The Great Love Story Of Your Life : Learning to Love Yourself and Others and Find Purpose (Paperback)

This book is inspirational, motivational, and includes specific how-to guidance to help the reader achieve life goals and discover purpose in life. It is unique because it combines the "process" orientation of self discovery with the "project-status" emphasis used in executive decision making, successfully joining the areas of psychology with management principles, creating a powerful resource for learning about oneself and making practical changes.Pat McConnaughey begins by taking readers on a journey of self discovery as they gain insight into why we think the way we do, encouraging them to consider the nature of reality, showing how a better understanding of how they see the world gives them greater personal power. Great writings down through history are highlighted, to illustrate that there are timeless truths to be found in them all. McConnaughey refers to these truths as "golden threads"-wisdom that is common to the writings of philosophers and great religious thinkers. The author draws on his considerable executive experience to move the reader from personal knowledge and empowerment to the actual change process. Specific points covering how to implement change are addressed, drawing on established psychological principles as well as management techniques for goal setting and developing action plans. But change is unlikely to occur if the reader does not actually believe that change is possible. A section is included covering visualization, offering insight on how to change thought patterns to facilitate change and achieve personal success.A central message in this book is that we obtain personal peace and fulfillment by learning to love ourselves and others unconditionally; by being love. Discovering our sense of purpose will naturally flow from this. The section of the book on "Empowering Your Life" provides the reader with an understanding of the importance of these points and offers encouragement as they make the choice to live a life of passion and enthusiasm.The last portion of the book contains specific examples of individuals the author has met who were inspired to live out their purpose. We are commonly led to believe that living a life of purpose means something like performing missionary work in a distant land; and while such endeavors are noble, it is hardly ever the case. We can live our purpose right where we are, at this time; and it may vary over time. Closing paragraphs offer encouragement as the reader begins the journey of self discovery, living a love-filled life, and finding purpose and meaning for their life. The choices we make are always up to us; it is not about making right or wrong decisions. What we do produces results. As we travel our road, strive to make choices that take us in the direction we want to go. The author holds an M.B.A. as well as a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling. He lives with his wife Sally in beautiful northern Michigan.