Empowering people to make strengthening choices

Let Yourself Feel Sad: A Path to Healing from Depression

Let Yourself Feel Sad: A Path to Healing from Depression

Most of us try to avoid sadness. When we feel low or down, we tend to distract ourselves or push those feelings away. But neuroscience shows that allowing yourself to feel sadness—rather than avoiding it—can actually support your recovery from depression and negative moods. This process is crucial when healing from depression. The Science Behind […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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The Skill of Affirming Others

The Skill of Affirming Others

In my last post, I talked about using affirming statements as a way of uplifting others, boosting motivation, and reinforcing desired behaviors. My experience is that well-chosen words can have an immediate and lasting impact. I now want to go one step further by sharing the skill of affirming others, specific steps that will make […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Affirming Others

Affirming Others

We all want to feel seen and valued. At our core, we long to know that we matter—that our actions, presence, and efforts are recognized by others. One of the most powerful ways to meet this need is through the skill of affirming others: recognizing people for their contributions, character, or efforts in a sincere […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Do Your Loved Ones Feel Your Respect?

Do Your Loved Ones Feel Your Respect?

The dictionary defines respect as “to hold in high regard; to feel or show honor or esteem towards something or someone.” When we respect someone, we make positive assumptions about their worth, capability, or potential. These assumptions guide how we act towards them. So often we think of respect as something someone must earn. In […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Overcoming Resentment

Overcoming Resentment

In my last post, I talked about building goodwill by radiating a friendly, kind, benevolent, or cooperative attitude towards others. These are traits that most of us consider desirable. If given a conscious choice, most of us would choose to live from the affable emotional state of goodwill. And yet how often is our goodwill […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Building Goodwill: A Crucial Relationship Skill

Building Goodwill: A Crucial Relationship Skill

I think of goodwill as an attitude which is friendly, kind, benevolent, helpful, or cooperative. Someone expressing goodwill radiates not only friendliness but openness and trust towards others as opposed to hostility and annoyance. Take just a moment to consider someone you know who comes from goodwill. Those in their presence feel seen and valued, […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Take Control of Your Life Situation

Take Control of Your Life Situation

I’ve talked before about the distinction between your life and life situation. To give you a quick metaphor, your life situation is the pond you swim in – your relationships, your environment, your job, your health, etc.  But your life is how you choose to swim through it.  Even if there are storms or predators […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Emotionally Intelligent Communication

Emotionally Intelligent Communication

Imagine that Trish, an 8th grader, comes home from school and throws her books on the floor. Mom responds, “Hey, you don’t throw books. You come and pick these up, right now, young lady.” Trish turns and runs up to her room in tears, ignoring her mom’s, “Get back here.” An Anxious Mom Fuming and […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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What My Customers and Students are Saying

“The Hero’s Choice is a compelling story that will teach you to live from the inside out rather than the outside in; to make choices, day in and day out, consistent with your highest self. I highly recommend it for anyone committed to living with purpose and meaning.”

Dr. Stephen R. Covey

author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit“

g. Allen has established a new level of life coaching in The Hero’s Choice.” Richard R“Allen’s writing is compelling and penetrating. His character development is superb. I found myself experiencing intense dislike, compassion, mistrust, and ultimate empathy with each major player in the story. The novel contains a perfect balance of instruction and creative story telling. Allen has established a new level of life coaching in The Hero’s Choice.”

Richard R. Blake

Co-founder of Christian Education Resources and top Amazon reviewer

“This is a very powerful and compelling story. It will make you smile and it will also move you to tears. The writing style and story line reminds me of Og Mandino’s books. If you love his books you will surely love this one.”

John Chancellor

mentor and coach; founder of Teach the Soul and top Amazon reviewer

“After many years of counselors and reading and trying various methods, this is the one that made sense. A clear path to peace. I’m doing the workbook now. If you’re ready for the truth about yourself, buy the book and get busy.”

Kevin Whittington

“Pure delight! The Hero’s Choice is a timeless metaphor. A mysterious stranger guides the hero with practical wisdom, in the tradition of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars and the master in Illusions by Richard Bach. Textured with layers of insight, this fictional drama resonates with a depth and beauty comparable to The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. The Hero’s Choice thoughtfully lifts not only the spirit, but reveals a way to live decently, compassionately, and happily.”

Charol Messenger

a book doctor, and author of The New Humanity and I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can

“This one is a must-read book for anyone who has felt that his or her life could be lived more effectively, more honestly, more joyfully. I loved this book. It made me laugh and made me cry. It was powerful and uplifting. Who thought self-improvement could be so enjoyable? I lost sleep because I could not put it down. The story of Hal Stratton teaches so effectively because it lets you experience and understand solid principles throught Hal’s life, family, challenges and choices. Read it. You will be glad you did. It is an uplifting, moving force for good.”

Mark Sabey

“Dr. Allen has written a powerful story about a man who sheds his preoccupation with ego and learns to live from integrity, courage and love. It beautifully illustrates how a person who discovers his soul can bring out the best in everyone around him. It’s a story of true leadership.”

Dr. Lance Secretan

award winning columnist, speaker, coach, consultant and author of One: The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership

“An inspiring tale that celebrates the power of possibility and human potential. A must-read for anyone traversing the whitewater of involuntary career transition.”

Jan Austin

founder of Coach U. training program and author of What No One Ever Tells You about Leading for Results

“The Hero’s Choice teaches a new way of being within the workplace—a way of being based on authenticity, accountability, honesty and love. It will teach and inspire each of us to make our companies great places to work.”

Larry Wilson

founder of Wilson Learning and author of Play to Win: Choosing Growth over Fear in Work and Life and Changing the Game: The New Way to Sell

“I like self-help books and read them fairly often but I’ve never read one where I became so involved because of the story and found it as helpful as The Hero’s Choice: Leading From the Inside Out.”

Amazon Reviewer

“Brilliant! I got chills reading it. Dr. Allen’s engaging story reveals simple steps that transform enormous, stressful trials into peaceful and productive encounters. I wish I had been exposed to these invaluable principles long ago. This is a powerful book that will change lives.”

Alfred T. Zirkle

international speaker and president of IndustryPro

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well developed and believable. What the main characters go through is so close to what many people are experiencing in real life right now, I had to keep reminding myself this is just a novel, not reality. I began the book during my daily public transportation commute but soon found 20-minute chunks of reading time were not sufficient. I finished the book on my third night because I could no longer stand to put it down. I loved the resolution and the plot. I’m ready for a sequel!”

Amazon Reviewer

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