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Author/Athlete/Professional Speaker "Think of yourself as an athlete. I guarantee you it will change the way you walk, the way you work, and the decisions you make about leadership, teamwork, and success."- MBN |
          
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THE UNBURDENED HEART
* This book -- featured on Good Morning America and the Diane Rehm Show, and named a New York Times Gift Book of the Year -- teaches people how, when, and why to forgive. The Unburdened Heart was nominated for the Christopher Award, presented annually to books, movies, and television shows that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit." Previous award winners include Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Bob Hope. In
the five central chapters of this book, Mariah
offers these original keys to forgiveness and
freedom: Throughout
this book, Mariah weaves her personal story: a
dramatic and poignant reckoning between molester
and molestee. Along the way she offers many other
stories and struggles, along with experts’
insights about what happens, or can happen, after
abuse, assault, neglect, murder, wrongdoing,
affront, or simple misunderstandings. What
Reviewers Are Saying "Thoughtful,
persuasive, accomplished, engaging, considered,
and eloquent..."--Publishers Weekly "A
guide for forgiving is needed by everyone. Here
is one of the best. It moved me and taught me
much"--Reverend Anthony Campolo,
Professor of Sociology, Eastern College "Mariah
is a courageous, compelling writer who reinforced
the way I think about forgiveness and freedom.
Essential reading for anyone who wants to get
past old pain and fully enjoy the present
moment." --Billie Jean King, Tennis
legend "Beautiful!
I love the way Mariah writes. With this book, she
also emerges as a spiritual leader. Readers who
seek inner peace and freedom would be wise to
follow in her footsteps." --Cheri Huber,
author and teacher, Zen Monastery Practice
Center, Murphys, California Washingtonian
Online, July 2000 Washington
author Nelson has moved far afield from her
identity as a sportswriter with this
well-researched, honest, and inspiring book.
Whether the grudges we carry are the result of
violence, infidelity, or the smaller missteps of
daily life, Nelson believes the way to an open
heart is to forgive those who have wronged
us—and here’s the rub: to do it whether
they ask us to or not. "As a forgiver,"
she writes, "you add goodness to the world
and can in turn enjoy that feeling of generosity.
In that state of mind, you’re likely to feel
not only healthier but also more forgiving of
other human mistakes, including your own." Nelson
is no Pollyanna advocating denial or turning the
other cheek. The victim of sexual abuse by a
coach when she was a teenager, she explains that
the first key to forgiving is awareness that an
offense occurred and had consequences. Each of
the other keys—validation, compassion,
humility, and self-forgiveness—is likewise
grounded in the knowledge that there was reason
to be hurt; otherwise, there’d be no reason
to forgive. "Forgivers release themselves from the victim identity," Nelson writes, "from forever being tied to the offender. Rather than staying defeated, they start thinking of themselves as powerful, effective, creative." Nelson, a former college and pro athlete, knows something about defeat and victory. Her book gives self-help a good name." To
contact Mariah about her presentations, call
703/276-8323 or write to her at Mariah@MariahBurtonNelson.com Home copyright Mariah Burton Nelson 2002
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