The publisher sent me this book a few months ago and I was immediately drawn to it. I put it, cover facing forward, on my book shelf because I knew it was something I should read soon. Due to my very busy schedule though, I didn’t pick it up until a desperate moment of feeling out of balance by working too much.

I feel blessed to have a pretty amazing life. Most of the time I get to do what I want and pursue a career in line with my passion. Because I have the ability to manifest work opportunities easily, I often generate more work than I can handle. I create something and then it arrives. And a lot has been arriving lately, which has made life very exciting and sleep and rest a thing of the past.

Okay … breath Tiffany. It was the right time and I picked up the book. I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically as I read the inside cover. It was so true of me in particular.

“Do you feel need to do everything yourself and can’t ask for help? Has it become so extreme you feel like you are on a runaway train and don’t know how to use the emergency stop? You are not alone. Author Peggy Collins, is a reformed self sufficient, so she understand exactly what you are going through.”

Then my favorite part …

“This is the first life-enhancing guide designed to help people like you who can’t or won’t ask for help: … the overwhelmed super-mom who picks up the kids while closing the biggest sale of her career on her cell phone.”

Haha – that is me! I really did close one of the biggest sales of my career on my cell phone while volunteering at my son’s Co-op preschool and trying to find a quiet spot away from the kids loud play. Too funny!

I read on. And my laughter turned to tears. Oh goodness, this is me and this is a problem I need to solve. Thanks Peggy for the tips. My life did improve a bit after your slap in the face to wake up and stop doing so much.

This is a description of the book by the publisher. Buy it today if you are an Over-Self-Sufficient (and what mom isn’t?).

It’s great to be self-sufficient, isn’t it?Not if it’s costing you your sanity.

Okay, so you’re responsible, hard working, and independent. But you’re also stressed out, overwhelmed, and reluctant to ask anyone for help. Why should you? You’re perfectly capable of juggling work, family, and other obligations all by yourself, thank you very much. But ask yourself-and be honest:

Are you constantly trying to “do it all,” all by yourself?
Do you avoid delegating work because you don’t trust others to “do it right”?
Are you afraid you’ll look weak if you ask someone for help?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be suffering from Self-Sufficiency Syndrome–and you might be heading for major burnout. The good news is: Help Is Not a Four-Letter Word. This groundbreaking new book by professional speaker Peggy Collins will show you how to recognize the signs, ease the demands you put on yourself, and start enjoying your work, your family, and your life.

Help Is Not a Four-Letter Word helps you:
Identify the signs and symptoms of Self-Sufficiency Syndrome
Break the cycle of extreme self-sufficiency
Ask for help when you really need it
Learn who and who not to ask for help
Balance your personal and professional life.

Tiffany Bass Bukow is the CEO & Founder of the #1 Personal Finance Website for Women and Families – www.msmoney.com. My life mission is to help people and the world thrive through creating companies that provide money, career and life skills education.

ALIVE AND OH WELL!
Check in with Joanie and Gina
This blog is a combo-talk show/counseling session in words with intriguing dialogue. We will help guide you through crucial transitions in your life not just surviving divorce with grace, humor and feminine integrity, but anything that has left you feeling stuck, under-inspired or overwhelmed.

I would like to pass along a very good article that recently appeared in REDBOOK Magazine. “Domestic abuse isn’t only about broken limbs and bruises,” the article begins. “Many women suffer from daily belittling, verbal assault, and emotional battery that are every bit as damaging — and equally unacceptable.”

This article struck a chord with me, and I could empathize with Danielle, one of the women interviewed for the article. “The abuser has often successfully convinced his victim that his behavior is her fault,” the article says, and that if only “she” would change, the abuser would not put her down, get agitated, withhold emotionally and then turn around and accuse her of doing to him exactly what he is doing to her.

The article is helpful in that it gives a definition of emotional abuse, as well as examples of what it sounds like, looks like and feels like. At the end are resources and hotlines if you feel you need help.

It’s time to bring this form of invisible violence out into the open! Here is the link:

http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/advice/verbal-abuse-violence

All the best, Gina

Gina’s Information
www.EverythingmattersNothingmatters.com
www.museyoucanuse-gina.blogspot.com
www.ginawriter.com

Joanie’s Information
Choclolate Spa Getaway Contest for Women
Single Again! Now What? Talk Radio Show with your host, Joanie Winberg.
Show Time: Every Wednesday evening @ 6:00PM EST
Call in: 347- 215-6997

Joanie Winberg, founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children,
a Business/Personal Coach- specializing in Divorce, Speaker,
Human Behavior Consultant, and a Certified Laughter Leader.

As the Founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, Joanie’s passion is to help women be the best they can be as well as become role models for their children and community. The 24/7 Resource Center was created not only because of the lack of support and guidance Joanie experienced after her divorce, but for the many women who experience the same challenges.       

Joanie became a successful business owner of a True Value Hardware store at the age of twenty five. After eighteen years in the retail arena, she embarked on a professional career as a speaker, author, business/personal coach specializing in divorce and a Certified Behavior Specialist. She is also the Divorce Specialist for the National Association of Baby Boomers.

To continue to help provide a healthy lifestyle for women and children, Joanie is the Founder of the non-profit Happy Wednesday Foundation which provides funding for women’s educational mentoring programs during and after divorce.

For more support and encouragement during and after divorce, visit the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.