I have always enjoyed learning from various popular self development teachers. I can be at a yard sale, and can spot a personal development book like an eagle spots his next meal from 1/2 mile up in the air.
Even if it’s a self development author I don’t particularly resonate to, I find myself picking up the book anyway. I can’t seem to help it!
There are times when I seem to pick up a book, and wonder, “What the heck am I doing with this thing? I am not a fan of his…” But I now realize that in almost every single book I find, I also uncover at least a small nugget of gold.
Here’s an example.
A couple of months ago, I found some books by Dr. Phil McGraw. Now, I confess that I had NO IDEA as to who Phil McGraw really was except that he was associated w/ Oprah Winfrey. But, I bought the books anyway. And lo and behold – as I sat down to read through some of the book, I found myself amazed at a story he told about a time when Oprah was being sued by some Texas cattlement for comments she had made pertaining to Mad Cow Disease around 1998. Evidently, Oprah just could not understand the obvious injustice of the attacks on her.
And her preoccupation about the injustice of it all was weakening her spirit. And, in order to face this multi-million dollar lawsuit – just or injust – she needed to be 100% present for it.
So, what struck me was Dr. Phil’s insistence that Oprah look at her situation realistically – and of course, this means we ALL look at our situations realistically. Instead of bemoaning “why” things are happening to us, he illustrated that we accept our situation and DEAL with it. I thought about the times I have spent in my life wondering, “How can this be? Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” etc.
But when I read Dr. Phil’s words that day, it really struck me as to how much time I have wasted in my own life, thinking of things that cannot be changed by worrying or stressing or avoiding them.
A nugget.
So, as it turns out, there are numerous gold nuggets in that book, and I’m holding onto it for now.
We can all learn from others. I feel fortunate to have stumbled onto many wonderful resources that I enjoy sharing. If you would like to see a little more here on my blog, including a list of author events from Hay House authors that you might enjoy, please see the article here: Hay House Author Events
Or… For the Most Up-to-Date Events and Lectures by Your Favorite Self Development Authors, CLICK HERE