Guest Blog & Giveaway: DONATA: In The Mind of a Victim by Donata Joseph #ITMOAV

Title: DONATA – In the Mind of a Victim

Author Name: Donata Joseph

Those of you that’s read my blogs from way back when knows that I am the QUEEN at being inconsistent…. well I have FINALLY stuck to an exercise routine. YEAH ME!!! No seriously, THIS IS BIG. For years I start working out for 30 days, see results then stop all together. I let a few months go by then feel the urge to start working out again. I go in full force for a month or two then stop again. I’m talking years of this same mind set.

In November, I decided to start again, my ONLY goal for the first 3 months was to get my ass to the gym 3-4 times a week. I didn’t care what I did, how long I worked out for, I just had to get there. In February, I added a training program to start running, an app called C25k. I’m still struggling with it because I am not being as consistent as I should. As soon as it started to get hard I backed off. Now I’ve decided it’s ok if I have to repeat a week or two of the training…. JUST DON’T QUIT!!! Are you starting to see the picture? I am taking babysteps and in doing so I keep going verses going in really hard just to quit after a while.

Another thing I realized is doing the same machine/weights/routine over and over again resulted in ZERO changes. Your muscles get used to the same routine and already knows exactly what you’ll do, for how long and at what speed/weight. Mix things up… add weights, do upper body one day and lower body another, vice versa. On the Elliptical don’t go in the forward motion the whole time, throw in some backward pedaling you’ll feel the difference in the muscles you use. Switch up your speed…. fast, slow, extremely fast, slow and so on. That changes the heart rate also.

Can’t get to the gym all the time, download a few apps from your phone… I have the Leg Workout, Ab Trainer X, Butt Workout, Squats and Butt Lift, my #1 favorite Fitness Buddy. Do I use all of them no, but when I can’t get to the gym I do either use my apps or the videos I’ve recorded on my DVR.

What’s my point??? GET MOVING, start 3-4 times a week and if you’ve become addicted you’ll be going 5-6 times a week. Be sure if you are going to the gym or working out 6 times a week, at the most. You’re body will need a rest day. Rest day in between the muscles you workout also. Don’t forget stretch, stretch, stretch.

Ok, this was a few tips from one beginner to another…… LET’S GET STARTED!!!

Author Bio: Short Bio:
Donata Joseph is a motivational speaker who is passionate about encouraging, empowering and elevating individuals in all walks of life. Whether it's through her non-profit organization Adding Doses of HOPE Daily Foundation or through her all natural skincare line DONATA, she endeavors to make and impact on the lives of others.
"Use the darkness of your past to propel you to a brighter future." - Donata Joseph
Long Bio:
Donata Joseph believes in making her mark and changing lives. 
In 2011, Ms. Joseph founded Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation to empower families of children with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She wanted to share her experiences, challenges and tips for raising two children diagnosed with ADHD. 
In 2012, she decided to break the silence and address the escalating issue of Domestic Violence. Her blog, Behind Closed Doors, chronicled a seven-year abusive relationship. The post elicited responses from people all over the world. The Foundation sponsors events and programs that bridge the gap between mental health and healthy relationships. Through motivational speaking, youth mentoring and parenting education, she encourages, empowers and elevates individuals in all walks of life to reflect on their overall mental wellness. Prior to founding Adding Doses of Hope Daily foundation, Ms. Joseph volunteered in a variety of community settings, including nonprofit organizations, youth centers and churches. 
In 2013, Ms. Joseph created DONATA, a natural skin care line that also offers skincare, nutrition and health seminars. She uses this platform to empower teens and adults to see the connection between their minds, bodies and spirits. The proceeds from DONATA help fund programs for Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation. 
Ms. Joseph obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University with an emphasis in Behavioral Analysis. She was a research assistant in the University’s Center for Children and Families, where she focused on research and treatment of evidence-based approaches in child and adolescent mental health.
She lives in Miami, Florida with her three children.

Author Links - 

Website: www.adhdfdn.org

Blog: http://dosesofhope.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhdfdn?ref=br_tf

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adhdfdn

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/adhdfdn

Linkedin: http://goo.gl/ruzTTl

Amazon: http://goo.gl/oTzEiq

Book Genre: Self-Help|Inspirational

Publisher: Adding Doses of HOPE Daily

Release Date: December 7, 2014

Buy Link(s): Amazon

Book Description:

In this soul-bearing book, Donata Joseph reveals why she stayed in a seven-year abusive relationship and the incident that motivated her to leave.

