<p>Immediately after the I read the book, I was able to apply the truth principals to a situation I was facing. Instead of allowing my anger and (ego) hurt to get in the way, I was able to look at the truth of the matter and work through the problem versus letting it explode.</p> <p>I feel so fortunate to have been exposed to Peaks and Valleys. Thank you.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 2 2 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 4 0 <p>"Through 65 years of “Peaks and Valleys” I never thought before that they “are not just things that happen to you.” Looking back, I can see just how true that is.</p> <p>I got married young, and had my first child right after high school. My husband left me with three kids to take care of – ages 1 to 12 – and I have to tell you, it certainly seemed like something that “just happened to me”. I can’t even think about those first few months without losing it. For years I went back and forth between being furious at him, and blaming myself. I was worried the whole time that my children were going to be scarred for life.</p> <p>But a few years later, I started to come out of that Valley. With my own business, two daughters off to college and a new relationship, and really felt like my life had changed. But I see now that how I felt inside really got me from a valley to a peak. I could have lived in that valley forever if I didn’t learn to stop feeling like a victim.</p> <p>Then, years later my second husband was diagnosed with a terminal disease. He was always an active, fun person, but as he got more and more ill, his whole outlook changed for the worse. He was depressed and angry, and so was I. I thought my divorce was tough, but those ten years were the Grand Canyon of valleys for me.</p> <p>There’s no way you could tell me that didn’t “happen” to us, but I think that the point of the book is that valleys aren’t “just” things that happen to you. The way he felt did as much as the disease to make it a valley. He believed he was in an inescapable valley and heading deeper all the time. That was real - he just never got any better, even for a day. But he never saw the good in it. It could have been a time to connect with our children, friends and each other instead of focusing on work and other things. I don’t blame him, but I do think we lost a lot of time.</p> <p>I am back on a Peak again, and I plan to try to stay there as long as I can. I am in a relationship with someone who really is perfect for me, I have another business that keeps me busy, and my kids are doing so well. Things aren’t perfect – I worry about my mother and my aunts, my kids seem really stressed out, and I have had a couple of health scares. But I do see that these aren’t just things that happen to us. We can all get through our valleys and back up to our peaks.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 4 4 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 6 0 <p>For a small book, Peaks and Valleys packs a punch. In particular, it made me think about how much we really do create our own good and bad times, and how much our lives are a reflection of our attitudes.</p> <p>Since reading this, I've been more aware of asking myself "what did I do to create this situation?" instead of going directly to "it's not my fault." And with that new awareness has come a sense of responsibility and empowerment, that I can make different choices to get different results.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 6 6 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 8 0 <p>I thought this book had a simple but very positive message.  And just recently, the husband of a good friend of mine died suddenly and unexpectedly -- he wasn't even 50 years old.  I gave my copy of Peaks and Valleys to my friend and told her that, when she was ready to read it, she might find some comfort in the story.  It was nice to be able to give my friend something that could really help her in such a terrible time.</p> <p>I think Peaks and Valleys is one of those books that you will find something different in every time you read it, depending on what is happening in your life at that particular time.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 10 10 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 11 0 <p>I read Peaks and Valleys and without a doubt, I can say this book couldn't have come in my life at a better time.</p><p>For the past seven weeks I've been going through what I will call the valleys in my personal life and I kept praying that it will be over, now that I read this book I started looking at my situation from a different angle,full of hope that change will come. I just could get enough of this book.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 11 11 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 12 0 <p>I read Peaks and Valleys twice this past weekend.  It is by far one of the most insightful books I have ever read.  It made me analyze my own life and where I stand.</p> <p>The good news is that the book helped me realize what I need to do.  I am leaving my plateau and heading for my peak (returning to New York to get my career back on track).  This by far is Dr. Johnson's best work yet!</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 12 12 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 13 0 After reading Peaks and Valleys, I realize that you don't have to stay in the valley you are currently in, and of course you shouldn't be so naive to believe the peak will last. I am using what I have learned from Dr. Spencer Johnson and applying it to my financial life. Even though I may be seeing rewards from my hard work, it won't mean anything if I loose it all in a valley I am not prepared for. By preparing for the worst and not letting my ego think the high life will last, I am able to see a balance that is a little more assuring. Thanks for the practical vision! 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 14 14 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 15 0 <p>My life has resembled an EKG reading. Both of my parents died from cancer. Devastating losses for me. My son contemplated suicide from pressure and stress during his college years. Love got us through it. My daughter is living with her boyfriend for a few years and is not married yet. This has not been sitting well with me for some time. I recently had a change of heart - started looking at the situation differently. Accepted the good parts of it and let go of what I've been seeing as the bad. I am so fortunate to have a husband who is "the old man on the mountain" for me. We both love, help, support each other through good times and bad. I've been in the depths of many a valley and able to rise to a new and better peak. May all who read this book identify with its message. I feel blessed to be on a very peaceful peak right now.