Saturday, July 25, 2026

25 self-help books to help overcome life struggles

     Book Cover with Authors Picture




Introduction

If you're struggling with Life, chances are you are out of balance/harmony with how life works.  How does life work?  Life works in threes!  Life consists of YOU, YOUR LIFE and YOUR JOURNEY.  Let's explore each one and get back in balance to overcome any struggles.

LIFE

The process of life is a continuous cycle of growth, change, and adaptation. It begins with the spark of existence, as organisms emerge, develop, and evolve in response to their environment. Life progresses through various stages—learning, struggle,and transformation—where each experience contributes to the unfolding of an individual's journey. Along the way, we humans face challenges, form connections, and seek meaning, all while navigating the delicate balance between survival and change. At its core, life is about resilience, the constant pursuit of balance, and the inevitable progression toward the unknown. 

YOU

Striving for perfection in life is like chasing a mirage in the desert—no matter how hard we try, it always seems just out of reach. It's about constantly measuring ourselves against impossible standards, seeking validation from others, and fearing failure at every turn. In contrast, living authentically is about embracing our imperfections, celebrating our uniqueness, and owning our truth without apology. It's about being genuine, vulnerable, and unapologetically ourselves, flaws and all. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, living authentically allows us to cultivate genuine connections, find true fulfillment, and experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment.  

YOUR LIFE

Taking control of your life is like steering your own ship—you're the captain of your destiny, charting your course and navigating the waters of life with confidence and conviction. It's about owning your decisions, embracing your individuality, and staying true to your values, even when others try to steer you off course. While it's natural to seek guidance and support from others, it's essential to remember that ultimately, you're the one in the driver's seat of your life.  

YOUR JOURNEY

Life is a grand adventure, a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours along the way. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly striving for the next milestone or accomplishment. But as the saying goes, it's not about the destination—it's about the journey. Each moment, each experience, each encounter shapes who we are and who we become, guiding us along the path of self-discovery and personal growth.  

SUMMARY

The beauty of life lies in its imperfections—the smudges, the smears, the unexpected splashes of color that add character and depth to the canvas of our existence. It's in these moments of spontaneity and unpredictability that we find the true essence of living—a vibrant, ever-changing tapestry of joy, sorrow, love, and laughter. So, as you embark on the journey of life, remember that the canvas is yours to paint. Choose your colors wisely, embrace the imperfections, and allow the beauty of your unique masterpiece to shine through for all the world to see.  

INVITATION

“If you chase life...it will run from you.” 


Imagine life as a river flowing gently downstream. When you chase life, it’s like trying to swim against the current—you're constantly pushing and striving to make things happen on your own terms. While determination and hard work are important, there's also beauty in allowing life to unfold naturally. Allowing life to come to you is about trusting the flow of the river, where you navigate with ease and openness to what the universe brings your way. 





Words of Wisdom




Friday, July 24, 2026

Spread Game: The Federal Prison Cookbook:

   Delicious looking food on a table in a jail cell

Spread Game: The Federal Prison Cookbook:

100+ Microwave Masterpieces from the Commissary List


The realest cookbook ever written — because it had to be.

In 2013, Justin Smith was indicted on a federal drug conspiracy charge. He served five years. This book is what he built with them.

Inside a federal housing unit, the chow hall keeps you alive — but the microwave keeps you human. SPREAD GAME is the complete cuisine of the American federal prison system: 103 tested recipes made entirely from commissary items and a single microwave, compiled with real BOP commissary lists and organized the way a cook thinks, not the way the order form prints.

Inside you'll find:

• The master commissary list, decoded — the federal pantry by category with real prices, plus the $60 starter pantry

• Technique that changes everything — hot-water-bath cooking, the chip-bag cooker, micro-frying, the cookie-tray bakery, the mayo sear

• The Spread — the communal build-out meal, from The Standard to the eight-man Birthday Spread

• The legendary Mackerel Patty Sandwich — the exact recipe that fed all of B Unit, and the sandwich-business playbook that came with it

• No-oven desserts that defy belief — two full cheesecake builds, cookie-tray brownies, two-minute fudge, and the Visitation Cake

• A full-page photo for every single recipe — 103 dishes shot in the gritty, mouthwatering style of the yard

Written in a voice as real as the yard and clean enough to gift, SPREAD GAME is for currently and formerly incarcerated cooks, the families who fill their commissary accounts, true-crime readers, dorm-room chefs, and anyone who's ever had to make something from nothing.

