Research confirms that when people feel appreciated, good things happen to their minds, hearts, and bodies. The Power of Appreciation shows how to use this simple, always available tool to improve the quality of one’s own life and that of others. Based on a five-step approach to developing an appreciative mindset, this book includes scientific references, examples, worksheets, and quizzes to illustrate the value of appreciation, plus how to overcome resistance and roadblocks. The authors have assembled an "Appreciator’s Group" to gauge the effects of using and attracting appreciation in various daily settings, and the group members’ positive experiences and comments are highlighted. Color photos enhance this handbook for living healthier and happier by cultivating appreciation and gratitude in every area of life.
My mother named me "Noelle" because, being French, she wanted me to have a French name that couldn't be mispronounced in English. Didn't work. I've been called "No-No," "Noellie" "the First Noel" (among others), but my favorite is "Noilly" (think no-oil-ee). Poor woman, she meant well . . . Meanwhile, growing up in California with a French mom and a Cincinnati, Ohio, born-and-bred Dad was an adventure: European discipline, MidWest values and organic foods before anyone knew what organic was. My stylish Parisien mother would have loved fashion-plate children, instead she got my tomboy sister and a bookworm - me.
My not-very-straight-line path took me to Wellesley (briefly), UCLA (BA), the Sorbonne in Paris (Doctorat), United States International University (Ph.D.) with assorted jobs along the way: medical receptionist, department store salesgirl, 2nd stage manager at the Lido (Paris), actress (inevitable - I grew up in SoCal), acting coach, clinical psychologist (really), trial consultant, AUTHOR! Finally. The thing I love best to do. Well, along with giving seminars, speeches, creating videos . . . enough of that.
For the detailed serious professional bio, please visit http://yourmaniswonderful.com and click on "Author."
The one outstanding lesson life has taught me over and over, and that runs through all my writings in a variety of ways is that life, this life, and everything that is in it - you, me, the animals, the earth, our planet, the galaxy, God, all of it - is most present, most fulfilled when it is grandly, genuinely, thoroughly appreciated. Appreciation is the cornerstone of love, for only when you value something, cherish it, do you come to love it. And so it is that I write about what I discover anew every day - the greatest gift of all is appreciation.
Thank you for giving me yet another opportunity to appreciate. You.
