Iyanla Vanzant

Posted on March 5th, 2004

Archived in Books, Inspiring

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Good books are so hard to find these days… Among the lines of what I do enjoy reading, I certainly think Iyanla Vanzant has carved a niche for herself in my heart. Her books are downright honest and realistic, her messages simple and clear. Who ever said simplicity is not good. In fact keeping things simple is the key to many successful avenues if not the only and most recommended way. In the past I have read Iyanla’s ‘In the Meantime‘ This book will make you cry and tear up in joy.. .well it did to me. I am also reading here ‘EveryDay I Pray‘ … and now… ‘One Day My Soul Just Opened Up‘.

Who is Iyanla Vanzant?

Iyanla Vanzant is a Yoruba priestess, a talk show host, a doctoral candidate, a spiritual life counselor, and the author of the 1994 Blackboard Book of the Year, Acts of Faith, and the best-selling Value in the Valley. She lives in Silver Springs, Maryland. If you have never read her books you might like to try them someday.

  • http://www.mmsonlinenow.com/trent Nancy

    All of her books are so uplifting and remind us of things forgotten. Things such as true love comes from within and you only need approval from yourself and no one else. She is an incrediable author. I have all her books. Well said Amit.

  • stacy norris

    i am trying to email iyanla vanzant, i would say she is what inspires me, she see’s in people what they can not see in them selves, i admire her, look up to her and hope one day to meet her, before i die.

  • david

    i love iyanla. i am a 29 year old male who watches starting over on a daily basis. i think she is one of the greatest women ever, and would love to get the chance to meet/talk to her. i don’t know her personally, but being a gay/drunk/problem ridden/with the need to hide everything/funny/happy but sad/ fat guy…i would just love at least her email.
    please help, so she can help.
    thank you

  • Debbie Lewis

    I would love to have the opportunity to speak with Iyanla Vanzant. I watch Starting Over and rarely fail to be affected by her. She has the skill and ability to reach the heart core of a person to re-activate them. I can relate to many of the situations on Starting Over, but I know myself well enough to sign up for the program. I am too private. One of my greatest desires is to have a life coach for at least 3-6 months. No just any coach but one like Iyanla. She looks you in your eyes and tells you the truth about yourself. She slices through like a knife and then she leaves you glancing, groping, detemined to get it together. I wish I could reach her, talk to her for a few hours. I looked up life coaches on the web but they are expensive. I have young children and a mother of 88 who live with me. I have a lot to be talked about. Please help. Therapist don’t seem to have the same effect.

  • http://spaces.msn.com/cheersrayne/ Heather

    I suppose I could repeat what has already been mentioned. But that seems wasteful. I will say that I too feel the same way the other posters do. Starting Over and Iyanla have inspired me. However, I feel that I need more than just the daily one hour dose. Especially now that I hear it may be cancelled. Not only does watching the show help, but I have been planning on trying out to be a HG. I feel the house and Iyanla could help me so much and are exactly what I need.

  • Dawn Russell

    Never knew I’d read the same book more than once!
    thank you for sharing your knowledge

  • Shayla

    I LOVE IYANLA!!! I DVR

  • Shayla

    I LOVE IYANLA!!! I DVR Starting Over everyday. I am in the process of buying all of her books, audio tapes, etc. I would also like to meet her and attend workshops she may have. I am a 24 yr. old woman trying to figure out a lot about myself and life… I know for sure that I do not want to have to wait until I am in my 40s to figure out what i want to do with and in life. Iyanla inspires me and speaks the truth…all of her writing just speaks to me. I love it…

  • Lebogang Sikwe

    The first time I saw and heard you speak, I found the lost me. Sitting amongst the audience in the dome, I could feel you walking me out of my meantime and my divinity took control of my race. Since that day in 2002; I have found the confidence to walk towards my colourful vision. Beleive you me, slowly but surely my behind still in tune with that vision. Your story became my inspirtion.Keep on blessing others like you did with me.

  • Susan Babcock

    I am also a big fan!!!! I work as a substance abuse counselor in San Diego, Ca. and admire her ability to “cut to the chase”, without coming across as unloving. I feel that she would be more effective with a show of her own. She and Rhonda have such different approaches to counseling/therapy, which is probably their intention, but she is so powerful in her own right, that she seems to over shadow Rhonda. I realize that their styles appeal to different personalities and some people would run from the room screaming, if confronted by her. That’s what I love !!! I know that my personality isn’t for everyone either, but Ilanla Vanzant, YOU NEED YOUR OWN SHOW …..
    I am going to try and find out where she might be speaking and do my best to be there.