You don't need an oven. You need a microwave, a list, and the game.



Click here to get

Spread Game: The Federal Prison Cookbook

on Amazon / Kindle / Kindle Unlimited 









Monday, July 20, 2026

Every Author Needs the Author Octopus Shirt (And Here's Why)

  Author Octopus

Every Author Needs the Author Octopus Shirt (And Here's Why)

Let's be honest...

Writing a book is one of the few jobs where you're expected to be an author, editor, proofreader, marketer, social media manager, graphic designer, accountant, customer service representative, website developer, public speaker, podcaster, email marketer, and somehow still find time to actually write.

If you've ever thought, "I wish I had eight arms," congratulations...

You're officially an author.

That's exactly why the Author Octopus Shirt exists.

Because Writing the Book Is Only the Beginning

Many people think an author's job ends when they type "The End."

Experienced authors know that's actually when the real work begins.

Now you need to:

  • Edit your manuscript.
  • Format it.
  • Design a cover.
  • Upload it to retailers.
  • Build a website.
  • Run social media.
  • Schedule promotions.
  • Answer emails.
  • Record podcasts.
  • Create videos.
  • Attend book signings.
  • And somehow start writing the next book.

One pair of hands suddenly feels wildly inadequate.

Enter...

The Author Octopus.

It's Funny Because It's True

The best shirts don't just make people smile.

They make people nod their heads and say,

"That's me."

Every author understands the daily juggling act of wearing multiple hats.

The octopus perfectly captures that reality.

Eight arms.

Twenty-seven projects.

Coffee in one hand.

Laptop in another.

Marketing plan over here.

Manuscript over there.

It's basically a documentary.

It's an Instant Conversation Starter

Authors love talking about books.

Readers love meeting authors.

This shirt creates conversations everywhere.

Wear it to:

  • Bookstores
  • Libraries
  • Book festivals
  • Writer conferences
  • Coffee shops
  • Airports
  • Comic conventions
  • Farmer's markets
  • Anywhere readers gather

Don't be surprised if someone stops you and asks:

"So...what do you write?"

That's not just a compliment.

That's an opportunity.

Click here to get your Author Octopus Shirt

Free Book Marketing (Without Saying a Word)

Marketing can be exhausting.

But your shirt can do some of the work for you.

People notice bold, funny designs.

They read them.

They smile.

They ask questions.

Every conversation becomes a chance to mention your books.

Not in a pushy way.

Just naturally.

Sometimes your best marketing tool isn't another Facebook ad.

Sometimes it's simply wearing something that makes people curious.

It Shows You're Proud to Be an Author

Authors spend months—or years—bringing stories into the world.

That's something worth celebrating.

The Author Octopus Shirt says:

"I create."

"I write."

"I keep going."

"I'm proud of what I do."

And that's something every writer should wear with confidence.

Authors Recognize Their Own

There's something special that happens when writers meet other writers.

You instantly have something in common.

Shared struggles.

Shared victories.

Shared frustrations over formatting issues.

This shirt acts almost like a secret handshake.

It lets other creatives know:

"You're one of us."

It Makes the Perfect Gift

Know someone who's publishing their first novel?

Finished NaNoWriMo?

Launching a new series?

Celebrating a bestseller?

Instead of another notebook...

Give them something they'll actually wear proudly.

It's thoughtful.

It's practical.

And it's guaranteed to earn a laugh.

The Metaphysical Side of Wearing Your Passion

There's something powerful about wearing clothing that reflects who you are.

Every time you pull on the Author Octopus Shirt, you're making a statement—not just to the world, but to yourself.

You're reminding yourself that you're a creator.

A storyteller.

Someone willing to put ideas onto paper and share them with others.

When you wear something that represents your passion, you naturally carry yourself differently.

You stand a little taller.

Smile a little more.

Talk about your work a little more confidently.

Sometimes confidence begins with something as simple as putting on the right shirt.

More Than a Shirt...

The Author Octopus Shirt isn't just cotton and ink.

It's a badge of honor.

