CHECK IT OUT:

Many of us like to think that once we are past the holidays at the end of the year, the New Year will be a source of renewal. Whether we desire to improve our relationships, health, jobs, manage our finances or time, or improve our country, ringing in the New Year can bring promise to our hearts. The Newport Beach Public Library system offers a cornucopia of materials that serve as a restorative tonic. An example of some of these materials includes:

“Mending the Broken Bond: The 90-Day Answer to Developing a Loving Relationship With Your Child” by Frank G. Lawlis is a guide for parents wishing to improve their relationships with their children. The reader receives helpful instruction on how to communicate with their children effectively, guide and encourage them, and teach cooperative behavior and forgiveness.

In “The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal” by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, the authors surmise that in a fast-paced, digital and rushed world, people need to learn how to manage energy, not time, as the key to enduring high performance, health, happiness, and a life balance. Loehr reasons that unless individuals balance the right quantity, quality, focus and force of energy, we compromise any activity we undertake.

How is our American society evolving in our value system? According to John Zogby, a renowned political pollster, the public craves truth rather than hype, thrift over luxury, and is ready to accept limits on consumption. In his book, “The Way We’ll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream,” his surveys, conducted over a 20-year period with analyzed responses from all ages and demographic groups, reveal that we are in the middle of a fundamental reorientation of the American character.

He writes that we are moving “away from wanton consumption and toward a new global citizenry in an age of limited resources.”

“Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families” by Erica Sandberg is an essential guide for learning how to create a safe financial platform for defying debt, spending your hard-earned money, and making your dreams a reality.

Sandberg offers ways to understand and redefine your values, the dangers of debt, and the expenses of infertility, adoption, health care and education.

In Susan Crandell’s book, “Thinking About Tomorrow: Reinventing Yourself at Midlife,” the author offers positive encouragement for those who wish to view midlife as a call to action rather than a curse. She emphasizes that one bit of the wisdom that midlife brings is realizing that being successful isn’t the same thing as being happy.

“Living Well: 21 Days to Transform Your Life, Supercharge Your Health, and Feel Spectacular” by Montel Williams and William Doyle.

Popular television host Montel Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 and subsequently researched the links between food, exercise and health.

In his book, he shares how he felt less pain and had more positive energy with a special diet and exercise.

He includes recipes, exercise routines, and statements from experts for readers to improve their life with a healthy regimen.

Check out the library’s inspirational materials and ease on down the road of life’s possibilities!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library.