Self Development Site
	Sharon Michaels BellaOnline's Self Development Editor

Dear Success Seeker – A Review
I enjoy reading words of wisdom from women who have faced challenges and found the courage, strength and inner motivation to succeed. That’s what I found in a wonderful collection of letters compiled by author Michele R. Wright and written by outstanding women who shared their success strategies.

Happy for No Reason – Marcie Shimoff – A Review
I read a sobering statistic; less than 30 percent of people report being deeply happy. That means 70 percent of us are unhappy. Would you read a book that could help you become happier by changing day-to-day thoughts, beliefs and habits? If you said yes, you’ll want to read Happy for No Reason.

John C. Maxwell – Put Your Dream To The Test
Books written by John C. Maxwell are generally informational, inspirational and motivational. When I looked at the title of his new book, Put Your Dream To The Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It, I decided this was one I wanted to study cover to cover - I’m glad I did.

Luanne Rice - The Geometry of Sisters - A Review
When tragedy strikes, we instinctively turn to those who mean the most to us. Women often rely on “sisters” to lend support. It’s this support that ensures emotional well-being and provides a sense of normalcy and comfort. When this sisterhood bond is broken, the toll can be heart breaking.

Maria Shriver - Just Who Will You Be – A Review
Here’s the complete title: Just Who Will You Be - Big Question - Little Book -Answer Within. Wow, what can I say, I’m gushing! I rarely “gush” over a book but I am gushing over this one. You can read it in an hour or two. A little book with a big message – live your life listening to your heart.

Paula Deen A Memoir – Review
We see Paula Deen on the Food Network and her world seems perfect. So why then is a book about her life a Book Club Selection under Self Development? As the subtitle reads: It Ain’t All About The Cookin’. There are many powerful, practical and motivational life lessons we can learn from Paula Deen.

Seabiscuit – A Review
Sometimes we just need a “feel good” movie the whole family can watch and walk away with something positive and uplifting. You’ll want to see Seabiscuit. This movie is based on a true story of three men and a racehorse - all four were considered misfits and underdogs and yet, became champions.

Suzy Welch – 10-10-10 – A Review
If you’re looking for an effective way to make better decisions, let me suggest reading 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch. There’s nothing earth shatteringly different in her theories or ideas but what you will find is an extremely practical plan for making wise decisions - that’s a skill worth reading about.

The First 30 Days - A Review
Change is inevitable. It’s part of living life. When faced with change we have two choices; we can embrace it or fear it. In her book, “The First 30 Days,” Ariane de Bonvoism provides a well thought out guide for using change as a catalyst to help us grow and thrive.

The Magic of Thinking BIG – A Review
The Magic of Thinking BIG by David J. Schwartz is a well-respected self-development classic. Written in the 1950’s it still makes good common sense today. The practical things in life don’t change much with time – like the basic principles for achieving success and living up to your full potential.

The Power Of Respect – Deborah Norville – Review
Deborah Norville shares a timely message that applies to each of us. How respectfully, or disrespectfully, we treat each other has a ripple effect. We experience the influence and power of respect in the home, workplace, grocery store, movie theater and everywhere else. Respect begins with us!

The Secret - A Review
This best selling little book has been in circulation for a couple of years and is still among the top selling books in the world. Why? The Secret by Rhonda Byrne gives us permission to go for our dreams. Even if you’ve read this book before, it’s time to dust it off and read it again.

The Traveler’s Gift – A Review
The Traveler’s Gift is a fascinating combination of self-development principles and captivating fiction. How great is it to be able to learn wisdom from King Solomon and forgiveness from Abraham Lincoln? The author takes us on not only a historical journey but also one of self-discovery.

Tuesdays With Morrie- Mitch Albom – A Review
Author Mitch Albom has captured the essence of why we should all make time to seek out and gather valuable wisdom from the powerful “mentors” in our lives. In the inspirational bestseller Tuesdays With Morrie, the author is sharing his spiritual mentor Morrie Schwartz with all of us.

What Happy Women Know – A Review
Focusing on the positive has the power to change your life for the happier. It sounds simple enough but for many, it takes desire, practice and a certain amount of discipline. What Happy Women Know by Dan Baker and Cathy Greenberg, shares the why’s and how’s for focusing on a happier life.