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Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway- Susan Jeffers

This has got to be one of the most uttered phrases, although I suspect the original message has been lost in translation. Susan Jeffers is the author of the 1986 self- help book which goes by this name. Initially rejected by numerous publishers it went on to sell 15 million copies in 100 countries.

Susan Jeffers life journey was a varied one. Marrying at 18 and having two children, she realized at 23 that she had become afraid of life. So, with a great deal of self- determination, returned to her studies, gaining a degree, a masters degree and then a doctorate in Psychology. Becoming a director of a floating hospital, (which was located on a barge) a medical facility for people unable to afford medical care. In 1981 she moved on to running self- development workshops. After the success of her first book Jeffers was to publish 17 more books which drew candidly on her own personal hardships including divorce and breast cancer. This inspirational, courageous woman died in 2012, at the age of 74. She will be remembered for encouraging people to build up their self- worth and realise their full potential and for her commitment to helping the poor in New York.

One of the most ground – breaking aspects of Feel the Fear and Do It anyway is that it did not maintain that love and relationships should be a woman’s primary aspiration, instead arguing that women should learn to stand on their own two feet and be self-determining. Encouraging her readers to face their fears and shake up their lives to improve it. This has led to some regarding this as a feminist book, although Jeffers has always said this was written for both men and women. The paralysis caused by fear particularly in traumatic situations is very real and can seem insurmountable. For many women in unhappy or even abusive relationships her practical advice in moving forward is invaluable.

I have read this book several times over the years and passed it on to others. It’s a great book to re-read. As a brief synopsis this is a straightforward, easy to read guide to reclaiming your personal power by working through any fears and to take action. I realize that this is easier said than done, but by taking responsibility and staying Yes rather than No to the universe.

I think that today this has become an overused phrase and a bit cliched, I think the explanation in the book makes sense, and to give Dr Susan Jeffers, both credit and her full title, I feel she is genuine in this sentiment. This wonderful book offers practical solutions to facing and moving through fear with strength and courage. To fully participate in life written by a truly inspirational woman who lived her life to its fullest.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

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This is one of my favourite books of all time. I have purchased many copies over the years, having given them away after reading, it’s definitely a book to pass on to others. This short book of only 10,000 words can be read in one sitting. Although it’s a light-hearted story it’s poignant and full of wonderful quotes. It never fails to uplift me and lighten my mood after reading. In fact, it was the first new age/ spiritual fiction book I read several decades ago.

First published in 1970, by 1972 over a million copies were in print and it became a bestselling book. This modern classic has since had updated editions.

Briefly this is the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food and is seized by a passion to fly. He pushes himself to learn everything he can about flying despite the ridicule and possible expulsion he faces from his flock. One day Jonathan is met by two gulls who take him to a “higher plane of existence” He discovers that his sheer tenacity and desire to learn make him “pretty well a one in a million bird”. On returning to earth, he finds others like himself and brings them his learning and spreads the love of flying. His mission is successful, gathering around him others who have been outlawed for not conforming. On his journey, Jonathan Livingston Seagull discovered that boredom, fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is short, and with those gone from his thoughts, he lived a long life indeed!

“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now and nothing can stand in your way”

It’s a fable very much about seeking a higher purpose in life, even if others find your ambition threatening. To stay true to yourself and not to compromise your vision. I would recommend this to anyone who is unsure of their direction, particularly young adults at the start of their lives who have bigger ambitions than the people they grew up with. To fly as far and as high as you can!

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

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I haven’t got a list of favourite books as I feel there are just too many great books to choose from. However, if I did have a list this book would be close to the top. I have purchased several copies and loaned them out. (Often to never be returned- but hopefully happy in their new homes.)

I have read this book at different times of my life and although it was published in 1984,it still makes many points that are as relevant today if not more so. Louise Hay’s timeless wisdom encourages us to harness the power of our thoughts, beliefs and use affirmations to create positive change in our lives and wellbeing. Her teachings on self-worth, forgiveness, and the healing process remain as empowering several decades on.

