Review Tales
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Get To Be Happy By Ted Larkins – Author Interview
Get To Be Happy: Stories and Secrets to Loving the Sh*t Out Of Life
By Ted Larkins
Genre: Autobiography/Self Help
The secret to my happiness started during my high school days (yes, drugs were involved) and continued through hitchhiking across the country, through the suicide of my girlfriend, through bartending in many cities around the country and then a move to Japan. I lived there for nine years, helping start a $500 million business, including a LARKINS (my last name) line of product, finding enlightenment and meditating in Zen temples in the mountains of Hiroshima, meeting Mother Teresa in Calcutta, partying with Bon Jovi, experiencing the death of my business partner and then the loss of my daughter, and all the life lessons that come with the following statement: I Get To do this!
About the Author
Ted Larkins is an author, speaker and accomplished business executive and entrepreneur. Through his book and keynote talks, he shares the powerful Get To Principle, the ability to say “I Get To” as opposed to “I have to”. Ted also co-developed a leading entertainment licensing company in Tokyo, representing major movie studios that included Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. He’s worked on projects with Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Nicklaus, Mariah Carey, and many other artists. He is former Senior Vice President of the North American division of CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies. He is on the board of directors of the Licensing Industry Merchandise Association (LIMA), co-chairing the charity committee and sitting on the executive committee. He is a guest lecturer for the UCLAx Entertainment Studies and Performing Arts program.
Over the last year and a half, during his daily 4 hour train commute to work in Hollywood, he wrote the book, “Get To Be Happy: Stories and Secrets On Loving the Sh*t Out of Life. Ted lives with his wife of 22 years and their two children in Southern California. 
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettobehappy/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gettobehappy
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/gettobehappy
Website: http://www.GetToBeHappy.com
On Amazon: http://bit.ly/GetToBeHappy
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36638571-get-to-be-happy?from_search=true
On B&N: bit.ly/2BYB3vZ
Author Interview
Tell us about your book. What made you write your story?
One day my young son asked me to play with him. I said, “Hang on buddy, I have to go pee.” As I neared the bathroom it occurred to me, “I don’t have to, I Get To.” As I came out I thought about work and said, “Oh, I gotta play with my son first.” And it occurred to me, “I don’t gotta, I Get To.” That night after a fine meal at the house I said, “I have to do the dishes.” And as I started washing them, grumbling, I thought, “I don’t have to, I get to clean the dishes.” What I realized in those moments of saying “I Get To” is that I felt compassion for others that don’t have what I have (running water in a bathroom, healthy children to play with, a good meal that dirty dishes were served on), and great appreciation for what I had in life. I also realized that the most successful times in my life were when I was embracing this “Get To” way of thinking. I also realized that deliberately saying, “I Get To” can bring peace, joy and happiness to my life most of the time. And sharing this Get To way of being can help others. So, I decided to write my story and share how to use the Get To Principle. I offer “Happiness coaching” as well.
What do you find most challenging about the writing process, and how do you deal with it?
Making time to write is the key. I knew that if I dedicated 30 minutes a day, no matter what, even if I just scribbled (which I did some days) I eventually would have a book. It took about a year. I was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic, where she talks about her journey writing the hit book, Eat, Pray Love.
When and where do you do your writing?
I was commuting to work four hours a day on the train so was able to write then. But usually I wake up at 5 a.m. before the kids get up and write. I do that now. Again, it’s just a decision and then you do it. But here’s the thing, if you miss a day or whatever, don’t beat yourself up. Just recommit and do it again. Over and over.
What have you learned about promoting your books?
It’s a slow process, but it’s a blast. There are a lot of great tools and help for authors these days (like working with Sage) so you don’t have to do it alone. I send books to bloggers, radio stations. I sent one to Ellen and one to Oprah. Who knows if they’ll get it, or read it, but my intention is there. Intention is everything. I am building my Instagram and FaceBook following by posting about book signings and other events. I went to my local Barnes & Nobel and asked if I could do a book signing. They gave me some email address at corporate to write to. I sent seven emails, found a phone number and called 10 times. FINALLY, someone called me and agreed for me to have a book signing there. Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m., Huntington Beach, California if you’re going to be around. J The point is never give up. Don’t take any rejection, or most likely no answer at all, personally.
What are you most proud of as a writer?
I love my cover. In fact, I just received a “gold star” rating from TheBookDesigner.com. It took months, four designers and 20+ designs to come to the simple design that I have.
If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I love Stephen King. Reading his books as a kid and the casual way he wrote, speaking directly to me, had a huge effect on my style. His more recent book On Writing, his autobiography, was a fantastic source of inspiration that lead me to write my book.
A Message To My Younger Self Written by Jeyran Main
A Message To My Younger Self
I have wanted to write this article for a while. At the age of 35, I feel that due to many unforeseen occurrences, I have had to go through a lot. Whether it has been hardship or success, both have made me the person that I am today; and if I were going to leave a message to my younger self, the following would be it:
1- Accept Your Beauty
Don’t allow the exterior of your body become the focus of your happiness or sadness. Spend more time changing your inner self and better yourself from within. There are always going to be something in your life, superficial, that you will pick at and not like. There is nothing more attractive than having a beautiful personality. You cannot control what happens outside, you can control the inside, so accept your beauty.
