Holly J. Galligan

Surprised how much I loved this

Revisado: 01-26-25

I loved the performers and the story. I loved the depth and insight of the interviews. This was a great read.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The reader made it almost unbearable

Revisado: 05-06-24

Since it is the 5th book in the series I stuck it out to hear the conclusion, but the breathy, raspy voice of the reader exaggerating every word was so hard to listen to. The sex scenes were so long and tedious in that grating voice I had to ff a lot. I should have switched to the written version. I would not recommend this audiobook to anyone. Although, I did like the story conclusion.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

It’s good, but not my cup of tea

Revisado: 01-23-20

This is a good book, but as a Christian the self-empowering stuff is a little bit hard for me to take. I did find some of the information helpful and did identify with at least one of the items listed. I think the author is genuine and really enjoyed that. As a believer who appreciates genuine people it’s a struggle to find books that speak to my soul. I want to “self-help” so far, but also lean on the Lord. I don’t think prayer will magically solve all of my problems, But a true relationship with Christ will make me okay whether my problems are solved or not. (I didn’t intend for this review to go that direction, sorry).

My other struggle with this book is that I think people can be too open about their emotions. I had to check myself on this because the author does mention that you don’t have to let it all of the time and that it is uncomfortable . Do I not support this idea because I don’t want to be uncomfortable? I don’t think that’s it. I just think sometimes you have to set the feelings aside so you don’t live in that feeling. Like, do you have to stamp “I have anxiety” on your forehead and remind everyone every day? Does repeating this sort of thing constantly only make you fall deeper into that emotion? For example I suffer from chronic headaches. I’m so tired of hearing myself say, “I have a headache”. I sort of want to just talk about something else because I am more than just a walking headache. Yes it’s there. I’m not in denial, I work with my doctor regularly and do all the things to work through it, but I just don’t want to mope around or throw a pity-party. I’m not comparing a recurring headache with the grief of a widow or those who suffer with anxiety and depression; etc. But aren’t there some healing powers in setting aside feelings and going to walk on the beach or a hike in the mountains? It just seems like this book is advising a lot of wallowing. Just thinking out loud.

I sometimes feel so empathetic for my loved ones that it’s too heavy and I want to shake it off. It’s hard to get out of that place and if I focus on my feelings all the time, How can I be present for others?

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Short and sweet

Revisado: 11-25-19

I really enjoyed the flow of this book. The results don’t seem earth-shattering, but the stories are good. It has an easy rhythm and serves as a great reminder for me. We used to live in the mountains and I would walk the trails regularly (almost daily). When I got out there I found myself in awe nearly every day. Now that we live in the Midwest the winters are long and bleak. The lack of evergreens and the grey skies keep me indoors for so many months that I forget how much I love to be out in nature. The story of the winter hike had me thinking why don’t I just go when it’s cold?! The book was inspiring and made me want to get outside. The portion with the Vets had me tearing up. My husband has just a little PTSD from his combat times. He used to dream that someone was trying to kill him every night. He would wake startled. We’ve been together nearly 20 years and I’m happy to report he no longer has these nightmares. I wish that for each of the people in the book. The ladies in the second adventure had me sobbing. Their strength blows my mind. I found it surprising that Florence’s results showed her more stressed than these women. But I wonder if part of that was the empathy from their shared testimony. At the same time, it was a good reminder that our trauma is real. Even though by comparison it seems trivial, stress has real physiological effects on our bodies. The quote “comparison is the thief of joy” comes to mind. This book serves as a good reminder how it doesn’t matter how our trials look compared to others’. They are ours and we shouldn’t downplay them; healing can come from acknowledgement. Lastly, the portion about stress resilience intrigued me the most. I would like to learn more about this potential. A whole book about exploring this subject would interest me a great deal. Could daily habits work for stress the way antioxidants combat free-radicals? Would nature be the answer or would it be a diet/nature/journaling combo prescription?

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Loved it

Revisado: 09-26-17

This was outstanding, I listened to it in my car and wished it was longer.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Got Satisfaction?

Revisado: 09-09-16

Where does Off Balance rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have recently listened to a few excellent books and a few were of similar nature, so I don't want to compare. It may take away from the value of this book. It raises some excellent points and was very good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Off Balance?

Seeking "a balanced life" is a common misconception and ultimately causes unrealistic expectations. Work is part of life and as much as we try, it's rare for a person to be able to completely compartmentalize professional and personal lives. It's one life. The true goal is satisfaction. To be satisfied at both work and home.

