Redford, but have you given yourself the time to read the book? Set in the heart of Montana, the story recounts the events of Tom Booker, a horse whisperer who could be an injured horse’s last hope.

6. Borrowed Horses – Sian Griffiths

A classic tale for horse lovers, the story here follows Joannie Edson, an Olympic hopeful who is torn between her love for the sport and being there to support her family, including her ever-increasingly sick and poorly mother. Time goes on, and as her horse gets older and further away from being able to complete, the time comes for Joannie to make a life-changing decision.

7. Shadow Horse – Alison Hart

While this list has focused on adult horse riding books, if you’re looking for a book that will satisfy both adults and children alike, this is the book for you. “With plenty of classic horse references, such as the Devon Horse Show, this is a genuinely accurate book that’s captivating enough to keep you turning the pages and loving every single word,” explains Daniel De Silva, a blogger at Essay Services and Revieweal.

Beautifully written and a real page-turner, this is a book every horse enthusiast is going to love.

8. The Complete Horse Riding Guide – William Micklem

To finish off our list, I’m going to draw your attention to this book, which is exactly as the title suggests. Of course, reading is no match to actual experience, but if you’re looking to master your craft, learn new techniques, and mindfully sharpen your skills, there’s no better book than this.

This book contains everything from how to look after your horse and find the right horse for a rider and then goes onto how to show jump and participate properly in events. Everything you’ll need is right here.

About The Author

Katherine Rundell is a dog fan and the proud owner of a French bulldog. A successful writer at Top Essay Writing Services and Academ Advisor, Kath also tutors students of all ages online at Research paper help service website. When not working, she can be found running around her local park with her faithful dog.

5 Inspirational Women Authors of the 21st Century

Women don’t have it easy in this male-dominated world. While male authors were backed up by their ancient superiority, female authors had to fight to earn respect and to be seen as equally artistic and creative writers.

Nowadays, we have a plethora of powerful women authors who give us wind beneath our wings to aim for greatness. If you want to look up to inspiring and strong women of the 21st century whose works can shake your beliefs, you can start from the women on this list.

 

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Do you want to hear the story of how it is like to be a highly intelligent, young, and ambitious black woman in contemporary America? Then, you need to read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’swork. To be more precise, her masterpiece Americanah.

This is exactly the kind of author we need to reshape young minds. However, her work isn’t the only thing that deserves our admiration. Chimamanda is an exceptional woman who can be a true role model for any young girl.

Born in Nigeria, Chimamanda came to America to pursue her studies. She attained a master’s degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and received a Master of Arts degree in African studies from Yale University.

In 2015, Chimamanda was listed among Time Magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential People,” and in 2019, she graced the cover of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue. The issue was entitled “Forces for Change,” and Chimamanda was among 15 other female change makers selected by guest editor Meghan Markle.

 

2. Melinda Gates

Melinda Gates is an author who unravels the importance of women’s global empowerment.

In her book, In The Moment of Lift, Melinda advocates for women’s independence and explains the necessity of lifting women up. As she put it herself, “How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings – and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.”

Melinda Gates is also a former general manager at Microsoft and co-founder of the largest private foundation, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Through the foundation, she helps people from developing countries to live healthy and productive lives.

 

3. Mariam Khan

This writer and activist managed to shake up the world by the time she turned 27. Mariam Khan, a brave young woman, is an editor of an influential piece known as It’s Not About the Burqa. This collection of essays was written by Muslim women who opened up about love, mental health, wavering faith, sex, and more.

What moved Mariam to edit and publish these courageous essays is David Cameron’s (the former British Prime Minister) alleged claim that “traditional submissiveness of Muslim women” is the main factor that leads to the radicalization of Muslim men.

Agitated by false beliefs and stereotypes, Mariam decided to lift the veil of presumptions by putting the spotlight on truthful stories by commonly disregarded and unheard Muslim women.

An aspiring author and writer at SupremeDissertations, Madia Amiri, explained why every woman can be inspired by Mariam Khan. “This incredible woman showed everyone that it is high time to stop putting women in boxes. Our religion, heritage, or what we wear shouldn’t define us. Just as Muslim women are more than just their burqas,” said Madia.

 

4. Naomi Wolf

Naomi’s progressive state of mind has taken her to the feminist side. She is one of the most famous and acknowledged authors of the 21st century, thanks to her first publication, The Beauty Myth.

The book focuses on society’s devotion to discredit women and make them believe that only one look is suitable for them. Naomi reflects on “how images of beauty are used against women.”

