Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth's Gifts for Wellness by Drake Wells

 

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Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth's Gifts for Wellness Kindle Edition


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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Interview with Paul Tennant

 


It Wasn’t Easy, But I Made It: Escaping from an abusive life, by traveling the world to find acceptance, peace and success. Kindle Edition



BESTSELLING BOOK & AUTHOR

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school, etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I was born and grew up in Nottingham, England, which is about two hours north of London. We lived in government housing in a poor neighborhood. My role models were my mother’s revolving boyfriends, who sometimes lived with us. I fell through the cracks at my local school and learned about life through domestic violence.

My abusive childhood and my violent adolescent years shaped me. I became a nasty product of that environment. As a coping mechanism, at fifteen, I started drinking alcohol, and I hated the angry person I became.

After graduating high school, I wanted no more institutional education. I skipped college, and in a moment of clarity, I hitchhiked across Europe. Everything I owned filled my backpack, and I walked across Europe with little money. I found jobs picking grapes at a chateau in the south of France, worked as a kitchen porter on a luxury yacht, and played music for money in the subways of Paris.

Later, I returned to England, went back to school, and earned my degree in hospitality management. I was fortunate to gain management positions with Best Western hotels, onboard Princess Cruises ships, and travel the world.

I became an avid SCUBA diver and lived on a Caribbean Island, where I met the most wonderful woman who completes me. After thirty years of marriage, we retired and moved to Florida, where I played tennis, line dancing, lawn bowling, and the Ukulele.  

My story proves we don’t have to be a product or victim of our surroundings; we all have the power to change. We need to get out of those surroundings and meet more excellent people.


What inspired you to author this book?

Two books inspired me to write my memoir. I read the memoir titled “Educated.” I related to the young girl who was held back from school so she could work in her father’s scrap yard. She yearned to go to school, but she had to abide by her father’s rule while simultaneously being a victim of abuse from her older brother. I identified with the young girl, struggling in her intermittent classes and being abused.

Immediately after reading Educated, I read the novel, “Where the Crawdads Sing.” I resonated with the young girl who practically raised herself after her drunken father abandoned her.

After reading these two books, I became empowered by those characters who turned their lives around for the better. I empathized with those two young girls and felt inspired to write my story.

Two years later, I published my story titled “It Wasn’t Easy, But I Made It.”

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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

As a young boy in the 1960s in Nottingham, England, we rented a house with two bedrooms and an outside toilet. It was just one of hundreds of in-row deteriorating public houses. The second-story brick walls swelled, and house bricks fell into the street and shattered on the pavement. The nails that once held the roof slates deteriorated, and the roof slate would slide down into traffic. In the early nineteen seventies, as these uninhabitable homes became vacant, the local government boarded up the ground floor doors and windows with corrugated metal panels. As a young boy, I felt like my life was like those homes, with no maintenance/support and waning. So, I worked with a graphic designer to create a background of a deteriorating brick wall with a silhouette of a downtrodden young boy in front of the wall.   

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

My wife, Susan, has significantly influenced me as a writer. Susan is a librarian. She has supported me through my writing endeavors, provided gentle guidance, and suggested direction.

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What were the struggles or obstacles you overcame to get this book written?

My biggest struggle in writing my memoir was being honest with myself. I had a lot of guilt, shame, and embarrassment in my life, as I’m sure we all have. Writing one’s memoir is personal. I struggled with telling my readers the truth, how evil my mother was, and how her poor judgment in parenting changed the boy inside me. There were some instances of personal abuse from a trusted youth in the neighborhood. At first, I included his violations but then removed them and later wrote them back. I often told myself, “If I am going to be honest and write my memoir, then I should just be truthful and do it.” I negotiated with myself and said, “If I am still embarrassed when I complete my book, then I will use a pen name as the author.” The thought of using a pen name hid my shame. It helped me to continue writing, and I became more honest and open in my writing. Another struggle I had was what my loving wife said when she read my draft and read about shame. Then I received advice from a fellow writer; she said, “There’s no shame in telling your truth!” I took these words to heart and overcame my obstacles. I included all the remorseful events that changed and formed my life and used my real name as the author.

 

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Tell your readers about your book.

Paul’s mother was full of frustration and hate, constantly telling Paul he wasn’t wanted and reminding him, “You should never have been born!”

