 #9A simple apology works wonders.  |
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Book Club Guide
Use this Guide to Start Your Own Book Club
As a member of a Napkin, Melon Monkey Book Club, you are about to embark on an inspiring journey of self-discovery. As you follow Olivia’s story of transformation I invite you to apply the many lessons she learned to your own life and see the amazing results. You will discover, as so many other readers have, that you possess much more power than you think you do – it is just a matter of realizing it.
Why are these simple concepts so useful and so powerful? That is because they are rooted in ancient wisdom traditions that have endured for thousands of years. In keeping with that tradition, please pass on what you have learned to your colleagues, customers, friends and family. As Isabel says at the end of the book, “That’s the way it works, you know!”
Enjoy!
Barbara Burke
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1. What about Olivia’s character could you relate to?
2. Isabel became a friend and a mentor to Olivia. Have you had an “Isabel” in your life?
3. Olivia’s journey resulted in her having 22 Aha!s. If you had to select one Aha! to be your Personal Aha!, what would it be? Why?
4. What was the point Isabel was trying to make when she told Olivia the story of the “11th Problem?”
5. On the topic of life’s problems — do you agree that there are some problems in life that you have little or no control over? Are there others that are the result of our own actions or decisions?
6. Have you had a similar experience to Olivia’s encounter with the little old lady on the freeway?
7. Do you think that applying the SODA Principle would have helped Olivia handle the woman with the 5 children more skillfully? If so, how would it have changed the outcome?
8. When Olivia got in trouble for being “unbelievably rude and abusive” to a customer, she looked to Isabel for advice. Isabel asked her to consider each problem a customer presents to her as a “gift.” What did she mean by that?
9. Olivia’s mentor, Isabel, played a central role in her transformation. What qualities did Isabel possess that made her so effective? Who do you know who has similar qualities?
10. Isabel said that her secret to remaining calm and confident was her daily practice of unplugging or quieting her mind for a few minutes. Have you tried the technique that she recommended to Olivia? What was the experience like for you?
11. There are many ways to “unplug” during the day. Some people unplug by taking a walk, listening to soothing music, or saying a prayer. What works for you?
12. What do you think Olivia meant by Aha! #5 There is no such thing as a difficult situation.?
13. Isabel pointed out to Olivia that her real power resided in her ability to stop to observe, “what is.” What do you think she meant by that?
14. Once Olivia started to apply SODA at work and at home, she felt more confident. Why do you think that happened?
15. Isabel pointed out to Olivia that her negative self-talk, her habit of “berating herself,” was holding her back. What did she mean by that?