You hit the nail on the head for the formula of the next great inspirational path. I love this article. The self help books that came out of the depression all seem to have one thing in common. The authors found positive change within recast success stories of very real experiences. I’ve recently found that the best advice can come from resources that are the most rarely called upon. Our elders…or tribal leaders. Not only is it free but its given away with caring and excitement.

I was told by a 74 year old man to read “Younger Next Year” by the duo Chris Crowly (70) and Geriatric specialist Dr. Harry Lodge. He described it as transformational. (It’s a book I would have never picked up at age 42.)
Although targeted to Boomers, the message is timeless. It humorously describes how our body and brain have evolved so that behaviors that helped our ancestors survive – robust daily physical activity and close links to members of a tribe or clan – send positive signals to our most fundamental biological systems that say, “life is good”. It’s scientific self-help combined with the wisdom of the ages. The first edition was written primarily for men and its huge popularity just spawned a new edition dedicated to women specifically.

I found it as no surprise that Barack Obama carried the book under his arm as he walked along the beach in Hawaii. Our President made no secret that his inspiration came from the timeless wisdom transferred from his mother Ann, born in 1942.

Our parents, grandparents, retired neighbors and friends may just have the answers we are looking for. Whether it’s advice to read a book…or a story about past family struggle that reminds us of our current situation. It’s all there for the price of a cup of coffee.