Are you stuck? Looking for the magic pill or words that will help you overcome a failed relationship, deal with unexpected changes in employment or cope with a loss of a loved one?

Are you looking for a way to find some meaning and purpose as to why your life might be topsy – turvy? Why yesterday made sense, but today it does not? Everyone at one time or another experiences a tidal wave of self – doubt, grief or apprehension.

Confession: The week I felt stuck. 

Yet, despite feeling a bit “stuck” in situations that I thought I had no control, I found solace and hope in a series of books written by Christine Kloser and featuring a consortium of excellent contributors. I had started reading them earlier this year, but really delved in to them this week.  Pebbles in the Pond (2014), shows that behind every life changing event there is a purpose.  It also demonstrated that beyond a shadow of doubt that the human spirit is resilient beyond measure.

Each chapter talks about situation that serves as a catalyst. Something that prompted the author to change or shift their thinking. While many of the stories resonated with me there were a few that I believe stood out the most.

One story, Transforming My Aging Script, by Sharon Matthias, talked about the personal passages one faces when turning 65.  How life seems to shift mentally when you are deemed “too old” to be employable.  Everywhere you look there are people or organizations that  tell you that “65 or older” you should take this pill for this ailment or it is time for retirement. Yet, this author convinced me that 65 is not to be feared but simply an age where you re-invent yourself – again. Thanks, Sharon!

What would you do if you were faced with a life and death situation? One author , Carin Rockind, discussed just that as she wrote  From “Perfect” to Purpose,  how she  changed her life course when she became face to face with a predator holding a gun to her head. She eloquently described how her biggest fear moments earlier was her bad choice in blind dates. Now as she bargained with God for her life, she realized that if she survived this personal assault that her priorities would need to change.  Heck of a way to find out what path you should be on – but Rockind did survive and now leads a life that gives her a more purpose, grace and meaning.

Then there is the poignant story by Tiffany Kane, who I know personally from our association with  the Beach Cities Breakfast Club.  I have heard Tiffany speak before, but wow, I was unprepared for her deep sole searching following a series of tragedies that was eloquently written in the chapter simply titled, “Inner Power Parenting”.  Tiffany describes how one can find the tools you need to grieve and turn a life that seems “stuck” into a productive one.  I admire Tiffany for her candor and willingness to help others who are “only parenting”.  Tiffany is also the founder of Widows with Kids, an organization well worth checking out. Please do.

I could write much more about the golden “nuggets” of wisdom throughout Pebbles in the Pond. Instead, I will invite you to read them and enjoy them on your own time.

Also recommended: Cultivating Joy and Choosing Happiness, featuring chapters by Tiffany Kane, as well. All books are available on AMAZON.

Note: I received nothing more than the books for this review. The books will be donated to a local Los Angeles library.