The simple message is that Dis-ease comes from a state of forgiveness, when you are ill, look at who you need to forgive most,in some if not most cases yourself. This is not to condone bad behaviour but just not to let it control your thoughts. The saying goes “There is no point dwelling on what is past” true words indeed, but often harder in practice. How easy it is to mull over an argument or problem afterwards. Replaying this over and over again, until the situation has increased in its potency. If only I had said or done that! Louise stresses how resentment, criticism, guilt and fear cause far greater problems than anything else.

The Past Has No Power Over Me……..

The exercises and affirmations given to release the past are simple to do yet have the power to help in difficult circumstances. Like most of us, I found using the daily affirmations a bit strange but can be used first thing in the morning to build up the confidence to tackle a problem and last thing at night to aid better sleep, building a more positive attitude and mindset. I do write this from some experience as taking a negative thought and trying to replace it with a more positive one does make things better. No one is ever going to feel great complaining or having a Why- Me mindset, in fact it’s going to make things worse.

I think the mental links to physical pain is at the core of Holistic medicine or New Age Health. And isn’t really a new concept as many cultures have known this for centuries. During stressful times, how often do people come down with flu, or migraines, stomach problems or even back and neck pain. Illness and accidents can of course arise during happy, relaxing times (but speaking from a non-medical point of view) during stressful times we do often start coming down with an illness of some description.

Healthy and fit, despite having had cancer several times, Louise Hay continuing to heal others until her death in her 90s. I would love to have the quality of life in my latter years. So,certainly think its worth listening to her wise advice.

If you get the chance, do read this book as I feel sure you will find something you can take away as useful.

Louise Hay- A true Pioneer

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If I was to start a list of my favourite books, it would have to include a book from Louise Hay. A key pioneer in the field of self-healing and the founder of the Hay Institute and the Queen of the New Age.

Louise’s early life was fraught with problems: abuse, poverty and a very unstable home-life. Despite this becoming a successful model and married a wealthy businessman. In 1970,feeling that something was missing from her life she started attended meetings at the Church of Religious Science, which taught the transformative power of thought.

The first book she wrote and self-published was Heal Your Body in 1976. This was one of the first books of its kind, and was a reference guide to the mental cause of physical pain. After the books success she began travelling around the USA giving workshops. Louise Hay’s teachings revolve around the fundamental idea that our thoughts and beliefs directly influence our health, happiness, and life circumstances. Many physical ailments are manifestations of emotional and mental patterns—particularly negative beliefs about oneself. This was a controversial view at the time (It possibly still is) and was to have as many opponents and adversaries as supporters. The Mind/ Body connection is not a new one and many Eastern philosophers hold this at its core root. But in Western society it was viewed as a newer way of looking at health and wellbeing.

In 1980, Louise published Heal Your Life. Her books were now reaching a much wider audience and she was able to make people aware of more taboo subjects. In the mid-1980s, Hay became a prominent figure in the early HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States, setting up The Hayride in 1985 a support group for 6 men with Aids. Increasing to a weekly event with 800 people attending.

In 1984 the publishing house Hay House, was established, selling millions of books, tapes and DVDs worldwide. In 1988 Reid Tracy joined the company as an accountant and would eventually become its CEO and continues to grow the legacy of Louise Hay. This was one of the largest independent owned mind-body enterprises in the world forming a diverse community which empowered, educated and inspired. In 2023 this was acquired by Penguin Books.

A daily newsletter and events (many of these are now online) have made a huge difference to many people. Numerous top authors and healers have worked with Hay House: Wayne Dyer, Joe Dispenza, Caroline Myss and Gay Hendricks, to name a few. In addition to running a publishing company there is a charitable organization called the Hay Foundation, founded in 1985. Its mission is to build futures and support organizations that enhance the quality of life for people, animals, and the environment.

Helping others to heal well into her later years, until passing away peacefully in her sleep in 2017 at the age of 90. I was in Spain when she died, when her close friend Robert Holden posted this sad news online, people were communicating their grief globally. To have touched so many lives is a true legacy.