  • Kevin Taul

    Dear Iyanla :

    I have been living my vision as I communicated to you before.
    Traveling across America, witnessing much beauty i.e. Sedona, esalen, Harbin and the Celebrate Your Life Conference in Phoenix.

    I am heading for Vancouver by way of Portland. Now would be an ideal time to send the airmiles we discussed. My cell phone is 902 670 1197.

    Looking forward to hearing from you….

    with love & beauty The Crip on the Trip

  • Marilyn Hodges

    I am trying to get myself togetherand I have done my best to raise my offspring to the best of my ability. Now I want to learn how to take care of me and I haven’t got a clue on how to be consistant. I am however keeping the faith that I will get it all together.

  • Melaine Reed

    When I read your book ‘Acts of Faith’ and read about your struggles I saw myself. I so much have wanted to find love but looked in all the wrong places. I should have been looking inside myself. One day I wish to inspire others in the ways you do because it’s possible. Anything is possible if we believe and love who we are. I only hope it isn’t too late. I’m 24 but feel at times as though I’ve lived a lifetime. I write as well and would love to put together books. I have so many dreams and just know it’s up to me. Your program ‘Starting Over’ rung so true and I almost tried to contact you. Anyway, I pray you keep peace and love in your life and we all must be aware when it’s time for us to start over. Thanks

  • Sue Rickens Kabwe

    Hi,

    I am currently reading Iyanla’s Yeaterday I cried and Acts of faith.

    My greatest desire is for more women to learn from Iyanla in my country. I believe that to live a full and fulfilling life women must understand who they are and what they have. I desire to have Iyanla in my country (Zambia) its just a two hour flight from South Africa. How can I get you here? Is it possible? I believe everything is possible if you just believe, and Iyanla I BELIEVE you can come and impart to my sisters here. It costs yes it does, but if you just say you can then the HOW will follow. I thank you for being a part of my life through your books. You are a great inspiration. If ever you get to read this message please let me know.

  • Thokozile Kubheka

    I have heard about her.about two years ago, my sister told me how inspirering the lady is.I loved her from since and I would like to read her books and all of them.

  • Helenie

    I would like to know in which of Iyanla’s book I may find her guides as to “poisioning person”.
    Thanks.

  • Vuyo mafika

    I started reading Iyanla’s In the mean time while i was engaged,things did not go well with me and my fiancee as a result we had to split.Now i pulled the book again and started reading again ,am telling you it tells the truth and really helped me heal .Am about to finish and i am buying 1 Day my soul just opened up one of these days.

  • Sinead

    I started reading ‘In the meantime’ to years ago.I have since gone on to read other books by Iyanla and I read ‘Until Today’ everyday.This woman has opened up so much inner strength and courage within me that I didn’t know even existed.I have lived my life in fear of people and of love.I struggle to live life on a daily basis, but I am learning to trust through the readings of Iyanla, that maybe some day I will be able to love and like myself and embrace life.I would love to find happiness and freedom and I hope i will be brave enough to seek it. It is my mission to attend at least one of Iyanla’s seminars in the near future and I look forward to that.I would like Iyanla to know that she is healing people all over the world.I have passed on many copies of ‘Until Today’ and ‘In the Meantime’ to many people around the world. To strangers on buses, friends in New York, London, Scotland and Ireland.I’m on my way to Australia and I have no doubt her messages will be conveyed there to.She is a brave soul, whom I admire dearly.

  • Nomi

    Life experiences are a learning phase, I never knew this until I discovered ‘One day my soul just opened’ up as well as ‘yesterday I cried’.I have ignored the voice within me in many situations in my life only because I did not know that it was God speaking to me andI did not trust myself. I am learning a lot from your books. I am a young South African who is in a messy marriage but I have not had the courage to get out of the relationship even though I have had many dreams and voices telling me to get out of the relationship. Thank you sister you have enlightened me in so many ways. It is difficult and I do not understand some of the things that I am reading. I now know though that God loves me as I am and no matter what mistakes I will make in my life He will still love me and I will have the courage to go on.