Considering the obsession with aesthetics and women’s appearance (thanks to social media), there is no better time to read this book.

Don’t be surprised if you start taking notes along the way, as Naomi’s writing can bring out passion. Some women even made their own booklets with the help of writing services like GrabMyEssay and TrustMyPaper  by pulling the quotes from the book. Naomi’s inspiring thoughts are something you’ll want to look back to every now and then.

Prior to rising to the status of a famous author, Naomi was a political advisor for Bill Clinton and Al Gore. A strong-minded and self-accomplished woman such as Naomi can evoke motivation in every single soul.

 

5. Carol Ann Duffy

The first female Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, is a must-have author on this list. Carol didn’t shy away from tackling many controversial topics such as gender, oppression, and feminism.

Although all her poetry is admirable, The World’s Wife can be said to be a feminist classic. In this work of art, Carol brings to life the famous saying, “Behind every successful man is a strong woman.” She gives voice to wives of fictional heroes and famous historical figures.

Aside from her poetry and playwriting, Carol is a professor of contemporary poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University.

 

Final Thoughts

The fight for equality may not be over, but luckily we have these strong and inspiring women to represent us. These are the type of women authors who promise us a better tomorrow. Learn from their example about how persistence, intelligence, and belief, splashed with some talent and creativity, can take you a long way.

 

About The Author

Nicole Garrison is a content strategist, writer, and contributor at a number of writing platforms such as TopEssayWriting essay writing service. She is a dedicated and experienced author who pays particular attention to quality research. Nicole consistently attends different courses, seminars, and conferences that keep her knowledge up to date. In her free time, Nicole is a passionate runner and traveler. Moreover, she runs her own blog called LiveInspiredMagazine.

20 Books Written By, For and About Women in Leadership

According to statistics, the number of women in senior management roles in business grew by 29% worldwide. It is the highest number ever recorded. Yet, there are still significant challenges and a huge  leadership gap . But don’t be discouraged; women can master any profession, starting from  software engineer and up to running a publishing house. And this list of women leadership books can help you with it.

Best Leadership Books for Women

Leadership and the Sexes by Barbara Annis and Michael Gurian

This is one of the top women books that use a scientific approach to gender representation in business. Its main goal is to make any business successful. There is not only exciting data and research, but also real-life examples, and practical applications.

Brotopia by Emily Chang

This is one of the empowering women books on working in a male-dominated environment. It analyzes the bro culture of Silicon Valley and gender discrimination in the world of technology, and the challenges a female professional faces in such a community.

Leading From the Front by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch

It stands out from great reads for women as it offers 10 leadership principles that can be applied in career, family, and social life. And it is practical and engaging. It is written by two former Marine Corps captains and founders of Lead Star. And it is about taking risks and not being afraid to change.

Girl Code by Cara Alwill Leyba

The list of top leadership books for women wouldn’t e complete without this one. It is about combating stereotypes, fears, and mistakes and truly succeeding even when nothing is perfect. It also encourages support to other females in business.

The Next Generation Of Women Leaders by Selena Rezvani

This is one of the best books about women in leading positions. It is based on 30 interviews of top female business leaders who offer their advice on what you won’t hear in any business school. It is about gender dynamics, ambition, and success – truly inspiring!

Mumboss by Vicki Psarias

This is one of the excellent female empowerment books that it is perfectly possible to be successful in every sphere of your life. It is a personal story of a freelance blogger and mother that started her career just in a few weeks after giving birth. It is quite useful for those who are interested in blogging, vlogging, and marketing.

Leading Women by Nancy D. O’Reilly

It is a women and leadership book that shares stories of 20 successful female leaders and it encourages to claim the respect, recognition, and combat internal barriers. It teaches us to be powerful and achieve any business goals.

Old in Art School by Nell Painter

It might not be one of the traditional female leadership books, but it is enjoyable, inspiring, and has a very powerful message. Nell started her journey to become an artist at 64 and shares her story of achievements. It is a book about finding your goal and pursuing it. And it teaches that it is never too late to start something great.

Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office by Lois Frankel

This is one of the best self-help books for young women as it analyzes typical and unconscious mistakes that hold female leaders back. It describes and helps to beat behavioral patterns that provoke career self-sabotage in females.

Leading Gracefully by Monique Svazlian Tallon

What makes this one of the best books for women about women is its practicality. There are many quizzes and questions that it feels almost like a workshop. It is about leadership style, collaboration, and an authentic approach to management.

