Choose to Prevail: Unexpected Insights to Help You Overcome Challenges

By Sandy Rodriguez

If you are plagued by worries, insecurities, or problems in general, here you will find ways to prevail over whatever is causing you grief. Communications expert Sandy Rodriguez suggests reframing challenges, while taking practical measures to support your goals.

This is no ordinary self-help book. The author's viewpoints come from the heart are often out of the ordinary. She offers ideas that are different from what you will find elsewhere. Prepare to discover:

Benefits of letting others see unusual sides of your personality
Why extremely sad thoughts are the antidote to everyday annoyances
Reasons a tiny apartment helped tenants attract a spouse
A time-management technique that could save you money
How the author overcame fear of public speaking literally overnight
Why having haters could be flattering
Ideas to minimize existential angst and nagging thoughts
Why it's not necessarily vain or superficial to care about your appearance
How to reinvent yourself at any age using the power of words

Readers can expect to feel an increase in their self-confidence, self-acceptance, and inner peace as they leaf through the pages. This is a conversational book, with a light sprinkling of humor.

Choose to Prevail is the Gold Medal winner in the Best Health & Wellness Book category of the International Latino Book Awards, the largest Latino cultural awards event in the U.S. It is also the 2021 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner in the Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship genre.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098327798

Book preview

BK90042698.jpg

Editor: Michael Molinski.

Cover Concept and Design: Regina Landa.

Cover Photo: Tom Barette.

Cover Art: Sangiovese and Roses, 16x20, acrylic pour on canvas, by the author.

Copyrighted Material

CHOOSE TO PREVAIL: Unexpected Insights to Help You Overcome Challenges

Copyright ©2020 by Sandra Elisa Rodriguez Samaniego. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

For information about this title or to order additional books and/or electronic media, contact [e-mail].

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020911843

ISBN: 978-1-09832-778-1

ISBN: 978-1-09832-779-8

Printed in the United States of America.

PRAISE FOR CHOOSE TO PREVAIL

Sandy Rodriguez packs a lot of wisdom into her slim book. Reading Choose to Prevail is like having coffee with a kind, insightful and endlessly patient friend.

—Eric Weiner, Author of Several Best-Selling Books, Including The Geography of Bliss and, Most Recently, The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers.

"Sandy’s perspective is honest, fresh and unfiltered. Over 20 years ago, when we met back in Mexico City, she was already a powerful editor at the Reforma newspaper. I was only beginning my career in writing. Out of our professional relationship grew a friendship that lasts to this day. In 2019, after years of not seeing each other in person, we met again. She, an established interpreter, translator and writer in Los Angeles, a mother and a survivor of many experiences that shaped who she is. Me, also a mother and an Editor and Head Writer for People en Español, in New York.

I am amazed at how Sandy has been able to adapt to her circumstances and make the most out of any opportunity. Her optimism and long-term vision are always intact. Upon reading this book, I not only rediscovered a woman in full command of her talents, full of love for life. I also found a human being ready to connect with others and share the experience garnered. Unafraid to tell her truth, as painful, incredible, or unique as it is. Ready to share her knowledge and empower others. No strings attached.

—Mayra Mangal, Editor and Head Writer, People en Español Magazine.

The self-help book we need in these tough times. Witty, realistic, resourceful, surprising and funny. The advice you need to take life on and not look back.

—Juan Meyer, Former Marketing Director at MTV and Discovery Networks; Current CEO of Lifestyle Website En Cinco.

"About 13 years ago, I had just started working in publicity for a movie studio. I was nervous since I had to prove to my boss that I could do this job, and it was time for the first business meeting I would attend all by myself. I would be meeting with Sandy. The first thing I noticed is that she had a special vibe, she was different from anyone else. We instantly clicked. We became friends at once. When I returned to the office, my confidence level was high.

"Choose to Prevail showed me that the vibe I initially felt from the author was not only that of a strong woman, but also that of a survivor. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to leave fear behind and achieve all of his or her goals."

—Alain Sefchovich, Sony Pictures Releasing International Publicity.

Exploring this book, easy to read and full of love and empathy, is like getting advice or a warm hug from your wisest best friend. Each chapter feels like a pat on the back, like the support of a friend offering you their strength to lean on. You feel as if you had just breathed in the freshest air available. You end up ready to walk tall and proud, facing the future with a certainty that you will be fine.

—Miguel Mallet, Film Marketing and PR Executive.

"The self-growth process can feel painful and lonely at times. This fantastic book comforts you in the knowledge that you are not alone on your journey. You will find incredibly valuable insights to help you be more hopeful, self-aware, authentic, joyful, and successful. If you are on the path to becoming the best version of yourself, I recommend you open up Choose to Prevail."

—G. Brian Benson, Award-Winning Author, TEDx Speaker and Creative.

The paths Sandy has walked on throughout her many lives are the roadmap for us to understand how to move away from obstacles. Her personal stories are escape routes out of this world we live in, which seems to have hypernormalized panic and anxiety. Perhaps her footprints will lead you to stomp down the road with more confidence and energy.

—Manuel Álvarez, Former MTV, BBC, NBC, Sony, Univision & Discovery Creative; Award-winning Social Issues Documentary Maker; Storyteller.

Sandy’s book is riveting. I was truly intrigued by her multifaceted ‘charmed’ life and how she overcame many obstacles. Her sentiments are extremely positive, uplifting, and inspirational. Changing your life is doable and Sandy gives you the tips to do just that!

—Sharona Saltzman, Author and Creator of the MyWish4U Notes from Me Series.

"It was a fortuitous coincidence that led me to meet Sandy decades ago at a mutual friend’s house in Mexico City. She caught my attention from the start; she’s definitely not the type of person you encounter every day. With her piercing gaze and distinctive way of speaking, she was captivating. I was impressed by her mental agility, her intelligence, how hugely likeable she was, and her way of seeing and describing events. We immediately began a friendship that gave way to so many anecdotes they would fill pages.

Sandy is irreplaceable and unforgettable. She touches the lives of those who know her and has much to share with others, as evidenced by her brilliant career as a journalist. She has a knack for self-reinvention and, even in the face of adversity, she always comes out ahead. Readers of this book will be able to do the same.

—Pedro Pablo Pérez García, Historian. Former Editor at Fernández Editores, Cataloger and Classifier of Historical Documents for the Carso Center for the Study of Mexican History, and Private Library Curator for José López Portillo, Ex-President of Mexico.

Para Mami, Edi y Franco. Los adoro.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

GAINING PERSPECTIVE

HOW ALIKE WE ALL ARE… AND HOW DIFFERENT

IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS

NEVER TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED

PRACTICAL MATTERS

IT’S YOUR TIME

DEALING WITH THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

OWN YOUR SPACE

LIVING IN HARMONY

ALONE, BUT NOT LONELY

PAGES OR PIXELS

SPEAKING INTO EXISTENCE

THE POWER OF WORDS SPOKEN

I AM WHATEVER I SAY I AM

SILVER LININGS

PROBLEM PEOPLE? NO PROBLEM

LEMONS INTO LEMONADE

POINTS TO PONDER

NO ONE SHOULD BE ENVIED

HAVING VS. BEING

GENERATIONAL RELATIONS

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

PEACOCK FEATHERS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

Do you feel annoyed or not fully understood when those overly positive, always cheerful people tell you to smile? The ones who aggressively demand that you stay grateful and in a great mood at all times because life is just so beautiful? The ones who don’t seem to realize that you are going through something truly difficult,