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Guest Post and Giveaway: Life Choices ~ Putting the Pieces Together

Have you ever been really challenged and, afterward, looked back upon the experience with the knowledge that you were changed by it? I certainly have . . . numerous times and in a variety of ways in both the personal and professional realm. Challenges teach us exactly how strong we are by requiring our very best efforts and, sometimes, even more. Life challenges have made us the people we are at the present moment, and we can be confident that we will continue to grow and evolve over time as we overcome obstacles that, as of yet, we can’t even imagine.

When times get tough, “everyone has to make choices between giving up or growing stronger.” Eleanor Roosevelt put it this way: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'”

In Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together, 26 authors share short stories about their own lives: How they stared down and overcame challenges, the choices they made, and what they learned from their experiences. In many cases, the authors do not relate times when they merely encountered a “bump in the road.” On the contrary, many of the authors detail the manner in which their lives had completely fallen apart — in some instances, due entirely to their own unfortunate choices — and they were brought to their knees in abject failure. Yet they found the strength to forge ahead, in many cases completely reinventing themselves and their lives, finding new success. Their triumphs will inspire you.

Why

by
Kathy Jo Pollack, Author of Success: A Choice, Not a Gamble (even in Vegas), included in Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together

It never occurred to me that people might wonder why I decided to be a part of the book. To me it all seemed to flow and fit, but then again that may be why I did not think it was a question.

I feel as though not only my business as a life coach, trainer and speaker, but also my “story” has been in the works for the last two decades . . . waiting patiently as I compiled my life experiences (i.e. pieces of my puzzle).

It was and still is amazing to me to see how my choices led me to this point. Life is about choices – simple yet powerful. When you uncover and live your true passion, your purpose and conviction will follow, as will your story if you so choose.

Looking back, what I have found even more amazing is the way things work together in our lives. I had always loved motivating people through education. Ten years ago when I began as the training specialist for Consumer Credit Counseling Service, I did not imagine I would be writing this today. At the time, I only knew that I loved training and embraced this new opportunity to learn about finances, gain my own personal financial independence, and share it with others.

There are no extra pieces in the universe.
Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.
~ Deepak Chopra

Then, as I became more aware of choices and opportunities, I began to see a pattern in my life. I also began to listen to my inner voice, and finally made another choice. I started my own business with a burning passion for training and empowering others. I truly believe in my heart that education is powerful and building a strong foundation is crucial to contentment.

I have also made many more choices which have led to more pieces fitting into my puzzle. That is why writing my story for this book seemed so natural. I have expanded my business by adding two more specialties: relationships and etiquette. My choice to travel to Las Vegas with my mom to attend etiquette training hosted by Judi Moreo opened yet another door. I did not even know Judi but somehow this “fit” and the little voice inside me said to go! Now I have a thriving business that parallels my passion, and I have the opportunity to share my story with the hope of inspiring others.

Meet Kathy

Author Kathy Jo Pollack
Kathy Jo Pollack is a certified life coach, trainer, and speaker specializing in personal finance, relationships, and etiquette. Kathy Jo offers coaching, teleclasses, workshops, and public speaking. Having presented more than 700 seminars, her most requested topic is “Get on Track with Your Finances” and corresponding article “The A, B, C, D’s of a Healthy Financial Plan.” Kathy Jo is heard monthly on Weekend Focus (News Radio 1170 WWVA), and has written numerous articles.

Enter to Win a Copy of Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together

Mandatory Entry:

All you have to do is leave a comment saying that you would like to win! Be sure to include your email address (for notification purposes).

Bonus Entries:

Leave a separate comment below for each bonus entry –

  • Follow me on Twitter — be sure to leave your Twitter name in the comment
  • Subscribe to Colloquium via RSS or Email and confirm your subscription
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link to your tweet in a comment!
  • Post this giveaway on Facebook and leave the link to your post in a comment!

A copy of the book was sent to Deb at Debbie’s Book Bag.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together free of charge from the author in conjunction with the Pump Up Your Book review and virtual book tour program. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own. This disclosure complies with 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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40 Comments

  8. Linda Kish

    Please include me.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  9. Deborah Clark

    As one of the contributing authors to the Life Choices series, (watch out for the third edition next year) I want to encourage everyone to feed their soul with these stories of stuff that happens, (the mirror that broke), and how to “Put The Pieces Back Together” for continued sucess.
    Thanks for your support
    Deborah

  10. Elena

    The book sounds interesting to me and I would love to win it.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

  11. Elena

    Follow you via GFC (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

  12. Elena

    Follow Colloquium on Networked Blogs (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

  13. Elena

    Follow you on Twitter (@spelena).
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

  14. Elena

    Email subscriber.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

  16. avalonne83

    Great giveaway! I’d love to be entered.

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

  17. amandasue

    I would love a chance into this giveaway thanks!

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

  20. Pingback: West Of Mars — Win A Book! » Blog Archive » The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry

  24. RobynL

    I believe I could learn from this book so please enter me and thanks.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

  25. RobynL

    I follow through GFC as primrose

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  26. RobynL

    I follow on Networked Blogs

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  27. RobynL

    follow on Twitter as rlee1950

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

  28. RobynL

    subscribed to Colloquium and subscription confirmed

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

  30. Emma

    This book sounds wonderful. Please enter me and thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

  32. Laura H.

    Thanks for the giveaway! Count me in!

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  33. Laura H.

    Already follow via GFC @Bornajhawk.

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  34. Laura H.

    Already follow on Networked Blogs (Laura Grassie Henderson).

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  35. Laura H.

    Twitter follower @MamaHendo3.

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  37. Laura H.

    Tweeted giveaway: twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/3261093111664641

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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