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 15 15 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 16 0 <p>About two years ago I became involved in an online chat group for Another Chance 4 Horses rescue. Through the conversations on the group I learned many things, many depressing and upsetting things. I learned about how using a cattle method to slaughter horses was inhuman, how horrible accidents happened in double decker trailers and the injuries that occur when shipping a horse in a double decker.</p> <p>I learned how politics worked and how lobbyists were paid to work. I learned how horses that were children's pets, racehorses, work horses, show horses were sold for a few dollars to be brutally slaughtered. I learned how bad for the environment the slaughter plants were. It just didn't seem right to me. During this time I adopted a horse that was slated for slaughter. She came to me so scared and skinny but in time began to trust. I had to do my part to stop this from happening to other horsese like her. So I decided to start writing letters to my state representatives. I got other people involved and they wrote letters. Eventually we were successfull and the last horse slaughterhouse in the US was finally shut down in August 2007!</p> <p> In 2008, I focused more on getting another bill passed that would prevent American horses from shipping to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. I stopped keeping abreast of what was happing in the legislative world in the states. I was very narrow minded and all I knew was there was a secret hold placed on the bill by Senator Larry Craig and that the agenda was to GET THAT BILL PASSED! With 2008, there was also promise of a new President and with it came new Hope.</p> <p> Sadly, the economy was getting worse and worse. My husband lost his job in November of 2008 and with the loss of the extra income, I became depressed. With the depression came feeling of hopelessness. I started feeling insignificant and powerless. I didn't send one letter or email for 3 mos. What was the point?</p> <p> Then I heard the news. Due to the state of the economy, pro-slaughter advocates in 7 states were able to get bills written to explore the feasibility of horse slaughter in their states. I was blind-sided and had no idea any such discussions had been taking place. Had I kept abreast with the news and information portals then maybe I could have at least done something to help.</p> <p> I decided some good had to come of this. I dedicated more of my time to helping. I contacted magazines and was able to get free ad space and booths for the horse rescue. I wrote a letter to the editor about the slaughter bills and it was published. I became a board member for SaveDaHorses.org and created flyers to educate the public. I became involved with the Top Ten Rescues, a group dedicated to raising funds for rescues, those on the frontlines working for animals. I learned there will always be peaks and valleys and just because things look dismal, doesn't mean that some positive can't come from it.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 22 22 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 23 0 <p>What struck me most about Peaks & Valleys is the idea that everything is connected -- how we respond to good times influences how we respond to bad and vice versa. It's a powerful notion of fluidity. How do you know if you are halfway up a peak or halfway down a valley?</p> <p>These are lessons I've thought about repeatedly since finishing Peaks & Valleys, ideas that will stay with me. We want to believe when everything is going well that things will always be that way, but everything changes. Now I'm thinking about how I will respond to those changes when they occur in a very different way.</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 23 23 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 24 0 <p>For the past 25 years I have always been the rock of support for my friends and family.  I have helped many a person become successful a the expense of my own career.  I tried to make changes even reinvent myself, but I seem to always have made the wrong choices.  The rest of my life has been fine but it has always bothered me that someone who has a masters degree and able to do a broad spectrum of things could not settle into a successful career pattern.</p> <p>Peaks and Valleys has made me evaluate these choices and rethink my actions.  Perhaps it has been too much fear and other people's opinions that have held me back.  At times, I feel as if most people don't really know me and my abilities.  They pigeonhole me into neat and convenient categories that don't reflect my interests nor demonstrate my strengths.</p> <p>Your book has taught me that perhaps changing one small step at a time will change the outcome.  That I should not fear failure but at least make an effort and not sit back and just wait for a lucky break.  I need to take a proactive and positive stand even at age 57.  I never have been given much support just been made to feel guilty for having my own ideas. I now know a lot of this is that I have been surrounded by selfish people.  I know I lack confidence but I can work on it. I am not dead yet! I want and need to be fulfilled!</p> <p>Thank you for this book.  Keep on writing!!</p> 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 25 25 1 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 26 0 I've always been drawn to horses for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we always had some kind of pet from cats and dogs, to birds, fish, gerbils and hamsters. As a child I always looked forward to visiting family, not because I felt close to them and enjoyed their company, no, because almost all of them had horses. I would sit patiently until one of them would ask me if I wanted to go to the barn and groom and feed the horses. Well, of course, I was out the door before the entire sentence was said. As the years have gone by, friends, children and others have gone their seperate ways, the one constant in my life has been a love for horses. I had thought about it for years until finally one day, I decided to just do it. So I went to the local horse rescue and applied to be a volunteer. My family said, "Oh yea, I can see you, scooping horse poop and