Review by Isolde17 -- From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller
-
Isolde17
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 10 Nov 2017, 04:36
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 2
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-isolde17.html
- Latest Review: From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller
Review by Isolde17 -- From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller
[Following is a volunteer review of "From Drift to SHIFT" by Jody B. Miller.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
FROM DRIFT TO SHIFT
How Change Can Bring True Meaning and Happiness to Your Work and Life
Author: Jody B. Miller
FROM DRIFT TO SHIFT is a nonfiction collection of personal experiences highlighting the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity and in the process find its true meaning and purpose in life.
Just when one thinks he has read all the self-help books in the market, a unique story comes along and provides another dimension to man’s eternal search for self-actualization. Written and compiled by author and lady CEO Jody B. Miller, who is also a Career and Life coach, the stories are proof that hardships brought about by unexpected change do bring out the best in people and provide a channel for traveling to, and finding true happiness.
The book is made up of eight stories – vignettes supported by observations and analyses, of varied human experiences steeped in suffering brought about by change, many of which we commonly view as life and career threatening, and over-all incapacitating physically, psychologically and spiritually. These stories prove that for some individuals, it is in the midst of desperate circumstances that their souls learned to soar, and find new life, oftentimes higher and more fulfilling than when they were existing in what men would perceive as a “stable and comfortable” life.
The stories dramatize the fact that most of us feel that we are “drifting” in life; we do not really find real happiness to anchor our souls on. “Happiness” is probably a misconception, because what truly satisfies the soul is “meaning”, which is more permanent and deeper than transitory emotions. And the search for meaning oftentimes comes at a great price because like metal, real gold is tested by fire. Ironically, it in life’s ugliness, such as disease, separation, loss, rejection – that the individual finds the beauty and the fulfillment it desires.
These are not new concepts, but the stories are inspiring and very insightful. Most of us will be visited by illness in our lives, some of us will meet with critical illness in our mature years. There is the story of Emilie Garfield, who had not one, but several critical illnesses and family tragedies that she chose to overcome, one by one, from childhood to her adult years. She has amazingly conquered disease and discouragement, so that now, she is not only well and thriving, but she is also a certified practicing wellness coach. Her strength through all of life’s tragedies inspires the reader to question his own “difficulties”. Maybe I really do have more strength within, and that this strength is inexhaustible…
Then there is the chapter on the Achuars, a tribal people living in the Amazon rainforest. Their fulfillment stems from their ability to adapt to their beloved rainforest, and to living abundantly and simply, and being part of a community. Their ecosystem is threatened, but they cope, tranquil and accepting and believing in their strength as a people.
One of the more interesting chapters is the story of Manoj Chalam, a PhD in Chemical Engineering who enjoyed all the rewards of a successful corporate technocrat. Like many corporates, his life entirely changed when he was fired from his job. Many who are young and talented and seeking wealth will continue on in another job, wearing a different brand and uniform, but still in pursuit of total material success. Yet, it was Manoj’s wife Jyothi’s peacefulness and spirituality that prompted Manoj to search for his own peace and enlightenment. It was in this process that he rediscovered the beauty, the soul, and the profound truths of his own rich and ancient culture. The in-depth analysis of each Hindu deity and their meanings – and parallels in human life - convinces one to embrace his own “archetype” – a symbol of one’s deepest aspirations that has its own traps and fragility as well. Confronting life on a deeper plane shifted Manoj from material to a spiritual existence, which he now honors by teaching and sharing his wisdom with others.
I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars because while the concepts are not entirely new, and the transitions from chapter to chapter can be made more flowing and engaging, there is still uniqueness on how the author approaches the very basic problem of confronting change. Through the experiences of individuals who underwent extraordinary trials and transitions, Miller encourages her readers to believe that any change is survivable. Miller further convinces her readers that it is this painful experience that brings about the fulfillment that ordinary circumstances cannot bring. The book is rich in motivational quotes and one-liners that can uplift even those who believe they have heard it all.
