ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Van Laarhoven, Ph.D., taught Stress Management/Preventative Medicine at the University of New Mexico, holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from TCU and a Masters Degree in Cardiac Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. He is an author, consultant & inspirational guest speaker and has been invited to speak on the subject of "sustainable joy" on National Public Radio, The Wisdom Channel, Whole Life Expos, The New Millennium (held in New York City) to name a few. He is the author of the books "Making It So" and "A Guide to Auspiciousness". Recognizing how powerful thoughts and words are, he and the material in the book have literally inspired & transformed thousands of individual lives. Since its publication in 1998, the information has expanded to private consultations and is inspiring/transforming how many small business owners operate and conduct business.

For over 25 years, as his friends affectionately call him, "Dr. Bob", has diligently researched what brings sustainable joy to individuals from all walks of life. His quest was to find, if there was at all, a common thread or common denominator that each person truly desire(s) and did it bring them joy and could it be sustained? From academia, business, clinical, to day to day human endeavors, it did not matter what time period humans live in (acquired information & research from renowned/classic authors/books, scientific material provided for centuries/millenniums) nor, gender, profession or non-profession, sexual preferences, age, each person truly desired three things. To be loved, to love and to be respected/praised for either providing or receiving love. When a person had all three in their life, they appeared to have better health, better relationships, more abundance and a sensation of joy. The more often it was repeated, the joy was sustainable. The formula sounded so simple but has proven to be elusive in so many lives. When one of these variables was not present, the person felt invalid or hurt. This hurt would lead to fear, anger, frustration and eventually illnesses. In order to protect oneself (commonly referred to as "their child within"), a person would "surround" themselves with a "protective layer or wall." Over time a person may build quite a fortress.

What was/is available to protect these vulnerable feelings or their child within? What was/is available to encourage a person to tear down their walls and once again live a life of health, abundance, great relationships and sustainable joy? Looking for answers from the outside is similar to putting paint over a rusted metal. It may have a pretty finish but eventually it will continue to erode. What then would provide the support or even answers to sustain that support so that a person is consistently feeling loved, providing love and being respected or appreciated for their efforts? What/Where is this sustainable source? Humans want desperately to believe in something greater than themselves and have identified it with numerous names to as many different languages we have acquired. Each religion has attempted to give guidance but not one has provided answers to all humans. A person may take attributes from some or all theologies and may even start their own belief. From a belief spectrum that includes all religions, extreme fundamentalists, atheists, physicists, psychics, mediums, metaphysicians, etc...has one risen above and provided sustainable joy? Does "Dr. Bob" claim to have found the sole source to this answer...? By no means the sole source! What he has found though is a method that is inspiring and if its principles are embraced, one will experience the most sustainable sense of joy (an additional bonus: there are no drug side effects).

The book "Making It So" has inspired and provided thousands of readers a path to their "in-lightenment" and a sustainable joy or as Robert has labeled "enthusiastic contentment."

There are two wonderful collaborators who have assisted in completing this book. On the left is Dana Danielson, responsible for illustrations and editing, and on the right is Yvette Edwards, who helped design the cover. We want to thank you in advance for making this book a success and remember...those of us who are willing to love first are "Making It So."