She talks honestly about the judgmental remarks elicited from family and friends who did not understand the emotional, familial and financial complexity of her situation or why she did not recognize herself as a victim.

In a heart-wrenching chapter, Ms. Joseph discusses the impact her abusive relationship had on her two teen daughters and young son and the ensuing parent-child conversations that changed all of their lives.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, consider recommending this book. Ms. Joseph wraps up her knowledge, wisdom and advice in a non-threatening package delivered with compassion and understanding.

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When God Is Silent by Kellie Lane

Author Bio:

Kellie Lane, a native of Lexington, MS is a passionate orator and writer of God's spoken word. She is an author, motivational speaker, and professional life coach. Kellie has dedicated her life to the work of encouraging others to reach their maximum potential in Christ. Her message to the world is " Don't give up, push, pray, and persist " until you reach the point of breakthrough. In addition to writing and speaking, Kellie serves our nation's veterans a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Author Links - The link for any or all of the following...

Website

Kellielane.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellieeLane

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/When-God-Silent-Kellie-Lane/dp/1621366774

Twitter: @kellieelane

Good reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7353361.Kellie_Lane

Linkedin:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kellie-lane/90/361/315

Book Genre: self- help/inspirational,spiritual growth

Publisher: Creation House

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Buy: Amazon | Christian Books | BN | BooksAMillion

Book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwWN1werEvs

Book Description: "When God is Silent” confirms through scripture that God indeed hears the cries of

his elect and the broken hearted. The book explains to the reader why he or she may be waiting on the answers to their prayers and how to endure in a season of silence. It also reveals how to recognize "God's answer" if he chooses to answer differently than what we anticipate. The take home message is “ Never Give up! Even if God is not talking he’s still listening”. We must learn to “push, pray, and persist” until we reach the point of breakthrough. God desires to give only the best to his children. We must understand this.

Excerpt:

Introduction

I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You yourself are the answer.

—C. S. Lewis

If you’re reading this book, more than likely you are in what is called a pressed place; a place of waiting. Does it seem as if God has forgotten about you? Has everyone else around you begun to celebrate their miracles, yet you are still crying yourself to sleep at night? Are you feeling a

sense of weariness and emptiness? Have you been praying and crying out to God day in and out and still you see no change? Have you found yourself wondering if God has gone on vacation? Have you been contemplating that perhaps what you are believing God for is not in His will? Well if this describes you, congratulations! You are next in line for a miracle. I decree and declare defeat is not your portion; victory is your portion. Receive it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

What the enemy wants us to believe is that God will never answer our prayers. The kingdom of darkness works overtime as we get closer to our breakthroughs. Satan and

His generals know that if he can get us to lose our focus, we will not be in position when the fullness of time comes and we will miss the blessing. We must know without a doubt that God is faithful and never fails. We must be certain that even if God is not talking, He’s still listening.

For it is written:

But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

—Psalm 66:19

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Kerry Connelly is an English born Australian author.

A naturally gifted writer, Kerry found her way back to the love of writing after having worked in radio, retail management and casual journalism.



Her first title 'Observation City' was published in February 2013 and is a relatable and humourous book on life and human behaviour.

(View reviews and book links for more information.)



Having had anxieties since childhood, Kerry has always been a firm believer in the importance, understanding and support of those with vairying forms of mental illness.



Her upcoming title 'Shaken: A story of emotional abuse and depression' is inspired by her own story with the topics and serves not only as an inspiring read, but as a self help book of sorts for those who may find themselves in the midst and confusion of an emotionally abusive situation, or the loneliness of depression.



Enjoying dual roles as an author and education assistant, another of Kerry's passions lies in the teaching, compassion, understanding and support of early education primary school students.

​

​Being an avid reader and also having studied film and television in her career, Kerry is a big movie buff, a lover of classics, musicals and dramas especially. She also loves to enjoy a well crafted television show and reading non-fiction and memoirs.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Linkedin

Genre: Self-Help, Non-Fiction, Medical Non-Fiction

Publisher: Self-Published at CreateSpace

Release Date: November 2013

Buy - TBA

Book Description:

Inspired by her own experiences, Kerry Connelly bravely takes us on a journey into the loneliness and despair of depression while in the midst of an emotionally abusive relationship.

