Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth

by Laurie Buchanan

Baggage! We all carry it with us through life.
It comes in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors more than enough to accommodate the stuff that we accumulate through life. And no matter how we dress it up, it s frustrating, inconvenient, and slows us down. In fact, it s downright disruptive.
This book is about offloading emotional baggage something that s especially important when we realize that we don t just pack for one; we pack for seven. Each of the seven selves self-preservation, self-gratification, self-definition, self-acceptance, self-expression, self-reflection, and self-knowledge has characteristics, wellness types, and shadows. Each plays a vital role in harmony, overall health, and well-being.
Chock full of real-life emotional examples, as well as keys at the end of each chapter offering actionable tips, techniques, and exercises designed to help you unlock baggage, examine it, and offload it permanently, Note to Self will help you discover a lighter, joy-filled you!"

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Laurie Buchanan writes the critically acclaimed Sean McPherson novels—pulse-pounding crime thrillers with heart-stopping twists. Plunge into the depths of malice, the unwavering quest for justice, and high-stakes consequences.

Be sure to follow Laurie on BookBub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lauri...

Buchanan's books have won multiple awards, including a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year gold, an International Book Award gold, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a PenCraft Aaward for Literary Excellence; she has also been a finalist in the Crime Fiction/Suspense Eric Hoffer Awards and the CIBA Clue Book Awards.

A cross between Dr. Dolittle, Nanny McPhee, and a type-A Buddhist, Laurie is an active listener, observer of details, payer of attention, reader and writer of books, kindness enthusiast, and red licorice aficionado.

Laurie and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys long walks, bicycling, camping, and photography—because sometimes the best word choice is a picture.

To learn more, please visit Laurie's website at www.lauriebuchanan.com.

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many self help books,but I was pleasantly surprised by Laurie Buchanan's book note to self.I've never heard of the seven self's and how they effect every aspect of our life's. As I read each one I saw how I've let the baggage build and build in my life and it makes sense how by not addressing so many things in my life,I've made not only my mind a mess but I'm also effecting my body and causing some of the health issue's that I am now dealing with. I loved the tools that she gives you to help to heal from what we eat to asking our self's the real questions to positive affirmations. How colors and habitats can all influence how we feel.I recommend this book to anyone who believes that the mind and body connection is a real thing.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early in her book, Note to Self, Laurie Buchanan, Ph.D., notes that “the drive behind my purpose is compassion.” This drive shines through every page of this thoughtful and informative book. It is clear that Dr. Buchannan truly cares about people and wants to lovingly and supportive guide her readers to a good, healthy and abundant life. The book is full of stories, quotes, and tips that make it a fun and inviting read. Woven through the book is the view of what an intentional life looks like while offering the reader the tools to achieve one of your own. This compendium offers a menu of actions, philosophies, choices and thoughts. You may find that you agree with everything that is offered or you may choose from her options to find what works for you to live your best life. I loved the accessibility and usefulness of this approach. Besides being a guidebook for self-improvement, the book offers delightful nuggets like the stories about the playground study regarding boundaries and how the Nobel prizes came to be. Most useful of all, Dr. Buchannan offers thoughtful questions throughout the book to help the reader understand their own values, choices and actions. At the end of the book is a list of 365 questions that is worth the price of admission all by itself. Read, enjoy and live more fully with this gift of a book.

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding balance and harmony in our over-booked, fast-paced lives often seems like an elusive search. Laurie Buchanan has provided a meticulously researched, yet very practical guide for dealing with the chaos and disruption of carrying around the emotional baggage in our lives that prevents us from experiencing peace and joy. She addresses this within the holistic framework of the Seven Selves: Self-preservation, Self-gratification, Self-definition, Self-acceptance, Self-expression, Self-reflection and Self-knowledge.

Each chapter, dedicated to one of the Seven Selves, is filled with specific ways to nurture ten areas: Mind-Body Connection, Color Therapy, Diet, Aromatherapy, Affirmations, The business of being, Breath work, Wellness Inventory and Vitality Check, Action Steps and Personal Energy Signature. Her techniques are researched-based and offer a template for a comprehensive and meaningful plan to achieve wellness. She weaves in quotes, definitions and vignettes to highlight her material.

