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The Books
Testimonials and Reviews
Reviews for Starfish Leaders
"Rebecca Merrill has a remarkable gift and writes in an elegant, patient and experienced manner about the darkness of dysfunctional living. Her style is simplicity but as you absorb her message..it is profound. The book begins with an account of her mothers passing. Rebecca is a young woman..hurt and estranged by rejection and pain...from years of exposure to a difficult and non-loving parent...she brings about a loving reconciliation shared and expressed by both...it is a most remarkable rescue..allowing peaceful and loving passing for her mother..and graceful and loving return to life for Rebecca.
"The life experiences of five high level acheivers form the structure of her views and remedies...for areas of darkness and dysfunction in their living. She is patient and compassionate allowing the needed change to develop and prosper in each of her patients. She focuses on the ability of people to regenerate back to mindful and joyful living. She skillfully but simply illustrates the aportionment of life to the vital areas of development...allowing balance between them. She provides insights and answers to many personal difficulties..and guides with thought, compassion and affection..for her all too human (fictional) clients.
"It is a life experience transmitted to her readers that points the way onward to balance, spiritual growth, joy and giving."
—Alan Conlan, MD
Professor Emeritus, Dept of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School
"Beyond the stories, this stirring little book offers expansive insights as well as personal navigation tools for re-growing ourselves after soul-searing damage. In her introduction, Rebecca Merrill pens this passage, one of my favorites:
"'Through pain and healing we can deepen our compassion, empathy and willingness to serve and to help others. We can also put ourselves back together again, after we've been broken by life, into a new pattern that shines with a more complex and beautiful artistry. Like glass that has been broken into a thousand pieces and transformed into a beautiful stained glass window, we, too, can be magnificently changed by life, with new facets that reflect love and light in more luminescent ways. If we will allow the process to happen, we can be regenerated into far more complex, beautiful human beings through the process of being broken and made whole again.'
"Merrill is talking about real transformation here. She calls it alchemy, this transfiguration of deep personal damage into a radiant, generative pattern of individual life expression. Shattered stars, some laboring under fear, shame or remorse, take responsibility for their lives and turn into shimmering stars. They become "strong in the broken places and at peace in the midst of their human frailties." And their ripple effects in the world "go on and on like a legacy of love that gets passed down through generations."
"Starfish Leaders reminds us that everyone struggles, and that even the best among us sometimes fail and fall apart. More than this, it showcases a few of the infinite ways of remaking ourselves into something better--even when the only ground from which to rebuild is the ash we've burnt down to. The alchemy of transformation can convert our ash into potent, sturdy structures more useful than before. Very often they become greenhouses where humility, forgiveness and gratitude take root and grow. New meaning can arise, aligned with a fresh purpose.
"Rebecca Merrill's previous title, Living in Yes, equips readers to make good decisions with courage and conviction. Both of these slim volumes offer dedicated reflection sections to exercise self-discovery and self-awareness, and to prompt targeted action for personal growth. Whether you're traveling solo or partnering with others at any point in life's journey, either book makes for a handy and inspirational companion."
—Laura Nigro
Coach, Educator, Facilitator
"Through these five heartfelt stories, Rebecca Merrill skillfully leads us through the alchemy of suffering and hardship to healing and regeneration. Covering different aspects of the human condition, these absorbing vignettees, at times harrowing and personally challenging, shows us how we can all generate meaning in the midst of personal loss and tragedy. An inspirational read."
—John Hardman, Ph.D.
Founder, Regenerative Organizations
"I wanted to let you know that I read your book deep into the night - these are extraordinary and compelling stories and, as examples of how we live through the cycles of brokenness and regeneration, they each offer many life lessons in how we find our own inner sources of regeneration and renewal. Thank you for writing the book and I am grateful to receive this gift from you."
—Michael Jones, Pianist, Author, Leadership Consultant
www.pianoscapes.com
"Rebecca, I finished your book, Starfish Leaders, over the weekend. You are such a talented and beautiful writer and THINKER. You pulled me into each one of those stories to the point where I felt personally connected to each of the characters, and the metaphor that you made come to life is such a powerful and important one. I felt regenerated simply upon reading it, and more confident in my own struggles and their inherent value than I have in years."
—Caty E.
"I finished your book last night, and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it.
"You give others a great gift by sharing this message of hope and redemptive possibility, as you have done so beautifully in your book, and through your coaching. I know that your words have provided and will continue to provide light to those who are struggling in the darkness.
—Wallace Williams, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Trust Company of the South
"I read your book, 'Starfish Leaders' on my flight from Atlanta to Dallas. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and the different area's that each related to the 5 sections you are pointing out. Based upon being a little older, I can relate or understand all the examples as I grow. Several items hit home, but one that really hit home is making sure I teach my kids to be balanced and relaxed. Very good and thank you. I talked to my daughter and son when I landed in Dallas about balance."
—Sincerely,
Randall Bennett
"These stories of regeneration and alchemy are so poignant, instructive, and inspirational, that I was distracted at first from noticing how impeccably well-written they are. Delivered with grace and written with love for the reader, Rebecca offers up this timely message of hope."
—Mark Cappellino
Owner, Primary Leadership, LLC
"These stories are so powerfully told that you feel like you're inside the experience. You can't help but be moved and changed by reading this book."
—Ken Kesslin
Kesslin Associates
"I loved the power of the opening story of Starfish Leaders! It had a real impact on me. This is a very encouraging book for leaders. It reminds us that our potential is more than just an idea. We really can develop our potential into real power and make a contribution to the world."
—Val Williams
Executive Leadership Consultant, Master Certified Coach
"Like sage elders, passing their wisdom on to the next generation, Rebecca has done a superb job of personalizing her own story so that we can all learn."
—Bob Johnson
Founder, Leadersearch, Inc.
Reviews for Living in Yes
"Rebecca Merrill's book, Living in Yes, provides a usable format to incorporate self awareness into decision-making. Sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully, she took me through the steps to ensure that my choices led me to a life that matches my value system. Rebecca's inspiring personal stories, intellectual depth, and creativity embolded me to do the hard work necessary for meaningful growth."
—Leesa Sluder
President, Triple Bottom Line Consulting, LLC
"Life has a way of sneaking up on all of us, at some point making us wonder what we're doing and why. Living in Yes gently guides the reader through a self-examination to determine what really matters: the commitments, relationships, and other elements that allow each of our lives to be truly rewarding."
—Michael Rosenberg, MD, MPH
CEO, Health Decisions
"When it came to getting clarity on my purpose I found Rebecca's book to be a true compass for setting my path."
— Bob Johnson
Founder, Leadersearch, Inc.
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