I am reminded by a book I read over 35 years ago…
“There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the price of great pain… or so says the legend." The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
******
From Drift to SHIFT
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Isolde17's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
FROM DRIFT TO SHIFT
How Change Can Bring True Meaning and Happiness to Your Work and Life
Author: Jody B. Miller
FROM DRIFT TO SHIFT is a nonfiction collection of personal experiences highlighting the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity and in the process find its true meaning and purpose in life.
Just when one thinks he has read all the self-help books in the market, a unique story comes along and provides another dimension to man’s eternal search for self-actualization. Written and compiled by author and lady CEO Jody B. Miller, who is also a Career and Life coach, the stories are proof that hardships brought about by unexpected change do bring out the best in people and provide a channel for traveling to, and finding true happiness.
The book is made up of eight stories – vignettes supported by observations and analyses, of varied human experiences steeped in suffering brought about by change, many of which we commonly view as life and career threatening, and over-all incapacitating physically, psychologically and spiritually. These stories prove that for some individuals, it is in the midst of desperate circumstances that their souls learned to soar, and find new life, oftentimes higher and more fulfilling than when they were existing in what men would perceive as a “stable and comfortable” life.
The stories dramatize the fact that most of us feel that we are “drifting” in life; we do not really find real happiness to anchor our souls on. “Happiness” is probably a misconception, because what truly satisfies the soul is “meaning”, which is more permanent and deeper than transitory emotions. And the search for meaning oftentimes comes at a great price because like metal, real gold is tested by fire. Ironically, it in life’s ugliness, such as disease, separation, loss, rejection – that the individual finds the beauty and the fulfillment it desires.
These are not new concepts, but the stories are inspiring and very insightful. Most of us will be visited by illness in our lives, some of us will meet with critical illness in our mature years. There is the story of Emilie Garfield, who had not one, but several critical illnesses and family tragedies that she chose to overcome, one by one, from childhood to her adult years. She has amazingly conquered disease and discouragement, so that now, she is not only well and thriving, but she is also a certified practicing wellness coach. Her strength through all of life’s tragedies inspires the reader to question his own “difficulties”. Maybe I really do have more strength within, and that this strength is inexhaustible…
Then there is the chapter on the Achuars, a tribal people living in the Amazon rainforest. Their fulfillment stems from their ability to adapt to their beloved rainforest, and to living abundantly and simply, and being part of a community. Their ecosystem is threatened, but they cope, tranquil and accepting and believing in their strength as a people.
One of the more interesting chapters is the story of Manoj Chalam, a PhD in Chemical Engineering who enjoyed all the rewards of a successful corporate technocrat. Like many corporates, his life entirely changed when he was fired from his job. Many who are young and talented and seeking wealth will continue on in another job, wearing a different brand and uniform, but still in pursuit of total material success. Yet, it was Manoj’s wife Jyothi’s peacefulness and spirituality that prompted Manoj to search for his own peace and enlightenment. It was in this process that he rediscovered the beauty, the soul, and the profound truths of his own rich and ancient culture. The in-depth analysis of each Hindu deity and their meanings – and parallels in human life - convinces one to embrace his own “archetype” – a symbol of one’s deepest aspirations that has its own traps and fragility as well. Confronting life on a deeper plane shifted Manoj from material to a spiritual existence, which he now honors by teaching and sharing his wisdom with others.
I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars because while the concepts are not entirely new, and the transitions from chapter to chapter can be made more flowing and engaging, there is still uniqueness on how the author approaches the very basic problem of confronting change. Through the experiences of individuals who underwent extraordinary trials and transitions, Miller encourages her readers to believe that any change is survivable. Miller further convinces her readers that it is this painful experience that brings about the fulfillment that ordinary circumstances cannot bring. The book is rich in motivational quotes and one-liners that can uplift even those who believe they have heard it all.
I am reminded by a book I read over 35 years ago…
“There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the price of great pain… or so says the legend." The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
******
From Drift to SHIFT
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Isolde17's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller
