D. DonovanSenior er, Midwest Book Not a Blueprint: It's the Shoe Prints that Matter, A Journey Through Toxic Relationships achieves what few other books offer, surveying the elements of toxic relationships and people in life which define'toxic' actions and tells how to handle them. Now, thatit does this with acknowledgment to the hand of God and a not to the idea that "... that God gives us strong shoes to walk those paths." Makes for a discussion particularly recommended for spiritual self-help readers.The author knows her subject: toxic relationships at home, at work, and in life nearly destroyed her. She learned from these relationships: "My ultimate lesson in my journey has been that healthy relationships require honesty, compassion, strength, and courage. Given the right mechanisms, these traits make maneuvering through life lessstormy."Her life story unfolds in these pages, from a religious upbringing and the importance of God in her life to her job, family, and friendships. Christian guilt, shame, sin, emotional attachments, and parenting are explored with insights into toxic communications, individuals, and - yes - attractions to and between toxic personalities.Not a Blueprint thus serves a dual purpose, providing Nina Norstrom's autobiography and charting her life's course through toxicity and onto a more positive, supportive path. What's the difference between a 'blueprint' that guides one and the 'shoe print' mentioned in the title? Quite simply, this is a focus on the lasting effects ("shoe prints") which lessons learned from experience leaves on one's psyche and life. The author is quite clear about the difference and God's role in this: ". . . my belief is that God gives us strong shoes to walk those paths. If we are willing, we can readily learn to distinguish whether relationships are toxic or nontoxic."Followers of her footsteps should ideally be spiritually-minded readers who will appreciate that incorporation of God's purposes into discussions of the characteristics that constitute toxic relationships and how to handle or avoid them. Readers with such a background will appreciate the consistent injections of faith into life experiences (a regular thread in the stories), and will appreciate the life lessons Norstrom shares along the way which serve to support that faith: "So, when a person comes into your life, don't question their existence - just embrace the presence. Take it from the Holy Father: they are there for a reason, and we must embrace that moment."Each lesson provides enlightenment, making for an appealing combination of psychological and spiritual inspection recommended for self-help and Christian readers alike.By Sontia Mason (Books By A Queen) what are the best selling books of 2018 Not a Blueprint: It's the Shoeprints That Matter
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed the readingBy anonymousA must read, I enjoyed the reading, My emotion ran high.Though all the trials and tribulations,those toxic relationship one after another. Nina was able to endure and survive, Remember this, "Only The Strong Will Survive" , I know the scars will always remain. To this author:great reading andwriting."May God Bless You".Continue your work!!!!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This book is a testament of how God works in our livesBy Evelyn D-WThe author Nina Norstrom, put her heart and soul in writing this book. It was detailed and written as if each event just took place. I was hurting all over again feeling the pain that she must have felt at that time. Nina is a very courageous woman because she was able to relive those moments in order to tell us the story, a story that needed to be told.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Eye OpenerBy Southern GirlThis book is full of intense and raw emotion. The author bares her soul to the point of you feeling her pain. In addition, it causes you to examine some of your own relationships and realize that they also are toxic.