For more information:

www.hayhouse.com and www.louisehay.com

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love- The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given By Richard Carlson and Kristine Carlson

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I am sure everyone has read or at least seen the book Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. ( In fact this has become a well used phrase and he was actually awarded a trademark for bringing it into American pop culture.) Carlson started his career as a psychotherapist and ran a stress management centre and went on to be considered one of the foremost experts in happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world.

His first book Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was released in 1985 and went on to be published in 135 countries and translated into thirty language, spending over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller’s List. Carlson wrote a further 20 books before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 45, on the 13th of December 2006, from a pulmonary embolism during a flight.

Following Richard’s death, His wife Kristine was to become a speaker and author focused on navigating grief and finding joy. Whilst trying to come to terms with his loss, she pored through 25 years of love letters from her late husband. One letter was to stand out, this had been written on their 18th Wedding Anniversary. This letter attempted to answer the question: if you had one hour to live, what would you do, who would you call and what would you say?

This was so much more than a love letter to his adored wife on their Wedding anniversary. Going beyond the love for his wife, it’s more about how we should be living everyday of our lives. To live fully in the moment, having no regrets and reminding those you care about, how special they are to you. Carlson says that the Rat Race is an illusion. That many people spend their lives chasing happiness. But if we slowed down, happiness might catch up with us.

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love is a deeply moving book that shows the importance of treasuring each day, as the incredible gift it is and to make life choices based on what is actually important. He says that if his time could be lived again, that less time and energy would be spent wanting things he didn’t have and enjoying what he already had.

This short book did make me realize how much I take for granted the people and things that mean the most to me. This is one of the lesser known books by Richard Carlson, but it’s one of the most personal and heart rendering of his many books. Coming from a wonderful man who devoted his life to helping others lead better lives. Ironically, his premature death really does affirm the message of his work to live to enjoy everyday of your life. I loved this book and highly recommend it to you.

Kristine has continued with the work they started together, her website is below. I receive newsletters from her and always find these very helpful.

https://kristinecarlson.com

A Tea Revival

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I love a cup of tea, I think many circumstances start to look so much better after a nice cuppa. Over the last couple of years though there has been a bit of a revival where tea is concerned.

It’s becoming increasingly used as a healthy, relaxing alternative to alcohol with many choosing tea to replace the ritual of drinking, especially during sober months like Dry January. It’s proving a popular substitute as it provides comfort and relaxation with the added benefits of better sleep, improved hydration, and no hangovers.

Research from Mintel suggests that due to the cost of living crisis, many people, particularly in the UK, are choosing a “posh cuppa” as an affordable alternative to costly alcohol. Upmarket Supermarkets like Waitrose have always stocked a wide range of teas but the mainstream supermarkets have all followed suit.

Did you know that research shows that as many as 28% of young adults in the UK do not drink alcohol. The Sober Curious Generation Movement is all about examining the role of alcohol in your life and exploring a healthier relationship with it by reducing intake and practising mindful drinking, and building community with like-minded individuals to enhance mental & physical health.

Something a lot of people don’t talk about is how much routine and ritual plays a role in drinking alcohol. When pouring that first, or second drink becomes part of your daily routine. When you’re looking for a drink to help you unwind at the end of the day consider adding a glass of cold tea rather than wine,spirits or beer to your evening ritual.

It can be far too easy to just reach into the refrigerator to grab something you can open and enjoy immediately. You might think it’s too much work to fill the kettle, wait for the water to boil, and steep a fresh cup of tea every time you want something to drink. Keeping a jug of home-made tea in the fridge can be a great substitute and there are some really interesting blends available. I add ice and fresh fruit and herbs to my blends it’s a bit like having a mocktail but with more health benefits.

You can use Herbal tea or speciality blends in the usual way, hot (or cold) or cold brew using tea leaves or herbal infusions steeped using cold water rather than hot. You do need to leave Cold Brew teas overnight so a small amount of prepartion is required, but its worth it.

