Review: More than a message
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 24, 2014
This book is much more than a message. This is one of those books that stays with you. This content will open your eyes and ease your soul, and in one way or another, I gaurantee that any person can find truth here and apply it to their lives. The writing style had me feeling like I was conversing with the author, and at times, I honestly felt as if he were writing these things directly to me.The author shares memories he still vividly holds today, while on his journey to rediscover his identity and accept his fate.“You have made a terrible mistake, but YOU are not a mistake!..." is one statement made to him by a total stranger, who offered him hope when he needed it most. He then reflects on the infinite value of paying it forward, and I believe that this is an element that EVERY SINGLE PERSON on the face of this earth should truly understand.Below is my absolute favorite line from this book. It applies to my existence, your existence, and the only way to really regain control of our direction. We need to understand that we are human, and it is in our nature to screw up! It does not mean that we are bad, stupid, or incompetent. It simply means that we are human."I’m not sure most people want to know the truth about happiness or the way to achieve the positive results in life. It’s much easier to allow our egos to blame others for our misfortune. What we don’t realize when blaming others for our choices is that we are, in fact, giving our power away. Controlling ourselves is easier when we come to claim our own power. Accepting responsibility for our choices empowers us to a degree that brings us peace regardless of our circumstances."As the author took twenty-three steps into a federal prison to face the reality of his mistakes, he also concludes the book with twenty-three points to ponder. These are questions we all must ask ourselves. When we choose to let go, and find the courage to face our mistakes as our responsibility made my our own choices, we start the beautiful transformation of setting ourselves free from our own prison. The power that comes with this is invaluable, as I have learned from recently sharing my own memoir. Some call it "brave", "courageous", or "heroic". I call it real. I loved reading about Chuck Gallaghers journey, and as he had his own angels helping him along the way, he has certainly become one of mine, and I am sure, one for many, many others.