A Good Time to be a Girl by Helena Morrissey

If you are interested in books about powerful females, check this one. It is written by the founder of the 30% Club initiative for gender equality. And it is about reinventing the system and power dynamics rather than trying to fit in. It includes a personal story, examples, and important research.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

This book women will find inspiring as it covers the topic of embracing vulnerability and using it for success in all life aspects. It motivates us to be courageous and victorious. And it is based on scientific findings on the power of vulnerability.    

Female Innovators at Work by Danielle Newnham 

It is one of the most useful women in management books as it features stories of CEOs, founders, and tech inventors from different countries. And it is written by a female entrepreneur and startup founder to help others.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

This is a great leadership guidance book. It is about being successful in business without being too harsh. It is well-written and offers a new approach to management, that’s why it is in the list of the best leadership books for women.

Fifty Million Rising by Saadia Zahidi

This book covers the modern Muslim women of the world challenging taboos, stereotypes, and prejudice to make the world a better place. It is very inspiring and promotes independence and self-actualization. 

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

It is one of the classic women in leadership books. And it is quite popular as it offers a comprehensive guide into professional success for any career. It shows how to reclaim the power and become a true leader.

The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gannon

If you are more into the books about women being flexible with their time and combining several roles, this is a good one. It is not about concentrating on one professional path, but rather putting effort in various activities – multi-hyphen career.  It is not a typical “how-to-be-a-millionaire” thing, it is the concept of success and fulfillment.

The Working Woman’s Handbook by Phoebe Lovatt

This is an enjoyable everyday read that covers everything from work style, pitching, time management, and up to managing a budget. So you can find advice on money as well as endorse your productivity.

What Will It Take To Make A Woman President? By Marianne Schnall

The list of the best books for females leaders wouldn’t be full without the question of the presidency. It is a research on women in politics and activism, interview with them to understand what holds women back in this regard and what can be done. The message is positive and encouraging and Beyoncé recommended it.

New Rules of the Game by Susan Packard

This book is written by the co-founder of HGTV and integrates gamesmanship into business management. It offers ten strategies to bring more focus, teamwork, optimism, and creativity into any company. It is a lighter yet more effective approach to the workplace.

Author’s bio:

Anastasia K. is a CFO at Writing Metier. She is interested in education, business strategies, and technology. Anastasia loves to share her experience with other women to possibly help or inspire them.

Obsessed or In Love? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself at the Beginning of a Relationship

It can be exciting and exhilarating when you discover an undeniable connection with someone new. After all, it is not every day that you encounter this kind of chemistry. The heady thrill of meeting someone you are attracted to, who understands you, and who is also interested in you can easily overwhelm your rational mind. And while infatuation at the beginning of a relationship is par for the course, if you are not careful, it can quickly evolve into an obsession.

When you are obsessed, you cannot see the big picture, focusing all your thoughts and energy on one subject. You may disregard your self-care, place other obligations on the backburner, or lose interest in passions that previously held your attention. And although some might assert that it is normal to obsess during the infatuation stage of a relationship, this fixation hardly creates a good foundation for a balanced relationship. While you might not be able to control your feelings, you can regain perspective to help you obtain and sustain the healthy relationship you want. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I living in the reality of the relationship or in my hopes and dreams for it?  Sure, there is a lot you are enjoying about this person. Perhaps you even feel like they are “the one.” But maybe, at times, you aren’t so sure. They may sometimes do or say things that don’t align with your values. When you are obsessed, it is all too easy to dismiss these observations or “red flags” as minor issues that are irrelevant in the wake of the intense feelings that engulf you in the moment.

Although it might be challenging, do your best to objectively view all parts of this other person and how you relate. While this may detract from some of the addictive feelings of infatuation, honestly knowing who you are with and how compatible you may be is essential to your long-term happiness. If the person says or does something that bothers you, note that to yourself. If you see patterns that you wouldn’t want to live with in the long run, keep that in mind. Don’t ignore these realities, but rather, factor them into the whole picture.

Can I slow down and let the relationship naturally unfold?Do you think about your wedding after a few weeks of dating? Are you planning a vacation for the two of you in six months? Are you already trying to determine how you will spend the holidays with your respective families? If so, you may be feeding an obsession. 

Instead, put aside your plans and focus on being fully present, enjoying the moment. Resist the urge to jump ahead and to set everything in stone. Allow the relationship to unfold naturally. You are not trying to force anything, but rather, are traveling together to see where this relationship goes.

Can I tolerate being separate from the other person? Are you thinking about this person constantly when they aren’t around? If the other person wants to spend time alone one evening, do you violate their boundary and show up at their door with dinner for the two of you? Obsession has trouble with boundaries. It allows thoughts and behaviors to filter in and justify actions that do not honor what the other person has asked for.

