<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> 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 2 2 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 4 0 <p>Reading the book reminded me of a difficult time in my life when I was fortunate to be connected to a great spiritual support group (note to self: maybe it’s time to reconnect!)</p> <p>In the Valley: I had completed a challenging two year professional masters degree program in government, a field in which I was not particularly sure I wanted to work in the first place (I had previously tried to pursue a career in music and theater). After a couple of jobs in the city I had relocated to, I was offered what looked like a promising job in a large and prestigious government agency. I somewhat reluctantly relocated again to work at the new job, but it felt like a fresh start, and I was optimistic. What I wasn’t prepared for (among other things) was politics. Not two weeks after I started the job, the manager who had hired me got promoted and did not take me with him, the kiss of death, as I was to learn.</p> <p>I was then shunted around from manager to manager, finally reporting to someone who appeared to despise me. I received very little support in my job. I dreaded going in to work. Although I surreptitiously spoke to other managers and tried to get transferred to an area where I felt my talents would be better utilized, my efforts were in vain. I was involuntarily transferred to another unit at another location in the agency. (Oh, and I forgot to mention that there were constant threats of layoffs.)</p> <p>My reaction to these events was to feel like a failure, a victim, to beat myself up, and to be absolutely sure I was never going to make a living. Luckily, I was connected to a spiritual group at the time, and one of my friends there said something that kind of sounded silly: “I look at every job as if it’s a temp job”. Isn’t that really the truth – nothing is permanent, we just gotta show up every day.</p> <p>I wasn’t thrilled about the job I was transferred to – it was not what I was trained for, the people seemed to be very different than me. But with the help of the spiritual group I was involved with, I tried to see what the truth was in this situation, as Dr. Johnson says. Whatever I thought people thought of me was really not helpful, probably not true. I must have had a part in what had happened to me, but some of it was due to forces over which I had no control. In the meantime, I was in a situation where I had to see what was the truth of the situation and how I could best be of service – and that was by learning my new job, showing up without a chip on my shoulder and being open to new opportunities and my new colleagues.</p> <p>Climbing my way out: I had to go to an administrative building to fill out paperwork for my involuntary transfer. While I was there, I saw a posting for an interesting job in another division, where I knew a former classmate worked. I called her and made some inquiries about the position, and with her encouragement, I applied for it. Guess what? I eventually got the job (but this being government, it took quite a while), and it turned out to be a very demanding, but very rewarding opportunity where I learned and grew professionally.</p> <p>In the meantime, I was learning the job I was transferred to. My colleagues went to visit a former office-mate in her new job, and asked me to come along. It didn’t sound like the most fun lunch hour I would ever spend, but I thought – ok, hang out, get to know them (politics = people). I met their former office-mate, and she introduced us to the people she worked with, one of whom was this guy who seemed really sweet and had a nice sense of humor. Guess what again? Three years later I married this guy! We’re still married some years later, and he has been a most supportive partner in helping me deal with the peaks and valleys, and encouraging me to pursue my interests in the arts, but that’s another story…..</p> <p>I definitely agree with Dr. Johnson’s book – in my case, working hard to change my attitude helped me to survive an uncomfortable and challenging time, to feel better about myself, and helped me to be open to other opportunities.</p> 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 21 21 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 22 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 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 49 49 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 125 0 I had just been released from jail and witnessed all my hopes dashed, when I just happened to pick this book up in a bookstore. I read a chapter, immediately bought it, and completed it in a single sitting. Sometimes, lifes immediate valleys seem like a permanent abyss, but Mr. Johnsons easy to read work has really put things into perspecive for me. I write this story now after being redeemed and with tearful gratitude. Thank you for Peaks and Valleys! 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 54 54 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 146 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. 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 55 55 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 149 0 I picked up the booktape at the library to help pass the time for a 3 hour drive from southern to northern PA. As the book's messages were becoming clear and powerful, I was surrounded by the majestic peaks and valleys of the Pocono mountain area. I'm telling you, it was an out of body experience I will never forget, and it brought tears to my eyes. I am highly recommending this book to everyone, especially for any drives to the mountains you have planned. 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 56 56 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 153 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. ^^ 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 0 66 66 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+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! 9 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 1 67 67 1 2009-03-02T17:59:52+00:00 202 0