The Reading Journal - entry #6 - Lance's Travels - UK by Lance Leuven

In our last entry of The Reading Journal, we introduced Lance Leuven's new book, Lance's Travels - UK. Our read so far took us on an adventurous journey through the villages of the United Kingdom, and offered wonderful, intriguing historical accounts for each region visited. As we said before, Leuven's guide books are unique, as they not only retell history but interweave in them tid-bits of the author's personal encounters as well.

Did you know that a large ancient yew tree called the Ankerwycke Yew in the meadows of Runnymede, 20 miles west of central London, which sits opposite on the bank of the River Thames bore witness to the signing of the Magna Carter in June 1215? (wikipedia.org). A document that helped shape American history and that was important in the forming of the constitution was not formulated in an office or courtroom as one would expect, but instead in a meadow by the River Thames!  This document was important because England's legal system became the model under which many countries developed their own.

Does the tree have any particular significance? Although the tree may be of little importance, Leuven, nevertheless went looking for it, and found that ironically, it was under this same tree that King Henry VIII and his lover Anne Boleyn later had their love rendezvous in the 1530s! If we were writing a novel, the irony here would probably be the starting point of the novel, to show how kings sometimes easily bend and sway under their own selfish desires, which is the very reason why laws are put into effect, to protect the people and the kingdom. The tree bore witness to both incidents in history. To do away with monarch absolutism, barons ordered one unscrupulous monarch (King John) to sign the constitution into effect. He signed to protect his greedy interest - his crown; while centuries later, the other (King Henry VIII) overshadowed the constitution and its significance in his drive to have what was otherwise forbidden.

Nevertheless, these periods in history were significant and helped to shape the legal system under which England is now governed. As a result of the signing of the constitution and the break away from Rome, England's constitutional monarchy was firmly established, and royal absolutism became a thing of the past for the country and her colonies.

In reading Lance's Travels - UK, we paused several times to ponder about earth's landscapes. In the countless generations that existed before ours, many dramatical events have unfolded within the same landscapes. While we're forging and embarking on our own history, many have created their own in the same place! Quite a sobering thought when you think of how many feet and good/bad intentions have paved the same pathway thoughout history. If we were to line up the generations that had tread that path, each person's historical encounter with that tree would tell a different story! Afterall, isn't that what history is all about?

Happy Reading!

The Reading Journal - entry #5 - Lance's Travels - UK by Lance Leuven

Our 2nd book for the Reading Journal is Lance's Travels - UK by Lance Leuven. DBR Books reviewed Lance's previous book Lance's Travels Does Cornwall, and we found the book to be an interesting mix of history and travel guide commentary, thanks to Leuven's witty storytelling abilities.

In his second book, Lance's Travels - UK, the author takes the reader on an adventurous journey, mixing in his own travel experience and historical data done through detailed retelling, with lots of imagination and a bit of speculation. The way in which historical facts are delivered in the book, produce for the reader special "what ifs" moments, which caused us to pause and ponder on a bit of history and speculate "what if history had gone an entirely different way, what then?" Leuven gets the reader involved and intrigued, and one can't help but be absorbed in the natural way in which Leuven retells history. This is a good thing because readers will want to visit; to be in the place where such grand history took place, and experience (even if it's just in imagination) that piece of history that Leuven has recreated for us!

Leuven's guide books are not the typical, but they are a more detailed, personal journal-like type of guide which take into account the writer's experience, and give a little bit of theatrical drama (both his and history's) along with it! For example, going into the history of the Crown and the fights and battles that ensued to gain control of the Crown and all the provinces and territories that comes with it, is pretty detailed oriented but the tasteful way in which Leuven embarked on this endeavor makes it an adventure for him as well as the reader. Therefore, you could tell that the author totally enjoyed his visit to the town of Battle, (in which the Battle of Hastings took place); his very descriptive, engrossing tale gave it all away!

If you love history and travel, then you'll love reading Lance's Travels - UK by Lance Leuven. We're just about to delve into chapter 3 and we look forward to hearing from you as you travel the UK with us through the eyes and imagination of Lance Leuven, our author and travel guide!

