A New Year. A time to reflect on the successes and failures of the prior year and a time to plan for the future. How did 2015 year develop? My year was an average year – some good, some bad.
The good: I learned several new techniques in knitting and crochet, started developing several patterns, and even found time to begin reading books again after a 5-year hiatus (other than children’s books).
The bad: I didn’t get any patterns published, my weight has fluctuated this year and I’m back where I started and we’re no more out of debt than when the year started.
I found it interesting that the YouVersion app’s verse for today was 2 Corinthians 5:17:
For at least the last 6 months, I’ve felt a discontentment in my heart. In the past that has usually lead to wanting a job change, a location move or some other major life event. That may still happen, but 2016 may just be time for a heart-change instead.
A couple of months ago I was offered the opportunity to participate in a book launch happening in December. I’ve never officially done a book review before, but this one was well worth the time!
* Disclaimer: I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and participation in the book launch. No other compensation was offered.
The book is called “Meet the New You” by Elisa Pulliam.
In my non-fiction readings I’ve been able to do this year, I’ve read quite a bit about changing your life and walking closer with God. This book reiterated several points I was already familiar with. However, in additional to several new concepts, this particular book comes from the perspective of someone who is proficient in coaching and mentoring others in life changes, all with a biblical basis. She knows the ins-and-outs of problems confronting people as they try to identify changes and overcome obstacles.
When the book arrived the publisher was having trouble getting all the books printed in time, so I received a spiral-bound pre-print copy. Best thing that could have happened. You see, I’m not one that usually likes to write in books, but Meet the New You should be treated as a workbook and written on, scribbled over, and highlighted all over the place! There’s a gold mine in using it as a tool, not just reading material.
The book takes you on a 21-day journey. The chapters aren’t long – easily read in 15-20 min. But the added benefit comes when you spend additional time with the reflection questions and investigations Elisa spurs with her writing. Each chapter has several questions at the end to contemplate about how it all applies to your life.
It’s broken down into several phases:
- Phase 1: A Fresh Awareness. This phase starts you on the journey as to why changes should be made.
- Phase 2: Assess the Goods. Understanding who you are – strengths and weaknesses, and what makes us unique.
- Phase 3: Overcome Obstacles. Reasons we have trouble making changes in our life, and how get past those issues.
- Phase 4: Stick with Solutions. How to remain in the path of real change.
- Phase 5: A Vibrant New Vision. Defining your vision and setting goals.
I’ve always viewed life coaching as a secular field, but Elisa easily marries the concepts in her coaching with a Biblical viewpoint. The book is heavily peppered with verses for support. Many of the times the Bible verses are written out, but sometimes they are just mentioned. That was good for me as it forced me to slow down and look up what she referenced (I also spent the time and wrote out the full verse to help me remember).
The last chapters of the book are probably the most important – emphasizing that we need to make sure that we are looking to God’s plans, not just our own for any changes that are made. Everything we do should reflect the life that God wants us to lead.
I would highly recommend you put this book on your reading list for the coming months! I personally am currently working out some plans for the new year and am sure to refer back to this book as a reference point in the months to come.
Find out more at #theNEWyou Community web page. The book club is starting January 5th, so you still have time to get the book and participate.
Elisa Pulliam is a life coach and writes at www.moretobe.com and elisapulliam.com
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