Tag: book-review

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway- Susan Jeffers

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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.

Reading For All- World Book Day

Reading and Books

Last week it was World Book Day, this provides the wonderful opportunity to focus on reading for pleasure and supporting children’s autonomy in book choice, and encourages them to read which brings a huge range of benefits to their life’s.

The charity’s mission is to promote reading for pleasure and offers every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own by issuing book tokens. Seeing children dress up as their favourite book characters is just lovely.

Reports have shown how World Book Day introduces children into the world of books and reading by helping all children become book owners, many for the first time, and by supporting a variety of fun activities and experiences essential for building life-long readers.

I come from a family of readers and have loved books from being very young. It’s something we take for granted today. But it’s not that long ago in our history that only the wealthy owned books and many people couldn’t read. Before the start of Public Libraries there were very few options for working-class people.

The Education Act passed in 1880 made attending school compulsory for children between the ages of 5 to 10, however many low-income family sent their children to work rather than to school. And it proved to be impossible to enforce school attendance.

Some industrialists and philanthropists did try to find solutions. Helping to fund free libraries or often affordable ways to read.

The Boots Book- Lovers Library was started in 1898 and run by Boots the Chemist. Florence Boot’s parents had run a book shop and she wanted to find a way that working- class people had access to books. This didn’t close until 1966, when The Public Libraries and Museums act was passed in 1964 which required councils to provide free public libraries.

Andrew Carnegie a Scottish/ American industrialist funded the construction of the Ilkley Town Hall, Free Library, and Assembly Hall, which were built between 1906 and 1908. It was to be financed from £10,000 on a 30-year loan and £3,000 from Carnegie. Today this still remains serving the local community and I hope it continues to. As our Local Libraries offer an invaluable service to the community, offering a space to meet and provide free training and computers to use.

I hope you do find a few hours a day, a week or even once a month to pick up an read a book.