This article can also be seen in this month's issue of The Books Magazine .

Happy Reading!

Reading Journal - entry #4 - The Power to Transform by Chris Majer

This is our final journal entry for the book The Power to Transform by Chris Majer. We must say that Chris Majer took us on an inspiring journey of self-discovery, and reform. According to Majer, upon reading this book and performing all the necessary assignments required, a reformation takes place. This reformation takes place by reformed thinking, which is put into practice, and the outcome is a reformed lifestyle!

Don't get us wrong - it doesn't of course happen overnight. But one could see changes, even in the way you view things, after reading and engaging in the exercises set out in the book. The book awakens in the reader a desire for better, and through practical advice, Majer takes the reader through a series of uplifting and self awareness exercises. These practical steps become the building blocks and foundation to a better you. However, in order to get there, Majer suggests that one should learn to observe oneself. Cultivating awareness of self and your surroundings and how you affect others, is "a lifelong journey" that will "deepen your capacity to [truly] see yourself."

Majer's book, The Power to Transform, takes the reader through several key factors that are imperative for real change. The book brings about honest, authentic, soul-searching discoveries, and motivates the reader to perform beyond his/her comfort zone. Are you a victim or a victor in life's circumstances? Are you committed to excellence or satisfied to perform in your comfort zone? Are you exercising your power of choice or are you using the shadow of fear as an excuse? Majer's book helps you to honestly look within yourself to see who you truly are, and to help shape the new you.

We must say, that although the book is really a 90 day read, we would encourage readers to reread the book to fully get the gist of what it really means to transform your life from the inside out! And don't forget to put into practice what you've learned!

Exciting, adventuresome, motivating, and inspiring, The Power to Transform by Chris Majer is a must read for everyone and anyone who is truly looking to take your future off default and instead choose to reinvent it.

Connect with the author on his website here.

Happy Reading!

Reading Journal - entry #3 - The Power to Transform by Chris Majer

According to Chris Majer in his book The Power to Transform, when we say we "can't", what we are really saying is "I am afraid to," "I am currently not competent to/at," or "I am unwilling to,".

In his book, Majer in a series of assignments, states that "the object here is to bring your awareness to the conditional tendency of using 'I can't' as a hiding place." Many people use "I can't" to mask pain, insecurity, unwillingness, or a means to giving in to one's inner critic.

However, Majer takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. His theory is that if you become more aware of the deep underlying reasons why we say we "can't", then the revelation can lead us to make better choices.

• You should become aware of what your inner critic is saying.
• Note how much this inner voice influences your actions and decision making.
• What are you going to do about it? What choice will you make toward the desired course of action?

According to Majer, we "always have a choice." In choosing to act you are in fact choosing to believe that you are "inherently able" to complete the task. So the next time you catch yourself saying "I can't", Majer suggests that you stop and consider why you're saying it. Be true to yourself and to others. Answer why you choose not to follow a course of action. In assessing ourselves, we'll find the honest answer instead of hiding behind the shadow of "I can't". For the most part however, we have the ability to successfully complete what's asked of us.

Read The Power to Transform by Chris Majer. For more info, visit the author's website http://humanpotentialproject.com .

Happy Reading!

The Reading Journal - entry #2 - The Power to Transform by Chris Majer

Embarking on a project on "mental fitness", Majer began his career as founder and CEO of the Human Potential Project. He taught athletes that their goal was not only to become physically fit but becoming mentally fit was just as important. Majer later taught his fitness practices to the military and to organizations.

The book highlights flashbacks and stories of practical examples of overcoming and remaining mentally strong.  Majer highlights that facing the moment of crises head-on despite the anxiety we feel is far better than 'cowering' before the situation.

Key points in our reading:

“...like centering, [and] accountability, avoiding the impulse to blame others for our problems, is a valuable skill, one requiring practice, but which yields great dividends.” And the world of obstacles that exist in our path may be as a result of how we perceive them in our minds. Therefore, the limitations that we face are “merely the limitations of our own minds.”

