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“I've read the first chapter, wow,
difficult to put down, very inspiring!”
— Joann

“I love it! You are very talented and bright and insightful.”
— Jenna Elfman, actress

“I am a big fan of your book Phoenix Soul. This book struck a chord with me in such a soulful and heartfelt way. It is one of the most beautiful books of writing I have ever read. It touched me in such an emotional way I can't explain. Again, you have so much courage to bare your soul. In a few of your writings I could really feel your pain, and I felt sorry for you, having to go through what you did. You have an articulate ability of expressing your feelings and emotions in such a beautiful way. What a great gift!
— Betty

“Congratulations to David Essel on the publication of his first book, Phoenix Soul, a unique and deeply feeling book with heart that turns the stuff of daily life . . . love, loss, self-doubt and triumph . . . into encouraging, sincere self-reflection, at times even prayer”
— Marsha Sinetar, author, The Mentor's Spirit and Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow

“With these words, David Essel embraces the whole of human experience. Reading his work, I see myself, I see my peers, and I understand that I am not alone. David Essel will be known as a 21st Century Renaissance Man. Scholar, athlete, philosopher, humorist, and media personality . . . David teaches us through his reflections that each and every life holds meaning.” — Lee Witt, The Boeing Company

“David is the radiant soul of radio, he's brilliant, insightful and easy-to-listen-to. David makes a real difference in his listeners' lives.” — Mark Victor Hansen, co-author, #1 New York Times Best Selling Chicken Soup Series

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A Look Again All That Is Good Are You OPEN? Being Bumps & Bruises Can I Rise Above? Cemented Love Dance of the Dolphin Dating Do You Do    What I Do? Down Time Dream Guides Elusive Love Eternally Real Giving Thanks God Loves Me? God-Like Essence Growing

Hope I Am Enough I Am Not Afraid I'm Ready Is This Real? Just Let Me Try Island Inspire Me It Just Is It Matters Just Let Me Try Kona Leading the Way Life Listen Lost Hope Lost Love Love Love Yourself Loverfriend

Loving You, Loving Me Missing Link My Experience My Question No Mistakes One Chance One Path Passion Peace Phoenix Soul Point of Return Real Love Resting Within Rituals Safety Silent Teacher SkyRockets Sleep Soulmate Stumbling Yet Growing

Taking Time The Artist The Circle The Goal The Key to Life The Mirror The Path This Moment Treasure Hunt Unicorn Universal Trust Unlikely Sage Unsettled Place Waiting What I Really Want Why Is It So Hard? Wounds Your Kiss Your Time Now Your Wishes

I think pretty quickly you'll see that this is your story, your life as well as mine. I'm always amazed at the inner connectedness of our lives, regardless of who we are, the color of our skin or where we live, we all are one in the same. We feel the same pain, frustration and loneliness. We strive for a better connection to ourselves and our lives. These reflections reflect that in each of us. Over the years that I've been writing these thoughts down, not one person who has ever read them looked at me and said “I don't get it, I've never been involved in any of these challenges, nor have I ever felt or desired to feel the love you write about.” I'm convinced now, more than ever, that no matter how separate, different or strange our feelings might seem at times, the person next to you right now is, or has been, in the same boat.

Writing these reflections began a number of years ago when I was in a serious and deep depression. Clinically depressed. Desperate for an understanding, desperate for love and acceptance. Hearing people in my home when no one was there. Crying for no apparent reason during a run. Yet from that pain came many of the writings that are the most powerful. A search for some kind of relief was taking place. As I recovered, I found myself growing personally and in my relationships, yet still not able to understand the need for me to accept all that I am. It’s a slow process. And then came the feeling of love from several different people with whom I shared some of my most intimate times. I had begun to learn how to create a dialogue with myself and others that led to some beautiful breakthroughs. And, I'm still learning. So from out of deep pain, this writing, this journaling of all that I was feeling, came a release that turned into this book.

I remember at one point thinking “but who are you to write this book? Only talented writers write like this. Only people who have created a deep connection with a lover for years have the right to be acknowledged for their special talents.” And the thoughts of doubt went on and on. When I sent this book to literary agents and publishers, their reaction was the same . . . no thanks. But as time went by, my feelings changed. My own feelings of confidence began to soar. Others were as deeply touched as I was by these universal feelings. What you are holding right now is destined to touch millions of people and I could not be happier about all that I have experienced . . . my feelings, with the guidance of my higher power, put with pen on paper.

The title Phoenix Soul holds a lot of relevance in this book. The Phoenix is known in mythology to be a sacred bird, who, through a repeated process, sets itself on fire (often by flying into the sun), dies in the flames and then rises anew from the ashes. Each time this occurs, the bird soars to new heights and then repeats the process. To me this book represents an ability to rise to love ourselves and others, even though we know that sometimes we may get “burned” through our own vulnerability. We then lay low and heal, the “ashes” stage. And finally we realize the power we have to go to the next level, resurrect ourselves, and try again. The three chapters of this book, Searching, Growing, and Loving are analogous to this beautiful creature’s purpose and existence. You and I are the “Phoenix” of our own lives. I ask you to be open and vulnerable to risk in love . . . it really is the only way to truly live.

With my love, David