Grow Your Best Life: It's an Inside Job

By Jennifer Johnson and Janice Kauder

Meet Jennifer Johnson, a treasured member in one of my possibility posses. Shes wise, kind and she says good stuff. I hope you enjoy her inspiration as much as I do.
- Pam Grout, #1 NY Times Bestselling author of E-Squared, Thank and Grow Rich, and 15 other books

"Jennifer Johnson's book Grow Your Best Life is delightful! Her gardening metaphors for your life will support you in your growth if you follow her simple and practical exercises. This is one personal development book you will easily read all the way through and maybe over and over again."
- Jay Pryor, Speaker, Author, Executive Coach,www.jaypryorcoaching.com

"When my friend of over 30 years asked me to illustrate her book, I was honored. As we collaborated on the images that would convey each chapter's message, Grow Your Best Life became a magnet encouraging me to illustrate in a new way--with my heart--to visually portray the wisdom and loving kindness that Jennifer embodies in her life and in her book."
- Janice Kauder, fortunate friend, gardener, and illustrator


Do you sometimes feel fabulous, uplifted, and powerful; like you are dancing with the Divine? And other times you feel crummy, overwhelmed, and frustrated? In Grow Your Best Life, Jennifer Johnson uses her own life experience to guide you along the path of life's journey to get and stay happy. She supports you in feeling good by providing a simple structure, practical tips, uplifted thinking, and baby-step exercises to help you stay in step with the Divine. Youll want this book if:
- you want to feel good more of the time
- you like simple, practical help
- you want to gift a friend with beauty and wisdom

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jun 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504376938

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer Johnson is a sixth grade writing teacher and Christian fiction writer. She is married with three daughters.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 Jennifer Johnson.

Illustrated by Janice Kauder

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

A Division of Hay House

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.balboapress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-7692-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-7694-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-7693-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017903991

Balboa Press rev. date: 06/06/2017

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

My Epiphany Moment

Chapter 1 Your Seed

Chapter 2 The Soil

Chapter 3 Water

Chapter 4 Light

Chapter 5 Air

Chapter 6 Fertilizer

Chapter 7 Weeding

Chapter 8 Pruning

Chapter 9 Appreciation

Your Best Life

Epilogue

This book is

dedicated to

the nurturing gardener in all of us.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As I penned my name on the book’s title page, I realized putting my name there was a lie. I did not write this all by myself. Many forces, visible and invisible, were with me the entire time.

I would like to begin with the visible. As I began writing this book, I soon discovered that writing is a solitary occupation. I had spent my entire career working with others. Yes, I had solitary moments of thought, reflection, and work on projects. However, all creations that I’d participated in were a group effort—and I liked that. I felt my creative best when co-creating with others. I felt compelled to write this book and knew I wouldn’t last if I didn’t include co-creators. I began enlisting friends to read my book and give me input. That, of course, led to interesting and enlightening conversations about the topic and my approach. Those insights and discussions helped me gain clarity about what I wanted to impart and about my own beliefs.

I am forever appreciative to the folks who added great value and clarity to my work. My husband, Ken, who loves and supports me always, gave kind and helpful input as I asked, and he formatted this book for submission to the publishing house. My forever friends, the Soul Sisters—Carolyn, Donna, Janice, and deBorah—gave loving and thoughtful input multiple times. Susie showed great enthusiasm for editing and read my earliest manuscript out loud to me over the course of several months so I could hear my words and thoughts in a fresh way. Janice, who is a natural at allowing her creativity to flow generously, agreed to illustrate the book and join me in my quest to make it beautiful. I’m grateful to my sisters, Linda and Kathy, who rooted for me and cheered for my accomplishment. Pam, who is a published author many times over, gave incredibly helpful input on writing and publishing and was one of my early coaches and cheerleaders. My Spa Sisters—Andrea, Lori, and Kathy—provided constant encouragement and valuable input. Elaine gave insightful support and love. Claudia, a lifelong comrade, offered her photographic brilliance and generosity. To all of the many strong and beautiful souls who have graced my blessed life, thank you.

Now, moving on to the invisible. I am grateful for the impulse that would not let me rest until this book was in print, and thanks to all who garnered forces to help me make sense of and write down words to convey my take on things to others.

I felt incredibly loved, supported, and nurtured every step of the way.

MY EPIPHANY MOMENT

The phone