ML Publishing - Division of MIHP, Inc. - Real People. Real Stories. Real Life.

In "Lessons from the Couch," take a journey with author Sherry McLaughlin as she sits on a couch and learns valuable life lessons from a Christian life coach. The wealth of insight and spiritual wisdom gained and shared by her will make you look afresh at your own life and relationships. It will inspire you to create an existence that is peaceful, empowering, and fulfilling. Sherry is a thirty-seven-year old, happily married mother of a wonderful boy, and she has all the creature comforts of the world. She is a physical therapist, professional speaker, corporate consultant, and the founder of Michigan Institute for Human Performance, Inc. and TriPLAYnar Technology, Inc. As a devout Christian, she prays everyday and maintains a positive attitude. Her childhood was pleasant. She grew up in a loving environment with caring parents and siblings. Her life seems great, but in reality, it is not. "Life beats down even the best of us," concedes the author.

As Sherry's coach tells her, "Women who appear to have it all together one day realize that it would be a scary thing for people to know what they really feel inside."

Sherry did not intend to meet with a life coach for her own sake. Rather, Sherry met her life coach when someone else asked Sherry to meet a life coach for her. Thus begins the journey of this busy, professional, working mother who is also a highly driven overachiever. Sherry starts her journey from a place where life is hectic and where she is "so busy ensuring other people's worth and happiness that (she's) forgotten about" her own to one where she has a sense of clarity, tranquility, and control.

Along the way, Sherry understands it is acceptable to feel vulnerable. She also learns to trust the omnipotent God who is "more than capable of restoring your soul from the crazy life you create." She admits that she became accustomed to the role of a potter, trying to shape her surroundings. She says she forgot she is the clay that is molded by God. Sherry learns many valuable lessons including: how to get a NEWSTART (8 steps to a better life) everyday; how to establish boundaries around her time and energy; how, she should do things for herself, even if she feels guilty about it; and how not to get involved in power struggles. In addition, she realizes honesty builds the base for healthy relationships, recognizes her self-worth, and learns to receive compliments graciously.

Although a small book, "Lessons from the Couch" is packed from cover to cover with powerful messages. It is perfectly complemented with inspiring quotes from the Holy Scriptures, and the tips given at the end of each chapter are helpful and easily located. The appendix includes: a set of questions to check stress levels, words of wisdom extracted from other books, a parable, songs, the Feeling Wheel, and a recommended list of candle watching music and candle watching activities. This heartwarming book counsels busy, overachievers to have more calm and meaningful lives.