Balanced and connected

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Local psychotherapist and first-time author Maggie Davis-Jelly had a successful book signing last Saturday at Sparta Books with the release of “Always Balanced & Connected: Affirmations for Body, Mind and Spirit.”

"[The book] is designed to illustrate a greater sense of why a connection of oneness is vital to health and wellness," said Davis –Jelly. "My hope is that the daily affirmations will be a guide to help the reader recognize their own needs and to determine what is or isn't working in your life or the lives of those you love,”

Friends and family of the long-time Sparta resident Davis-Jelly came out to support her along with some new faces who find the title compelling.

“I like the subject matter and format because I do a daily meditation,” said Janet Blumetti of Sparta.

Blumetti attended with her husband Dean; the couple is taking a holistic approach in their daily lives.

“Meditation helps remove clutter,” said Dean Blumetti. “And we wanted to drop in and support our local book store.”

Jill Rodda, a local health and wellness expert and owner of Personal Training by Jill Rodda, co-authored the prologue to “Always Balanced & Connected.”

“The answers are within you. It’s about listening to your body,” said Rodda.

Also in attendance were Judy Golland and Donna Price, board members of BW NICE, (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education.) BW Nice is a non-profit organization providing women at all stages of business and personal life with support, education and resources. The organization opened a Sussex County chapter in November.

“BW Nice is geared towards women’s abuse. Each local chapter supports an organization,” said Golland. “And the Sussex County chapter supports DASI.”

Davis –Jelly supports BW Nice and will give a portion of the proceeds of book sales to the non-profit.

"My impression was that the event was a huge success and the fact that victims and advocates from various non-profits, Children's Justice Campaign, The Nurtured Parent and BW Nice representing DASI, came out to support my efforts was truly heartwarming,” said Davis-Jelly.

Davis-Jelly added: “Always Balanced and Connected is about spreading a wide net to emphasize the importance of being your best self and making it a daily practice. Taking care of yourself first and foremost matters.”

“Always Balanced & Connected: Affirmations for Body, Mind and Spirit” is available at Sparta Books and Amazon.