This is not a book that I read in one sitting. Rather I devoured it in stages so as to allow the wisdom to sink in. I allowed myself to stop and think about how I could apply it to my life. It is a book I will come back to for guidance in renewing my commitment to wellness and joy in my life.

At the end, she provides a list of 366 thought-provoking questions which can be used as journal prompts or for a deeper contemplation into your own motivations and beliefs.

I highly recommend this comprehensive guide for self-discovery and wellness.

[Bonnie Hirst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to Self: A Seven Step Path to Gratitude and Growth contains a wealth of knowledge to assist the reader in empowering their own self-thinking. Buchanan’s concept of “Whatever you are not changing, you are accepting,” is the dynamic theme. From quotes by Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, and Louise Hay the reader is encouraged by examples. Note to Self has practical tips, tools, building block examples, and exercises for an enriched life. For increased gratitude, forgiveness, and joy she offers quick hit exercises for the reader to try. I had originally purchased Note to Self on Kindle but will now buy the print version so I can bookmark and refer to this self-help gem daily. I highly recommend this book!

[Dennis Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note To Self, 
A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth
by
Laurie Buchanan
On reading this book: A wise man once said, "The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now." It's never too late to plant a seed, and this book is a garden center. Dennis Coulter, Educator, Speaker, Professor, University of La Verne, Ca.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to Self is a beautifully written book with a profound message that everyone can relate to. The author invites you to take inventory of your seven selves and then gives you tangible ways to apply more life-affirming intentions to your day. As a new mom, I'm always striving to be the best version of myself. This is the book that I will continue to gravitate towards when I need to cultivate more joy or get back on track with my mental, physical, or spiritual wellbeing.

Note to Self is such an inspiring and uplifting book with helpful advice you can put into practice immediately. I especially like how the chapters are organized, so that the tips and exercises are easy to find. This book has inspired a lot of healthy new habits such as meditation and daily affirmations. I'm looking forward to using the 365 inventory questions at the back of the book as a daily journal in the New Year. In addition, Note to Self brought me a lot of peace each day that I committed to practicing its message. It's an engaging and illuminating book and I highly recommend it.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to Self is a tool, a companion, a comfort in my hands and in my thoughts.

Tabbed, highlighted, and underlined, Note to Self has become my favorite book. It is filled with uplifting, positive, and practical messages perfectly formatted for smooth reading and easy reference.

It is clear from the onset that the author's heartfelt desire is for her readers to find more paths to grow, to be content, to be joyful. It is the kind of book that keeps resonating in your thoughts even after reading it and makes you want to keep it close at hand.

The author's joy shines through this artfully written book. Her words can be life-changing for anyone. I hope you decide to share in the journey. I'm glad I did.

[Elnora Roderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well organized and highly readable book. The seven steps are a well delineated, succinct, straight forward guide that can help anyone to increase their level of self-knowledge and deal with life's challenges. It is a book for people of any age, faith, status or nationality. The author gives seven clear steps with background, real-life examples, keys to understanding, practical approaches and personal inventories to help the reader to understand what is unwanted emotional and physical baggage and how to "unload" it and proceed forward in personal growth. Many treasures of wisdom are found in this book. It's a gently encouraging book that I will refer back to often as I continue down my path of gratitude and growth.

[Linda Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the "self-help" book that will stay on the shelf. It is one to read, re-read, and read again. The chapters, divided by the seven selfs, are self contained which makes it very easy to follow and understand. This is a book to read in stages, looking at the humor and anecdotes, trying the exercises, and understanding how it applies to my own life. This is a book to which I shall refer often on my journey to health and joy.

I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in finding the joy and wellness in their life.

[Karen Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Buchanan’s book, Notes to Self, has words of wisdom that will help readers bring more joy into their lives. This is not a book that you sit down and read in one sitting. To get the most out of this book requires serious contemplation of the examples and exercises. Readers will learn how to get rid of baggage that is preventing them from living life to the fullest.

