I recently had a fantastic interview with David McMillan on the Strategies for Living radio show, which was subsequently featured in an article written in the Shreveport Times this week. I thought you might enjoy it so I included them both!

Listen to the Interview:

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Read the Shreveport Times Article:

Why are we always in such a hurry?

Why is it such a challenge to maintain inner peace?

Why doesn’t hard work always equate with results or fulfillment?

How can we find true fulfillment and lasting happiness?

I don’t know about you, but I think about those things. These are just some of the questions many of us ponder and that Seth David Chernoff tackles in his new book, “Manual for Living: Reality-A User’s Guide to the Meaning of Life” (2010, Spirit Scope Publishing). This gentleman says he’s learned to experience the fullness of life by facing death, twice; he’s a two-time cancer survivor. I recently talked with Seth on my radio program and he now sounds very healthy. I invite you to listen to this interview … and consider this book. Seth’s unique experience of facing death has the potentialtoinform us on how to really and truly live.

The “Manual for Living” is probably unlike books you have seen or experienced, given its format and its content. Most often, when we start a book, we feel an obligation to finish it, but this unique book is never really finished, and Seth says he actually designed it not to be read cover to cover. This is one of those exceptional books that can be picked up intermittently for guidance along the path, and one you can open randomly and quite often find exactly the guidance you’re seeking. There is also very little within the book that you have not already heard, but the context in which it’s presented provides a tremendous opportunity for growth and understanding.

Of course, we all face tremendous obstacles, challenges and trauma in our lives; that is inevitable. It’s who we choose to be and how we respond to those opportunities however that determines the real quality of our lives.

The “Manual for Living” is written to be a user’s guide to the meaning of life; it’s a guidebook to create balance and connection, intimacy and relationship, peace and love, evolution and fulfillment. Seth states that what we desire cannot be “obtained,” for he says it can only be experienced,andthe result of a life of commitment and service. Can we achieve lasting happiness? Can we find fulfillment or obtain true love? What exactly is a spiritual life, an inspirational life, a fulfilled life? What really is possible in life? Can we have it all? I think his manual can help us find clarity and assist with connecting to our inner guidance, thus opening the gateway to an intentional life; a chosen life that is joyful and fulfilled. Few people on Earth possess the answers to life’s simplest questions because, in truth, the answers are granted only to those who go within themselves to understand their own special language.

In truth Seth states that we’re all one in the same, regardless of intellect, age, race, creed, or dialect. No matter how much we contest this truth, there is little difference between us except how we have chosen to experience this lifetime. Life somehow seems easier when we live as turtles, hiding in the shadows and emerging to seek nourishment, prosperity and fulfillment, only to retreat into the protection of our shell when we realize that what we seek cannot be found outside of ourselves. Seldom are rewards granted to those who hide from the world and its associated challenges and opportunities.

Idon’tknow about you, but the longer I’m around, the more I realize how much I’ve done just that in my life, and I don’t want to keep doing it. I find books like this can be a tremendous help. Here are just a few of the highlights that you’ll find to ponder on:

We cannot avoid death, but somehow we have we have discovered how to avoid life.

The only path to happiness is a life of purpose and meaning.

There is never enough money for all that we desire, but there are ample funds for all that we require.

In every moment, we are either living or dying; there is nothing in between.

Money has the potential to destroy lives, incite war and distract us from what is most important in life.

In the end, it is the quality of our life and not the quantity.

(Marriage and family therapist David McMillian can be heard on “Strategies for Living” any time at www.strategiesforliving.com and from 9:05 to 10 a.m. Sundays on Newsradio 710 KEEL.)

If you haven’t bought this life-changing, award-winning book yet, I highly recommend you give it a try. It’s available at your favorite local bookstore, at Amazon.com, in the Apple iBookstore, for the Kindle – and you can get an autographed copy – all Right Here!