Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book. It was recommended reading for a homeschool retreat, so I ordered it only knowing the info you see on the cover.Surprisingly powerful and engaging, Aspire turned out to be a 5 Star read.Kevin Hall discusses the power of words. As a book-lover and aspiring writer, you might think I had already grasped that concept, but this book has a different angle than you might expect. Hall talks about the original meanings behind words, helping us to grasp a much fuller understanding of the words and concepts.I found myself highlighting many parts, but I was particularly interested in the original meanings of the words. The first word Kevin Hall discusses is Ganshai. While this word is not a familiar one to English speakers (It's actually an ancient Hindi word.), the meaning is powerful. "Genshai means that you never treat anyone small--and that includes yourself...If I were to walk by a beggar in the street and casually toss him a coin, I would not be practicing Genshai. But if I knelt down on my knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin became love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai."Other words discussed include: Pathfinder (leader), Namaste, Passion, Sapere Vedere, Humility, Inspire, Empathy, Coach, Ollin, and Integrity, among others.Listen to this: "Originating with the Greeks, 'enthusiasm' means God within or God's gifts within. Enthusiasm, he went on to explain, is the fuel of happiness and bliss. It refers to the divine light that shines within each of us." Do you see how just understanding where the words came from can open our eyes to a deeper understanding and a new commitment to live well?I was drawn to concepts that I could apply to myself as a mother and teacher of my children. "To inspire to breathe into. The Master of Words explained that when we breathe life into another, we inspire their hopes, goals, and dreams...When you 'encourage', you add to some-one's heart. And when you 'discourage,' you take away from someone's heart."And I loved this: "Originally crafted for aristocracy, coaches carried important people to their desired destinations in luxury and ease...Over time, other forms of transportation adopted the term "coach"...But however far-reaching and prevalent the word has become since the first coach rolled out of production in Kocs, the meaning has not changed. A "coach" remains something, or someone, who carries a valued person from where they are to where they want to be."I recommend this book for people who want to increase their understanding of language and aim for self-improvement.

My name is Jason Coombs and I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. Last week a dear friend of mine gave me a book. On the cover it says "Aspire! Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words". Needless to say I was very skeptical and it sat in the back of my car for a few days. I typically don't read anything that is not recovery related because I am still very new to sobriety. I have just under 13 months clean and sober, which is a MIRACLE for a guy like me! I picked the book up from my back seat last Tuesday night while working a grave shift at a treatment center for troubled youth. I wondered how I could possibly get something out of reading this book when my purpose is to just stay clean and sober today. I read the forward by Stephen R. Covey and realized that maybe, just maybe, there are some things in Aspire that could help me in some way. I figured that since I am preparing to go back to school this fall to get my Master's in Professional Communications, I could use some help with "words". What could it hurt by reading it? I found out in the first chapter that it had something to do with words, and everything to do with personal discovery! All I can say is that everything I have been learning in my recovery from alcoholism is supported and enhanced in Aspire. I gained personal insights and a deeper desire to reach out and help others. I discovered that my dreams can and will become reality; all I have to do is create it. I have discovered my true purpose is not only to stay clean and sober, but it is to recognize and develop my spiritual gifts so that I may help others find the solution to this fatal disease. I could not put the book down the entire night! I feel my recovery, my spirituality, my purpose, and my efforts in working the 12 Steps took on a whole new meaning. I am able to better recognize the truth about myself and my potential as a recovering Alcoholic. I feel like I am reborn!!!! If anyone reading this review can relate to addiction, or has a loved one who is addicted and is dying from this disease of alcoholism/drug addiction, then I recommend you read Aspire and experiment with it for yourselves. I actually recommend it to anyone looking to improve their current state of being. I read the book in two sittings (both at work) and the benefits are incredible! I have increased hope and vision that I have never experienced before. I can't say enough positive results that Kevin Hall's work has produced in my life in such a short period of time. I encourage anyone who reads this book to reach out to him and share your experience as I have. His contact information is at the end of the "forward" section! How cool and personal is that? There is a solution for addiction and this book has added to my recovery in ways I never thought were possible. Truly inspiring! I bought one for my Substance Abuse Councilor, it's that beautiful!