2- Meditate
There are thousands of articles and research done into the benefits of Meditation. I cannot emphasize more on how proven this method is to be much calmer, less stressed, happier and better in your life. It even prevents you from getting diseases. I cannot emphasize enough on how better you will feel if you just spent a little time, every day, to meditate.
Meditation basically triggers your parasympathetic nervous system in your brain. This means it activates the one thing that is triggered when you sleep and that’s why sleeping is so important. By Meditating you become more aware and active in your life. Another great effect meditation has on the body is that it makes you equanimous. Your reaction to people’s action, changes. You won’t respond the same way you do when they attack you or say something hurtful to you. You obtain control over your reaction, towards anything that happens to you and that my friend, is priceless.
3- You Are In Charge of Your life
Stop waiting for someone to come into your life and change it for you. If you want to lose weight, just do it. If you hate your job, just quit. If you want to go to school, just find a way to get in.
You are in charge of your life. There is no dress rehearsal, and there are no second chances. The time you are on earth is all you have, so make it happen and stop waiting for others to fix it for you.
4- Validate Yourself
Find time in the day to validate yourself. We are very good in judging ourselves. We are constantly complaining about ourselves and not appreciating what we are actually good at. Start looking at things you do right. Give yourself a hug. Pat yourself on the back. Don’t wait for someone to compliment you. Do it yourself.
5- Do Not Settle
Whoever you choose to be with has to match exactly what you want as a partner. Do not settle for anything less than you believe you deserve. The same applies to any situation that falls in your life. Do not settle for anything. Even if the food you get served at a restaurant is not what you wanted, send it back.
6- Your body is your home
Your energy and your soul live in your body. It is vital you take care of it. Don’t keep giving it junk food. Take care of your body.
7- Don’t Get Attached
We live in a very materialistic world. Everything you have and feel that you “own” on paper is in fact, not really yours. You won’t be taking it with you after you die, so just enjoy it and appreciate it but don’t get attached to it.
The same applies to friends and family. People will come and go, and you should just enjoy the time you have with them. This is probably the hardest thing to do but try, because it will help you in your future.
8- You are the average of 5 of your friends
Stop right now and think about 5 of the most important people you spend time with in your life. They have to be people you enjoy and learn from otherwise do not waste your time hanging around the ones that barely give you any fulfillment. Be conscious of whom you spend your time with.
9- Self – Belief
I know it may sound hard to do, but you really have to fake it to make it. If you look at everyone you see as successful, it isn’t because they were the smartest, prettiest, or better than you. It is only because they believed in whatever crazy idea they had. They believed in themselves, and that’s what got them ahead of you.
If you believe, you will be able to do it. If you think you can’t, then you won’t. Since everything in life starts with self-belief, then believe in yourself, and I promise you, you will make it.
Written by Jeyran Main
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The Addiction Nobody Will Talk About by Joshua Shea (Book Review #414)
The addition nobody will talk about Joshua has it all. He has a great life, yet his mental health and addictions are overtaking his ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Things turn to worse when he is convicted for possessing underage pornography, and his addiction completely destroys everything he held dear.
I found the book to be very honest and true to what it was. There was no shame or denial in his admittance, and I found that refreshing. The author made it very clear that he saw his problem as an addiction and that he underwent therapy and multiple sessions of treatments in order to deal with his problem.
I felt that the intention was to make it very clear that you can be addicted to porn and it can definitely take over your life if you do not stop before it is too late.
Written by Jeyran Main
The Other Side of Positive Thinking Written by BoringBug
The Other Side of Positive Thinking
You are born wise. Despite not knowing all the answers, you don’t talk or argue back. Thereafter you grow older and impregnate yourself with negative thoughts. Thoughts full of “I can’t(s)”, resultant blocking your own good, frustrating and limiting yourself.
When you block your thoughts with negative(s), you end up creating obstacles, impediments, and delays in your life. Ending up denying the intelligence and wisdom residing within yourself.
The provoked negative thoughts often manifest themselves into the emotions of fear, anger, rage or greed. Effectively when attracted by such thoughts, we convince ourselves of being surrounded by destructive situations. Emancipating the start of a vicious cycle.
Unknown to ourselves lies within us- the never ending wisdom and a rationale universal to all. The knowledge to attract positive forays. Somewhere in between lies the ability to break this vicious cycle. The other side of positive thinking.
***
Everyone has forays of troubles, problems and own set of issues. Problems unique to themselves. One from which everyone wants to sail through without being hampered or thrashed upon. Yet, there resides within ourselves the ability to resolves issues with our will alone…
What can you do to stay positive and release yourself from the trap of the other side?
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- Stop judging, and blaming: I tend to not judge people and this has helped me tackle many of the issues ranging from failures to unemployment.
- Talk to people (Occasional ranting can help at times): I am an introvert by nature, yet I take time out to talk to the walls or listen to my family and friends. Talk about things that you want to manifest in your life. This will increase your motivation.
