Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. IV, No. 4) -- Animals and Healing

July 2012 Vol. IV, No.3 Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope a

July 2012 Vol. IV, No.3 Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing, by Nancy Oelklaus, Irene Watson & Liliane Desjardins.

Not your traditional read because it's a journal but it's full of many wonderful stories and poems. Some are more academic in style while others are written in the manner of your favourite traditional, non-fiction novel.

I was drawn to this piece of work because of the life cycle that I and many of you are currently in. Our parents, grandparents, and other people in our lives are getting older, sicker and dying. Some may see it as an unfortunate but always unending part of the life cycle. Others see it as the ending of a beautiful journey. None of us are alone in the process, but many of us do not talk about it. Many of us don't share our thoughts, our fears. Our anger, our relief. Our happiness, our love.

Some of the stories stood out to me so much, that they actually choked me up a little. A testament to great writing, in my opinion. Some of them also made me laugh out right because they're true to life and what I've often heard myself.

One of the stories that hit home for me was "Dad Called" by Laura Gardner page, 26-29. It was a another reminder about having patience with our parents and the older people in our lives. Whether we like it or not they will slow down, physically. Some, mentally as well. It's a reminder of no matter how busy and tired we are in our own lives, we need to find the time for them because they will not be here with us forever. There will come a time when we will long for that phone call, that is interrupting our day, but there won't be one. A personal and great reminder for myself, who is always looking to increase her patience meter.

I was also interested in learning from others how they cope with the aging people in their lives. If you're feeling as though you are the only one frustrated or angry, the stories in this journal, will help to reassure you that you aren't the only one. There is a lot of sadness but there are also quirky and funny stories told. A poem that made me chuckle was "Women, 80, Stranded" by Patricia Wellingham-Jones, on page 83. To sum it up, she's an older woman, who is lost on a road trip. I love this poem because if it was someone younger, she would just be lost. But because it's someone older, many of us jump to the conclusion that it's the senility of old age and she doesn't know what to do.

If you're looking for a change in your reading material, this journal is a great way to start.

I give July 2012 Vol. IV, No.3 Recovering The Self A Journal of Hope and Healing an overall, 4/5 . (I was given this journal in exchange for this review, but this did not influence my rating, like/dislike of this book.)

Be sure to check out these other great issues of "Recoverin

Be sure to check out these other great issues of "Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing"

This Journal Will Touch Your Heart

Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. II, No.1) (Paperback)
Recovering the Self, a Journal of Hope and Healing, Vol. 11, No. 1 is an awesome quarterly literary journal from Ernest Dempsey for people who are struggling w/some life problem and looking for like-minded individuals and others who understand. Contributors come from around the world and from all kinds of specialities like psychologists and life coaches as well as nurses, poets, essayists and and people like you and me who have lived and learned. Each article is short but full of valuable insight. The art and the poetry add more than I can say. More people should know about this journal. It can help them be more comfortable in the knowledge that they aren't alone, and others share tough, scary challenges. I don't know if this approach exists anywhere else than in this quarterly journal. That's invaluable knowledge, and it can help change peoples' lives.

Touching stories of struggle and the strength of the human spirit

Published four times per year, "Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing" is ultimately a celebration of the human spirit's resilience to the myriad and excruciatingly difficult hurdles thrown at us during our lifetimes. It is also a testament of the surprising goodness in people. For the April 2011's Volume 3, Number 2, Editor Ernest Dempsey compiles stories, poems, and book excerpts from 31 different authors and includes six reviews of various books and movies. With such categories as Inspirational, Language and Culture, Humor, Memoir, Education, Emergency, Travel, and Family, there is something for just about anyone to enjoy. The stories contained in this issue of "Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing" are touching and deeply personal. Some of the authors describe their own or even witnessed trials and how they've managed to overcome them despite the overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Others describe what it's like to live with or treat those with a personality or mental disorder or even horrific abuse. Still others simply put pen to paper and detail their private pain, perhaps as a way to heal. Heartfelt and moving, each page transports the reader into the author's own world; some accounts leave the reader with a newfound understanding of disabilities or hardships, some will leave a smile on your face, and others bring on the tears. "Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing" explores the human spirit at a depth at which many of us are not accustomed. With only some very minor editing errors, the readings are raw, full of emotion and strength, and inspirational. I felt a connection with each writer as they described their experiences, whether on the brink of a breaking point or in the midst of an empowering epiphany. I also liked that I'd seen some of these writers in other forums. For example, I'd read a book on narcissism which referenced Sam Vaknin, I've enjoyed George W. Doherty's work during my studies in emergency management, and I've read or reviewed books authored by Tami Brady and Nancy Wesson, respectively. If you are looking for something profound that will pull on your heartstrings, look no further than this journal. Reviewed by Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"

A feel good read!

"Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing" Vol. II, No.3, July 2010
ISBN978-1-61599-048-1

I found this book to be a wonderful potpourri of articles and subjects. "Recovering Thy Self" is a quarterly journal that explores various themes through essays, poetry, opinion, and sharing of self. The writings come from authors from all four corners of the world. This book has stories from various authors dealing with personal growth, relationship and family, trauma recovery, living with disabilities, short fiction, travel interviews, substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. The articles pertain to personal struggles .accepted, dealt with, and overcome. It shares the personal side of each author in very deep and meaningful ways. Some authors write of their own struggles, bringing a wonderful perspective to the subject, while others reflect on the struggles of others. This book incorporates their own personal journey and growth in a concise, well written fashion. I enjoyed the reflective aspect it brought. Each subject brings another level of depth and acknowledgement that we all have our own journey. The book is well designed and arranged so you can easily move from story to story. You can also read through it selecting topic, by topic of interest to you. Looking at the lives of others allows us to better look at ourselves. This book fosters human compassion and love. A wide variety of fact, fiction and emotion is available on every page. You can learn how to better understand and prevent spousal arguments to understanding how disasters lift the human spirit. Learn how assisting in the Katrina disaster changed eh life of one of the volunteers. Remarkable. Looking at the lives and problems of others truly helps us look at ourselves. It helps us find feelings, create opinions and reach deeper in to our own souls and lives. This book makes you feel more human, a kindred spirit of sorts. Sharing these pages lifts the human spirit and helps us better relate to one another. Healing brings hope and he who has hope has everything. This is a fun read that restores faith, especially in these hard, emotional and economic times. The authors are not only from around the world but encompass a wide spectrum of age groups and backgrounds. These are not only professional writers and therapists, but are written by just regular folks as well. This book brings human element for front and center. It's refreshing to have a resource to share and discuss with friends. I am looking forward to the next issue.
I received a complimentary review copy.

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