Life and people teach us lessons. Some of these lessons are about others however I believe most of them - if we choose to be receptive - are about ourselves - who we are, our inner resources, our resilience, our strengths and weaknesses, our attitude and our happiness.

1. The Lesson of AUTHENTICITY

We all know that there is someone we are meant to be and many of us are on a quest to find that 'someone'. How often do you ask yourself: 'Who am I?' 'What really drives and motivates me?' 'What is the true purpose of my being here?' And yet who we really are is often hidden by the layers of masks and roles we assume - as parent, worker, nice guy, giver, husband or wife? You are what you are, not what you do. When you find your authentic self you do not have to pretend to be anyone else - just yourself.
 

2. The Lesson of FEAR

So often we create our own fears. We fear change, we fear challenges, we fear failure and rejection - we sometimes even fear ourselves. We need to learn to approach fear from a different perspective - to see it as a motivator, as an opportunity, as a building block. What is it that you fear right now? No-one can go back and make a brand new start however we can all start from now and make a brand new ending. Ignorance creates fear and fear derails our dreams and hopes.
 

No matter who you are or your circumstances you have the ability to overcome any obstacle with courage, strength and conviction. We are all champions - this book shows each of us how to take our foot off the brake and move onwards and upwards in areas of our lives to achieve what we want to. Powerful message.

Finding inner peace is the first step to attaining outer peace - a clear direct and focussed book on how each of us can embark on this journey of self fulfilment and Illumination. For those who seek inner peace - a valuable read.

From the same author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"' Carlson addresses the bigger issues in life such as illness, financial setbacks and death and offers heartfelt advise on how and what we can learn from these setbacks and that this too shall pass. Thought provoking!

3. The Lesson of FORGIVENESS

We have all been hurt and may believe we didn't deserve the pain, but were wounded nonetheless. We have probably all at some point in our lives hurt others too. It is often not so much the hurt but it's that we sometimes can't or won't forget. Resentment and anger are self-defeating and negative energies. We don't even have to always forgive the behaviour, only the person...that in itself is a wonderful release and freedom. The power of forgiveness is also to never to forget to forgive oneself!
 

4. The Lesson of HAPPINESS

All you need to make yourself happy is inside of you. So often we spend our valuable energies looking to others to make us happy. We look outward for our happiness not inward. Without doubt things around us can make us happy or contribute to our happiness. However inner peace, virtue, compassion, giving and non-judgement are ultimately what creates lasting happiness. Just like learning to play a musical instrument, happiness comes with practice. Sometimes we play better than other times! Remember too that happiness is a choice. To find your happiness - exercise your power of choice and ask yourself where is my heart and soul leading me?
 

5. The Lesson of LOSS

Loss is a part of life. Each and every one of us has lost at some point in our lives - a deal, a job, a love, a friend, a family member, a pet - the list is long. However to lose is to learn and what does not destroy only serves to make one stronger. If we did not lose we would not know the pleasure and sweet taste of winning.
 

6. The Lesson of RELATIONSHIPS

I believe that I have learnt from every single person with whom I have connected and interacted. Sometimes not always what I wanted or honestly needed to learn at the time but a lesson or lessons nevertheless. People teach us about ourselves. We realise that we cannot do without our relationships with others - we cannot make it out there entirely on our own. True and real relationships bring support, care and non-judgement - if yours don't re-examine them, learn the lesson and move on.