When you are in a healthy, in-love relationship, you can comfortably be separated. You may want to be with that other person, but accept their needs and wants just as you want them to embrace yours. You are individuals, and you are in a trusting relationship with each other. The good feelings you share grow stronger with this mutual understanding and respect.

Am I ignoring my other relationships because my romantic one consumes me? Have you dropped everyone else to be with the person you are dating? Do you reschedule a standing dinner with a friend, forget you were supposed to help your parents, or skip work early without permission? Friends and family may even try to point out the changes and how hurt they have been by your withdrawal.

When you are in a healthy, in-love relationship, life is in a better balance. Finding this balance is an active, challenging, and on-going assignment. As you spend time with this new person in your life, don’t forget everyone else. Don’t cancel those dinner plans with your best friend. Don’t put your parents off who are ready and waiting for you to help them. Be as reliable and present with them as you are with this new person in your life. Let the new person know that you enjoy spending time with them, but that you won’t cancel standing plans to be with them. Then figure out when you are both free to spend time together again. 

If you can keep these four questions in mind as you navigate your new relationship, you can avoid the temptation of obsession. Loss of self in a relationship is not love; it is losing track of your best interests as you succumb to the hopes, dreams, and good feelings that come with infatuation. But with a little self-awareness, you can begin to see the realities of the relationship, be a part of its natural unfolding, and stay connected with the other important people in your life.

Nancy L. Johnston, MS, LPC, LSATP, MAC is the author of Disentangle: When You’ve Lost Your Self in Someone Else (2nd Ed.) and works in private practice in Lexington, VA. With forty-two years of clinical experience, Johnston is an American Mental Health Counselors Association Diplomate and Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders. She offers presentations, workshops, and retreats for self-recovery.

10 Insightful Reads That Perfectly Confront The Reality Of Mental Health Struggles

The only thing better than finding a good book is finding a book that focuses on characters you can identify with. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, I find it extremely comforting when I read about characters that face similar mental health struggles. It feels nice to know that I’m not alone and that there are others who have overcome similar mental and emotional obstacles. Here are a few books that center on characters that take on things such as anxiety, depression, OCD, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts and more.

*FYI: If you happen to purchase any of the products on this list, we may receive a portion of the sales. Thanks for reading!

10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Charlie is a fifteen-year-old boy struggling to cope with the suicide of a close friend. Charlie struggles with fear and anxiety that is only magnified by the fact that he’s about to start high school. As a way to manage his emotions, he starts writing letters to a stranger. Charlie makes new friends, Sam and her step-brother. These two new friends take him under their wing.

Get it on Amazon

9. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

The story follows Craig Gilner, a high school student from New York. He struggles with stress and depression. These mental issues escalate after he’s enrolled in an Executive Pre-Professional High School. In an attempt to deal with the issues he starts seeing a psychologist and is prescribed anti-depressant medication. When he finds himself contemplating suicide, he reaches out to a suicide hotline and is advised to seek help at an adult psychiatric clinic in Brooklyn. This experience exposes him to individuals with their own significant problems, much like his. He meets people who impact him in a way he never expected and even falls in love.

Get it on Amazon

8. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

The popular girl and the school freak –two students who might have never crossed paths until the day they both find themselves at the exact window ready to jump out and end it all. Theodore, known for being quite “different,” is able to talk Violet out of jumping. What happens when two individuals from different worlds find out they can actually help each other?

Get it on Amazon

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath and her twin sister Wren are huge Simon Snow fans, much like the rest of the world they read and re-read the books and eventually became ensconced in Simon Snow forums. They began writing fan fiction. They are starting college and Wren has drifted away from the fandom, but Cath remains loyal. Cath is facing a lot of change, no longer rooming with her twin sister or sharing every aspect of their lives like they once did. The story follows Cath as she takes on these changes and constantly wonders if she can do it—without her sister and the life she had grown accustomed to.

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6. Crazy for Alice by Alex Dunn

This book is a cross between the universes of Donnie Darko and Pleasantville. Sixteen-year-old Ben Howard has accidentally killed his father. His suicide attempt lands him in a mental asylum. It’s in this asylum that he’s able to escape his guilt and tortured emotions to discover a new world where he leaps from one environment to another, eventually meeting Alice—who steals his heart. The thing is, no one believes him when he returns from this world—he’s been in a coma the entire time.