There are some wonderful Tea somailers to follow online and many of the smaller tea brands have some great ideas to try on their websites. One of my favorites is Bird and Blend- https://www.birdandblendtea.com/

Tea tasting is becoming a popular experience in the UK, offering workshops, specialized courses, and professional certifications. You can attend tasting workshops in cities like London, Leeds, Cambridge, and Manchester to learn about blending, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles.

So why not give it a go!

Seeking a Calmer Life Through Reading

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Around about 2011, I had started to write my first blogs, having come out of an extremely busy phase of my life career-wise, I had found myself in the rare position of having time on my hands. Rather than researching work-based topics, instead I could search for more personal interests. I wrote a couple of blogs, one was about Crafts and Design and the other was about healing yourself. Enabling me to start on my own healing journey.

I recently found some typed notes on books and authors many from the 1970s and 80s, that I felt made a real impact on me and on re-reading them, realized that these thoughts are as relevant today as it was then. (And I hope as helpful) Over the next few months I will start posting these.

The blog was titled 101 Self- Help Books. I had read, if not quite 101, certainly a large number of self-help books, a few were recommended or given to me and some had been stumbled across. I have always loved reading and as a child books were my refuge from the world. Even my grown-up self, finds that a bad day can be made so much better by escaping into the pages of a good book.

In the late 90s I had been living in London and had started to become interested in self-help and spiritual issues. I was fortunate to meet some fascinating and inspiring people, many of whom were healers and this further ignited my interest. I attended events and lectures and worked with a wonderful aromatherapist who taught me so much about using essential oils and herbs. (At this point, I would like to stress that I am not a trained practitioner or healer in any capacity, but just someone who seeks to live a healthier, more balanced life.)

15 years ago, for many people the image conjured up of Self-Help was a bit self-absorbed and New Age, to some it still is! But the truth is, that there is nothing selfish about looking after ourselves. We all need to work, often very hard and for long hours at time. Mobile devices mean we are contactable at all hours of the day with access to work documents so the working day for many extends into personal time. If anything, we are even more out of balance.

We can never totally remove stress or problems from our life’s or find enough hours in the day to achieve all our tasks and tick everything off our to- do- lists. But if we can find a small piece of calm and tranquillity, this can make a huge difference.

Today there’s a huge amount of free information available in most towns and cities public libraries have put together selections of books that can help with health issues supporting anxiety and mental health.

Reading for health has actually become a thing!

A New Start in 2026

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Hello to you all. It’s March so the 100 days of January and February have finally ended. That’s always a huge relief. Flowers are starting to appear and Spring just around the corner!

To start with, my fullest apologizes for the lack of posts in 2025- I had fully intended to write regularly as my offerings in 2024 were scarce to say the least. However,the year didn’t go quite as intended, and my time had to be focused on work and more mundane, less enjoyable life tasks. The intention was set for 2026 to focus on achieving more balance in my life and to find the time for my creative skills which included writing.

At the end of 2025, I tried the 12 Magical Nights Ritual- which is an old pagan ritual during Winter Solstice – 13 wishes are written on a small piece of paper, these do need to be things that you can achieve by yourself. These are burnt over 12 days. Starting in December and ending in January. On the last day the remaining piece of paper is the wish you have to set out to make true for that year. Mine was to write a book! I have been saying I would write one for a while, so perhaps it’s now the time. I have left it on my pinboard as a reminder.

I also ate 12 grapes under my breakfast bar- in lieu of a table- I don’t think I am alone in this as Instagram was flooded with posts. I don’t know if I will have 12 months of good luck but it was a silly and fun way to end a year and start another. (Although it’s best not to drink a very dry Champagne at the same time as eating grapes, for several reasons)

I found, whilst having a declutter some printed sheets of blogposts written in 2011. It’s surprizing to find that the topics are as relevant today as they were then. Over the next few weeks I am going to start posting these and I hope these will be of some interest and help. I am having to go old school as they’re not saved to file and have to be re-typed.

Bye for now.