Having had anxieties since childhood, nothing was to prepare her for the violent convulsions and hours of un-controllable sobbing that had started to take over her life, as the stress and trauma of psychological abuse manifested itself in the form of major depressive disorder, sever panic disorder and anxiety with ocd.

Shaken is the story of one woman’s journey with deteriorating mental health while under the control of an emotional abuser. It serves to acknowledge that any form of psychological abuse at any severity is unacceptable and shows just how quickly the trauma of such can give birth to a variety of mental health issues.

Separated by sections of comprehensive reference and checklist material to inform readers about the signs of emotional abuse and depression, as well as sections of advice and help for friends as well as sufferers, Shaken digs deep into the heart of a woman who hopes to dispel the ignorance and lack of understanding regarding both issues by using her own experiences as an example.

A stark, honest and well written read from the pen of an emotional abuse survivor.

Excerpt:

‘Prologue.

The relationship I endured took a toll on my pre-existing disorder. I had suffered with attacks of anxiety since I was a child, which along with bouts of depression, accompanied me into adulthood.

A bad bout of anxiety would see me locked in the bathroom, frightened and alone while I sat there shivering making my peace to God. Attacks that were so severe and intense, I was sure I was about to die.

How sick they made me feel. The negative thoughts would try to penetrate my exhausted and troubled mind and sweat would seep from every pour of my tired and trembling body. If not for what I call ‘my logical brain’ and my desire to overcome these battles, I’m sure that the battles I was going to face in the decade known as my twenties, would have eventually seen me committed to the cuckoo’s nest.

I had started to see a psychologist in my twenties. It was a few years before I met the man who was to become my emotional abuser. He would have dire effects upon my mental health.

During my time with him, I was happy to realise that my anxiety hadn’t flared up, in what I realised was about to be a year. It was such a relief to be functioning without fear or trepidation. I felt I was slowly getting better.

Little did I know however, that the absence of anxiety would be replaced with the presence of something that medical professionals call Panic Attacks. Attacks that elevated my pre-existing and dormant disorder to a full-fledged diagnosis of severe depression, panic and anxiety disorder with slight OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.)

It was a diagnosis which saw my return back to medication after just over ten years without it.

I was prescribed a 100 mg dose of a strong anti-depressant/anxiety and mood stabilising drug. That rapidly rose to an astonishingly medically prescribed 300 mg dose within a month and a half. It was 250 mg more than the average recommended dose for both male and females alike.

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Untangled: Contemplation And Entanglement by Henry J. Sienkiewicz

Untangled: Contemplation And Entanglement

by Henry J. Sienkiewicz

Henry J. Sienkiewicz has served in multiple positions within the United States Federal Senior Executive Service since 2008. His previous commercial experience was as the founder and chief executive officer for Open Travel Software, an award-winning software developer focused on the global travel community, and in the chief information officer role at three technology companies.  He or his companies have been the recipient of multiple awards for innovations or achievement in the technology industry.  He retired as a United States Army Reserve lieutenant colonel in July 2008.
Henry holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Notre Dame and a master of science from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
In 2006, he completed and published his first book, Centerlined, which dealt with interpersonal and organizational dynamics.
Henry resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
Website | Book Site | Facebook | Twitter

Genre:  Practical Philosophy/Self-help

Publisher:  DogEar Publishing 

Release Date: April 2013

In a  social media-centric, Twitter-driven world we live, the complexity created by the entanglements has caused an overload Called a Walden for the Internet Age, Untangled draws from the rich traditions of both Eastern and Western philosophy to tease apart the hyper-connected web of the modern world and challenges the reader to recognize and embrace contemplation as a way cope. 

Through a highly approachable framework and the imagery of a journey through the heartland of Taiwan, Untangled provides the reader with the background of entanglement and contemplation, and identifies and discusses the three pillars of contemplation - silence, stillness and solitude.  The book closes with a series of actions that allow anyone to untangled through active contemplation in daily life. 

Excerpt:

UNTANGLED

A Big Ball of Twine

We learn the rope of life by untying its knots.

—Jean Toomer

As we reached the first stopping point, we opened our packs and found chaos. The ropes that we had neatly packed were completely jumbled. The gear we had carefully stowed had been shifted around; it was an unrecognizable mess.

The jostling and shifting from the simple movement of the journey caused our coils of rope to transform from a neat roll to an entangled mess. We thought that we had taken care to pack them; the journey ensured that we had a mess to deal with.

