Book Reviews

From Broken To Badass - Turning My Pain Into Power - Tiffany Lee Gaston

You are a Beautiful Badass
Finding the courage to share my story took a long time, but it has been a freeing and therapeutic experience. There’s a great deal of pride associated with digging yourself out of a hole and then looking back at just how far you’ve come.
Through the process of writing this book, I’m only just now releasing the last of the emotion I once suppressed. Things I’ve kept buried over the past eighteen years, have risen to the surface once again, but I am no longer that same broken little girl.
Being so young and having the ability to learn from my mistakes, has allowed me to have an even stronger relationship with my husband.
As strange as it sounds, I would not trade my mistakes for anything, because they have led me to where I am today.
I’m one stubborn girl and I always felt forgiving those who hurt me would allow them off the hook. I see now that when you release the resentment and pain you harbor towards another person you are not giving them anything. The gift is yours.
I am allowing myself the release of the pain I endured, the time I wasted, and the heartache I experienced, and I’m doing it all for myself. I give my abuser nothing.
It’s not for me to decide, but I do believe karma.
The pain of my past caused me to carry my anger far too long, and it is a tremendous feeling to unburden myself of all that came before.”
“I release my past to its proper place and embrace the future.
I no longer worry about what will come; instead I make plans, set goals and look forward to the challenges of each new day. I have faith in knowing all the pieces of my puzzle will eventually fall into place, because of the efforts I put forth daily.
I now believe in myself and my abilities and ultimately in the beauty of my strength. We all have an inner badass, some of us just need to dig a bit deeper to discover it. Some need a gentle nudge to chase after it and bring it to the surface, but never, ever doubt that it lies within us all.
“Stop trying so hard and follow your heart. It will always lead you right where you need to be.” - TLG”
Health Is Wealth
“In attempting to change my body the wrong way over the years, I’ve learned I first needed to alter my mindset.
In learning how to help correct a distorted body image, something I occasionally still find myself struggling with, I’ve learned a lot about the correct way to care for myself. Often times, self-acceptance is at the heart of our struggles.
When we compare ourselves to others, we are unfairly and unknowingly setting ourselves up for failure. My younger self disliked the muscles on my body, never appreciating how very capable they were in performing like an athlete. When you watch an engine work, you appreciate how each component contributes to the functionality of the whole.
Why then do we focus on big thighs or thick waists? Because we are looking at images of others, some of which aren’t even their own reality, and we are striving to be just like them.
Distance yourself from your body, just for a moment. Step back and take a look at the beautiful person you are. If your legs are strong and capable, you need to view them as such. If you’re built on a muscular frame, embrace it. Discover your unique gifts and release the negative thoughts you carry. If you can’t change it, accept it and seek positivity.
Excerpt From: Tiffany Lee Gaston. “From Broken to Badass.” iBooks.

Book Reviews

It's Not About Perfect, Competing for My Country and Fighting for My Life

The inspirational memoir of the most decorated gymnast in American History, her recent recovery from cancer, and her miracle pregnancy.

At age 19, Shannon Miller was the winner of seven Olympic medals and the most decorated gymnast, male or female, in U.S. History. One of the most recognizable gymnasts in the country, Shannon tells a story of surviving and thriving. After a suprisingly successful Olympic debut in 1992, Shannon made it her goal to return to the games. However, in 1996 a doctor advised her to retire immediately or face dire consequences if she chose to compete on her injured wrist. Undeterred, Shannon led her team, the "Magnificent Seven", to the first Olympic team gold medal for the United States in gymnastics.

Equally intense, heroic and gratifying is the story of her brutal but successful battle with ovarian cancer, a disease from which fewer than fifty percent survive. Relying on her faith and hard-learned perseverance, Shannon battled through surgery and major chemotheraphy. At last, she emerged on the other side with a clean bill of health and, less than two years later, a miracle baby girl.

Her story of trial, triumph and life after cancer reminds us all that it's lifes' obstacles in all shapes and sizes that reveal our true character. In her insirational and heart-wrenching memoir, Shannon shares her story with the world to be seen as a beacon of strength, hope and determination.

Faith

"Shannon Miller has displayed strength, character, and perseverance her entire life…In "Its Not About Perfect" she shares how the traits that have shaped her life can translate into success in all walks of life."
- Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medalist Speed Skater