UP IS MANDATORY

 THE NEW BOOK FROM SUE MARKOVITCH

Up Is Mandatory is the powerful testimony of one woman's redemption from the pit of shame, and how she was miraculously rescued. This incredible journey takes place as two friends journey across the Grand Canyon and back on a forty-seven mile pilgrimage that changes them both.

Down is optional, up is mandatory.

Up Is Mandatory is our story of hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim.
It's about the power of friendship.
It is also a story of shame and the power of redemption.
It is a love letter to support and recovery groups everywhere.
And it is the story of Higher Power love and how it can find us when we are lost; and save our lives.
And it's definitely about trail angels.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

​"Sue Markovitch's ability to inspire and evoke deep emotions through her writing is truly commendable. “Up is Mandatory” is an amazingly inspirational story that captivates from start to finish. You won't be able to put it down."

"This is an honest, raw and authentic life story that will amaze and inspire you!"

"Thank you for this book. You are an amazing writer and I felt like I was there in the alley and there on the trail and there at the seminar and there at the church around the corner. I felt like I was doing more than reading about two women determined to push their bodies to achieve a seemingly impossible goal. It was about a spiritual life changing experience on two levels. It was about salvation. As you pushed through each landmark along the trail and overcame each mental and physical challenge that came your way, I felt the powerful significance of what was really going on in your efforts to salvage your life. I will take a lot from having read this—the importance of hope and the horrible power of shame that I never truly understood before. I see how debilitating and destructive shame can be. Juxtaposing both of these parts of your life made both struggles incredibly powerful. I think this book deserves to be read by many because it will make a difference."

"Your story and your honesty are inspiring!"

"I think your story is amazing. You are a warrior and a survivor...I love how you structured your book with the story of your life in parallel with your R2R2R journey. Both culminate with a breakthrough at the end, both stories to be celebrated and both equally inspiring. I could feel the physical pain of your journey from rim to rim, and I could feel the emotional pain of your journey from support group to support group. You don't mention it explicitly in your book, but it was clear to me you were chasing God all along. You were searching for Him, even though you didn't know it. You could hear Him call you, even though you didn't believe. Feeling you let go of that shame and reevaluating how you saw - and valued - yourself brought tears to my eyes."

"Thank you for trusting us with this book; it’s your soul on paper."

"Tears still seeping from my eyes and prayers still on my lips. God is so good! Thank you for sharing your story. I could identify with the running, the searching, self-help and the feeling of shame and why can’t I get this right…? I want to reiterate what a talented and gifted writer you are. Your story, and the way you laid it out on these pages was so interesting. I couldn’t wait to pick up my book and keep reading! I want to share your book with so many people, because I feel hearing your story and knowing how you were healed, is so powerful. So many people are broken and ashamed and feel that God could never love them because of what they have done. This book is inspiring in your beautiful, energetic and amazing way."

"I finished your amazing book. I totally loved it. I can't wait to talk with you about it. Remember I told you reading is not my first love. However, once I started it, I could not put it down and read it all the way through. I cried and it was beautiful. What a strong message. People need to read this!!"

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I KNOW WHAT TO DO, I JUST DON'T DO IT

I Know What to Do, I Just Don't Do It is for women who have spent a lifetime dieting or at weight-loss meetings but are nowhere closer to their goal weight than they were ten, twenty, or thirty years ago. The saboteur seems to lurk at every Monday morning attempt to change. I know what to do, but I just don't do it. What's going on here? The issue for many of us is much deeper than what a diet or program can fix. That is because being stuck is a symptom of being disconnected from the truth and our true selves. Sue Markovitch takes us through the false beliefs that keep us stuck and replaces them with the truth about who we really are. We are encouraged to change for good, not by finally finding the right diet, program, or other means of control, but by making the shift from lies to truth.

"This book is a collection of newsletters the author wrote and is a refreshing (and a bit of tough love) guide for anyone struggling with weight loss, self-doubt, and the myriad of mental blocks that come with trying to live a healthier life. What stood out for me is that it's filled with tips and practical advice, but it's also a relatable and compassionate reference for those on the journey to better health and self-acceptance.
Markovitch delves into the psychological barriers that often prevent people from achieving their fitness goals. She combines personal anecdotes with actionable advice, making the content both relatable and practical. Her approach is not about quick fixes or fad diets; instead, she focuses on fostering a healthy mindset and building sustainable habits.
One of the book’s strengths is its honesty. Markovitch doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles that come with weight loss and self-improvement. She acknowledges the common lies we tell ourselves—such as "I'll start tomorrow" or "I don't have time"—and provides concrete strategies to overcome them. Her writing is engaging and motivating, encouraging readers to confront their excuses and take proactive steps toward their goals.
Another highlight is the emphasis on self-compassion. Markovitch stresses the importance of being kind to oneself throughout the process. She argues that self-love and patience are crucial for long-term success, a message that resonates deeply in a culture often obsessed with quick results.
The exercises and reflections at the end of each chapter are useful, prompting readers to apply what they’ve learned to their own lives.
This is not just a book about losing weight; it's about gaining control of one's life and finding balance.
Recommended for anyone on this sort of journey."
Available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited, or in paperback.

"Great collection of inspirational and realistic perspectives on getting healthy from a very inspirational and realistic woman. I think I need to keep this one up on the Kindle at all times so I can get a bit of a push and a kick when I need it. And I always need it. Thanks for sharing your stories and your inner voice with us, Sue."

"Finding this book was what I needed right now in my life. An answered prayer? The fates aligning to my favor? I am stuck and down on myself. Reading this book was like having Sue sitting next to me, coaching, mentoring, encouraging, telling the truth about how to find my long lost mojo. No quick fixes or fads. Just a lot of (un)common sense, grit and compassion. Compassion for one's self is a focal point. Sue is honest in sharing her own struggles and her path to a better, more fulfilling and genuine life. She wants us to live as our best selves, to express our soul, and reminds us that it is not selfish or silly to do so. Reading this book is like having a casual but meaningful talk with a good friend over coffee, warm and personal, not a lecture or sermon of do this, don't do that. If you like the message and writing of Brene Brown, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Cheryl Strayed, you'll love this book."