getting stepped on or even getting bitten!" Needless to say, I went for it anyway, even recruiting my husband and daughters along for the ride. Well, what a ride it's been! I've floundered for years trying to make sense of my life, things like, why did I marry that jerk, or why didn't I go to college, to just what does this life mean... well, I think I finally figured it out! I've been volunteering for the horse rescue for 4 years now and haven't looked back since. I've seen all kinds of cases come in, all look so sad, like they've done something wrong and they are being punished. Some are victims of abuse and neglect, while others are just another unfortunate victim of our fading economy. These wonderful creatures are here by no fault of their own and we as humans are obligated to give them everything they deserve. While I've never had the opportunity to have a horse of my own, for the time that I spend at the rescue barn, every horse there belongs to me. They come up to me for a pat or a scratch in that "special spot". They search my pockets for a treat and they seem genuinely glad to see me. They don't care if my hair is not combed or if my pants may be torn in a spot or two. It all makes sense to me now. I was put here for them, every moment I spend there makes up for all the floundering times in my life. Because of those times is what brought me to this place, with the rescue horses. I've recently been voted on to the board of directors, I send out correspondence to potential and regular donors. I organize and help out with fundraising events. I manage our website, take photographs, making flyers, networking with other rescue groups. I do alot for the horses, and I love every minute of everything I do for them. Yes, it finally makes sense! Our horse rescue is Appalachian Horse Help and Rescue and our website is http://www.ahhr911.iwarp.com/ 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 38 38 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 86 0 See boom as a way to prepare yourself for bust, and see bust as as a way to prepare yourself for boom. That's how I see both peaks and valleys as connected. The connnection is YOU - what you do and how you do. Thanks Spence Johnson, MD, for this nice book. I have read it 3 times and will make it compulsory reading for my coaching clients. AndyTheCoach www.asiacoachingtraining.com www.andythecoach.blogspot.com 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 39 39 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 92 0 Tuesday I was locked out of a clients office without any explanation. The next 24 hours or so was very upsetting with every possible scenario being played and replayed constantly in my head, but still no explanation or in fact hint at whether I was in the wrong or would loose my job. On Wednesday I relocated back into head office but still feeling very depressed, anxious & frightened for the future and how this would affect both me and my family. At lunch I was walking rather aimlessly around when I saw the book in a bookstore & it just seemed to stand out, but I told myself, depending on what the next day brought, I would buy the book. Well today is that next day and I now know a few more details on the previous events. I am not free of those horrible feelings and doubt still knaws at my mind as I am not out of the woods yet, but I do feel more comfortable that the way forward can be my next opportunity. So now, here I am, about to start reading the book. I do not know what I will get out of it, I do not know if it will provide me the answers I need to move forward but I know that God gave me my skills and intelligence to do seize upon opportunities and to search for the solution. That old saying, God helps those who help themselves" is true. He is not just going to give it to me. This next chapter of my life...or even possible just the next page in the chapter is right here and now. Let's bring it on. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 48 48 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 124 0 A terrific book. I guess the author has written this and has been realeased just at the right time when the things are going tough in the world and everyone needed some hope and strength to come out of the "Valley" and turn it into a "Peak". Kuidos Sir.. looking out another such book. Neville 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 49 49 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 125 0 This book is simple but very interesting. It's like a hidden treasure that the world has been waiting for especially at this time. The book would change your approach to life and would teach you three things - how to get out of a valley sooner, how to stay on a peak longer and how to avoid more valleys and attract more peaks in life. Its a philosophy with skills and it teaches you how to live a 'joyful rich life' by finding the good in every valley and using the lessons to get a Peak quicker. This philosophy with skills needs to be learnt and internalized. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 51 51 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 129 0 This was by far the best book I have ever read. I checked it from my local library and couldn't put it down. Everything in it makes perfect sense, especially in these tough times. I would recommend this book to everyone out there. I promise that if you just read it and share it, you will find that you are on your way to higher peaks and less valleys. I am planning to put some of these ideas into a notebook of my own to help me stay focused. I plan to share this book with my husband. I think that once he reads this, things might not look so gloom and doom. Please find it and read it for yourself. I know it will help you. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 55 55 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 149 0 Picking up the book yesterday in our book store, I read the first chapter and decided to get this book, as I am familiar with other books by the author. Recently we as family moved back to Melbourne, as my executive role was restructured. I knew I was in a valley, but struggling with the fear of my ego. I read the book in two sittings, part of it last night, and the rest this morning. Whilst the message is simple, the depth of this story and the peaks and valley approach is filled with layers of context and connection. Now I know that in previous times when I was in the valley, I did not fully understand how I got there and why I was feeling so disconnected. As I now continue on my journey, trying to get to the next peak, I know I will enjoy the journey more as I have developed a sensible vision of my next executive role. During my journey I also look forward to sharing with others how this book can make their career transition more positive. This book is about personal change and provides a practical framework to have more enjoyment as we travel through life! 