Review: From Drift to Shift by Jody B. Miller

[2Dandelions]

[Following is a volunteer review of "From Drift to SHIFT" by Jody B. Miller.]

[rbc=3]id160686-125[/rbc][i]From Drift to Shift[/i] by Jody B. Miller is a motivational guide book containing helpful information and inspiring stories for those of us looking to make a change. The book constantly toggles with the core question so many of us ask ourselves on a day to day basis: am I happy? In a society where dreamers are often mocked, Jody showcases the struggles of eight individuals and an Amazon tribe who risked, persevered, and followed their true passions.



While these individual storytellers each cope with different obstacles, all seem to share some similar backgrounds such as having family issues, struggling with depression, and switching up their career paths. Serita and Reid Cox are the first to describe their shifts. Both were given up by their parents and placed in the foster care system at a young age. Both grew up distrusting adults. Both risked everything they had because they came from nothing. I liked that the stories were very real and not loaded with drama. There was rebelliousness, of course, but it stayed on track with the obstacles and not just straying into angry teenager territory. Coming from a close supportive family, I do find it hard to relate with their childhoods. However, I can’t help but applaud their risk taking to start up [i]iFoster[/i], a nonprofit program providing any essential items to the foster care system. They didn't want others to suffer the way they did. They wanted abandoned children to grow up confident and always have someone their to share their thoughts with. It’s wonderful to know that such a difficult upbringing could make a fighter say ‘It was hard, and I want to help those who are struggling the way I was.’ I want to become more selfless.



Emilee Garfield’s and Andy Wirth’s stories are actually a little difficult to get through. Both had bodies that turned on them, hindering their physical capabilities. Emilee battled cancer, not once but twice, and Andy, an adrenaline junkie, lost an entire arm during a skydiving incident. These had me take a step back. My physical ailments are minuscule next to these. My lower back is prone to aches, and I do struggle with anxiety more now that I have a mortgage to pay, but I can’t imagine waking up and being told that I have vaginal cancer. I also love sports and thirst for endorphins. Keeping active helps calm my anxiety so the thought of having this taken away is terrifying. Still, Emilee and Andy were fighters. Emilee and Andy both turned to activities that I already have a passion for: writing and painting. They found sanctuary in support groups, friends, and family. This gives me confidence that I can make a shift and focus on my creative projects, as well. Self doubt will always be an issue for me, but building a strong support system can do wonders.



The Achuar Tribe story is the most fascinating. We’re plopped into the Amazon rain forest culture and prompted to follow the indigenous tribe’s customs. Guests slept in small abodes with palm-thatched roofs, ate a plethora of fruits, and watched males run the show while females work quietly. I liked the primitiveness because it makes me think about how my friends and me would handle the absence of air conditioning and the bustling city streets. The spiritual journey really reeled me in. I’ve been on a few shamanic journeys over the past couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed them. My body feels recharged and cleansed afterwards. This was important to the Achuar Tribe. They held cleansing in high regard. In fact, guests were asked to vomit on several occasions. This would be quite the culture shock, but honestly, I can see where they’re coming from. Our mind and bodies are polluted with toxins and negative energy on the daily. Tapping into different layers of our minds can help us explore where we want to be. It circles back to finding a purpose and sometimes it’s hidden deep within us. We just have to find it and process it.



Shifting would often occur among these folks after a life-changing event. People need to embrace taking on new roles. Because my anxiety has grown worse, I want to make a shift. If this means risking comfort and taking on a new role, so be it.



I really liked that each chapter ends with a bulleted list of takeaways. I plan to print these out and hang them on my office corkboard. I need constant encouragement. That’s how my mind tends to work. If not given much hope, my self doubt takes over.



I think [i]From Drift to Shift[/i] would appeal most to those who do not feel fulfilled in life and want to make a change. Because each storyteller has a unique background, readers will be able to find bits and pieces of themselves throughout and connect with them on an emotional level. As far as those who wouldn’t enjoy the book, I can’t think of a specific group of people. Even those who have already made a shift in their lives will enjoy reading about the triumphs of these individuals. The book is the perfect blend of education and entertainment.



I rate this book [b]4 out of 4 stars[/b]. The content is superb, and the handful of grammatical errors don’t deter it from the professional style.

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From Drift to SHIFT
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