Sara x

Happiness or Contentment?

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Last week it was National Happiness Day. (It does always appear to be the national day of something or other) This got me thinking a bit about what is happiness exactly? We use this word all the time. We often ask ourselves and others are you happy? Many people see “contentedness” and “happiness” as one and the same. In some ways they are similar. When you’re happy, it’s a state of being, influenced by a number of factors, including contentedness.

Happiness- Good fortune or luck in life or in a particular affair. Success- prosperity. The state of pleasurable content of mind which results from success or the attainment of what is considered good. Oxford Dictionary

Does this mean if you are not successful and haven’t acquired all that you want, you can’t be happy? What do we really need to be happy and is this different for different people? We think, “I’ll be happy when I get married” or “I’ll be more satisfied at work when I get a promotion.” So, convinced are we, that all will be great, when we buy that luxury car or go on a dream holiday. The truth is that a feeling of happiness can be created right now, regardless of our circumstances.

Happiness is an emotion and this can be short- lived, it comes and goes. So, if we are focusing on happiness alone this can lead to a constant pursuit of external validation. In the Western world we are obsessed about our happiness, but in many ancient cultures they don’t even have a word for happiness and focus instead on contentment.

Chokkshay- is the word used by a group of Nomads in the Himalayas. This translates as The Knowledge of Enough. For many ancient cultures it is seen as right now, right here, everything is perfect as it is. Too often, we get so entrenched in our busy lives that we don’t even notice whats in the now. When we finally come up for air, we focus more on the past or the future, rather than the present.

Contentment- comes from the Latin word of Contentus- which means to hold together intact or to be whole. Contentment is a mindset which stems from accepting things just as they are, including your messy, imperfect self.

Having ones desire bound by what one has. Not disturbed by the desire of anything more or anything different. Satisfied as to reprise. Oxford Dictionary

Contentment is an attitude or state of mind influenced by both external and internal factors and can be longer-lasting. It doesn’t mean not having goals and dreams but about not been unhappy with where you are now. It’s a mindset. People feel discontentment because they think something is lacking in their lives, or they wish that things were different. Contentedness, on the other hand, is a matter of being satisfied with what you have. It focuses on what you have already. You can choose to be content. (Perhaps if you if you choose to be content, you will be happy).

Sometimes people cannot achieve happiness with what they have, even if they have the financial means to provide all the luxury you could desire. Many very wealthy and successful people find themselves unhappy. Seeking external validation is always going to be outside of our control. To gain a sense of satisfaction in our current life is a more sustainable goal. ( If at times harder to achieve). A common fallacy is that material things and personal achievements increase happiness but that’s just not true. The opposite is true, getting more stuff can make us feel worse or lead to wanting even more stuff! A similar effect happens when we base our happiness on personal or professional goals. Celebrities who have every accolade they could ever want, can still feel lost and miserable.

How can we be more content? If we learnt to be more content with the people in our life’s and have a more positive attitude this almost always leads to more harmony. Discontented people tend to be complainers, or grumpy, or negative. That leads understandably to problems both at home, work and in relationships in general.

Determining exactly why your job or your relationship or your physical appearance is making you discontent, can be helpful. As living in unresolved unhappiness only keeps us in the past, dealing with things we can’t change, and makes it hard to move on to better times. External factors such as financial stress, relationship issues, or health problems can make it difficult to find contentment, as these challenges can make life feel hopeless. But by taking the time to appreciate life and the people in your life and learning to enjoy the simple things this can make you feel better or at least that it’s not all bad.

Finding activities that offer a healthy distraction from your feelings of discontentment and frustration do help when things are overwhelming. Gardening or tending plants , listening to music or reading a book all can be enjoyable. I started blogging during a difficult period in my life. And journaling can be a really helpful tool in moving through any discontentment.

Mindfulness this is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. I have some YouTube Videos that I watch and there are quite a few books and information online to explain in greater detail.

Take that first step toward happiness and Contentment. Doing so will be a gift that keep giving back to you for the rest of your life. Count your blessings and smile.