  • Jessica Morrow

    The first book that I read by Iyanla was “Yesterday I cried”. It is an amazing and very touching book. I laughed and cried with Iyanla throughout her life in that book. She is an AMAZING woman. I went on to read “In the meantime”, another great book that helps guide you through alot (in which, I was going through so much at the time). I am 25 years old and I have 2 children, a single mom who is a full time student. Life can get unbearable for me at times but I always seem to look back at Iyanla’s books and her life and then I realize that there are so many people out there who have dealt with much more then I.I have also been reading “Until Today” for the last several years, over & over. I believe that God does have a purpose for me although at this time I have no idea as to how to find it. I would love to be on the Starting Over Program and get the chance to experience a one on one with Iyanla, that hs been one of my biggest dreams since I found out about the show. I have recently purchased a second copy of “Until Today” and have sent it to my Best Friend who has been incarserated for the last 10 years since he was 15! He loves the book and recently has me searching for the prison ministry that she is involved with. I know that I’ve rambled on with jiberish but she is truely an inspiration. With the utmost love & respect, Jessica Morrow.

  • Windy

    From Prison to Peace that should say it all…..I’ve lived my life in the whirl winds of pain and regret and then I read this book…. “YESTERDAY I CRIED” and then something snapped and changed and i have never been the same…. 4 years and counting of total freedom from prison and still I have the peace and love I found in this book…

    Thank you for the unforgettable journey I have travelled because you gave sometime of your self… Iyanla………… You gave truth and I am forever changed by your willingness to give…..

    Windy
    Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Qiana

    iyanla i’ve read your book and it’s really spiritual to me i’ve been going through alot and i really don’t have anyone to talk to but sometimes it feel as though i wake up and the worlds on top of me . i really wish i had someone i can talk to . im a single mother of three and im 30 years old and its like i have nothing going for myself, everyone calls me stupid and they say that im not a good mother but i try my best i mean im not on drugs or anything like that i love my kids so much. i just wish i can get my life on track and do what i need to do and i no i will feel better about myself. but right now im trying to keep my faith but its so hard. im hurting so much inside its ridiculous. but your book yesterday i cried is really interesting to me and i believe you help alot of older and young people out as well.

  • Sharon Watkins

    Iyanla, My name is Sharon the first time I read one of your books I was incarserated it was called , “Today I Cried”. I never thought much about it at first, but for some reason your name has always stuck in my heart. Then I watched the show crossing over and didn’t realize that this was you.Then through years of ups and downs your name came up again this time I was in rehab.One of my couselors finally introduced me to by way of The Meantime this has blessed my life in so many ways by learning to love myself and knowing the true meaning of being ready and willing and move myself out of the way so that LOVE can come into heart and rule my life and way of living.I just wanted to let you know that this has inspired me in more ways then one . To know peace and have a clear head is awesome you are a amazing woman that has been blessed to be able to share the knowlege that God has given you.Thank You

  • Tracy E. Marshall

    My Dearest Iyanla: PLEASE HELP ME! I am so distressed, suppressed, depressed–just lost in my own sauce and especially my own personal trafffic, always able to lift and bless others with faith, understanding and trust..yet==where am I in this picture. I am 58 years old, always have been deemed for success and in most ways accomplished some visual presence to others, i.e. my mother, my daughter-my gorgeous two grandchildren. However, in doing a serious personal inventory (which I might add includes a great and gifted singer; a functional and secretive alcoholic and occasional drug user and well known in churches abroad. I SERIOUSLY AM IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR HELP! I have watched your shows in the way that you help people get their act together. Frankly, I really don’t know what I am doing wrong or even worse what if at all am I doing right? I call upon your gifts and many prayers to assist me in this matter. Most times I feel like I am zombie (living dead). Only time I feel awake, is when I am trying to sleep and praying for God’s healing hand.

