...intention means being present and focusing on action you can take right now and worrying less about whether you will be able to do something tomorrow or if you did something yesterday."

Empowered: Thriving Beyond The Status Quo by Donna Marsh is a self-help motivational guide that reaches above the parapet to assist readers in living a life of intention and understanding with all such an existence entails. The book is broken down into four separate and distinct but still interconnected parts. The Body encompasses the physical in a way that transcends the usual idea of just being routinely fit. A nutrient-rich and balanced diet is a factor, but so too are products, environment, smoking and alcohol, and even interacting with others, to name a few. The Mind covers the cohesion of mind and body and the biological possibilities when they work in harmony, awareness, energy, slowing down, and letting go, among others. The Heart wraps itself around breaking unhealthy and deep-rooted hindrances, emotional openness, and authenticity. The Self is a study of spirituality and an alternate idea on structured religion, space, and connections perceived as both good and bad.

Donna Marsh offers an interesting point of view in presenting readers with a combination of tangible facts and speculative theology in Empowered: Thriving Beyond The Status Quo. From a literary standpoint, the book is exceptionally well written and broken down with enough clarity to make it comfortable to understand without oversimplifying some very complex ideas. I knew I would enjoy this book when Marsh spoke of someone who was something of a food hoarder, a childhood trigger that was the side effect of food poverty, whatever its cause. I grew up in a third world country and abject poverty was a way of life. There were many, many nights I went to bed hungry and so the highlighting of consuming whatever one can and hiding the rest is a conflict I've myself struggled with for years. The Body is nearly half of the book but the Mind, Heart, and Self were also insightful. There were one or two areas that I didn't particularly agree with, but when it came to The Self, I turned to my wife and read, “The world is not falling apart...” If for nothing else, this was a reflection at this moment, right now, that many of us will need to hear, and I have no doubt this book will serve those who are open to it in theory and in practice, well.

- Asher Syed -

Empowered: Thriving Beyond The Status Quo by Donna Marsh is a good book written by a holistic wellness coach. Drawn from her multitude of life events and experiences, the book is full of valuable information on personal wellness. The book starts with an introduction in which Donna Marsh shares her motivation for writing the book. It is then followed by four main sections, which are “The Body”, “The Mind”, “The Heart”, and “The Self”. The book ends with a list of websites and books as the recommended resources.

Undoubtedly, it is important for us to be personally well so that we can be useful to others and make a contribution to the world. Empowered by Donna Marsh is a book that helps us to reach that level of wellness. At the beginning of the introduction and the four main sections, it starts with a saying – I really like these sayings as they encapsulate the contents that follow. Under “The Body” section, it contains extensive information on food and how it is related to the body. It even contains comments on detox programs, and myths and misconceptions about food and diet, which are extremely useful and practical. Under “The Mind” section, it clarifies the body-mind connection and explains there are eight levels of awareness – how enlightening. Under “The Heart” section, it shares the importance of beliefs and honoring our authentic self – yes, definitely. Finally, there is the last section. “The Self” section explains who we really are – this is new information to those who are not familiar with spirituality that is not religious. Empowered is a recommended read to those who are interested in having a healthier body, mind, heart, and self.

- Tommy Wong -