Sports for All- At All Ages

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I found this article in the Guardian a year ago and I think its an important subject to think about and talk about, particularly as we start to age.

I don’t really regard myself as sporty. Certainly, at school I wasn’t, and often tried to get out of games lessons. I swam a bit as a child and still do when I can, although I prefer swimming when the weather is warmer. I walk as much as I can and practice yoga and have been known to go to a gym once in a while. But is this enough?

Which sports are the best for you and does age make that much difference? Are there ages at which certain sports can have more of an impact on your body?

” Initiatives from Sport England show one factor is key- enjoyment. That can come from the environment, camaraderie or friendship as much as the sport itself. What’s important is to find your niche. The thing you enjoy.” Professor John Brewer

A lot of emphasise is put on winning but does sport have to be competitive? If you are never going to be good enough to play at Wimbledon does that meant you can’t enjoy a few games of tennis at your local park? If a sport gets your endorphins flowing, it’s right for you, whatever age you take it up. Matt Rogan and Kerry Potter’s book All to Play For- writes about Competitive sport may be for the few, but play is for everyone.” Wise words indeed.

Park Play runs free two-hour community play sessions on Saturday mornings in parks across England. Plans are afoot to expand Park Play into Scotland.

We all need more play in our live. Play is a fun, informal, varied, social activity with no particular goal. It’s inclusive and can reach those who don’t think of themselves as sporty.” Rick Jenner,Park Play

Our life’s are busy with work and family commitments particularly for women. And sometimes taking time for exercise falls by the wayside.“In the depths of caring responsibilities, you can feel guilty about taking time out for yourself. The answer is exercise that involves as little faff as possible” says Sports Psychologist Dr Josie Perry.

Today there’s a big selection of online classes, often for a low cost or even free. Some morning and afternoon TV shows feature sessions involving wonderful celebrities like Joe Wicks. Exercise can help to boost cognitive and mental health. Doing something that involves all the family can be fun as well as beneficial to health and well-being.

As we start to age, getting regular exercise can make a difference in the later years. Advice for the over-50s is usually for low- impact activities such as cycling or swimming. But fitness experts are saying weight-bearing activities are crucial, because as we age, muscle mass declines and with it goes strength and eventually, the ability to perform basic tasks. While weight-lifting can conjury up unachievable images for most of us. Mimi Bines, who coaches at women-only gym Lift Studio LDN says “I’ve been training for 10 years and you probably can’t tell! And it’s a fact that older people who lift weights have better bone density than people a lot younger. For women in particular, it’s great to learn performance-based skills after years of weight loss being the only goal.”

YouTube has loads of free tutorials, if you don’t want to go to a gym or find this too costly. I have some light hand-weights and a Kettlebell, these did take a bit of getting used to, but starting slowly, a few times a week as been shown in studies to rebuild muscle tissue in people from ages 50 to 90.

Between the ages of 65 and 74, sedentary time in men and women increases to 10 hours a day. Although some active people will continue to enjoy running and cycling into their 60s, taking up a whole new sport can be daunting for some in later life. Which is quite understandable.

“It’s really important to do something that involves a bit of impact. Though too much can cause problems, higher-impact activities can help maintain bone density. I’d suggest brisk walking uphill and downhill.” Professor John Brewer

Exercise is particularly important to retain strength. If you lose the strength to get out of a chair or bed or to climb the stairs, you start to lose your independence and could even fall which could result in injures. Age UK runs classes around the country, including Pilates and yoga, dance and Tai Chi. It’s never too late to take up some sort of sport or activity. A recent study with an average age of 82, found that the 10% with the least daily physical activity were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as the 10% with the most daily physical activity.

“Cardiovascular and strength fitness can help you retain independence, potentially live longer, but also, importantly, have a better quality of life. What’s more, repetitive learning of a new skill can stimulate brain cells, whatever your age.” Sports scientist Professor John Brewer

So, just by adding a small amount of activity to your life this can have an impact particularity in the aging process. As well as been fun!