What does Mike Chamberlain bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed the reader, It had a nice flow and was easy to understand.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Off Balance?

I found it interesting the author suggests a 10-year plan. He advises writing your daily plan, weekly, monthly and on. Pointing out real life changes will likely take 10 years seems realistic. Oddly, it made me relax a little and think, "I can do that." Trying to make huge changes in the short term is stressful and seems unattainable resulting in no action. I like the idea of having breathing room and plan to make the most out of right now. I also loved the tips on How to Have a Great Day. Hint: It takes planning.

Any additional comments?

Most books in this genre suggest planning, not a lot of difference in that regard, but I liked the suggestions in this book. I enjoyed the satisfaction survey and felt like it made me take ownership of my life. It is my choices that brought me to this place and my choices that will improve my overall satisfaction.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent info, but uncomfortable flow

Revisado: 09-06-16

What did you like best about The Now Habit? What did you like least?

I gained insight into the reasons I procrastinate and how to retrain my brain with simple fixes.

Would you be willing to try another one of Neil Fiore’s performances?

No. I did not connect with Neil Fiore as a reader. There were awkward breaks in the sentence structure. It never felt like it flowed well. Sort of like being a passenger with a teen driver who constantly taps the brakes. Please don't misunderstand, I did really think the content was quite good.

Do you think The Now Habit needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, there was some definite repetition in this book. I don't need to hear anymore.

Any additional comments?

I think the unschedule is an interesting concept. This would have worked very well for me as a real estate agent, but in my current administration role, it's not quite as applicable. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, I would highly recommend this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

If you want sugar coating, this isn't your book

Revisado: 09-02-16

Where does Take the Stairs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've been listening to a lot of Personal development audiobooks while I walk in the evenings or during mundane tasks at work. The last book was Grit and this book was an excellent chaser. It really made me want to buckle in and get to work. I have renewed determination and some very solid tools to be successful.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Take the Stairs?

"Success is never owned, only rented. Every...single...day." I also liked the story about lifetime measured with a tape measure and a day being a tiny speck on the map of our lives. Not to let a bad day turn into a bad week/month/year. There is a promise that positive daily habits will get easier (even loved?) and starting will be the hardest part. Never again will I have to endure as much grit to stick to this goal. Also the idea of only one new commitment at a time. Not to try to revamp every aspect of life.

Which character – as performed by Rory Vaden – was your favorite?

When Rory was the young college student selling encyclopedias door to door. The difficulty of that seems overwhelming, then the kid who gave his hard-earned dollars to his mother. I sobbed. I'm a little choked up about it even now.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Take the Stairs?

I need to define what I actually want. I think I flounder because I don't have clear goals.

Any additional comments?

I really liked Rory's voice. It's a little weird saying it, but some readers are hard to listen to. His voice was softer and smoother. It was kind of relaxing even though the theme was 'get to work'. I also love the way he spoke about his wife and sharing her story. Actually, I cried again, (I have an overactive empathy muscle) but I was instantly heart-broken for that teenage girl who lost her mother and her fiancé. For her to be able to find a love as true as indicated in this story makes me think she is an incredible person.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

LOVE

Revisado: 08-31-16

What did you love best about Grit?

I loved this book. I thought the flow was excellent, the author did a wonderful job reading. Also, there was not too much scientific jargon. Any data presented was necessary and easy to follow. Although I rarely read books twice, I think this one deserves a second look (listen). There were very practical applications, the GRIT test, the PDF's. It was so thorough. Honestly, I couldn't put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the stories of success through grit.

What does Angela Duckworth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It felt very personal and I was really able to connect with her.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, well, it made me want to take action.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

EVERYTHING is a good description

Revisado: 08-26-16

This book was a little lengthy and a few of the subjects dragged on. The description of "early humans" on my made me think a lot of stuff is made up by some crazy scientists. I loved the tidbits like l, "the tongue of a blue whale weighs as much as an elephant" and a "giant squid has tentacles up to 60' long...would fill an entire swimming pool...no live one has ever been seen, only washed up". Also funny insights about important people through history, several historians / scientists stealing credit for others' work and other fun facts. I loved the reader's British accent. I thought it was odd there was no mention of the Bible or anything mentioning the history recorded there. The exclusion of it makes me wonder about other facts. All in all, very interesting and certainly made me think.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña