My latest publishing endeavor began with a gratitude practice I created for myself years ago. Every day I try to contact at least three people, could be strangers or someone I already know, to thank them for their fine work or being. This is something I have suggested others consider practicing.
Why? Because expressions of heartfelt appreciation to those who enrich our lives is a feeling each of us can identify with. It feels marvelous to tell someone thanks, but it also makes the other person feel seen, heard and even loved.
A daily gratitude practice is about focusing our attention on looking for random gifts, and doing it without seeking anything in return, though sometimes it can work as a positive, magical boomerang gift. Case in point, I explain here with a page from a newly published book I edited.
I came to this unique project by word of mouth. A number of years ago, I heard a retired hospital physician, Dr. C. discussing his first book on a radio program. The book focused on his experiences with patients, and the spirit guidance he received that he said helped him with diagnosis and treatment. I contacted him to thank him for sharing his spiritual journey. Dr. C. let me know he was quite dissatisfied with the publishing company’s work with his material, and said he was wanting to rewrite the book or do another one. He sent me a copy of the book to read. I pointed out problems with the writing and offered extensive editing and other suggestions that he found helpful.
Fast forward many months later. I received an email from his colleague, Dr. Rob Dreyfus, who had reached out to inquire if I would agree to help him with his book manuscript, per the recommendation of Dr. C.
Dr. Dreyfus’s subject matter — healing from sexual dysfunctions/pornography addiction — was certainly not of interest to me. However, Dr. Dreyfus was determined to complete his book before he left earth. For decades he had kept piles of notes stashed away. He explained, those ideas and clippings perhaps would be included in something important he might decide to write, that is, if he could take the plunge and do the work to complete a book. That time had come, and useful gems of that information ended up within these pages, along with his unique therapeutic approach.
“Sexual Healing for Dummies and Others” addresses the problem of limited success with available methods for treating this particularly difficult form of addiction. It also represents the accumulated knowledge of a brilliant medical professional whose compassionate heart was also in need of some healing. Such is the way of life: helping others through their work or struggle can reward one with wisdom. So, it was with me, as well. The deeper I got into the research of the epidemic problem of dysregulation and sex addiction, and over countless hours of discussion about it with Dr. Dreyfus, we were able to broaden the scope and vision of healing, beyond what his initial concept had been for his magnum opus.
“Sexual Healing for Dummies and Others” is not just a talented psychiatrist presenting insight about his effective healing modality for a condition that destroys lives; rather, this emphasizes the role of compassion and forgiveness in developing the will – a willingness – to choose to serve one’s spiritual growth to attain wholeness. The resulting happiness is the gift given to oneself, and for it to be offered to others, on our shared healing path.
More info about the book is on my website, and it’s available now on Amazon and rolling out at select Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Speaking of gifts, reach out if you’d like me to send you an excerpt titled “Sexual Healing that Focuses on Integrity and Values.” The seventh person to request the excerpt will also receive a free copy of the book.
Giselle M. Massi is the author of “We are Here for a Purpose: HOW TO FIND YOURS” and the novel “Just Dance the Steps.” Her romantacy “WYNTER’S DREAM” is now available. Giselle was a journalist with The Denver Post for 16 years and writes the newspaper advice column TELL GISELLE. Contact her at www.gisellemassi.com.
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Giselle M. Massi is the author of “We are Here for a Purpose: HOW TO FIND YOURS” and the novel “Just Dance the Steps.” Her new romantacy “WYNTER’S DREAM” is now available. Giselle was a journalist with The Denver Post for 16 years and writes the newspaper advice column TELL GISELLE. Contact her at www.gisellemassi.com.