- Meditation: Whenever faced with a palpable situation heavy breathing and meditation helps you to calm down. Because when you are under a lot of stress it is easy to lose control over the situation and start thinking negatively.
- Learn to “let go”: People often fail to let go of things. Remember, unless you don’t let go of the thing hampering your thoughts, you cannot move beyond the other side of positive thinking.
- Follow your hobby: Every person has a hobby which varies from sketching, playing sports or equipment, cooking, or even staring at the walls for an indefinite time. Following your passion after work hours will keep you calm, relaxed and your mind sharp.
- Look for motivation. Surround yourself with people and things that make you feel good. Whenever you feel down, read a motivational book, a success story, read your favorite inspirational quotes, or just listen to your favorite song. I tend to take inspirations from obnoxious insignificant things. Sometimes I get motivated by watching a cow cross the road, or by hearing the rant of a stranger.
7. Love and appreciate yourself. You cannot stay positive if you do not like yourself, or put yourself down; or if you do not treat yourself with love and care. Positive thinking starts with accepting yourself the way you are and then striving to become a little bit better.
8. Express gratitude. People tend to express their gratitude to God, parents or anyone/anything they believe in. Irrespective of your belief you will always find something to feel gratitude for.
9. One step at a time: Everything takes time. You need to do one thing at a time and gradually move over the other.
-Written by boringbug
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NLP Techniques by Brian Ledger (Book Review #228)
NLP is a short non-fiction book written about the effective way to set your mind straight and to be able to focus better in life. NPL stands for Neuro Linguistic Programs, which are psychological techniques that facilitate effective communication. I found this book to be fascinating as it is something most of us lack in our relationships and it the primary reason for fall outs.
What I would have liked was for this book to be longer and more in depth. That is not to say anything negative about it, but to say how much this book was interesting and beneficial for people to read.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Marital Advice to My Grandson by Joel Peter Davidson (Book Review #412)
I found the book to be enjoyable due to its humorous nature. The words used in the content were selectively chosen for the purpose to confront the matter funnily. I believe the author’s intentions represented what the content covered. The literature was easy to read and to understand. I particularly enjoyed the referencing being close to a grandpa talking to his grandkid.
From the fart and banana stories to the more serious matters such as body language and how to own your own home, this book sure makes you laugh and ponder.
The book is definitely a light-hearted read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is contemplating marriage or enjoys a humorous book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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The Refuge by Heidi Martin (Book Review #218)
“I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.”
This book was an “OnlineBookClub.org Book of the Day.”
The refuge is a story about Anna Waters. She is married to Fredrick. Anna is a lawyer and spends long hours working away avoiding her husband. A horrible incident in the past has caused friction between the couple. Fredrick does not know how to handle things and Anna refuses to talk about it. Fredrick files for divorce and that is when Anna’s journey to self-discovery begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this author took us, in understanding Anna better. It describes why she behaves the way she does and how hard life has been for her ever since the incident happened. Anna has to confront herself through the move she makes and the new people she meets. The message this book brings, I believe, is very helpful to anyone that is going through difficult times. The novel is not a memoir but a work of fiction; however, it does seem to be close to the author.
The literary standard of the book was in good shape. The layout and structure of the story were put together with a steady pace and had an interesting plot to it. I believe the author has great potential in writing similar style fiction novels.
No one can really understand the pain, and the suffering someone else goes through. That is because everyone’s tolerance toward matters differs. In this case, Anna has to overcome fear and accept reality. The novel does have a romantic side to it, which was pleasant.
I believe anyone that enjoys an inspirational story will like this book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Breadcrumbs by Francis Shaw (Book Review #201)
Breadcrumbs is a short, self-help book written about a collection of essays. It begins with a quote from the famous Persian Poet, Rumi, “Beyond the ideas of right and wrong, there is a field, I’ll meet you there.” Ironically, this quote sums up the book very well. The author uses various ways to elaborate on the message without directly saying it out loud. The skill used is fabulously webbed within stories like the King’s Gambit, Frodo, and Timothy the Tortoise. The book then summarizes the examples through theories, like the butterfly effect and the theory of Spiritual Relativity.
I found the book to be a breath of fresh air. The author’s style of writing was very friendly and felt like he was sitting across the table talking to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty side of his approach towards matters that some people may find boring. The literature standard was delightful and if I could, I would read the book again later, just to refresh my mind and feel good again.
The content is filled with inspirational and motivational comments, which really do pick your spirit up. The book also discusses human progression, world crisis, spiritual relativity, theory, healing, hope, finding a purpose and much more.
I recommend this book to people that like to read on spiritual- inspirational books.
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Tales of the Whirling Rainbow by Steven McFadden (Book Review #411)
As the author is a veteran journalist, I did not have any doubt regarding the literature standard of the book. The work has been divided into 7 sections and discusses legends and teachings from the past.
I particularly enjoyed reading the new period of the sun. The stories were all written with care, offering names, references to time and place. I found it more credible since it wasn’t just a “he said, she said” kind of book.
I would have preferred a more thought out cover design for the book as the content was much richer than the chosen cover. The book does offer life messages and guidance, on its own merit and I believe anyone that values the things mentioned above, would enjoy this book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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