Ignore those that say life doesn’t come with a manual. Kelly McGrath Martinsen has exactly the guide you need to make life richer and more insightful with her new book, A Year of Inspired Living: Essays and Guided Journaling for Self-Reflection.

This is the handbook for anyone that wants to embrace a better life. Through entertaining anecdotes and guided journal pages, A Year of Inspired Living helps the reader create their very own personalized self-help book.

Martinsen, who is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island magazine, has designed exercises for each month that include room for reflections, lists to seize the most from life, and culminate in writing your very own “publisher’s letter”, just as she does in her magazine. The letter provides space to reflect on that month’s personal inspiration.

By digging deep and really talking about issues from the heart, Martinsen guides readers to contemplate their own feelings, hopes and dreams. The interactive book also includes a hashtag (#AYOIL) so that readers can share their insights and experiences, giving solitary readers the group support they need to make lasting change for their best year ever.

Health Communications, Inc.; December 5, 2017. $12.95; 202 pages; ISBN: 978-0-7573-2009-5. January 2018