Title: THE SECRETS TO LIVING A FANTASTIC LIFE: TWO SURVIVORS REVEAL THE 13 GOLDEN PEARLS THEY’VE DISCOVERED
Author: Dr. Allen Lycka & Harriet Tinka
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 164
Genre: Nonfiction / Motivational / Self-Help

Synopsis

Each author suffered near-death experiences and sought renewal through the wisdom of human virtues that refocused them on a life of richness, appreciation, joy and service.

Offered in the format of an enchanting and charming dialogue between the two authors, the book also includes their chronicles of pain and triumph, allegories and stories, along with inspirational and insightful quotes. The exploration of each of the 13 Golden Pearls creates a necklace of self-empowerment that will enhance anyone’s life.

The Golden Pearls shared offer a roadmap for living a life that is rich in love, achievement, appreciation, joy and service. They offer strength, comfort and encouragement.

The authors are on a mission to transform lives. Dr. Allen Lycka is now a full-time speaker, author and transformational leader and Harriet Tinka coaches young women to fully embrace who they are through her Empower Me programs.

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Excerpt

Two lives changed, irreversibly, in an instant, by devastating events…but rather than be destroyed, these two individuals faced the ensuing challenges, embracing them as turning points. Seizing the second chances before them with both hands, they chose the path to “Living a Fantastic Life.” In doing so, they discovered “13 Golden Pearls” to guide them…which they are eager to now share with you – to inspire you for your own journey.

Review

There are many motivational books out there but what I liked most about this one was the stories that were told to emphasize a certain idea and the interplay between the authors discussing each pearl throughout the book. It was like a conversation between friends and made the book relatable.

Both of the authors went through a traumatic event in their lives that caused them to take a step back and reevaluate their lives. They identified 13 pearls of wisdom and motivation. They call these Golden Pearls because golden pearls are the most valuable and are rare. These traits for motivation are not rare, but sometimes could be hard to see depending on events surrounding a person.  The pearls they outline are: Love, Inspiration, Victory, Vulnerability, Intention (purpose), Non-negotiables, Forgiveness, Attitude, Thankfulness, Tenacity, Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment.

I found little nuggets I could take away from each chapter which also affected my thought process in different areas.  Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring.

“A life without inspiration cannot be lived.”

“Victim consciousness robs us of our creative ability.”

“Empathy levels in Canada and the U.S., in my opinion, have declined sharply over the past 40 years, with the steepest fall occurring in the past decade.” (I totally agree with this statement)

“Winners don’t use excuses, they find solutions.”

“Vulnerability allows us to struggle. Struggles build our strengths if we allow them and work through them.”

If you are looking for a book to help you reshape your life and inspire you to become a better person, you should pick up this book. It might change your life.

We give this 4 paws up.

About the Authors

Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers, and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He has won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.

In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop and then misdiagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s’ disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years.

Because of what he learned, he is co-authoring the book The Secrets of Living A Fantastic Life with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction. He is also currently co-authoring two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.”

Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.

Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.

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As a Turning Point expert, Harriet Tinka is a perfect example of someone finding a need in the community and filling it. Despite dealing with obstacles in her life, she has overcome those hurdles and has found success by inspiring thousands of audiences to reach their full potential.

Though stabbed, kidnapped and left for dead, she turned that horrifying experience into motivation. She has inspired and given hope to women who are faced with domestic violence. She is known by her students as a “Powerhouse Role Model” who makes being genuine the most powerful thing of all.

Harriet is an invigorating transformational speaker, passionate life coach, blogger, Chartered Professional Accountant, Football Official, and an ultra-marathon runner. She is the founder and CEO of the award-winning Social Enterprise, Empowered Me Inc, a company whose mission is to inspire and empower girls and women.

Harriet has received numerous awards including YWCA Woman of Distinction, Global Woman of Vision, Afro- Canadian Community Woman of the Year, Action for Healthy Communities Youth Empowerment Award, Rotary Integrity Award, and Daughter’s Day Award just to mention a few. She is a tireless philanthropist and a Toastmaster Divisional Champion.

Harriet feels blessed to have her journey supported by her partner Steve and her three lovable children Tristan, Rhiannah, and Aaliyah.

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