Name: 
Bo L. Arnold
Book Title:
Mood, Food and Gratitude: Healing from the Way We Think
Your book’s Amazon purchase link: Mood Food Gratitude
OR the short link below may be used:
What is your book about?
The way we have been taught to think about ourselves and the world is out of alignment with all that is natural and normal to us—love. This training, or programming, is the cause of all our unhappiness and preventable illnesses. The time has come for us to remember the truth about ourselves—that we are not the programmed mind—we are so much more. It is time for us to correct our training and heal our lives.
What inspired you to write your book?
I was inspired to write this book after a huge breakup that pushed me into a horrible place. One day, right in the middle of a crying spree over the break-up, something magical happened. I stopped crying and sat straight up from my slumped position. Then I heard a voice from within say, “All this doom and gloom, all this misery and begging for love, doesn’t make any sense. I am not special because someone else thinks I’m special. I’m special all by myself. And I don’t need someone else to love me; I need to love myself.”
The voice wasn’t coming from my mind; it was coming from a deeper, more authentic place. It was coming from my heart center—from my soul self. It was a calm voice that was telling me the truth about my life. I didn’t ignore it—I couldn’t ignore it. This was a massive life-changing experience. I haven’t been the same since and I knew I needed to tell other people what I have remembered.
Amazingly, not long after that, I was approached by a spiritual medium who said the universe had a message for me—it was time to write the book I came here to write. Perfect timing—as usual.
Can you describe your writing process?
From life events, I am moved to write an article for my weekly column in Viva Glam magazine, my blogs, or to jot down a note or two for my next book (already in the works). I learn about myself from the observing and writing process—it’s truly eye-opening, and sometimes a little shocking.
I typically outline the article, blog, or book essay with subheadings and make notes under each regarding the two to three points I want to make. This has helped make certain that the material matches the heading. However, my writing often takes its own course and shifts in a different direction from originally planned. I love this part of writing—true, authentic creativity easily fixed with a new subheading. I then read the piece aloud, make corrections, and move to the next section. Writing is like art in motion.
How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
Although I was doing just fine as a risk manager, I have always had an interest in writing. When I was 12, I started writing a book about how silly humans are—the way we act, the way we treat each other, and the way we treat ourselves. I spent an entire summer hunting and pecking my way through a light-blue Smith-Corona typewriter using the back side of discarded paper from my dad’s business. At the end of the summer, I put my manuscript in a folder and put it away for safe keeping.
In high school, I was the feature editor of the school newspaper and my full-page articles were the subject of history classes and journalism classes at my school. Later, as a safety professional and a risk manager, I had been published many times in corporate newsletters and industry magazines. I also had an aunt, Marian Glick, who was a pioneer in women’s journalism and the editor for Walter Cronkite at CBS for nearly 30 years. I think she always wanted me to be a writer—or maybe she always knew I was going to be one.
About seven years ago, after some serious life challenges and a reading by a spiritualist, I knew in my heart it was time to write the book I had started so many years ago on my Smith-Corona. Mood, Food and Gratitude: Healing from the Way We Think was born that summer.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Up early with a fresh cup of organic tea in my office to begin writing. I take breaks to answer emails, check in with my staff at the risk consultancy firm I own, and then get to the business of promoting the book. I’m learning more about that every day. I also hit the gym at some point or take in a little yoga. Then, early to bed with some deep breathing…and then morning comes.
What do you most enjoy about what you do? 
Writing feeds and soothes my soul. When I write, I feel at home in my authentic self. I feel free and creative. I also love hearing people’s comments about the book or articles. They have interesting stories to share about their life struggles and often point out something in the book or an article that helped change their life, saved their life, or really clicked with them. It is super humbling.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
Dr. David Hamilton is a key person who has inspired me with his creativity, presentation style, interesting venues, and his kind, informative, and fun talks. He is a truly authentic soul. I have also been inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz. His books The Four Agreements and The Book of Knowledge have had a strong impact on my life. I also attended a writers workshop in London, England in 2012 and had the honor of spending one hour with Nancy Levin, a poet with a fabulous sense of what it takes to be a good writer. Of course, my Aunt Marian was an inspiration as a world-class journalist, but it’s my mother who has been the greatest inspiration in too many ways to mention here. She’s my rock.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
Last year, I made a pact with myself that every vacation I go on must be centered on a local animal/dog rescue so I can volunteer to help the animals and give them lots of love. Of course, I get lot of love, too!
What’s next for you?
I am promoting Mood, Food and Gratitude: Healing from the Way We Think and will continue to do so through book signings, radio/TV interviews, and speaking engagements. I am also sitting down to write my second book—I can’t wait to present it to everyone. It is going to be a blast to write—and read.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d like to thank all the people who have read the book and articles, loved them, and shared them with others. Your generosity, support, and love are unmatched!
I want to thank NFAA! I am so grateful to have found this association. It has been said that writing is a lonely business, but now I feel I have a community where I can improve all aspects of writing, editing, publishing and promoting!
My website is http://www.bolarnold.com.
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