It's a celebration of creativity.

It's a reminder that authors wear more hats than almost anyone else on the planet.

And yes...

Sometimes it really does feel like we need eight arms.

So wear it proudly.

Wear it at your next signing.

Wear it while writing your next bestseller.

Wear it to your favorite coffee shop.

Or wear it simply because another author might see you, smile, and say,

"I totally get it."

Because they do.

And if you're an author...

You probably do too.

Now, if someone could invent a coffee mug with eight handles...

We'd really be getting somewhere.


Click here to get your Author Octopus Shirt


Saturday, July 18, 2026

Authors, Let's Help Each Other Grow! Free Book Promotion in Exchange for a YouTube Subscription

 Combination of the Make Peace with Life and Book Promotion Library


Authors, Let's Help Each Other Grow!

Free Book Promotion in Exchange for a YouTube Subscription

At Make Peace With Life, we believe that positive energy grows when people help one another. At Book Promotion Library, we believe every great book deserves to be discovered. So we asked ourselves...

Why not bring these two communities together?

The result is a partnership that benefits everyone involved—a true win-win opportunity for authors and readers alike.

Here's How It Works

We're working hard to grow the Make Peace With Life Podcast on YouTube so we can spread more positive messages, inspiring conversations, humor, metaphysical topics, travel adventures, and encouragement to people around the world.

To help us reach that goal, we're asking our author friends to become part of our growing community.

In return...

We'll promote your book for FREE!

That's right. Once you subscribe to our YouTube channel, we'll feature your book on one of the Book Promotion Librarybook blogs and share that post across our social media channels to help introduce your book to new readers.

You help us grow...

We help your book reach a larger audience.

That's what community is all about.

How to Participate

Step 1

Subscribe to the Make Peace With Life YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakePeaceWithLife33

Step 2

Send an email to:

makepeacewithlife33@gmail.com

Include the following information:

  • Your YouTube username (so we can verify your subscription)
  • Your Book Title
  • A short Book Description
  • Your Book Purchase Link (Amazon, your website, etc.)

Step 3

Once we verify your subscription, we'll:

  • Feature your book on one of our Book Promotion Library book blogs.
  • Share the post across our social media channels.
  • Email you with the publication date and a direct link to your book feature so you can share it with your readers as well.

It's that simple!

Why We're Doing This

The publishing world can be challenging, especially for independent authors. We know that every review, every reader, every share, and every bit of exposure can make a difference.

At the same time, we're building a positive community through the Make Peace With Life Podcast, where we explore topics like personal growth, metaphysics, travel, relationships, humor, and finding happiness in everyday life.

By working together, we can help both communities grow.

More subscribers help us reach more people.

More book promotion helps authors reach more readers.

Everyone wins.

Let's Build Something Amazing Together

If you're an author looking for additional exposure, we'd love to feature your work.

If you enjoy positive conversations, travel, metaphysics, humor, and learning how to create more happiness in your life, we'd love to have you as part of the Make Peace With Life community.

One simple subscription can help us continue creating meaningful content—and we'll gladly return the favor by helping introduce your book to our audience.

Thank you for believing in what we're building and allowing us to help share your stories with the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to the community and promoting your next great book!

Subscribe today:
https://www.youtube.com/@MakePeaceWithLife33

Email your information to:
makepeacewithlife33@gmail.com

Together, we can spread more positivity, inspire more readers, and help great books find the audience they deserve.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Resolution in the Fog

  Forrest set in the Fog


 

Resolution in the Fog


Resolution in the Fog is a novel set in Japan and Taiwan, following a narrator and two companions named Mariko through Zen, Tai Chi, music, cities, relationships, and loss shaped by attention and timing.


Click here to read Resolution in the Fog Chapter 1

Click here to read Glass of Rain - 3 Novels 

Click here to Subscribe so you don't miss the Next Chapter



 




Book Promotion Offer with books in background

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Boy and the Chilli Man

 


The Boy and the Chilli Man:

The Most Explosive Kids Adventure Book You’ll Ever Read! For Reading Ages 8-12


"Wonderfully quirky" "The comedy is brilliant" "What a fun children's book this is"

SILLY, HUMOROUS AND OCCASIONALLY VILE, this children’s story book is perfect for middle grade and intermediate readers aged 8-12 years. With action on every page and bold illustrations, this fun giggler is the third book title from this author.

