We KNOW that our life is short and precious, and yet, we spend most of our time feeling miserable about ourselves.
We’ve been conditioned to hide our true feelings, our very essence from everyone, including ourselves.
We think that we CAN’T love ourselves.
The truth is that we CAN; we just don’t know HOW to do it.
I believe that our main purpose in life is to learn about ourselves, and then share what we’ve learned with others.
We each have a responsibility to define and pursue our own version of a meaningful and fulfilling life through a continuous process of learning to love, accept, and trust ourselves.
SoulQuest is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself, and shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.
I am by no means saying “Do things my way.” What I’m hoping to accomplish is to help you trust yourself enough to do things YOUR way.
Ultimately, I want you to stop beating yourself the hell up, because… How’s that working for ya?
We KNOW that our life is short and precious, and yet, we spend most of our time feeling miserable about ourselves.
We’ve been conditioned to hide our true feelings, our very essence from everyone, including ourselves.
We think that we CAN’T love ourselves.
The truth is that we CAN; we just don’t know HOW to do it.
I believe that our main purpose in life is to learn about ourselves, and then share what we’ve learned with others.
We each have a responsibility to define and pursue our own version of a meaningful and fulfilling life through a continuous process of learning to love, accept, and trust ourselves.
SoulQuest is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself, and shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.
I am by no means saying “Do things my way.” What I’m hoping to accomplish is to help you trust yourself enough to do things YOUR way.
Ultimately, I want you to stop beating yourself the hell up, because… How’s that working for ya?
Like most of us, I didn’t know SHIT about being a Mom when I started having babies.
I did what most of us do. I focused on keeping my kids safe, putting them first, and loving them as best as I could.
Also, like most of us, I grew up in dysfunction from unprocessed trauma.
Because my trauma was unacknowledged, I didn’t see how it filtered into my self identity, and therefore into my parenting.
I didn’t know how to put myself first.
When I looked in the mirror, I would fix my hair, maybe pluck a few strays, do a booger check, but I wouldn’t look into my own eyes.
Ever.
Because eye contact wasn’t about my face.
Eye contact was about my SOUL.
It was just too painful to look deeply into myself.
My HABIT was to actively AVOID eye contact with myself.
Maybe you do, too.
After being diagnosed with persistent depression, I began the inner work of healing, which meant acknowledging the personal and generational trauma (represented by Tears), identifying the triggers that became my coping mechanisms (Fears), and developing
healthier thought patterns and habits to support self nurturing and acceptance (Cheers), which became the title of my first book: Tears, Fears, and Cheers: Ripples From Childhood.
In other words, I learned to love myself.
But that is only part of the story.
Because, now I have grandchildren.
I’m seeing my place, and my responsibility in the world differently.
I’m understanding the power of self love and the importance of passing down THAT legacy, not just to MY grandkids, but to ALL kids.
The world could be in a much better place in just a few generations if we could ALL start with a solid foundation of self love.
I’m sharing what I’ve learned about self love with the intention of creating a more loving world.
How cool would THAT be?
I’m not a therapist, so I’m not suggesting that I can guide you through your trauma.
What I CAN help with is identifying and working through some of the self defeating habits that your fears have developed.
Your fears have kept you safe, but they have also kept you from feeling deeply happy and fulfilled.
Self love is not a dirty word. It is simply a process of self discovery. I invite you to join me on the journey.
*There will be some swearing*
Download the FREE workbook:
sqworkbook.venetashepherd.comÂ
SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself. It shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.
Veneta Shepherd states early on that they are not a therapist. The information and the exercises they've gathered are based on personal experience and research. Since a medical expert didn't write the book, it appeared less clinical and more personal. I found myself tuning in to their words instead of zoning out. Which, we all know, we've done in the presence of a white coat issuing their opinion on certain matters.Â
SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery covered multiple areas, such as self-love, fears, the importance of watching what you consume, and forgiveness. In each section, prompts (in blue-bolded text) ask you to complete different tasks. For instance, list your accomplishments (especially the small ones). Write down five things you are grateful for in the last 24 hours. Pick your favorite body part and shower it with love all day long. Write down your fears. Give up eating high-carb foods for 30 days and assess how your body feels. For carb lovers like myself, giving up carbs will be a real test of strength.
Each exercise will prove easy for some and hard for others; therefore, everyone will find some aspect of the book that pertains to their lifestyle and life goals.Â
There were many affirmations in the book that stood out for me. "Your spirit, your SOUL is MUCH more powerful than your fears could ever be." "Self love is not about perfection. We are not meant to be perfect. We are meant to love, and learn and grow and share." And, "When you can allow yourself to BE vulnerable, you also allow yourself to FEEL your inner strength RISING."
SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery offers you, the reader, the tools to achieve self-love: the most important love of all. They clearly state that self love is not narcissism. "Narcissist demands to be the center of EVERYTHING, requires constant proof of love and loyalty, and their need is NEVER satisfied." Self-love is the opposite. "Self love is compassionate, generous, forgiving, honest, and unconditional."Â
When we truly love ourselves, we are then capable of loving others. The writer states, "BEGINNING the process of self love is not as complicated as you might think." While some may disagree, there's no harm in trying the exercises highlighted in blue. Remember, there is no such thing as perfect. If you stumble in the process, don't give up on yourself. Try, try again. Praise your accomplishments, no matter the size. Be kind to yourself. Take responsibility for your OWN happiness and keep reminding yourself you are strong, brave, and deserve happiness.Â
Finally, the writer has created a FREE workbook to guide you along your journey. The link is provided on page 3.Â
I recommend every reader of my review to take a chance on the self-help book. We all deserve love - from others and (most importantly) from ourselves.Â