Our mental backpacks are similar. Sometimes, regardless of the care we have taken, our world becomes a completely entangled mess in ways that we had not expected. Our journey ensures that we have a mess to deal with.

Many writers have used the terms connected and hyperconnected to describe our current state. I think that the term entanglement is more reflective of the state of our condition.

Connection implies that there has been an encounter but does not imply that the relationship is persistent. As will be discussed later, entanglement means two or more “things” have formed some type of permanent bond. This permanent bond is why I think that the term entanglement is more expressive of our actual condition.

Entanglement has many layers and many textures. It may be accidental or intentional. Entanglement may be in ways that may or may not be are attractive. Entanglement may or may not have relevancy to our lives. Entanglement may or may not have real meaning.

Entanglement may be the vines that catch your feet. Or it may be the limbs that brush your arms. Or it could be the rope that safely holds you onto the mountain.

Contemplation lets us mentally sort through the mess of entanglement that we all carry with us and allows us to repack meaningfully.

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Untangled: Contemplation And Entanglement by Henry J. Sienkiewicz

Untangled: Contemplation And Entanglement

by Henry J. Sienkiewicz

Henry J. Sienkiewicz has served in multiple positions within the United States Federal Senior Executive Service since 2008. His previous commercial experience was as the founder and chief executive officer for Open Travel Software, an award-winning software developer focused on the global travel community, and in the chief information officer role at three technology companies.  He or his companies have been the recipient of multiple awards for innovations or achievement in the technology industry.  He retired as a United States Army Reserve lieutenant colonel in July 2008.
Henry holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Notre Dame and a master of science from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
In 2006, he completed and published his first book, Centerlined, which dealt with interpersonal and organizational dynamics.
Henry resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
Website | Book Site | Facebook | Twitter

Genre:  Practical Philosophy/Self-help

Publisher:  DogEar Publishing 

Release Date: April 2013

In a  social media-centric, Twitter-driven world we live, the complexity created by the entanglements has caused an overload Called a Walden for the Internet Age, Untangled draws from the rich traditions of both Eastern and Western philosophy to tease apart the hyper-connected web of the modern world and challenges the reader to recognize and embrace contemplation as a way cope. 

Through a highly approachable framework and the imagery of a journey through the heartland of Taiwan, Untangled provides the reader with the background of entanglement and contemplation, and identifies and discusses the three pillars of contemplation - silence, stillness and solitude.  The book closes with a series of actions that allow anyone to untangled through active contemplation in daily life. 

Excerpt:

UNTANGLED

A Big Ball of Twine

We learn the rope of life by untying its knots.

—Jean Toomer

As we reached the first stopping point, we opened our packs and found chaos. The ropes that we had neatly packed were completely jumbled. The gear we had carefully stowed had been shifted around; it was an unrecognizable mess.

The jostling and shifting from the simple movement of the journey caused our coils of rope to transform from a neat roll to an entangled mess. We thought that we had taken care to pack them; the journey ensured that we had a mess to deal with.

Our mental backpacks are similar. Sometimes, regardless of the care we have taken, our world becomes a completely entangled mess in ways that we had not expected. Our journey ensures that we have a mess to deal with.

Many writers have used the terms connected and hyperconnected to describe our current state. I think that the term entanglement is more reflective of the state of our condition.

Connection implies that there has been an encounter but does not imply that the relationship is persistent. As will be discussed later, entanglement means two or more “things” have formed some type of permanent bond. This permanent bond is why I think that the term entanglement is more expressive of our actual condition.

Entanglement has many layers and many textures. It may be accidental or intentional. Entanglement may be in ways that may or may not be are attractive. Entanglement may or may not have relevancy to our lives. Entanglement may or may not have real meaning.

Entanglement may be the vines that catch your feet. Or it may be the limbs that brush your arms. Or it could be the rope that safely holds you onto the mountain.

Contemplation lets us mentally sort through the mess of entanglement that we all carry with us and allows us to repack meaningfully.

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Promotional Book Tour & Giveaway: The Equation by James Tarrantin

The Equation

by James Tarrantin

Genre: Action/Adventure, Spirituality, Personal Growth & Inspiration

Publisher: Tarantin Ent.

Release Date: November 22, 2012

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBookStore

Book Description:

The Legendary Larry King writes “The Equation is a Cross-Cultural Odyssey, an asset that will inspire in people the science of accomplishment.”

