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The Symphony of Your Life: Restoring Harmony When Your World Is Out of Tune Hardcover – May 18, 2014

by Mark Hardcastle (Author)

4.9 37 ratings

How do you respond when Fortune challenges you with difficult times? It's part of being human that we progress through life in fits and starts. We stumble, catch ourselves, and move on. We enjoy. We endure. We struggle. We thrive. Bad things happen. Good things happen. How we respond defines us. Are you taking control? Or are you just along for the ride? Using stories from his own life and allegories from his musical passion, author Mark Hardcastle shows you how to build the orchestra you want to have. More importantly, he urges you to look at your own life patterns, to find the courage and confidence to make it over, under, around, and through any obstacles along your path.

"Weaves together motivational, autobiographical, and philosophical threads into a colorful tapestry. Reading the book is like sitting across the breakfast table drinking coffee as Mark shares personal reflections and the prioritizing of life's challenges, while you gently consider, sift, absorb, and enjoy." - Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, internationally acclaimed composer, conductor, and lecturer.

"Shows you how to turn the cacophony of your life into something better, something harmonious." - Alexander Green, Investment Director of The Oxford Club and best-selling author of Beyond Wealth: The Road Map to a Rich Life

Print length

190 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Growing Field Books
Publication date

May 18, 2014
ISBN-10

098570571X
ISBN-13

978-0985705718
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Growing Field Books (May 18, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 098570571X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0985705718
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.1 ounces

Best Sellers Rank: #1,533,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.9 37 ratings

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About the author

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Mark Hardcastle

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Mark is an airline pilot, a real estate agent and investor, and a Music Assistant with the Colorado Children's Chorale.

After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1982, Mark served as a pilot for nine years, including combat rotations during the first Persian Gulf War. He left the military in 1991 to join a commercial airline, which he continues to work for today.

When he's not flying big jets over the oceans, you might find Mark at rehearsal with the Children's Chorale, fixing a leaky faucet at one of his rental houses, or outside enjoying the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with his children. Or, of course, at his laptop writing. This is his first book.

Mark resides in Centennial, Colorado, with his wife, Judi, and son Cameron. His three other children, Luke, Anna, and Seth, are full-time college students.

Mark is available to answer questions or to come speak to your club or business organization! Drop him an email at mark@symphonyofyourlife.com.

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Ace of Spades

Challenges are Inevitable. The Wheel of Fortune Will Turn Again. Read This Before it Does.

Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2022

Verified Purchase

When you need a flight plan for your life - as we inevitably all do - this book will come in handy. When it comes to conducting the symphony of your life, you’re in good hands to take notice of what Airline Captain Mark Hardcastle has to say. Highly recommended!

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Amanda Whitfield

You are in control of your life!

Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2015

Verified Purchase

Years ago, I made huge changes in my life. It was hard and I wasn't really sure what I was doing; I only knew I had to keep going and not give up on my dreams. My life changed for the good and I've been much happier ever since. When I read almost this entire book in one sitting, I realized that I REALLY could have used this book about 13 years ago. Mark reminds us that WE are in control of our own lives. We are not victims of circumstance. Mark gives a great guide for recognizing things we need to change and real-life ways to go about changing for the good. Our society of "victims" truly needs a book like this. As then song says, if you are tired of the same old story, turn the page. Mark Hardcastle uses his real life experiences to show we don't just have to accept what is given. We can and should go out and get what we want. If you are looking for changes in your life, buy this book. It will help you create a realistic plan for your goals.

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sgreenwood

A tool to get you started

Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2016

Verified Purchase

The author takes us on our own journey alongside his in this self-help book. He encourages you to stop and take a look at where you are headed and where you have been.
I highly suggest you hear him speak, as I did, because although the book covers several thought provoking points, and offers a glimpse into his life, his presentation pulled everything together for me.
Also, I found the recap at the end of the book useful in taking my own personal next steps.

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Jennifer C.

Evaluated my life while learning.

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2015

The Symphony of Your Life was a good read. I found that it had me really looking into my life and thinking where am I right now. This book had me looking back at times in my life when I had been in a similar time in my life. Also I thought about what experiences in my life have created the person I am today and where will I grow from here.

Really enjoyed learning from this book and hope you learn from it also.

Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2016

Verified Purchase

A perfect guide to help look at life's up and downs for what they are, opportunities. Loved it!

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Tim H.

Provokes rethinking in a new light

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2020

Finally – a book that incorporates the life lessons we need in a way we can understand and almost see and feel. And it’s done in a very creative way that even those who are reluctant to read (usually the ones who need it the most) will find stimulating, useful and understandable.
Mark’s brush with death and his life in general gives him “cred.” His analogies and questions for the reader provoke a deep self-awareness which I found stimulating and useful: The circle/wheel of life. What does a life well-lived look like? How often do I remind myself that I'm lucky to be alive? What would you do over? What if you could do or be anything in the world? And best of all, the key to success: Perseverance and determination.
I’m a senior and have lived and heard some of these things before, but the way Mark has put this book together provokes rethinking in a new light. And even if you know everything (really?) your kids or grandkids may not. I have made this book required reading for grandkids and have tossed around ideas from the book with young great-grandkids. Just be ready to engage in some stimulating conversation if you go this route with family members.
Highly recommend.
T.C. Hall

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Grady T. Birdsong

Change is inevitable!

Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2017

I learned a long time ago in Vietnam that no war ever goes as planned. This is a book I could not put down. Mark reintroduced in his book the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. One would like life to be unchanging or whole. This can never be. With the “time-tested” yin/yang, the whole is divided into halves—creating cyclical unpredictability of change with each side eventually balancing the other. Mark so expertly writes of his life’s story and the detours he faced employing this ancient approach. Who would ever think of using this approach in the western world…
This book is an inspiration for present times. It parallels up there with the timeless classic “Johnathan Livingston Seagull.” Mark took some hard knocks along his way and decided early on that he would find a positive way to overcome them and move forward. This is his story and the method he chose in which he dealt with those challenges. His book is an inspiration for anyone to read and a tool for how you can conduct your own orchestra harmonizing with life but it will demand some work... Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Mark!
Grady T. Birdsong, Author, Veteran Advocate
USMC Vietnam Veteran 1968 - 1969

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2020

There are so many truths in this book. I only wish I could travel back in time and give it to my twenty year old self.
The author shares some painful experiences and some beautiful moments and how he has grown from both. It speaks to the human experience and how we all have the power to change our lives and pursue our passions. I’m so grateful to have found this book!

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