Latest News and Reviews
A selection of recent reviews of my books…
“It Was ME all Along, the Path to FREEDOM” -This is the kind of book I wished I had read in my twenties as I was truly "coming online" (after two decades of crafting mental limitations, dis-empowering self-narratives, etc). It likely would have sped up a decade of self-discovery, removed limits sooner and brought awareness of something that doesn't come naturally to humans…That we have a choice in our reaction to varied circumstances. A potent distillation of timeless wisdom, the author shares knowledge from her own fascinating journey (from navigating the corporate waters of Amazon, AT&T, Verizon to the real waters with actual dolphins) as well as other kindred trailblazers (Stephen Covey, Joseph Campbell, Eckhart Tolle, Steve Jobs, Byron Katie, Andy Andrews, Daniel Goleman, Joshua Medcalf, etc). I'm going to gift this book to both of my daughters when they come of age.
”Highly recommended for business owners” - Reading this book couldn’t have come at a better time for me (at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic). It truly helped keep me grounded and focused on what was most important in life, and helped guide me through a very challenging time period with my business. Through reading Joy’s book, I was able to trust my intuition with the difficult decisions I had to make. It led me to choose the path of Acceptance of “what is, is”, and be accountable for results. Joy shares real life examples of her experience working with people and various businesses throughout her career, which makes it a very practical read. At the end of each chapter there is a chance to do some homework, and journal your thoughts on the concepts presented. I found these to be worthwhile, thought provoking exercises in self-reflection.
-If you're looking for an easy read, this isn't it. If you are looking to be challenged, called-up, inspired, and held responsible, this is your book! This book requires some introspection in examining how and why I "have what I have" in my life. How did I get here? I created it! I authored it! I designed it! I get to have it be different if I choose because "it was me all along". What a refreshing change from the world's view of being a victim! I highly recommend this book as a must read for people who are doing big things in their lives.-
-A Lightness of Being…That is how I felt after reading this book...lighter. Virginia Smith has a deep understanding of not only herself, but also of others. To that fact, she is able to dig into the deepest and darkest areas of our minds which shows up in every area of life as making excuses, being a victim of not having a choice, not taking responsibility, and not living up to commitments made.
Virginia takes this hard to look at too closely topic of accountability and breaks it down for the reader into bite size chunks of examples, illustrations, and exercises. She makes this easier for the reader to not only understand, but to digest and to take action. This work is life changing for those who are on a path to knowing themselves better and wanting to live a fuller, richer life...a life that has a lightness of being. A must read if you are on the road to enlightenment!
-Insights that will propel you…If you are the type of person looking for a way to breakthrough your professional and personal plateaus, then you are going to love this read! I have had the fortunate opportunity to be coached by Joy and I can say if you follow her advise you will get results. She is a loving leader with a wealth of insights to get you results! 5 STARS! Highly Recommend!
“The Dolphin Lady, A Story of a Unique Relationship” - A beautiful book, where Virginia shares the amazing insights and lessons she learned from some of the world's greatest creatures… If you are the type of person looking for a way to breakthrough your professional and personal plateaus, then you are going to love this read! I have had the fortunate opportunity to be coached by Joy and I can say if you follow her advise you will get results. She is a loving leader with a wealth of insights to get you results! 5 STARS! Highly Recommend!
-Courageously authentic - Virginia boldly shares her incredible and unique journey…Through a series of relationships with family, friends, colleagues and incredibly - Dolphins, Virginia allows the reader to sit front row on her journey of self discovery. This story takes place on several continents and in many different settings but the grounded energy Virginia brings with her allows the reader to explore one's own connection with nature and our own relationships. A great read all around - Highly recommend !