I picked up this book thinking it might help me be more aware of the gratitude I have but often take for granted, and, that it might help me figure out how to bring the joy back into my life that has been missing my daughter died nine years ago. I tend to be skeptical of self-help books but this book has some advice that really resonated with me. In the section on self-acceptance Laurie presents a powerful image: Envision standing on a time-line and noticing that depression is behind us on the timeline, anxiety is ahead of us on the timeline and stress occurs where we currently stand on the timeline. She reminds us that we cannot change the past and worry alone doesn’t change the future. She states, “Your time is now. Live in the moment”. Great advice that is helping me bring joy back into my life.

[Ann Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Absolutely loved it!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. i received this from good reads.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth is a treasure trove of tools needed to craft your own personal plan to revitalize your life. This book will assist in clearing that emotional baggage that clutters our life. I enjoyed the quotes sprinkled throughout the book and especially the special treat at the end. As someone who journals, I look forward to working through the 365 thought-provoking questions at the start of the new year. This is a book to revisit each year.

[Cindy Roesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in time to help us deal with the stress of the Holidays, BookSparks’ introduces a new line of She Writes Press books:

* A SURVIVOR’S GUIDE TO HOLIDAY MADNESS! *

Baggage! We all carry it with us through our lives.

Wouldn’t you just love to change somethings in your life? Perhaps a bad habit, or two, or three? Lasting change is difficult. Many of our habits are deeply part of who we are, but it’s never too late to change. With some effort and determination, you’d be surprised at what you can achieve.

NOTE TO SELF: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth (She Writes Press) by Laurie Buchanan, PhD is about dumping emotional baggage – something that’s especially important when we realize that we don’t just pack for one; we pack for a bunch. In NOTES TO SELF, each of the seven selves: self-preservation, self-gratification, self-definition, self-acceptance, self-expression, self-reflection, and self-knowledge, has characteristics, wellness types, and dark sides. Each plays an important role in our overall health, harmony and well-being.

NOTE TO SELF is full of real-life emotional examples, as well as “keys” at the end of each chapter offering tips, techniques, and exercises all designed to help us unlock baggage, examine it, and dump it permanently. The point is to lighten our load – discover a lighter, joy-filled you!

FYI: Chances are you’ve read self-help books, attended workshops, meditated your way into unconsciousness, but once you sift through all the mumbo-jumbo, one concept guarantees to annihilate your worry, stress and anguish. What is it? Once and for all! All it takes is a little gratitude. Maybe a lot. Think about that when you’re sitting down to the Thanksgiving table today.

NOTE TO SELF might just be the best gift you give to yourself, or someone you love this Holiday.

For the past fifteen years Laurie Buchanan, PhD has worked as a holistic health practitioner and transformational life coach, embracing the philosophy that “whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” Buchanan has helped hundreds of clients turn intention into action, bridging the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Buchanan lives with her husband in a 600-square-foot carriage house (circa 1865) in the Pacific Northwest. You can check out her out on Facebook, Twitter @TuesWithLaurie or her blog www.tuesdayswithlaurie.com .

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note To Self,
A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth
by
Laurie Buchanan

The Journey that is your lifetime could be made much simpler and easier if only there were practical guidelines explaining what you'll need to bring along and more importantly, what to leave behind. The things we carry with us can either enhance our travels or become burdens that cause us delays, missed connections and opportunities. Taking the time to sit quietly for a while to read Laurie Buchanan's “Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth” will help you decide what to do away with in trimming your Life of extra baggage. A Life's travels provides enough anxiety and turbulence to create a back-breaking load that most travelers would drop if only they knew how. One doesn't need to be a healer, writer, speaker or teacher to understand these simple rules of the road. Nearly every person I know could benefit from reading this delightfully informative and stress relieving guide to moving on down the line. Laurie Buchanan's words lift the heart, lighten the load, and refresh the Adventurer in us all. The key to every successful Journey is knowing what to pack. Just the essentials, nothing more, nothing less; here they are.
Sandi White

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being an avid reader of psychology, self-help, or lifestyle books, I don't feel as qualified to pass judgment on the content of "Note to Self" as other readers might, but I found the content to be brimming with a wide range of ideas, suggestions, techniques, insightful comments, and motivations to address a reader's accumulated life baggage and make some positive changes.

