I Had It All the Time: When Self-Improvement Gives Way to Ecstasy

I found this book by Alan Cohen much better and different in style than anything written by Wayne Dyer (who is very good) if that helps put my review into perspective. Refreshing, insightful, and uplifting yet down to earth in a spiritual way (which is what are all doing of course).

THE BOOK REVIEW: The Good: This book I highly reccommend. There isn't a book on the market in the self help genre that is better! I have been reading self help material for twelve years and if I had this book my journey would have ended a long time ago. I have been soul searching for what feels like an eternity, trying zen buddhism,christianity,islam, kabbalah,and religions and philosophies that you probably haven't heard of. This book rescued me from co-dependency on other books, techniques, and the like, (it immediately helped me find myself). Today I am who I always wanted to be without trying to squeeze in someone elses tiny shoes. For instance, if I did Zen meditation I would try to memorize, do the meditation ritual and follow the philosophies to the letter. Sometimes we know the truth but we are not confident enough to act on it, so, we wait until someone comes along and say what we knew, and we make them our GOD; or we die with the truth still in us. If you want to buy your last self help book then let this be it. Alan Cohen has given us an end all book. If you need money, a relationship,etc, this is your one stop shop.I promise you it will change your life for the better. The Bad: In a perfect world I would like this book to adhear to all religions. It favors christianity way too much(hence: references to a course in miracles throughout). However, I will admit it is the best self help book I have ever read. Christianity must be a "general accepted principle" amongst self help gurus. Side Bar: This book is the best kept secret (I didn't think there was a such thing) because (at the time of this writing)there are only ten reviews (it was published in 1994). It is a shame to have this book all to ourselves. THE AUDIOS REVIEW: I was fortunate enough to buy the audios on ebay for $2!!! Since I had already obtained the book for free I decided to get the audios, so, I would'nt have to read the book every time. The Cons: The audios by themself have much left to be desired. Some of the stories from the book is not in the audios. The audios cut out my favorite story, (the one that is core to the book)!!! Another problem with these audios is Alan Cohen isn't who I thought he was. His voice is not someone I like to listen too (his voice is veeeery annoying). Also, when he speaks he talks on the audio as if he's reading a book to a classroom. If I had bought the audios without reading the book I would've returned or sold the tapes as soon as I had gotten them and would've been unimpressed with Mr. Cohen. The Pro: I give the audio 3 stars only because the audio is a good compliment but, I repeat but, do not pay full price!!! Buy the audios from elsewhere only, only, as a compliment to the book,(that's if you feel you must have them that bad).

Alan Cohen provides inspiring and practical information for creating possibilities in your life through simple tools, methods and stories. Alan has a wonderful way of writing in an easy-to-get-it style and each chapter gives you the opportunity for transformation through a self-discovery activity. After reading Alan's book Why Your Life Sucks and What You Can Do About It, I yearned to read more of his books, which lead me to this book. I recommend this book for the enjoyment of improving and leading an authentic life!

One of the problems of those who are interested in self-development is that they try to learn more and more how to develop, and they do almose nothing to improve themselves. This book, using humor and anectdotes, tell you how to start living the way you already know you should.