FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Drop by nearly any chain bookstore these days and you’re likely to find an entire aisle dedicated to self-help books. Whether you’re suffering from low self esteem, a diminished love life, the inability to communicate with others, fitness issues, or a perceived fashion crisis, chances are someone has written a book to help you through it.

Now, former broadcast journalist and Daphne resident Drexel Gilbert has found a way to cut through the clutter by bringing inspirational devotionals into even the most hectic lives with her new DVD, “Anchored: Reflections from a Reporter’s Notebook.” The video, its CD version and an included companion journal are available for sale at www.drexelgilbert.com, as well as Private Gallery locations in Fairhope and Spanish Fort.

“I wrote a devotional book tied to my experiences as a television reporter and anchor over the last 25 years,” Gilbert said. During the long process of finding a suitable publisher, however, she had a brainstorm, deciding instead to use the medium she knew best to deliver her message.

Gilbert said, “I thought it would be an effective way to communicate. I’m comfortable with it. I grew up talking to people.”

The end result is a roughly 60-minute collection of 31 messages, with each bearing a title related to the television news business. But, the references are merely starting points to drive home the message of each vignette.

For example, “The Deadline,” which taken literally is nearly every reporter’s biggest challenge or worst nightmare, deals with the need to show grace under pressure — to think before we react in a negative way to a stressful situation. Gilbert recommends maintaining a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances.

Each segment begins with a scripture, followed by her thoughts on the subject, and ends with a “truth” that relates it all to everyday life. Gilbert said, “I believe these are timeless truths that will help you face the day. I wanted to keep it simple.”

The journal is simple as well, carrying the themes contained in both the audio and video programs, as well as related questions to ask yourself.

“As far as I can tell, this has not been done before,” said Gilbert, referring to the format she has chosen. “Not only did I do this because it’s my medium, I know how busy people are. People can pop it in while they’re getting ready for work, or pop the audio version in their car.”

Gilbert suddenly faced unemployment in March 2007 when the entire evening anchor team at WPMI-TV, the local NBC affiliate, was told they should clear out their desks immediately after completing a newscast.

But, Gilbert turned a negative into a positive by starting a new business involving image consulting and motivational programs. She wrote recently that she hoped it would mirror “the values of integrity, ethics and faith that I hold dear.”

Gilbert said, “I do believe this is something that was given to me to do. It was just a natural flow. Even when I was on television, I helped folks prior to an interview — how to relate their story best to me, to forget the camera was there.”

She added, “This is a lot more than a job to me. It’s more like a mission.”

Gilbert pointed out this new devotional endeavor will surely be a blessing for someone whose morning routine doesn’t allow time to sit down with a book, and is ideal for anyone who routinely falls asleep while trying to read at night.

The DVD was recorded at both indoor and outdoor locations, and all settings have one thing in common — a relaxing quality.

“I am a huge proponent of positive thinking,” Gilbert said. “I truly believe how we feel when we wake up in the morning will determine how successful we are during the day.”

She said we all need to immediately recognize our negative thoughts, redirect or get rid of them and replace them with positive thoughts.

“People have to decide to let the foul mood go,” Gilbert said. “It’s not easy to do, and I know it.”

She added, “I’m your next door neighbor, and that’s all I ever wanted to be — a person who has been through troubles in life, setbacks and adversity. I’ve cried myself to sleep. I’m not perfect; you’re not perfect, but we all have great things in life. We can make great contributions and move on with our life.”

God is foremost in her heart and is also the guiding factor throughout “Anchored.” Gilbert said she wrote her first devotional eight years ago when she and her family were members of Daphne United Methodist Church.

She tucked away those inspirational stories for a while, but later decided to compile them. She made an audition tape of her concept at home to show to friends and colleagues, who all “thought it was a fabulous idea.”

Gilbert said, “I’m extremely proud of it and my friends who worked on it. I’m proud of the message. I think that God led me to do it.”