Paul watched his mother’s boyfriends come and go. Some stayed for a while and physically taught Paul the harsh lessons of street life. One boyfriend taught Paul how to beat other children with chunks of house bricks, slices of roof slate, and a homemade axe. He learned to accept physical victimhood and abuse as a way of life. His young, undernourished body was weak, but his mind stayed strong.

Physical and mental abuse haunted Paul in his early teenage years. He became introverted and socially awkward, carrying mental baggage that made him feel unwanted and unloved. He protected himself by lashing out at anyone who tried to comfort him.

One day, Paul was allowed to break away from his old life and start a new one. He didn’t know exactly where to go or what to do, but he was sure he had to find the courage to change and break away from the past that defined him. Paul began to find contentment traveling through the countries of Europe, though he was still plagued by nagging demons. He caught himself talking to his internal, tormenting voices, always telling himself, “I’II show them!”  Hating the person he had become, Paul struggled to overcome the burdens of his past.

To his shame, Paul recognized that he emulated the violent actions of his abusers almost to the point of murder. A rude awakening of this violent act changed the young man. He realized that his anger and violence would soon sentence him to a lifetime in prison, regardless of which country he was in, so he committed to turn his life around.

As he worked and traveled throughout Europe, Paul found accommodations with many friendly, open families. He yearned to be a part of a loving family, but he was mentally wary of people. Though he yearned to be loved, he didn’t want to get tied down with relationships, marriage, or children. He decided he could find contentment as a loner. He would live in solitude with his thoughts and somehow shed the past by developing a new code of optimistic principles to live by.

With his new code, Paul returned to school and earned a degree. He had no educational support during middle and high school years and often fell behind in his studies. As a result, he struggled and taught himself how to learn from books and college lectures. He persevered, earned his degree, and, with his new skills, found a job that provided opportunities to travel the world on luxury cruise liners. After a few years circling the globe, he became a SCUBA diving instructor on a Caribbean Island. Always looking for a place to call home, Paul took on the challenge of building a house with his bare hands in that faraway corner of the world. 

Paul explains in detail how he cast away his nagging demons. He read self-help books and became his therapist. Confronting profound diabolical truths, he dismantled the stigmas that plagued him. Paul learned to accept the actual person inside him, a happy young man who was yearning to get out.

Paul’s story has adventure, travel, grit, determination, and success and shows readers that we have the power and authority within us to change our lives.

Paul’s tale would not be complete without his delightful pursuit of love and marriage to a most unlikely soulmate.

It is unimaginable for the average person today to truly comprehend the struggles and hardships the author endured. His life story will move you for sure. It’s gut-wrenching at times. Yet, you will be amazed by the author’s strength, determination, and motivation to improve his life. It’s one of those books you have to read.

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Who is your target audience, and why?

My target audience is anyone who may seek a change in their lives. I am not the most intelligent man, but I know we have the power and authority to change. The power to move away from wrong role models, to live in better surroundings with more excellent people, and to have the authority to scribe new principles and disciplines to start our lives over.  

It is a hard step to take, to leave everything behind and walk into the future with nothing except belief in oneself. I made that step and believe I became a better person for it.

What do you consider your most tremendous success in life?

My most tremendous success in life is my soul mate, Susan. Before meeting her, I decided to live in solitude because of my deep mistrust of people. I thought I was content being a loner in life. That was until I met Susan. From the get-go, Susan never wanted anything from me except to love me unconditionally. I couldn’t believe such a wonderful woman loved me like she did. I feel so lucky. Susan completes me as a human being. She is my success!

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

I believe I am a part of a distinct group of writers who write about what they know, and they write honestly and truthfully. 

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It Wasn’t Easy, But I Made It: Escaping from an abusive life, by traveling the world to find acceptance, peace and success. Kindle Edition by Paul Tennant (Author)

 




Dear Readers,

As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to share with you a truly remarkable book that embodies the spirit of hope, transformation, and the indomitable human spirit. "From Darkness to Light: The Paul Story" by Paul Tennant is a compelling true story that will captivate your heart and inspire your soul.

About the Book:

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DOWNLOAD EBOOK
FREE DECEMBER 21-25, 2023

This book chronicles the extraordinary life of Paul, a man who triumphed over unimaginable adversity to find redemption, success, and ultimately, happiness. Born into poverty in 1960s England, Paul's early years were marked by unspeakable abuse, both physical and emotional, at the hands of his mother and her boyfriends. These early experiences taught him harsh lessons about violence, survival, and the world's cruelty, shaping his outlook on life in profound ways.