So what are the limitations you face? Realize this. According to Majer, they are not limitations but your struggle within. Maybe it's a struggle to simply get out of your comfort zone or to get over your fear. He rightly pointed out that "there is no learning inside your comfort zone."  We should aim to replace our laid back state of being with a more adventurous one. Fellow examiner Leila Rose-Gordon in her article Face Your Fears and Overcome Them, like Majer also stressed the importance of getting out of that constant, persistence of remaining in our comfort zone and daring once again to realize your dream!  

Majer reiterates that the only way to really learn is through practice. This book really works on the 'inner you', a transformational process over the course of 90 days. So don't just read the book, but also put into practice what you've gleaned from your reading and do the exercises. We hope you're reading along with us, as we are getting ready to delve into Chapter 3 to begin to put into practice what we've learned.

Visit the author’s website, Human Potential Project to know more about the book and the author. Video clips, forums, and the subscription to the newsletter are also available.

Happy Reading!

The Reading Journal - entry#1 - The Power to Transform by Chris Majer

Harnessing inspiration from a variety of sources such as other motivational leaders, teachers, and coaches, Chris Majer author of The Power to Transform embarks on a journey of self discovery, team management, and developing innovative and strategic concepts in realizing the human potential. Majer is founder and Ceo of the Human Potential Project, a project which is "designed to deliver transformational education for athletes, the military, and corporate organizations".

In The Power to Transform, Passion, Power, and Purpose in Daily Life, Majer shares his knowledge and formulates his program for the individual. Irrespective of your status or your career goal, this book offers "easy-to-use" concepts that will produce change.

As the first book in our Reader's Journal forum, we will highlight key points and profound statements without giving too much away! Minutes into reading The Power to Transform, several fundamental points arrest the attention and lead the reader to the core message of this book, that is, the individual's power to make choices that will bring about a transformation in their own lives.

1. We have the capacity to continuously reshape our lives. 
2. We are not forever bound by our circumstances or occurrences.
3. We can choose to reinvent ourselves and our futures. 
4. Excuses are usually as a result of fear.

 Although many of us are already aware of these points, we fail to apply them which results in unrealized dreams and goals. These fundamental points speak to the heart of all human beings, because we all have something in our lives that we'd like to change. Maybe you'd like to become a better parent; or get that first novel out of your head and on paper; or make your business more enterprising. Whatever your goal or whatever your lack, according to Majer, you have the potential to reshape your life and reinvent your future. Put fear aside.

Okay. So let's bring it down to an everyday, practical level. You have a deep desire to write a novel, but you have a fear that you might not be able to do it. Or you think that maybe the manuscript will be no good. Or you have a fear that it will be rejected by the publishers. Well, write anyway! Choose to step out of your comfort zone and get the words out of your head and on paper. Write what comes to mind, challenge yourself and write, write, write! Here's a tip: keep a notebook and think about your characters (they are real within the pages of your book) and writing about them should come naturally. Also, you should know that readers make good writers, that's because we already know what we want in a story.

This is only the Introduction! Should you choose to implement these strategies in your life, then Majer promises a journey that is exciting, intense and rewarding. But he is not only promising change; he is also promising transformation.

Read The Power to Transform along with us, and feel free to discuss your findings and how this book has helped to transform your life.

Resolving to keep your new year's resolution

At the beginning of each year, people make resolutions for the new and upcoming year they are about to embark on. But making a resolution is a big thing and here's why: Resolution - a resolving, formal statement, a determination. Unless you have a determination to accomplish your goal, then don't make a resolution you can't keep. 

So this year DBR Books wishes to do something new for our readers.  We would like to give you a more enriching reading experience! We want to inspire you into action! Whatever your resolution, whatever your goal, we want to help you achieve it by inspiring you with outstanding phrases we see in our outstanding reads. Reads that will not only interest you, but reads that will motivate you to take charge of your life and to inspire the greatness in you! Our new reader’s forum, The Reader’s Journal, will help you to aspire to greater heights.

The Power to Transform - Passion, Power, and Purpose in Daily Life by Rick Majer is our first choice. Follow along with us as we dig deeper for a more enriching reading experience.

We are also inviting you to a share your enriching experience with us on Twitter @DBRBooks, and on our Blog.

Happy New Year!