The Equation Book tells a true, cross-cultural saga that spans over 58 Years and explores exciting adventures on 4 continents.

The Story of a young lad named Omer, born to a wealthy family and shackled on an island of battling hierarchies.

The youth leaves his home, and meets great dangers and tragedies as he seeks to discover Time’s Silent Secret.

At the turn of the Millennium, the mission was to track historic clues and discover an Equation that was lost through the times … hidden in the margins. An Equation that whoever finds it will be Transformed. And with its 4 Rings of Power … design destiny.

A Revolution is inspired! Time Stops!

Will the lad transform or bite from the forbidden power and be carried to the brink of Death?

Excerpt One:

Over 13 billion years ago ...when the universe sparked to life ... the spiritual Big Bang accelerated fluctuations of light that swept the void of space with galaxies and dark energy.

Within this creation, a promise was made. In its heart lies the greatest light. The watchmaker watched the creation, as the universe was endowed with the freedom to move on its own.

One infinite garden, yet many trees of life. One humanity, yet many stories. This book is a small story from the inner light: a story that shall explore the Physical World and the Spiritual World. The body of the story shall embark upon exotic adventures across the lands of Planet Earth: from the continent of Asia to the continent of Europe, and from the ancient civilizations of the Middle East to the continent of America.

The mind of the story will travel from a little roof to the vastness of the stars, from the fires of the valleys to spiritual summits, from War to Peace, and from the sorrows of a heart to the pursuit of a dream.

There is a treasure. Yes! There is a treasure. A treasure that had been lost for millennia, hidden in the margins of History. A force beyond Time and Space – the source of all innovations. The myth tells that whoever discovers this treasure shall be bestowed 4 Rings of Power: The Fountain of Youth – Water, Designing Destinies – Wind, The Moment – Earth, and Cosmic Energy – Fire. So let us light the torch of the future and sail towards the unseen!

An exchange of energy always occurs among all living things. Within this circle, within this network of energy ... a small family once lived. But in order for the family to be here today, past generations decided to design the sands of time.

With no fuel or oil, every day, 7 days a week, Planet Earth orbits the sun. Every dawn, when the morning star shines high above, a new hope is born. A long time ago, in a far away holy land, on one of these mornings, an old man named Mati decided to transform.

About The Author:

“I believe that success is indivisible; the success of anyone anywhere is the success of all of us everywhere.”

James Tarantin is a Philosopher, Game Architect, Author, the Executive Chairman of Tarantin Ent LLC and the Creator of 4=T²D².

An American Citizen who immigrated to the United States alone with no family, money or any formal education … as a Philosopher, James studied  5 Chief avenues; The Mind, Pragmatism & Enterprises, Morality, Metaphysics and Aesthetics.  These avenues are explored in his written works, such as The Equation.

After several months of deep research and traveling to Rome, James saw the Equation in a dream at age 16. From 9/22/10 – 12/25/10 he handwrote the entire book.

James believes that each person is just around the corner at accomplishing their mountain top. And though he was a poor young man at the time, James was the first immigrant to America, and one of the youngest spiritual thinkers in history, to write a memoir at the age of 25, in a language that isn’t his mother tongue and with no training in writing whatsoever. The first memoir to present a new philosophical theory and explores a rich array of issues: Family Life, History, Mystical Science, Philosophy, Human Evolution, Personal Success, Enterprises, Spirituality, Beauty, The Universe and Cultures on 4 Continents.

At the age of 22, the legendary broadcaster Larry King took James under his wing, and he founded Tarantin Ent LLC … A company to be structured after a 50 page model that includes international business classes, classified strategy science, culture and values, and long-term Life-Cycle vision.

As the company’s Executive Chairman, James has 5 responsibilities: Content Creation, Global Strategy, Legislation, Balancing the Budget, and Transparency.

Before the age of 26, with fierce belief, James created, almost single-handedly: complete screen manuscripts, a library of stories, animated superheroes, a trading card game, the mobile game design script, a technical design document, goods and services, distribution channels, and the platform for a new social network.

“You go anywhere in the world, from The Big Apple to Paris and from Brazil to Berlin … the borderline between success and failure is blurred. In this new century, people want something fundamentally different.”

“The Equation is the answer spoken by the hearts of young and old, rich and poor.”

Website | Book Site | Facebook | Twitter

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