As a teenager, Paul's introversion and the weight of his traumatic past further isolated him from the world. However, a pivotal moment arrived when he made a courageous decision to leave his past behind. Armed with little more than a backpack and a burning desire for change, Paul embarked on an incredible journey across Europe. Along the way, he took on various jobs, from grape picking in France to playing music in the subways of Paris.

Yet, even amidst the beauty of travel, Paul couldn't escape the demons that haunted him. He grappled with the person he had become and his own violent tendencies. But in a dramatic and transformative turn of events, he chose a different path. Paul became his own therapist, immersed himself in self-help literature, and began the journey of self-improvement.

This period of transformation saw Paul return to school, earn a degree, and embark on a career that allowed him to explore the world. Throughout his remarkable journey, he battled his desire for love and family, eventually finding contentment in solitude and a newfound optimistic outlook on life. His pursuit of love led to an unexpected and fulfilling marriage, culminating in a life filled with happiness and purpose.

Why You Should Read This Book:

"From Darkness to Light: The Paul Story" is more than just a story of one man's struggle; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for change. It's a powerful illustration of how we can redefine our lives, no matter our past circumstances. Paul's journey is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity, and his story reminds us all of the boundless potential within ourselves.

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DOWNLOAD EBOOK FREE DECEMBER 21-25, 2023

A Special Holiday Gift:

Here's the best part - from December 21st to December 25th, 2023, you can download the Kindle edition of "From Darkness to Light: The Paul Story" for FREE. It's a gift of inspiration that you can enjoy during the holiday season, and share with friends and loved ones who might also benefit from Paul's incredible journey.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired, to believe in the power of transformation, and to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Order your copy today, and let Paul's story illuminate your path towards a brighter future.

Order your FREE Kindle edition of "From Darkness to Light: The Paul Story" now and discover the transformative power of the human spirit.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with hope, inspiration, and the joy of new beginnings.

Warm regards,

Dr. Mel


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DOWNLOAD EBOOK FREE DECEMBER 21-25, 2023


It Wasn’t Easy, But I Made It: Escaping from an abusive life, by traveling the world to find acceptance, peace and success. Kindle Edition

God Leads Personally: Why It's True and How It Works by Dr. Robert DiSilvestro (Author)

 

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Dear Readers:

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In a world filled with noise and distractions, where can one truly find divine guidance and purpose? Dr. Robert DiSilvestro's enlightening book, "God Leads Personally: Why It's True and How It Works," delves into the heart of this question and uncovers profound insights that can transform your spiritual journey.

In today's fast-paced society, many seek a deeper connection with the divine, longing to hear God's voice and receive personal direction. This book is a must-read if you've ever needed more profound spiritual guidance. I rave about the book, giving it a 5.0-star rating, and describe it as a captivating exploration of God's personal guidance, a topic often overlooked or misunderstood. Dr. DiSilvestro doesn't just touch the surface; he delves deep into the scriptures, revealing hidden gems that shed light on why we can still expect God to lead us individually in our lives today.

This book is not merely theoretical; it offers practical instructions on how to recognize and follow God's guidance while avoiding deception. From dramatic and awe-inspiring divine interventions to subtle yet powerful nudges, "God Leads Personally" covers a wide spectrum of experiences and methods through which God communicates with us.

What sets this book apart is its authenticity. Dr. DiSilvestro draws inspiration from his own personal struggles, including a business failure, which led him on a quest to find genuine scriptural answers about how God leads us. These answers are not based on gimmicks or formulas but on a deep exploration of the timeless wisdom contained within the Bible.

As you embark on this transformative journey through the pages of "God Leads Personally," you'll gain a fresh perspective on your relationship with the divine. Whether you are seeking answers, guidance, or simply a deeper understanding of God's personal connection with you, this book provides the roadmap.

Now, it's your turn to embark on this enlightening journey. Dive into the pages of "God Leads Personally" by Dr. Robert DiSilvestro, and discover the profound truths that can reshape your spiritual walk. Don't miss out on this opportunity to draw closer to God and uncover the personal guidance you've been longing for.

So, are you ready to embrace a more meaningful connection with the divine and learn how to recognize God's personal direction in your life? Pick up your copy of "God Leads Personally" today and take the first step towards a deeper, more fulfilling spiritual journey. Your divine guidance awaits.



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God Leads Personally: Why It's True and How It Works Paperback – July 22, 2023