  • Adriana

    Querida Iyanla: Quisiera poder expresarte todo mi agradecimiento por ayudarme a traves de los libros. No recuerdo como llego a mis manos, simplemente lo lei en un momento de mi vida en que necesitaba paz y estaba tan desesperada por buscar el amor en otras personas y el ser valorada por alguien. El titulo en español es Ayer Llore y creeme que me identifique tanto contigo que realmente espero algun dia poder conocerte simplemente para agradecerte por tu ayuda. A partir de eso mi vida cambio, estoy convencida. Me ayudaste a descubrirme a mi misma y a explorar en el fondo de mi corazon. Ahi encontre a Dios.
    Yo tampoco acostumbro a festejar mi cumpleaños, pero a partir de este 02 Junio que va a ser el proximo Lunes, yo misma me voy a celebrar, y creeme que estoy tan emocionada, por esa tranquilidad y esa paz que ahora siento.
    Mil gracias por todo, desde aqui Tijuana, Baja California te envio un gran abrazo. Te adoro.

    Thank you Vicky for the English Translation. Please leave comments in English where possible.

    Dear Lyanla: I would love to be able to express all my gratitude for helping me thorough your books. I don’t remember how this particular one came to my hands, it simply came in a time of my life when I needed to find peace and was desperate to look for love in other people, and be appreciated by someone. The title in Spanish is ‘Ayer Lloré’ (Yesterday I cried) and believe me, I totally identified myself with you, so much that I really hope one day I get to meet you just to thank you for all your help. I am convinced my life changed since then. You helped me find the real me within myself, and reach the bottom of my heart. It was there where I found God.
    I don’t usually celebrate my birthday either, but from this very 2nd of June, next Monday, I am going to celebrate being me, and believe me, I am really moved by the tranquillity and peace that I now feel within myself.
    Thanks a million for everything. I send you a big hug from Tijuana, Baja California. I adore you.

  • MeMe Hampton

    I just want to ask Iyanla one question, just one. Please let me know if there is a way to contact her. I have most books and tapes and watched and enjoyed ‘Starting Over’. It was so uplifting! I am 48 and don’t have much time:)

  • Tracy Marshall

    I have always enjoyed your spiritual and loving wisdom. I have gleaned much from your teachings. However, at this very late stage of my life (57) knowing that I was born with many gifts: still cannot seem to get it together. I have often prayed for a mentor such as you to just take my hand and show me how to better handle my life’s everyday issues. In my extreme time of need, i.e. depression, self-guilt and disgust, I know I could be happier yet somehow am self-destructive and seemingly helpless to my own demise. On your television show, there was a woman who was a singer and was lost in her own sauce. She reminded me so much of myself. I remember saying to myself, if you could help her, that I am next in line. But self-help, therapy and even prayer somehow has not worked with the inner me. Yes, I give “GREAT FACE IN APPEARANCE, but inside I am bleeding to death in my own sorrow. I know that if we ever had the chance to meet, my life would be enriched and much more fulfilling by your nourishing teaching. In either case, I sincerely pray that you will continue to allow the almighty to use in and your gifts.

  • IRENE JAIYEOLA

    I started Iyanla’s books with ‘Yesterday I cried’ and I did cried too but gave me a lot of hope and encouragement. I moved on to ‘In the meantime’ which was all I needed at the time. I have learnt a lot from it and have blessed my daughter and friends with the books which they have also found encouraging. I have read ‘Value in the valley’, ‘Everyday I pray’ which has been my strenght when I am down. I have read virtually every book written by Iyanla which has been a source of inspiration to me and upllifting. They are the books you ‘must’ have and refer to in any situation you find yourself. Be blessed as I am.

  • Sikhumbuzo Makandula

    Reading Iyanla’s books was like coming full circle, As i got to apprecite my divine being. Through life lesson’s i got to understand that my current situation doesn’t define my persona as its just a phase that i had to go through. Gratitude, positive attitude and remaining open are key elements that one have to embrace.

    Much love and respect to Iyanla

  • nelao

    i havent read iyanla’s books but i’m a regular reader of articles that appears in a monthly magazine.
    i msut say i find them really interesting,really worth reading.
    simplicity indeed.
    ooh and yes i plan to buy her books especially yesterday i cried.i read the review sounds realy good.

  • http://zkl-cpa.com/ Sarah Bolopski

    I’m not sure if the show is still going on but I just read the book and… and I just don’t know what to say. I know ultimately I’m suppose to act on the teachings of this book and go do it and live it but sometimes you just need to read or see it from someone/somewhere else.

    I can understand if it is not enough for some folks but maybe that in itself is a point. Take things in slow, moderate chunks and slowly change your life for the better all the while living the teachings. I’d definitely recommend In The Meantime to anyone who is ready for this.

  • onesia

    i love Iyanla, she is amazing

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