Get it on Amazon

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15 ‘Harry Potter’-Themed Products For The Grown-Up Wizard Fan

Any true Harry Potter fan knows that the obsession only grows stronger with age. Sure, there will never be the exact same spark you felt when you first picked up the series in your tweens, but as you get older you earn a new appreciation for Harry and his wizarding adventures. That being said, we’ve come across a whole slew of Harry Potter-inspired products that are geared toward the slightly more adult fans we’ve become. Check out our favorites below.

*Tbh, we may receive a small portion of the sales made on this page which we will probably use to buy the products on this page.

15. This complete set of all seven Harry Potter books in a matching Hogwarts trunk.

Juniper Books

Comes in four different color schemes—one for each Hogwarts’ house.

Get it from Juniper Books for $275.00

14. A Divination Classroom soy candle that’ll help you channel your inner Trewlaney.

Amazon

What do the tea leaves have in store for you? Hmmmm.

Get it from Amazon for $18.00

13. This poster print that features the wise words of one Hermione Granger.

Etsy

It’s in the restricted section…

Get it from Etsy for $6.03

12. A Triwizard maze game you can challenge all of your Potter-obsessed friends to.

Amazon

Bears an uncanny resemblance to Trouble.

Get it from Amazon for $11.57

11. This special edition Harry Potter paperback box set if you’d rather not go the trunk route.

Scholastic Books

And it’s about a fourth of the price.

Get it from Scholastic Books for $64.99

10. A Harry Potter-themed essential oil set to get you through any wizarding dilemma.

Etsy

Need a little extra courage for that big presentation tomorrow? Try the Gryffindor-inspired Lion Heart blend.

Get it from Etsy for $12.00

9. This gorgeous Nimbus key ring that’ll give you an extra touch of magic wherever you go.

Etsy

Not as good as a real Nimbus 2000, but we’ll settle for the muggle version.

Get it from Etsy for $10.71

8. A throw pillow featuring one of Dumbledore’s many memorable quotes.

Etsy

*Sniff* I’m not crying, you are.

Get it from Etsy for $27.00

7. This adorable Harry Potter wine glass featuring ‘The Boy Who Lived’.

Etsy

Accio wine!

Get it from Etsy for $12.99

6. A cozy Gryffindor scarf that goes with any outfit.

Amazon

Perfect for watching your next Quidditch match.

Get it from Amazon for $25.95

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20 Must-Read Books For Halloween Lovers

It’s October which means a lot of pumpkin-flavored drinks, pumpkin-themed foods, cozy sweaters and most importantly — Halloween! This creepy time of year is the perfect chance to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, coffee or an overpriced pumpkin spiced latte (it’s okay, we aren’t judging you) and great books that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. There are the books that keep you entertained and there are the books that stick with you long after you’ve read them. Whether you prefer books of the ghost story variety or the psychological thriller that keeps you turning the page, we’ve got the perfect list of book recommendations for your October reading list!

20. The Haunting of Hill House:

Dr. Mantague, an occult scholar, wants to use science to prove the existence of supernatural activity at the Hill House. The mansion with a scary history will be the setting for his experiment. The subjects, Eleanor Vance and Theodora are the only two who respond to his invitations. Luke, nephew and heir to the Hill fortune are also invited to take part in the experiment. As the guests all settle into the house, they are quickly aware of its powers…

19. Ghost Story:

Four old men gather to share stories in a sleepy town, Milburn, New York. They enjoy sharing their scary stories, both real and made up, as a means of distraction from their quiet lives. One story, a chapter of their lives as young men, is back to haunt them. The mistake, a horrific accident they believe was left buried in the past, will show them not all sins go unpunished.

18. The Woman in Black:

Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming lone lawyer from London sent on an assignment to a far away town to help settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow who resides at the Eel Marsh House. Kipps is unsuspecting of the assignment that will change his life forever–the secrets that lie within the mysterious house will haunt him for the rest of his life.

17. Hell House:

Stephen King has declared this book “the scariest haunted house novel that’s ever been written,” so we have to take his word for it. Belasco House, aka “hell house,” is the Mount Everest of haunted houses. Despite the horrendous events that have occurred at the house, four individuals set out to uncover this evil house’s secrets.Will these brave individuals outlast the evil that resides at the Belasco House?

16. I Remember You:

Three friends make a business venture and purchase an isolated home in hopes of turning it into a bed and breakfast in an Icelandic village. While they work hard to renovate the rundown home, they quickly realize they aren’t alone. A fierce presence lets them know they aren’t welcome. Then there’s a young doctor across town investigating the suicide of an elderly woman who he discovers was obsessed with his son, who vanished. These strangers will soon find out their stories will collide to reveal a terrifying truth.

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