Shephard's #BecomingMyBest draws from years of experience as a teacher, mentor, and business owner. Rather than offering surface-level motivation, the book emphasizes ownership, discipline, and honest self-assessment as the foundation for personal and professional growth. Its core message challenges readers to stop waiting for change and instead build themselves intentionally through consistent action.
My 10 Rules for Life serves as a powerful companion perspective. Written by Desiray, the book distills hard-earned lessons on resilience, emotional regulation, identity, and courage. Her writing reflects lived experience and shows how mentorship principles can be applied early to create confidence, leadership, and self-direction.
The connection between the two books is rooted in a long-term mentor-student relationship. Shephard taught and mentored Desiray for several years, during which she emerged as a leader academically, creatively, and within the community. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Desiray volunteered at TCU football and soccer games, progressing into trusted leadership roles. She also led community cleanups, helped revitalize a school garden, and served as the leader of a weekly yoga class for four years—demonstrating consistency, initiative, and the ability to positively influence others.
Beyond publishing, Shephard and Desiray collaborated on a free yoga program for students at a school serving learners with ADD, ADHD, and other learning differences. The classes focused on mindfulness, movement, and emotional regulation, providing students with tools to build confidence and focus outside of traditional academic settings.
"This is not theory," Shephard said. "It's principles modeled, practiced, and passed on."
Together, #BecomingMyBest and My 10 Rules for Life highlight what's possible when guidance meets effort—and when growth is treated as something lived, not just discussed.
Both books are now available on Amazon in digital format.
To get Raun's book from Amazon, go here: https://a.co/d/ebtxPaB.
To get Desiray's book from Amazon, go here: https://a.co/d/0Ec3DgB
To get more information or donate, visit https://specialmindsunlocked.com/ or email Admin@SpecialMindsUnlocked.com.
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Source: Special Minds Unlocked
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