I liked the fact that the book served as a guide rather than a prescription. Never was I told I "must" do something, or that I should take several steps in a defined order. Think of it as a smorgasbord compared to a fixed-price, seven-course dinner.

The book is about making voluntary choices about issues one feels need attention. Several options are given within each of the seven steps that make up our total beings. I agree with other reviewers who said this is a great reference book to keep handy, tab pages, make notes, try new approaches to improving one's life, or drawing a daily inspiration from one of the dozens of observations by some of the great spiritual writers in history. Even something as simple as wearing a certain color clothing can make a difference. Who knew? :-)

This is a book to be lived with on a regular basis, to refer to again and again, to be used to address a particular issue at a particular time, and to always be close at hand when your personal baggage gets a bit heavy.

[Debi Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of the 2016 BookSparks Holiday Madness Blog Tour (#GetCentered), the next book up for review is Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth by Laurie Buchanan.

"When we inhabit our own life -- stop doing things based on the approval of others -- we offload baggage and trade up to joy."

Baggage! We all carry it with us through life. And no matter how we dress it up, it's frustrating, inconvenient, and slows us down. The author invites you to take inventory of your seven selves and then gives you tangible ways to apply more life-affirming intentions to your day. The chapters are organized so that the tips and exercises are easy to find.

The book gives the tools needed for crafting a personal plan to restart your life with your choice of affirmation, guided meditations, aromatherapy, diet and more. You can pick and choose or dive all in. I personally look forward to using the 365 inventory questions at the back of the book as a daily journal in the upcoming New Year.

I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from BookSparks and the publisher in exchange for this post as part of the 2016 BookSparks Holiday Madness Blog Tour.

[Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking to make changes in 2017, Note to Self is the book for you. This will be one of my go-to books when I need to regain harmony in my ever-changing life. Articulate, authentic and relatable, Laurie’s book Note to Self will resonate with so many as will her motto “whatever you are not changing, you are choosing”. Often, we are so incredibly busy or too frightened to make much needed changes in our lives and as a result, get weighed down by our “baggage” and do not live our best life possible. Note to Self breaks the focus down into “Seven Selves”: Self-preservation, Self-gratification, Self-definition, Self-acceptance, Self-expression, Self-reflection and Self-knowledge. By using a holistic approach and breaking areas of our lives into small manageable pieces Note to Self helps us focus on specific areas one at a time and makes the task of self-discovery a little less daunting. Each section invites you to ask questions, offers advice and exercises that are thought provoking and meaningful. I particularly like the Internal Inventory Questions which help us peel back the layers and get to the heart of our baggage.

[Iris Waichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who among us doesn't think about changing aspects of our lives or ourselves that we are not satisfied with? In her book, Note to Self: a Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth, Dr. Laurie Buchanan shows us the way. Using examples from her personal experience and work with her clients as a psychologist, Ms. Buchanan offers concrete steps we can take to make positive changes in ourselves and our lives. She so beautifully remarks "we're either spending or investing our life." Ms. Buchanan show us how to cope with old "baggage" in ourselves and those we encounter. She shares her expertise on topics including "self -preservation, self- gratification, self-definition, self-acceptance, self-expression, self-reflection, and self knowledge. I highly recommend this book. You will be glad you invested your time in reading it and will emerge changed with many new tools to approach your life in very positive ways.