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 57 57 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 162 0 This was a rather simplistic book of how to kick your butt and get back in the game. It reminded me of Pat Conroy's book The Boo,where he stated: "Every man, no matter how disreputable or undesirable he seems, needs to belong and to function and to contribute something valuable to the effort of the relationship". Simplicity Uber Alles James Bloom bloomerjim@aol.com 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 59 59 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 172 0 I have the same experience as Peaks and Valleys. I found that Dr Spencer Johnson style of tell an idea is in itself contains high and low. His First Book Who move my cheese, given me the insight when to withdraw myself, and an idea of continious search. This book have given me the wonderful thought of doing good when your time is favouring you so that when you are down you have some to support you. Also use the unfavourable time to analyze your self. Dr Spencer Johnson you are the wonderful author. Dr Alok Kumar, INDIA dralokumar@gmail.com 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 60 60 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 174 0 This book kept "jumping" out at me. I bought it and then passed it along. Once again - a deep thank you to the author for putting simple concepts in easy to understand and integrate fashion. I enjoy the story telling format that is deceptively simple in that it truly helps me to deeply integrate the lessons while enjoying an enjoyable tail. I add this along with "They Yes\No Guide to Decision Making" as among my favs! Thank you-- I have embraced the concepts as I move from my recent valley and into a much more sustainable peak :) 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 61 61 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 177 0 This book is addictive, I can't have enough. It is like you are going from point A to B and you are not reaching your goals most of the time or not enjoying the ride. Then someone hand you a map, and AHA, everything fit into place. There are tons of self help books out there, but what is special about this one is how simple and practical it is. Every time I have a challenge, I would rest for a second, and ask: what would the old man say, and what would the young man do, then much of the stress will disappear, and a plan will be in shape. I recommend reading it many times, even better, get the book on cd, and listen to it in your car, specially when you are by yourself and your brain is engaged in random problem sampling, it could easily break your pattern. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 64 64 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 187 0 I received your book just at a right time in my life when i need something to pull me out of my pain was in. When i started to read your book i could relate it to my life and see how i could apply it to my life. I could not put the book down i wanted to find out what the young man was going to do next on his journey with the old man and how and what he had to learnt along the way. It is so real to life and if we only find out what we want out life we can have and be successful in our peaks and valleys. We just need to recognise that we are only human and we make mistakes but we can learn from them and be able to make a difference in our life but to affect others around us too. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 65 65 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 191 0 Yesterday, i spend some time going through from cover to cover. The writer tries to tell us something with a simpler way. Here I still have some questions: 1. I think each of us must be quite familiar with the points that the writer'd like us to know. However, the key point is for us to apply it to real life. How do you guys do? 2. You need to create a strong vision of your life and believe that you are in the situation you desire. Would this be a bit like what the book " Secret" tells us? Thanks for your sharing if possible. ^^ 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 66 66 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 201 0 I went to jail for a crime I did not commit. Instead of playing the victim and becoming angry I started a jail house ministry of helping those who could not read or write and began prayer groups in the morning and the evening as well as daily Bible studies.The size of the group grew from 5 men to 25 men and remained active for the four months I was there. I was refused an attorney for four months, but continued to be faithful helping others. Suddenly my charges were dropped, I received an attorney and was released from jail. As I am putting my life back together I realize the great impact this has made on my wife and my children as well as extended family. Gradually we are rebuilding our family and other relationships to be stronger and more loving than ever before. I thank God for this book and Spencer. Also for my precious wife who gave it to me for Christmas. Together we are turning our valley into a peak! 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 1 67 67 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 202 0 To me this book was about positive living. Don't be negative. Don't be selfish. But do stop to enjoy the greatness in life. Things happen for a reason. And in order to get to that wonderful peak, change your thinking. Don't wallow in your pity. Conquer in life. When we're negative, only bad things escalate from that. A vibe is everything. And what you attract in life, says a lot. I wanna be happy. And the peak showed me this. It's not the money, what you wear, drive,etc,.... Its that inner being. HOW YOU FEEL INSIDE!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!! 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 68 68 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 206 0 This book has definitely given me something to believe in, my self! I'm continuously thinking of this book and the message of how to think of something positive in an 'unhealthy' situation. 13 2009-03-02T18:03:26+00:00 0 69 69 1 2009-03-03T20:36:02+00:00 210 0