Hi, Everybody! I know it’s been awhile. Yes, I’ve been slacking off my commitment to provide you with a weekly post…but not slacking off in general.
I’ve been busy getting ready for another semester of teaching at York College…and straining through the final stages of my latest book’s birth. Both endeavors brought me joy, but took a lot of time.
The book, Thinner, Fitter, Happier: Dancing Will Change Your Life! is about the amazing physical, emotional, and social benefits partner dancing confers. I interviewed over forty dancers and recorded t some amazing stories of personal transformation. Thinner, Fitter is in the process of being formatted, and will soon be available for purchase. I’m absolutely thrilled with the book. It’s everything I’d hoped it would be.
I really like the cover, too!
Finding the right cover was a challenge. The artist and I went through a LOT of designs until we came up with one that was pleasing to me and appealing to potential buyers.
I shared the cover pictured here, as well as other designs, with a fairly large sample of folks – my Face Book friends, fellow dancers, writer pals, and my students – and this cover was the overwhelming favorite. I’m grateful to everyone who gifted me with their opinion.
Wondering whether I’m still doing weight-training with Sally Meints? Yep. I’m not slacking off there. I still want those Michele Obama arms! No worries, though – as promised, I’m sticking to my weight-training with Sally Meints. While I don’t make it to every one of Sally’s classes, I work out at home when I miss one.
On to a bit of info about something I want to share with you: Brian Johnson’s Philosopher Notes website. <https://brianjohnson.me>. Brian has distilled into short, easy to absorb essays wisdom from well-known philosophers, spiritual leaders, successful business people and personal growth coaches. While he markets those in book form, he makes a lot of valuable information available at no cost on his page. He also puts out a free online newsletter, The Optimizer.
Here’s a short excerpt from the Optimizer issue I just received:
TAKE 100% RESPONSIBILITY
“It is time to stop looking outside yourself for the answers to why you haven’t created the life and results you want, for it is you who creates the quality of the life you lead and the results you produce. You–no one else! To achieve major success in life–to achieve those things that are most important to you–you must assume 100% responsibility for your life. Nothing less will do.” ~ Jack Canfield from The Success Principles
I love this Principle. It’s Covey’s Habit #1 (Be Proactive) of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and it’s the cornerstone of the wisdom of ALL great teachers–from East to West, classic to modern, philosophers to gurus to psychologists.
Canfield shares a really cool formula to help us get the idea: E + R = O.
The Event + Our Response = The Outcome.
See what I mean?
I love seeing one of Brian’s posts in my inbox. I know I’m going to feel uplifted and motivated.
Oh, I nearly forgot. A big WELCOME! to the new subscribers to this blog. Your interest means a lot to me.