[Linda Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Buchanan provides valuable insights in every chapter on how to improve one's life. Her motto, "Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." I believe these words. Her book provides quotes, stories, and exercises that we can all relate to—which provided me with mental pictures that made "Note to Self" a worthwhile read. I turned down page corners and starred many sections (while reading) because I definitely want to return to these places over and over again. This author has a "WHOLE" self approach to gratitude and growth. Although I've read many books over the years related to self improvement, I do not recall any of them taking finances into consideration. In my opinion, if that part of one's life isn't taken into consideration, you could fix all the others and still suffer from a great deal of stress. I would highly recommend "Note to Self" to anyone who would like to achieve personal growth as well as appreciate the simple gifts in our daily lives.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just another self-help book, Buchanan's message "whatever you are not changing, you are choosing" will resonate with all readers. She introduces us to each of our seven selves and helps us to offload the baggage associated with each of those selves. In this easy to read, easy to understand guide, it is chock full of examples, quotes (from some of my favorite people), activities, and real life examples. This is a book that you will refer to again and again. I am a self-proclaimed, self-help book junkie, and I learned so much from her introduction of the corresponding chakra to the self and the color associated with a healthy self. The affirmations at the beginning of each "self" section are an apt reminder to change negative self-talk. Reviewed at http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogsp... @Booksparks #selfhelp

[Sharon Lippincott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does Laurie Buchanan’s book, Note To Self, have in common with the NPR program by that name? Both draw on wit and wisdom to provide deep, helpful insights into the human experience. The book has something for everyone from those in personal chaos to anyone who seeks richness and depth of experience.

Buchanan’s seven-point structure, along with case studies derived from countless clients she’s worked with through the years clearly establish credibility. The book gives an easily followed framework for crafting a personal plan for revitalizing your life with your choice of affirmation, guided meditations, aromatherapy, diet and more. You can pick and choose or dive in headfirst.

Make a note to yourself to delve into this book.

[Rita Schunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie covers so many aspects of living life into this book. And the information is actionable, not simply theoretical. The passage on unforgiveness -- so true and so needed.

[Mona Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review for Note To Self by Laurie Buchanan , PhD
I highly recommend reading this book not just once but a few times and taking notes as stated in the book to do but, also highlight things in yellow practice the breathing exercises, drink the water, absorb the book -LAURIE Buchanan, PhD has been LIFE CHANGING FOR ME.

[J. Fremont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with wisdom, Note to Self is a beneficial resource for individuals looking for worthwhile transformation. Buchanan labels this process as becoming baggage free. Well organized and brimming with positivity, her book presents practical solutions for increasing self-esteem and cultivating gratitude. Note to Self focuses on guiding the reader to a happier and healthier emotional life.

[Laura Luzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still working with this book. Very helpful to me; I have a lot of baggage. If you can answer the questions at the end of the book, your really getting to know yourself. My note to myself is keep this book handy.

[Michelle Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Note to Self" is a beautifully written book about discovering yourself and any unwanted baggage you might be carrying around through life. Buchanan's style of writing is clear and organized, and the book is laid out perfectly. Buchanan does not use her vast experience and wisdom to admonish the reader, but, rather, she gently, lovingly suggests changes that can be made to achieve a higher level of happiness and joy. Some are all the usual big changes, ie quitting smoking or other vices, but some are easier to manage, like perhaps choosing a certain color object or clothing, for example, to boost creativity or self-awareness. Using very understandable language, Buchanan describes the seven different selves that each of us has and attempts to instruct us how to better recognize and improve them. This book is sure to help and inspire many! A real gift!

[Leanne Dyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

as good for you as kale but reads like chocolate -- smooth, rich and fun
Read my entire review here: http://authorleannedyck.blogspot.ca/2...

[Suzanne White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! Laurie Buchanan is a self-help author whose book really does "help" people. There is nothing "oogah boogah" about her advice. Nor is her book "just plain common sense". Note to Self is a sensible, down-to-earth guide to felicity and balance via the discovery of one's essence. Buchanan tells her readers how to deal with excess baggage, offload it and make room for change. She's a master healer who takes us by the hand and walks us out of our pain and into new comfort zones. The overall message? Espouse change. Go after change. Seek it out. Hunt it down. Search for change. And if perchance change just up and happens, Laurie Buchanan's Note to Self will show you how to welcome it.

[J.A. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing."

It took a few months to finish Note to Self (the first time). Not because it's a slow read but because it's a book I needed to read a few pages at a time. A book I took a yellow highlighter to. A book I shared with my husband as he too was interested in the many suggestions and enlightened messages Laurie Buchanan wove through the pages. We're not finished with this great book yet as we've only just begun to "break through the creative block."