An A to Z Guide To Soothing Your Soul

by Linda Pate

Life can be very stressful and a bit out of control. We are always looking for tools that will help encourage and inspire our souls. Each of us could use a little peace from time to time. “An A to Z Guide to Soothing Your Soul” (Wheat Mark $12.95) came across my desk and it inspired me and encouraged me to dig deep. In this pocket-sized book, author Dyan Venter provides us with words of wisdom that will soothe our soul. I had an opportunity to interview her and she is truly an inspiration.

What inspired you to write the Guide?

I became inspired to write this book while being a caregiver for my parents. I had to dig deep within to remain peaceful and positive. It made me search within to find ways to soothe myself and grow from this experience. My inspiration came from pain and the healing process.

You write about Attitude and Appreciation. How important is it for someone to have a positive attitude?

Having a good attitude will open many doors in our lives. People not only see, but also can feel the energy that we give out. The right attitude, one that flows with the ebbs and tides of life will cause you to focus more positively on life and its wonderful possibilities, and will take you to the highest level of your being.

With today’s economic challenges, how is it possible not to have doubt that you are following the right paths?

We are human so doubt will occasionally arise in our lives. With situations as they are in the world economically and otherwise, this is a challenging time. Keeping a good attitude, staying spiritually centered and believing in yourself and your dreams are key tools in keeping constant doubt at bay. Most people that have become successful with hard work and a dream have stories of highs and lows. They hung in there and kept pushing forward. That is what we must do to succeed. As the group Earth, Wind and Fire said, “Keep Your Head to the Sky.”

You speak about tasting the nectar of life, how does one really do this?

The nectar of life and how sweet it can be depends on you. Life is a gift. What we do with it and how we live it has a lot to do with our mindset. If we dwell on the negative, we miss a lot. Joy and peace come when we open our eyes and hearts to things like watching children play, sunsets, changing of the seasons and many other simple pleasures. Life can be as sweet as you allow it to be. Most of the time we only have to open our eyes and hearts to what’s around us.

Please share words of wisdom with our readers.

Life isn’t easy. It can be very trying. Taking care of my parents was very challenging. I found that the greatest growth we can have is when we go through adversity. We can either let it consume us, or go to that spiritual well within and let it fill our cups. We should welcome any opportunity to reshape our lives when necessary into one of peace, spiritual growth and joy.