Our story starts with Farmer Spicy, a bonkers and bad tempered man who runs a chilli farm in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the jungle, in fact! He wages daily battles with the animals on his land until young Josh turns up for a holiday job.
Josh soon discovers this grumpy old geyser grows the spiciest chillies ever known to man! Things heat up further in the chilli department after a freak accident. The young boy ceases an opportunity to get his own back on the nasty farmer and save the animals of the jungle from impending doom. The results all land on a competition where someone will be crowned champion chilli chomper!
This tale features a number of twists and turns, its humour and vivid descriptions may appeal to fans of Roald Dahl and David Walliams classics. Find out what happens when things come full circle with some moral grounding towards the end.
Suitable for children looking to improve their reading and expand their vocabulary or simply a listen-along story at bedtime. The boy and the chilli man is sure to delight, intrigue and amuse boys and girls alike.
Happy reading!



Front and Back of Book





Book Contest

Monday, July 13, 2026

Free Shipping, Good Vibes & Looking Cool: The Make Peace With Life Shirt Movement

 Singer with Make Peace With Life Shirt on


Free Shipping, Good Vibes & Looking Cool: The Make Peace With Life Shirt Movement

Let’s be honest…

There are few things in life more disappointing than finding the perfect shirt online, adding it to your cart, emotionally committing to it, and then suddenly getting attacked by shipping costs at checkout like:

“Surprise! That’ll be another $12.95 for the privilege of fabric transportation.”

Not anymore.

The Make Peace With Life shirts now come with FREE SHIPPING, because we believe getting something that spreads positivity, purpose, and good energy throughout the universe shouldn’t also require taking out a small loan to cover delivery fees.

That’s right.
You now get to pay less… for a shirt that actually gives you more.

More comfort.
More positivity.
More connection.
More style.
More energetic awesomeness.

And honestly?
That feels like a pretty solid life decision.

Click here to get your Make Peace With Life Shirt

But these shirts are more than just soft fabric and cool designs. They’re part of something bigger. Every time someone wears a Make Peace With Life shirt, they’re putting a message into the world that people genuinely need right now. In a world where stress, negativity, division, and doom-scrolling seem to compete for Olympic gold medals every single day, a simple positive message can actually shift someone’s energy. You never know who might see your shirt while standing in line for coffee, walking through the grocery store, or surviving another painfully awkward family gathering. One person reads “Make Peace With Life” and suddenly pauses for a moment. Maybe they smile. Maybe they breathe easier. Maybe they realize they’ve been way too hard on themselves lately. That’s real energy. That’s impact.

Because positivity spreads.

Energy spreads.

And yes… apparently cool shirts spread too.

There’s something powerful about wearing a message that reminds people life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be meaningful. These shirts quietly say:

“Hey… maybe we can all chill out a little, breathe deeper, and stop acting like every inconvenience is a full-scale spiritual emergency.”

And honestly, the world could use more of that.

Plus, let’s not ignore an important scientific fact:
These shirts also make you look cool.

Not just “nice shirt” cool.
We’re talking:

  • grounded-but-fun cool
  • peaceful-with-good-energy cool
  • probably-gives-great-life-advice cool
  • somehow-both-spiritual-and-hilarious cool

That kind of cool.

And the best part is these shirts are for everyone.

It doesn’t matter:

  • who you are
  • what you believe
  • what music you listen to
  • whether you meditate daily or just aggressively overthink in silence
  • whether you hike mountains or simply climb out of bed after hitting snooze four times

The Make Peace With Life message belongs to all of us.

Because peace is universal.
Growth is universal.
Human struggle is universal.
And wanting a comfortable shirt with free shipping is definitely universal.

At the end of the day, this movement has always been about more than clothing. It’s about connection, positivity, humor, perspective, and reminding people that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there’s still room for peace, laughter, kindness, and growth. Every shirt shared in the world becomes another small ripple of good energy moving outward into the collective human experience.

So yes…
You’re getting free shipping.

But you’re also helping spread a message the world desperately needs.

And honestly?
That’s a pretty good deal.

Click here to get your Make Peace With Life Shirt 


Man on Beach with Make Peace With Life Shirt